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About the Cover Artist
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5 City notes
HigHligHts of important Happenings in tHe area
13 then & now
Superior View soutH pioneer avenue in negaunee
14 new york tiMes Crossword Puzzle power grid (answers on page 73)
16 baCk then
Michael Murray a HigHway, a club and tHe ambition of Henry ford
21 feature Jennifer chaMpagne ancestors moved by sHipwreck find
26 the arts
Brad giSchia comic artist offers drawing demo in negaunee
30 essay JiM pennell a street by any otHer name
35 the arts
Brad giSchia local band celebrates new album release
41 the arts JiM laJoie veterans art tHerapy class offered in marquette
45 lookout Point
MeliSSa wentarMini isHpeming rolls out final skatepark plans
48 lookout Point Jennifer donoVan copper country firefigHters value community
erin elliott Bryan local volunteer Helps preserve isHpeming History
68 in the outdoors Scot Stewart cranes becoming more common in u p
74 lookout Point lily VenaBle JuHannus celebration set in Hancock
77 suPerior reads Victor r. VolkMan “tHe caving grounds” by katHleen m. Heideman
78 Poetry chriStine Saari sentinels
79 on CaMPus news from u p universities and colleges
82 the sPirit of water paStor natalie handley wHy water calls to us
83 out & about
erin elliott Bryan & carrie uSher June events, music, art, museums and support groups
Events mark Seney Wildlife Refuge’s 90th anniversary
The Seney National Wildlife Refuge in Germfask is commemorating its 90th anniversary with a series of events.
Among the events will be a meeting of Seney Birdwatchers Anonymous at a to-be-determined location at 5 p.m. on June 1; a reading from Mark Seth Lender, author of the children’s picture book “Smeagull the Seagull,” on June 17 at the Curtis Public Library (call for time); a FEAST (Friends Eating and Storytelling Together) Potluck at 6 p.m. on June 19 at Erickson Center for the Arts in Curtis featuring Lender; a “Bats! Wolves!” Presentation at 5 p.m. in the Refuge’s Temporary Visitor Center; and Turtle Day on July 11 at the Curtis Public Library.
Seney National Wildlife Refuge is also collecting and archiving community stories about what everyone loves about Seney. For details, visit friendsofseney.org.
Libraries to serve as food distribution sites
The Negaunee Public Library and Peter White Public Library will serve as food distribution sites as part of the Gather2Grow: Feeding America West Michigan program. Any children (18 and younger) or developmentally delayed adults up to age 26 can receive nourishing meals throughout the summer.
In Negaunee, distribution will take place from noon to 1:30 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, beginning June 2, at the Negaunee Public Library. In Marquette, distribution will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays, beginning June 3, in the Dandelion Cottage Room at the Peter White Public Library.
All meals are shelf-stable and nutfree; vegetarian and gluten-free options will be available. For details, visit the Feeding America West Michigan website at feedwm.org.
Eagle Mine offers community forums on June 3 and 4
Eagle Mine will host its spring community forums on June 3 and 4. The forums are designed as a twoway dialogue between Eagle Mine and the community to learn about the status of the mine and receive an update on its operations.
All are welcome. Forums will be held from noon to 1:30 at NMU’s Northern Center in Marquette and from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Powell Township Hall in Big Bay on June
city notes
Escanaba to host music festival
Escanaba’s
Ludington Street will turn into a stage for a day of live music and lumberjack action in celebration of the area’s timber heritage for the first-ever LogJam Music Festival on June 28.
The free community event will take place on Ludington Street, between 10th and 12th streets. In addition to live music, there will be an area for a logging show as well as vendor stands and food trucks.
The main stage will feature four acts including Them Pesky Kids from Minneapolis. The band includes guitarist Mark Woerpel of Escanaba. Woerpel said his first concert ever was on Ludington Street when he was a high school freshman with the band Mirkwood for a DeMolay dance at the Masonic Temple building. This year, he is celebrating his 45th high school
3; and from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Michigamme Township Hall and from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Humboldt Township Hall on June 4.
Calumet Library announces events and book sale
TheFriends of the Calumet Public Library will host an author talk and book signing by Cris Mazza, author of “The Decade of Letting Things Go” at 6:30 p.m. on June 4.
Mazza’s most recent publication is a book of linked essays about experiences that take place after the age of becoming socially and/or professionally invisible, as the author searches for self-acceptance among a growing list of losses. A book signing will follow and books will be available to purchase.
class reunion.
Them Pesky Kids is the band behind Rickey Medlocke from Lynyrd Skynyrd and Blackfoot for his new Rickey Medlocke Band that has been performing nationally. To highlight the local music scene on the main stage will be Sit Down Francis of Escanaba, Sky Pilots of Munising and Stonewall of Escanaba.
Bruce Belanger’s Great Lakes Timber Show will showcase traditional lumberjack skills with a display of chainsaw carving, axe throwing, cross-cut sawing and logrolling.
The LogJam Music Festival will take place in the new Social District that has been approved for the downtown. For details, visit escanabadowntown.com. MM
Daniel Hendrickson will present “Primroses in the Garden: Primula and Companion Plants for Woodland, Crevice, Container and Rock Gardens at 6:30 p.m. on June 18 in the library’s Community Room.
Hendrickson, a retired music educator and plant enthusiast, will introduce attendees to the charm and beauty of primroses and explore plant selections and design tips suitable for woodland, crevice, container and rock garden settings.
The Friends of the Calumet Public Library will host a Used Book Sale from June 20 through 22. Gently used books and DVDs will be for sale.
A members-only presale will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. on June 20 and memberships will be available for purchase for $10 at the door. The
sale will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 21 and from noon to 2 p.m. on June 22.
For details, call the library at 906337-0311, ext. 1107, or visit clkschools.org/library.php.
League of Women Voters to host Annual Meeting
The League of Women Voters of Marquette County will host its annual meeting and social hour from 6 to 8 p.m. on June 4 at the Ore Dock Brewing Co. in Marquette. The business meeting and awards will begin at 6:45 p.m.
All community members are welcome to attend to meet current LWV members, learn about League activities and volunteer opportunities and enjoy refreshments, music and prizes.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
Membership is open to anyone 16 years of age and older who subscribes to the purposes and policies of the league. For details, email lwvmqtco@ gmail.com or visit lwvmt.org.
Songs from The Lullaby Project to be performed
The Lullaby Project, a program of Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute, pairs new and expecting parents and caregivers with professional artists to write and sing personal lullabies for their babies, which supports parental health, aids childhood development and strengthens the bond between parent and child.
In the U.P., musicians from the Northwoods Music Collaborative have been paired with mothers from the Women’s Center of Marquette. During workshops there, participants are guided through the songwriting process and emerge with an original composition for their child.
Songwriters can choose to share their song at a public concert. They are invited to perform or have their
song performed by the band.
A selection of lullabies will be presented in a free public concert at 5 p.m. on June 6 at The Fold, a location of the Hiawatha Music Co-op in Marquette, which co-sponsored the program. For details, call 906-3671255 or visit northwoodsmusiccollaborative.org.
Third annual Keweenaw Pridefest set for June 7
Keweenaw Pridefest, a local LGBTQ+ pride event, will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. on June 7 at the Calumet Colosseum. The free, all-ages event will include live music from Michigan artists The Bootstrap Boys, The Make-Believe Spurs, Mike Maple of Liquid Mike, and Bees! Bees! Bees! Bees! Bees!, information and resources from local organizations, a photo booth, food trucks, and free face painting and balloon art.
The theme of this year’s festival is “Community Unity.” In accordance with the theme, there will be a donation drive for the Calumet Free Fridge at the event, along with a clothing swap. Shelf stable food, toiletries, winter jackets, boots and toys are sought. For details, visit keweenawpridefest.org.
Baraga County yard sales scheduled for June 7
The Baraga County Chamber of Commerce will facilitate a county-wide yard sale from 9 a.m. to noon on June 7. This event is sponsored by the Village of Baraga and the Baraga Federal Credit Union.
Shoppers will be eligible to enter into a prize drawing at each selling site they visit. Additional selling sites will be set up at the Baraga Water plant (next to the Baraga County Historical Museum).
Registered sites will be listed on a county-wide map and shoppers can find links to the map on Facebook and on the chamber website, keweenawbay.org. Printed maps will also be available at the selling sites and in the outside building display case at the chamber office at 1 N. Main St.
DID YOU KNOW ...
why immigrants were sought to work in U.P mines?
Despite sometimes romantic stories of mining, copper and iron mining work was hard, dangerous and deadly. Few American-born young men sought jobs in this environment. Non-English speaking immigrants quickly found jobs shoveling ore as trammers.
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.”
Wild Wild West
The Marquette Regional History Center (MRHC) will present “Wild Wild West: The Forgotten History of West Washington Street — A Walking Tour with Jim Koski” at 6:30 p.m. on June 18. Koski will talk about the churches, gas stations, stores and railroads that called Washington Street, west of Fourth Street, home. Attendees will meet at and return to the parking lot of the MRHC. There is a $5 suggested donation. For details, call 906-226-3571 or visit marquettehistory. org. (Photo courtesy of the John M. Longyear Research Library)
in L’Anse. For details, call 906-3538808 or email baragachamberoffice@ gmail.com.
Free Kids Fishing Day event returns to Escanaba
The Kids Fishing Day Team will celebrate the 32nd anniversary of its annual Kids Fishing Day on June 7 at the Michigan DNR Pocket Park, located on the U.P. State Fairgrounds in Escanaba. Registration will be from noon to 1:30 p.m., and the event will run until 3 p.m.
All activities are free and open to youth ages 16 and younger.
There will be bluegill fishing, minnow races and face painting, along with free food and raffle prizes. In addition, Smokey Bear will be wandering the grounds and there will be a scavenger hunt and opportunities for kids to learn how to shoot at the archery and pellet gun ranges.
Greg Karch, certified angler instructor will teach kids how to cast a fishing line and tie fishing knots. The event will be held in conjunction with the DNR’s free fishing weekend. For details, call 906-286-1348.
Author Tim Schulz to speak in Marquette, Ishpeming
Author Tim Schulz, a U.P. native and angler, will speak about his Michigan Notable Book “A Cast Away in Montana” at 6:30 p.m. on June 9 at the Peter White Public Library in Marquette and at 5:30 p.m. on June 18 at the Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library. The book will also be
the selection for the Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library’s Adult Book Club.
The book recounts Schulz’s transformative first fishing trip to Montana, blending humor, insight, and reflection to explore themes of life, loss and self-discovery.
Schulz will share insights into his writing process and the personal stories that shaped his work. A Q&A session with the audience will follow the readings. For details, visit pwpl.info or ishpeminglibrary.info.
Partridge Creek Farm announces summer events
Partridge Creek Farm (PCF) has announced its lineup of summer events, which take place at the Partridge Creek Community Farm at 550 Cleveland Ave. in Ishpeming.
From 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday, mid-June through October, visitors can shop at the West End Farm Stand for fresh, locally grown produce. The farm accepts SNAP/ EBT, Food as Medicine Vouchers and Senior Project Fresh.
On June 18 at 4:30 p.m., there will be a free food demonstration and tasting, highlighting seasonal ingredients grown in the community.
Visitors can also enjoy public farm tours and other family-friendly activities throughout the season. For details, visit PartridgeCreekFarm.org.
U.P. Notable Book Club to feature author J.D. Austin
The Crystal Falls Community District Library in partnership with
the U.P. Publishers and Authors Association (UPPAA) will host its next event with winners of the U.P. Notable Book List.
This month’s guest will be J.D. Austin, author of “The Last Huck.” Austin’s debut novel focuses on three men in the youngest generation of the Kinnunen family who are struggling with decisions connected to inherited land in the Copper Country.
The event will take place at 7 p.m. on June 12 via Zoom; contact Evelyn Gathu in advance at egathu@crystalfallslibrary.org or 906-875-3344. For details, visit UPNotable.com.
Pancake breakfast to benefit Jacobetti veterans
The inaugural MVH D.J. Jacobetti Community Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser will take place from 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, Flag Day, in the back parking lot of the home at 425 Fisher St. in Marquette. This fundraiser will benefit the home’s Charitable Support Fund and replaces the annual golf outing.
The Charitable Support Fund (CSF) funds life enrichment and quality of life-enhancing opportunities for members of the homes, including life experiences, events and community outings, such as picnics, sporting events, movies, concerts and more.
While state and federal funds pay the operating costs of the facility, the Charitable Support Fund makes Jacobetti different for U.P. veterans and their loved ones.
The suggested donation is $10 per person, but all are welcome. For details, call 906-226-3576, ext. 2520396, or email at johnsons93@ michigan.gov.
U.P. Pride Fest to celebrate 10th anniversary on June 14 UP Rainbow Pride has announced that the 10th anniversary Upper Peninsula Pride Festival will return on June 14 to Mattson Lower Harbor
Marquette celebrates last Art Week festivities
ThisJune will see the last Art Week as put on by the City of Marquette. But it isn’t the end of art in town.
“The mission of Art Week was to grow and empower a vibrant community through arts and culture,” said Amelia Pruiett, the communications and marketing coordinator for the Marquette Office of Arts & Culture. “That hasn’t changed.”
During the past 10 years, Art Week has hosted more than 330 events and involved nearly 500 artists and 90 local businesses and organizations, fostering collaboration and creativity across the city.
Now the Art Week event has outgrown what it was intended to do.
“It was timed with the city’s Arts and Culture Master Plan,” Pruiett said. “In 2014, our office was really just a programming office. We would put together youth classes or curate exhibits.”
The next decade would see a blossoming of what the Arts and Culture Master Plan intended, in that each year saw community members coming out and creating art in the city.
“We found that the community really wanted resources rather than direct programming,” Pruiett said. “We’ve spent the last 10 years serving that mission, building city-wide resources and creating a public art policy while building cultural infrastructure.”
The work done by the Arts and Culture office has included the Marquette Compass website, a public gallery program that uses a space in the Peter White Public Library and a public art policy that works to preserve murals such as those seen at Hurley Park and the “Words to Live and Bike By” murals.
Art Week has grown over its lifespan and is ready to graduate to the next thing.
“As the years have progressed, we saw that the people who are really interested in Art Week events are the people who are already very involved in the Marquette art scene,” Pruiett said. “We have these wonderful community partners that are now producing events without our direct support.”
This is exactly what Art Week was supposed to accomplish.
That outside work by the community will allow the Arts and Culture office to focus on the next part of the master plan.
“We’re looking deeper at creating venue spaces and focusing on yearround development,” Pruiett said. “We would spend six months of our year working on Art Week. Now we can devote the year to the other 51 weeks as well.”
There should be no worries about the future of the arts in the City of Marquette.
The new Arts and Culture Master Plan is on the slate for this fall and winter, looking to the community for ideas and direction.
“We’ve been expanding more and more into the cultural arts realm,” Pruiett said. “We want to look at history as heritage and community building.”
The city has been working on a shoreline culture trail project that involves signage along the lake at points of historical interest.
“The first eight signs will be installed in June,” Pruiett said. “It’s the first of many phases of telling our community’s story.” Sign placement will start by the mouth of the Carp River and go to the Presque
Isle entrance.
The Arts and Culture Office also will be moving this fall from their current office in the Peter White Public Library to the old Lake Superior Community Partnership building on Front Street in Marquette. They expect that space to be a “visitor center for residents.”
Pruiett hopes to have a lineup of current events happening in town, as well as art and culture opportunities on the horizon.
But this June we still have Art Week, and the lineup will be similar to years past. The theme of the Art Week celebration this year is “Stories.” Projects will look to share a narrative that explores the community, whether personal, historical, cultural or imaginative.
With all of these mainstays in the lineup year after year, there should be no worries about this being the last Art Week. These artists aren’t going anywhere.
“A lot of these programs will continue, regardless of Art Week,” Pruiett said. “Concerts, summer strings, all of that started through Art Week, but will likely continue without the dedicated week.”
Pruiett said the city is looking forward to partnering with organizations in a more year-round capacity.
Art Week will be held Monday, June 23 through Saturday, June 28 this year.
“It’s the graduation phase,” Pruiett said. “Now we look at the next decade and see how we can better lift up a community that’s already doing great things. In Marquette, every week is Art Week.”
For details, visit mqtcompass. com.
—Brad Gischia
Park in Marquette.
U.P. Pride Fest is intended as a celebration of acceptance, love, community and visibility, and serves as a space for LGBTQ+ individuals, their families and allies to gather and honor the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
U.P. Pride Fest is free, family-friendly and community-driven, powered entirely by volunteers. For details, visit uprainbowpride.org.
Marine sale fundraiser to benefit junior yacht club
The Marquette Junior Yacht Club will host a Marine Sale Fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 14 at the Marquette Yacht Club. All proceeds will be used to upgrade sailing equipment.
All nautical items are welcome, including boats, trailers, motors, navigational equipment, sailboats, sails, boat parts, anchors, safety equipment, canoes, kayaks, paddles, fishing equipment, home decor and artwork.
Sellers will set their own prices and a commission will be collected based on the selling price.
To download a seller’s form or for sailing school information, visit mqtjyc.org. For details, call 906-2503350 or email mqtjunioryachtclub@ gmail.com.
Free digital skills training offered at U.P. senior centers
Marquette County senior centers have teamed up to offer a series of free workshops from June 16 through 20 focused on helping people learn essential digital skills. The
workshops are being offered at no cost due to a partnership with the national nonprofit Connected Nation (CN).
The classes are intended for learners who are new to using a computer, the internet and/or mobile phones, and want to build confidence while staying safe online. The workshops will be taught by CN’s digital literacy expert trainers and will be held at multiple locations.
On June 16, the Negaunee Senior Center will host Computer Basics at 10 a.m. and the Ishpeming Senior Center will host Video Conferencing at 1 p.m. On June 17, the Ishpeming Senior Center will host Mobile Device Basics at 9 a.m. and Email Basics at 10:30 a.m..
On June 18, the Negaunee Senior Center will host Internet Safety at 10 a.m. and Internet Basics at 1 p.m.
On June 19, the Marquette Senior Center will host Mobile Device Basics at 10 a.m.
On June 20, the Forsyth Township Senior Center will host Mobile Device Basics at 9 a.m. and Internet Basics at 10:30 a.m.
To register, contact the desired location: Negaunee Senior Center, 906475-6266; Ishpeming Senior Center, 906-485-5527; Marquette Senior Center, 906-228-0456; or Forsyth Senior Center, 906-346-9862.
Summer Concert, Car Show set for June 26 in Gwinn
TheGwinn Modeltown Market will host the third annual Summer Concert and Car Show from noon to 6 p.m. on June 26 at Peter Nordeen Park
in downtown Gwinn.
The musical line-up will include Operation Shoestring, WhoDat Brass and The Knockabouts along with the headlining band Full Cord, winner of the 2022 Telluride Bluegrass Competition. In addition to the Modeltown Market vendors, there will be food, a children’s musical activity and a Classic Car Show hosted by the Gwinn Lions. For details, email modeltownmarket@gmail.com.
Fresh Coast Plein Air Painting Festival starts June 27
The Lake Superior Art Association will host the eighth annual Fresh Coast Plein Air Painting Festival June 27 through 29. Registered artists will be painting at various locations throughout Marquette Friday evening from 5 to 10 p.m., and on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
There will be a public reception and awards ceremony from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on June 28 at the Presque Isle Pavilion. The public is invited to vote for the People’s Choice Award.
On June 29, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., artists will gather at the Presque Isle Pavilion and the public will have an opportunity to socialize and view and purchase the paintings.
For details and artist registration, visit lakesuperiorartassociation.org.
Historic Places
Home Tour is June 29 in Ishpeming
TheIshpeming Area Historical Society will host its annual Historic Places Home Tour fundraiser from noon to 4 p.m. on June 29.
Featured locations will be the Julius and Sophie (Rood) St. Clair home at 609 N. Pine St., a 4,200-squarefoot Victorian home built in 1880; the Raymond and Emily (Blomberg) Satterley home at 604 N. Pine St., a 2,600-square-foot Colonial Revival home built in 1949; and a 750-squarefoot home at 903 N. Main St., which was built by Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company in 1914 and owned by the company until it was sold to a private party in 1973.
Refreshments will be offered at The Mather at 107 East Canda St., formerly known as The Mather Inn, which was built in 1931.
Tickets are a suggested $10 donation. Advance tickets will be available by mid-June at the Main Street Antique Mall in Ishpeming. Tickets can also be obtained on the day of the event at the featured sites.
Proceeds from this event benefit the Ishpeming Area Historical Society. For detail, call the Main Street Antique Mall at 906-486-8680 or check the society’s Facebook page.
Gwinn Quiz Bowl team places 13th in nation
After claiming its first state championship this spring, the Gwinn High School quiz bowl team advanced to the Small School National Championship Tournament in Chicago from April 25 to 27.
In that competition, the Modeltowners posted a 9-4 record, which was good for 13th place in the Small School standings and fourth in the Very Small School category. They fin-
ished the season with a 41-4 overall record. Gwinn senior Thomas Jenkins placed fourth in the Small School individual competition.
News from the desk of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
• Gov. Whitmer has appointed Sandy Meyskens of Marquette to the Michigan Iron Industry Museum Advisory Board. Meyskens, a retired educational consultant at MARESA and member of the League of Women Voters of Marquette County, is appointed to represent the Marquette County Historical Society, of which she is a former board member.
• Whitmer has reappointed Catherine Quayle of Gwinn to the Michigan Board of Real Estate Appraisers. Quayle is a certified residential real estate appraiser at Appraisal Associates of Marquette.
• In response to Whitmer’s Executive Directive 2025-3, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services released a report laying out the potential impact of the cuts on people’s health across Michigan. According to the report, proposed Medicaid cuts on Michigan seniors could take away $325 million from nursing homes and weaken community-based services that support vulnerable seniors, and eliminate $2.3 billion from Michigan hospitals directly affecting pregnant women and residents with
disabilities. Medicaid covers a total of 2.6 million Michiganders. For details, visit michigan.gov/mdhhs.
• Whitmer signed two bills that will increase transparency in Michigan by clarifying and expanding reporting requirements for candidates and elected officials. Senate Bill 99, sponsored by state Senator Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield), requires public officers to report the source of unearned incomes, including gift, travel and charity payments, and clarifies that public officers must disclose gifts that are required to be reported by lobbyists and lobbying firms. Senate Bill 100, sponsored by state Senator Ed McBroom (R-Vulcan), ensures reporting requirements for candidates are clear, and clarifies the process for disclosure.
Local business news…in brief
• Keweenaw Co+op was honored recently at Michigan Celebrates Small Business as one of the state’s “Top 50 Companies to Watch,” an award recognizing high-performing, growth-oriented firms that drive Michigan’s economy.
• UP Health System – Marquette has welcomed physician assistant Kimberlee Parks, PA-C, to the heart and vascular team; specializing in vascular surgery, Parks will assist in surgical procedures, manage pre- and post-operative care, and ensure optimal patient outcomes.
Turtle Watch
Now is the time when turtles are moving across the state’s landscape. The females are actively looking for nesting sites and males move between the lakes, ponds and streams. This movement often involves crossing roads, which can result in noticeable levels of turtle mortality. The margin on adult turtle populations is so slim that a six percent annual mortality for adults is often enough to push local populations toward local extinction, according to the Michigan DNR. The public can help reduce roadkill by taking the following small steps: When you see a turtle in the road while driving, slow down and try to avoid hitting it, if it is possible to do so safely; be aware near bridges and stretches of road near lakes, streams and wetlands. If you choose to help a turtle cross the road, place the turtle across the road in the direction it was heading.
• Partridge Creek Farm announced they appointed finance director Kate Argall and Director of Programs and Partnerships Mary Antonia Andronis as interim co-executive directors. As co-directors, Argall will lead financial strategy and organizational planning, while Andronis will oversee community programs and partnerships.
• Marquette Area Public Schools was recently awarded a $2,000 grant from the Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan Agent Charitable Fund to fight food insecurity in the community; the funds will support the JJ Packs Program and provide for fresh fruit in the weekend packs.
• UP Health System – Marquette announced the appointment of Jason Collins, Ph.D., MBA-HCA, RN, NEA-BC, CCRN-K, and Polly Hockberger, M.S., MLS (ASCP)CM, as vice presidents of operations; Collins will oversee clinical operations for the heart and vascular, perioperative, oncology and imaging service lines. Hockberger brings more than 25 years of leadership in laboratory operations and health care management.
• The Baraga County Chamber of Commerce welcomed its newest member, Aura Homeopathy, a healthcare establishment dedicated to
holistic healing located at 19945 Snug Harbor Dr. in L’Anse; for details, visit aurahomeopathy.life.
• Marquette County Habitat for Humanity continues its partnership with Rainy Creek Construction and GAF to provide a new roof — free of charge — for its latest home build
at 4 Birch Lane in Ishpeming. Rainy Creek Construction, a certified GAF Master Elite Contractor, donated all of the labor for the project, while GAF contributed the roofing materials.
• Highline Internet, a leading provider of high-speed fiber optic internet, recently announced the connec-
tion of more than 7,000 customers in Michigan; the company is on track to serve more than 50,000 homes and businesses in the U.P. by 2027. For details, visit highlinefast.com.
• Aspirus Health has announced its Houghton Clinic recently began a $5 million renovation and expansion project. The project will feature the construction of 13 new exam rooms, two new procedure rooms, a drivethrough pharmacy and a redesigned registration area and waiting room. Aspirus Health anticipates the project will wrap up in January 2026.
• Cleveland Cliffs received $800,000 in grant funding through the Dam Risk Reduction program to remove the high-hazard Lake Sally Dam in Ishpeming, which was used to store drinking water for the city, but the dam no longer serves its intended purpose. Removing the structure will eliminate potential dam failure.
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.
Bradford Veley is a freelance cartoonist, illustrator and farmer in the U.P. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram and at bradveley.com.
The building at 101 S. Pioneer Ave. in Negaunee, above left, originally served as the Iron Cliffs Mining Company headquarters and later Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company when they merged. Above right, the Breitung Hotel was the crown of Iron Street until it burned down in 1988.
Photos provided by Superior View Studios, located in Art of Framing, 149 W. Washington Street Marquette viewsofthepast.com
Most recently the Negaunee Public Schools administration headquarters, this building is currently for sale. The park where the hotel once stood is aptly named Breitung Park and is now home to a fireman’s memorial.
ACROSS
1 Cartridge from the 1980s
10 Source of the words ‘‘galore’’ and ‘‘smithereens’’
15 ‘‘Nice!’’
20 Drag-racing venue
21 Nature personified
23 ‘‘Pinky-swear?’’
24 Step on a scale?
25 The Beatles’ ‘‘White Album’’ has four of them
26 Sphere of influence
28 1957 Isaac Asimov novel, with ‘‘The’’
29 Command that might be represented by a curved arrow pointing left
30 Outer layer of the brain
32 Inveigle
33 Package drop-off sites: Abbr.
34 ‘‘Council,’’ in Russian
35 ‘‘Flower Myth’’ painter Paul
36 Takes a bit off the top
40 Showed off on an instrument
41 Follow closely
42 Note-to-self medium, perhaps
43 Beers from Bremen, informally
46 Zingy flavor
47 Way off in the distance
48 Agreeable words
49 Defeated decisively
50 Fish that passes the ‘‘mirror test’’ of self-recognition
52 Salon sound
53 Poker declaration
54 ‘‘I’ve Been Everywhere’’ singer in the Country Music Hall of Fame
55 Mass agreements
56 ‘‘Whoever did this has it coming!’’
59 Lynn ____, Super Bowl X M.V.P.
60 At the end of the day
61 Recently
62 ‘‘Phooey!’’
63 Right of way, say
64 Cornmeal dish at a trattoria
65 ‘‘I ____ you!’’
66 Eternity
67 Partner of 74-Across
68 Acted diplomatically
69 Organ above the trachea
71 Comic Ali
72 Black out
73 Big name in the cleaning aisle
74 Partner of 67-Across
75 Embody something proudly
76 ____ Fring, ‘‘Breaking Bad’’ antagonist
79 Spots for lavalier mics
81 Hebrew greeting
82 Turn to pulp
83 1999 Maeve Binchy novel
86 Young salmon
87 Unit of magnetic flux density
88 Spirit with a citrus flavor
90 Head cheese
93 Minor crime
30 Lass 31 Semicircular?
32 With style
34 ‘‘Let’s eat!’’
35 School whose sports teams are known as the Golden Flashes
37 Traveling from place to place
38 Shopgirl in a Paris boutique
39 Freezes 40 Homo ____ neanderthalensis
41 Strong urge
Cough up
43 Cake with a distinctive swirl
44 Casual and not meant to be taken seriously, as a remark
45 Spinal cord membranes
46 Shade akin to pumpkin
47 Court favor in a cringey fashion
50 Beasts with enormous tusks
51 Shake up
52 Show warmth to
54 Like recording studio equipment
55 Plague
57 Take in
58 Archer’s gift
63 Old curse word
64 Actor Pascal of ‘‘Gladiator II’’
94 Adding up (to)
95 Joy on TV
96 Button on many appliances
97 ‘‘Network’’ co-star, 1976 DOWN
1 Invigorates
2 Home of the Italian soccer club Juventus 3 Fighting (with) 4 Fictional character who says ‘‘Here’s to my love! O true apothecary! Thy drugs are quick’’ 5 Mechanism that controls a camera’s aperture 6 Dashboard device, in brief
Tavern offering
High school reunion topic
Spent
Amalgamate
Uninteresting game, perhaps
Word with a commonly misapplied apostrophe
Climbed, as a rope
Greek goddess depicted holding torches and snakes 15 Person on a nominating committee, say
Goes nowhere in particular
66 What provides the big picture?
68 Noon or 6 p.m., for some
70 Reality TV star Hadid
71 Something sown, per an idiom
72 Macho stereotype
74 Goes in and out
75 Word before knows or cares
76 Chess opening
77 Dime store?
78 In need of a haircut, say
80 Limerick, e.g.
81 Tricked out with the latest technology, say
82 One-named Brazilian soccer star who is a six-time FIFA World Player of the Year
83 Body building?
84 ____ Crown Theater (downtown Chicago landmark)
85 Acting without thinking
86 Candy brand with a crown in its logo
87 See 89-Down
89 87-Down makeup
91 It may be rolled out in the backyard
92 Setting for Jacques-Louis David’s painting ‘‘The Death of Marat’’
back then
A highway, a club and the ambition of Henry Ford
By Michael Murray
Astrong case can be made that the person most responsible for transforming the United States into a nation of drivers was Henry Ford.
By pioneering, perfecting and advancing concepts such as mass production, vertical integration and the franchise system, Ford and his eponymous motor company made the automobile affordable to middle-class Americans.
A strong case can also be made that the person most responsible for killing a proposed state highway linking the southern, central and western regions of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula was the same man — that champion of populist transportation, Henry Ford.
This is the story of M-35, the state trunkline highway that runs from Menominee at the Wisconsin border north-northeast along Lake Michigan to Escanaba and Gladstone and then north-northwest before ending at US41/M-28 near the Michigan State Police post in Negaunee Township.
A century ago, however, the state had much grander plans for M-35, envisioning a highway that pointed north toward Big Bay before veering west to L’Anse and, eventually, Ontonagon.
But that was before Ford inserted his immense wealth and influence into the project.
Creating demand for roads
The first Ford Model T rolled off the assembly line of the Piquette Avenue Plant in Detroit in the fall of 1908. The company’s founder hoped this would be a society-transforming event:
“I will build a motor car for the great multitude,” Ford said. “It will be large enough for the family, but small enough for the individual to run and care for. … But it will be so low in price that no man making a good salary will be unable to own one — and enjoy with his family the blessing of hours of pleasure in God’s great open spaces.”
The problem was getting from the population centers into those great
after gaining admission to the
open spaces; the roads connecting towns were few and poorly maintained. Ford and others lobbied governments — federal, state and local — to fund a highway system, and they did.
In 1913, the Michigan Legislature authorized the State Highway Department (the predecessor to the current Michigan Department of Transportation) to create a state trunkline highway system.
In 1919, the highway department added the M-35 designation to its proposed trunkline route described above linking Menominee County at the southern tip of the U.P. with Delta, Marquette, Baraga and Ontonagon counties.
One of the major engineering feats
Above,
Huron Mountain Club, Henry and Clara Ford commissioned the construction of this cabin. Below, Henry Ford loved the Upper Peninsula for its fauna, flora and the resources it provided to his business enterprises. (Photos from the Collections of The Henry Ford, Gift of Ford Motor Company)
required to construct this route — even before tackling the remote and rugged Huron Mountains west of Big Bay — was getting across the Dead River northeast of Negaunee and west of Marquette.
Rather than building a new bridge across the Dead River, the highway department found a suitable alternative in western Pennsylvania. A 271foot steel span across the Allegheny River upstream of Pittsburgh was being decommissioned, so Michigan purchased it in 1919, disassembled it, transported it to Marquette County and reassembled it in 1921.
This single-lane structure became known locally as the Steel Bridge, and it still stands over the Dead River, although it was bypassed by a newer bridge in 2010.
Throughout the 1920s, work on M-35 progressed on two fronts: from L’Anse northeastward toward Skanee, and from the Dead River bridge northwestward in the direction of Big Bay.
By around 1926, the trunkline was made up of two complete segments. In the western U.P., M-35 traveled from Ontonagon to Baraga, L’Anse and Skanee. In the southern and central U.P., the route included Menom-
inee, Escanaba, Gladstone, Gwinn, downtown Negaunee and the wilds northwest of Marquette almost to Big Bay.
All that remained was the stubborn stretch through the Huron Mountains in northwest Marquette and northeast Baraga counties. By 1927, preliminary work — including route grading and installation of drainage structures — extended to the Salmon Trout River west of Big Bay.
At this point, the road ran into two formidable obstacles: the desires of the exclusive and secretive Huron Mountain Club and the ambitions of Henry Ford.
‘The die was cast’
TheHuron Mountain Club was established in 1889 by the timber and mineral baron John Munro Longyear, who desired to create a private “shooting and fishing club” on the pristine shores of Lake Superior.
Ford, even though he courted publicity when it suited his purposes, also valued privacy and the ability occasionally to get away from his daily business and escape into the wilderness. The Huron Mountain Club could grant him this desired seclusion in na-
Henry Ford valued privacy, which he found in the remote Huron Mountain Club wilderness. (Photo courtesy of Superior View)
Rather than building a bridge across the Dead River, the highway department found an alternative in Pennsylvania. A decommissioned bridge was purchased in 1919, disassembled and transported to Marquette County and reassembled in 1921. (Photo by Michael Murray)
ture — if only he could get in.
Ford and his wife, Clara, first tried to join the club in 1917, but they ran into a couple of roadblocks. As one of the wealthiest individuals in the history of the United States, Ford certainly could have afforded any fee demanded of him for entry into the club, but one of the organization’s most appealing features — its exclusivity — seemed too much to overcome, even for him.
For one thing, the club’s rules permitted no more than 50 primary members, those allowed to own cabins on the property. Only when a member died or resigned would the club consider a new applicant.
In addition, the rules at the time called for the entire membership to vote on potential newcomers, and only four “no” votes would sink an application. Because of Ford’s reputation among club members, several thought he would fail to gain admittance.
C. Fred Rydholm, in “Superior Heartland,” his sweeping history of the central Upper Peninsula, writes, “Many members didn’t want Henry Ford in the Club because of his tendencies to take over, change and develop wherever he went.”
In “Huron Mountain Club: The First Hundred Years,” the club’s official history, Archer Mayor writes of Ford, “He was both a fascination and an embarrassment, and something about him cut rather close to home with many of the members. As one of them recalled, ‘He was sort of a caricature of what everybody else was.’”
Despite this unflattering view that some held of the automotive titan, Mayor adds that Ford did have a
handful of factors on his side. First, he was well connected, specifically with club leaders Daniel Hebard, with whom he had had business dealings, and Charles Hodges.
And second, there was that state trunkline, which few people outside the highway department seemed to want — and which the Huron Mountain Club adamantly opposed.
Rydholm writes, “There were many who objected to the road — hunters, campers, hikers, fishermen and some landowners — and there seemed to be no great groundswell of sentiment in favor of it, but it looked as though the die was cast and nothing could be done to stop it.”
But Henry Ford was determined to join the Huron Mountain Club, and a determined Henry Ford usually achieved his objectives.
Remarkable coincidences
In1922, as work on M-35 progressed toward Big Bay and the Huron Mountains, Ford, who already owned hundreds of thousands of acres in the Upper Peninsula, purchased an additional 300,000 acres of timberland in northern Marquette County that included an unfinished section of the highway.
What happened next has been a source of conjecture ever since. Did Henry Ford use his influence and wealth to kill the M-35 project in order to gain entrance to the Huron Mountain Club?
It is worth quoting, at length, the club’s official history: “There is no easily located proof that Ford was admitted in exchange for some benefit to the Club, or that the membership rules
were changed to facilitate his entrance, but the coincidences invoked in the theory are remarkable.”
Mayor then cites an interview with a member: “When they started putting Route M-35 through, … the Club was having fits. … It was only going to cross about two 40s of land that the Club owned, because they didn’t own the south end of Mountain Lake at that time, but it was going down Cedar Creek in back of Burnt Mountain. It was blazed [all the way] through and the whole works were there; they were working on it up to the Salmon Trout River and the Club was working underground to stop it any way they could. They didn’t have a ghost of a chance until finally they got an attorney general’s opinion that if two-thirds of the property owners over which the road would pass objected, the road would be stopped. … That’s the year Henry Ford got into the Club.”
“This is certainly plausible,” Mayor adds, noting that when Hebard became the club’s president, in 1926, the admission rules were changed. Now, instead of a vote of the full membership, only the club’s directors would vote, with one “no” being sufficient to block entrance.
“In 1927, the same year M-35 actually reached the river,” Mayor writes, “Henry Ford bought a massive piece of land west of Mountain Lake, presumably where the road was to go. By 1929, M-35 was dead in its tracks, and Henry Ford was a member.”
Dead End 35
The Michigan State Highway Department’s road map published in
1932 identifies the proposed route of M-35 through the Huron Mountains as “impassable.” Sometime in 1939, the department officially abandoned that section of the project, as it never again appeared on a state-issued highway map.
Eventually, the western section of M-35, between Ontonagon and Baraga, was redesignated as M-38. The stretch in Marquette County between US-41 and Big Bay — previously rerouted from downtown Negaunee to its current intersection near the Michigan State Police post — was named County Road 510.
There remained one final physical reminder of the progress of M-35 into the Huron Mountains. Rydholm writes, “The few miles of the road going to the Salmon Trout River, complete with guard rails and cement culverts, has been known as ‘Dead End 35’ ever since.”
As for Ford, he built his “cabin,” a structure on Lake Superior that reportedly cost about $100,000 — equivalent to around $2 million today. “The ostentation of that cabin,” Mayor writes, “merely confirmed what the naysayers had feared. As one member put it, ‘He played right into their hands.’”
Opposition to the Ford cabin was not limited to club members. Mayor writes, “The story has it that when Mrs. Ford saw the cabin for the first time, she burst into tears, disappointed at having to live in yet another overbuilt mansion.”
MM
Michael Murray is one of the editors of Marquette Monthly.
Henry Ford (left) and Thomas Edison were titans of industry and frequent traveling companions. Several times, Ford brought Edison to the wilds of the Upper Peninsula. (Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress)
feature
Uncovering the Western Reserve
The lost ship that helped build a nation
In the golden age of steel and steam, the Western Reserve was a marvel.
Owned by prominent shipping magnate Captain Peter G. Minch, who served as both financier and captain, the ship was dubbed the “inland greyhound” for her speed.
The Western Reserve was one of the first all-steel freighters to navigate the Great Lakes. Built in 1890, the 301-foot cargo ship represented a bold new era in shipbuilding, one where steel supplanted wood, and speed, efficiency and scale became the cornerstones of industrial transport. She was a sleek symbol of modernity, cutting through the waters of Lake Superior at a time when Marquette and the broader Lake Superior region were shipping iron ore that would fuel America’s rise as a global industrial power. The ship symbolized a turning point from wooden hulls to steel and heralded the future of Great Lakes commerce.
Marquette, in particular, was a hub. Freighters like the Western Reserve carried ore down to Lower Lake furnaces and brought coal back up to feed the mining machines. “It was coal up and ore down,” said maritime
historian Fred Stonehouse, describing the constant traffic in and out of Marquette harbor during the 1890s. “America was building her industrial might and steel ships like the Western Reserve made it possible.”
Historian Dr. Russell Magnaghi said it’s important to remember that the iron ore of the Lake Superior country helped turn the USA into a leading industrial power in the world.
“This is very important but often lost to the public and especially school kids,” he said. “Teachers ignore this fact, which is so important. Where else in the United States is there a body of iron ore this large?”
But steel didn’t mean invincible.
In late August 1892, the Western Reserve departed on a routine voyage across Lake Superior en route to Two Harbors, Minnesota. This trip, however, had a unique passenger list. Captain Minch brought along his wife, two young children, sister-in-law and niece for a summer pleasure cruise. It was meant to be a tranquil family voyage aboard what many believed was the safest ship on the Great Lakes.
Also aboard were Capt. Albert Myer, who commanded the vessel,
and a full crew — including a young wheelsman named Harry Stewart from Harsens Island, born and raised along the St. Clair River.
The skies were fair as they left Lake Huron and reached Whitefish Bay. There, a rising wind led the crew to anchor briefly. Then they pressed on.
At about 9 p.m. on August 30, 1892, disaster struck. The steel hull began to split apart. Within 10 minutes, the Western Reserve was gone, pulled into the depths of Lake Superior.
Both lifeboats had been launched. But tragedy compounded itself. One overturned almost immediately. In the chaos, only two crewmen were rescued. The second boat, now overcrowded, rode waves for 10 hours.
Harry Stewart was the only survivor.
“That night, Harry had just gone off shift and was asleep below deck when the ship began to split,” said Stewart’s great-great-granddaughter Annie Dennis. “He woke up to what sounded like gunfire — probably the rivets popping — and rushed topside. He didn’t even match his shoes in the scramble.”
Dennis said her ancestor had to jump over a visible crack in the deck to reach the lifeboats. “There was very little light at that point, because the lanterns had gone out,” she said. “But he saw a massive crack — the ship had split in two — and he had to jump over it. He said he could see down into the ship as it was tearing apart.” He was one of the last on board to reach the lifeboats. There wasn’t enough room for everyone.
“We believe he was in the first lifeboat that capsized, then somehow managed to swim and climb into the second,” Dennis said.
What followed was a battle not just against the elements, but against fate itself. The overloaded lifeboat drifted through rain and dark. At one point, they spotted a passing vessel and screamed for help for half an hour.
“They even tried to light their wool coats on fire to get attention,” Dennis said. “But the storm had soaked everything — nothing would catch.” Without flares or dry signal materials, their cries went unanswered.
As the boat neared land at dawn, it was swamped by breakers. The survi-
The Western Reserve was an important ship in its time — the late 1800s. One of the first all-steel vessels on the Great Lakes, it was named one of the safest. (Photo courtesy of Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society)
Harry Stewart was the only survivor of the Western Reserve tragedy, which took place in 1892. (Photo courtesy of Annie Dennis)
vors were thrown into the water.
“He was wearing a tightly fitted wool coat, which he believed helped him survive by keeping him warm and steady,” Dennis said. “Each time he got close, he was dragged back. Eventually, he figured out how to dive under a wave and dig his fingers into the sand, clawing his way up the beach until he collapsed.”
When he woke, Stewart dried his clothes and began to walk — or crawl — for 12 miles along the rugged southeastern shoreline of Lake Superior, until he reached the Deer Park Life-Saving Station.
He was just 23 years old.
Stewart was the only voice to recount what happened that night. “He had to stay behind to help identify bodies,” Dennis said. “Then he traveled to Ohio, specifically to Vermilion, where the Minch family — who had perished in the wreck — were from, to attend funerals before returning to work with the same shipping company just two weeks later.”
The man who watched 27 souls perish — many of them friends, including his cousin — continued to work the lakes for decades. “Harry wasn’t the only Stewart on board,” Dennis said. “His cousin, Skyler Stewart, was also on the ship and perished that night. So it was a deeply personal loss for our family.”
He rose to the rank of captain and spent his final years in Algonac, watching ships pass along the same river where he grew up. Stewart married and had four children, including a daughter named Athlean, who later became Athlean Baxter. Harry’s
grandson, Frank Baxter, is now 90 and lives minutes from Harsens Island and remains closely connected to his family’s maritime legacy.
“As a boy, the shipwreck was often talked about among family members,” Frank said.
But Stewart himself rarely spoke of it.
“He never talked much about it, but you could feel how deeply it shaped him,” Dennis said. Toward the end of his life, however, Stewart began to open up more. According to Dennis, a best friend of Stewart’s — a local doctor — eventually convinced him to share the full story, which was re-
corded in a newspaper article. That preserved account has become one of the clearest personal records of what happened aboard the Western Reserve the night it sank.
“I’ve been an avid boater my whole life,” Baxter said. “I think I got that love of the water from my grandfather. Even at 90, I’m still boating regularly.”
The Stewart family’s connection to the water runs deep. Annie Dennis noted that Harry was not the only captain in the family.
“We found more than two dozen Stewarts who sailed the Great Lakes,” she said. That legacy continued across
Despite the fact that both lifeboats were successfully launched, only one person survived the wreck of the Western Reserve. (Artwork by Robert McGreevy courtesy of Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society)
It would take 132 years for searchers to find the remains of the Western Reserve. (Photo courtesy of Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society)
generations. Stewart’s family lived along the St. Clair River for decades, and many worked in or around the maritime trades.
“He wasn’t the first sailor in our family, and he wasn’t the last,” Dennis said. “Boating and navigating these waters are part of our DNA.”
Baxter built kit boats as a young man in high school shop class and raced them on the St. Clair River. He eventually sold his last boat to buy his wife an engagement ring. He and his family have donated artifacts — including a model carving of the Western Reserve — to the Algonac-Clay Historical Museum.
Wreckage discovered It would take 132 years for the Western Reserve to be found. In March 2025, the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society announced the discovery of its remains, which happened in late summer 2024.
Using Marine Sonic Technology’s side-scan sonar aboard their research vessel, the David Boyd, First Mate Dan Ertel and Director of Marine Op-
erations Darryl Ertel discovered the wreck roughly 60 miles northwest of Whitefish Point. The bow was resting atop the stern in nearly 600 feet of water.
Though instrumental in the discovery, Dan and Darryl Ertel do not give interviews and prefer to let their work speak through the findings shared by the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society (GLSHS).
Corey Adkins, GLSHS Communications Director, described the significance. “Darryl told his wife that morning he was going to find the Western Reserve — and he did. They’d been looking for it for two years.”
A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) confirmed the find. Towed deep beneath the surface, the ROV gave researchers an up-close look at a wreck that seemed almost frozen in time. “The bell was incredible to see,” Adkins said. “And the wreck matched the survivor’s story exactly.”
The ROV, equipped with high-definition cameras and powerful lighting, descended to reveal the wreck was resting exactly as survivor Harry
Stewart had described.
“It’s dark and eerie down there,” Adkins said. “But what we saw was stunning. The structure, the hatches, even the way it broke — it confirmed Harry’s account.”
The GLSHS uses advanced marine imaging tools not available even a decade ago, including side-scan sonar to sweep wide stretches of the lakebed and pinpoint anomalies, and the ROV to document findings without disturbing the site.
This blend of technology and historical record allows for a level of accuracy and storytelling that was once impossible.
For the Baxter family, the discovery stirred complex emotions.
“When I first saw the pictures, I got goosebumps,” Dennis said. “It’s surreal. I’ve known about the story my whole life. We never thought anyone else cared about this wreck. But then you find out how many people were searching, too.”
Dennis, an archivist and educator, has taken an active role in preserving her family’s story.
“I grew up hearing about the Western Reserve,” she said. “It was part of our identity. In second grade, I dressed up as Harry for a class presentation. He was my hero.”
Dennis has since connected with relatives of others who were lost.
“It’s been this really, really incredible journey,” she said. “This tragedy brought us together, even generations later. I’ve met descendants of the Minch family. We’ve cried together, honored the memory together.”
Frank Baxter recalled how he felt when he first heard the Western Reserve had been found. “I was very happy and relieved,” he said. “It was something that I always hoped would happen during my lifetime.”
GLSHS has taken a deliberate, respectful approach to the wreck. “We don’t remove artifacts,” Adkins said. “It’s illegal and it’s wrong. Think of it like Gettysburg. You don’t walk off with a relic; you honor the space.”
He said when the team finds a wreck, they spend months verifying that they’re correct. “We’re not just throwing it out to make a headline. Even if it’s 130 years old, there are people who still talk about it at holidays. It’s someone’s family.”
The story has since gone global. “I got a call from a reporter in Seoul at 3 a.m.,” Adkins said. “People care about shipwrecks — but what they really care about are the people behind them.”
Magnaghi said the educational
Photos and stories of the Western Reserve were passed through generations of survivor Harry Stewart’s family. (Photo courtesy of Annie Dennis)
This lighting fixture with red lens still intact bears the word “port” on it, helping the ROV operators topside to identify the wreckage. (Photo courtesy of Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society)
component to stories like this are important.
“Stories like the Western Reserve aren’t just about tragedy — they’re a way to teach students about the economic and technological shifts that shaped America,” Magnaghi said. “These are the kinds of things teachers need to bring into the classroom, but often don’t.”
The cultural and educational value of the Western Reserve has only grown. “We’re studying these wrecks as time capsules,” Stonehouse said.
“They tell us about shipping patterns, construction techniques, even daily
Local institutions are stepping up too. “There are at least seven museums in the U.P. with significant maritime exhibits,” Stonehouse said.
“Places like the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point do this at a world-class level. They’re not just displaying objects — they’re telling stories, encouraging dialogue and creating immersive experiences.”
Another place to relive maritime history is in Marquette County.
“The Marquette Maritime Museum and the adjacent lighthouse are also excellent places to engage with
this history,” Magnaghi said. “People leave there with a sense of awe and wonderment about the past.”
GLSHS is currently producing a documentary on the Western Reserve. It will include interviews with the Baxter family, shipwreck experts, historians and other descendants of those who were lost in the tragedy. For many, it’s the first time their family’s maritime past is being recognized on such a scale.
Visitors to the GLSHS can view video of the wreck, explore digitized records and firsthand accounts, and learn more about the lives of the 27 souls who perished. Exhibits also highlight the ship’s construction, her significance in Great Lakes history and the modern technology that made
her rediscovery possible. The story of the Western Reserve is now part of a larger tapestry being preserved for future generations.
“It’s amazing,” Dennis said. “Harry’s name is probably being said more now than during his lifetime. His story traveled as far as China. That’s how powerful a story of survival can be.” Visit shipwreckmuseum.com for details.
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.
The wreckage of the Western Reserve was found in a manner that closely matched the story of survivor Harry Stewart, which helped confirm the finding. (Photo courtesy of Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society)
Harry Stewart’s grandson Frank Baxter, now 90, grew up an avid boater and heard family stories of the Western Reserve and his family’s connection to the ship his whole life. (Photo courtesy of Annie Dennis)
the arts
Comic artist offers program in Negaunee
By Brad Gischia
This summer the Negaunee Public Library, like libraries across the country, has implemented a summer reading program in an effort to keep kids reading throughout their break from school. This year’s program theme is “Color Our World,” and Library Director Jessica Holman said that a lot of the programs will be focused on art.
Amongst other programs, the Negaunee Library has the special honor of hosting an artist by the name of Jerry DeCaire on June 14. Because they’re expecting a large crowd, they’ve decided to move the program to the Negaunee Senior Center.
DeCaire, an artist who has worked for the likes of Marvel and DC, was born in the Saginaw area. He’s been working in the comic industry for nearly 30 years. Over that time, he’s seen many of his compatriots quit to do other things.
“I’ve seen a lot of artists burn out,” DeCaire said. “The schedule is intense. I find that the best way to keep it going is to keep reinventing myself.”
DeCaire has done that throughout his career, but each new invention still has the core love of art that started for him at a young age.
“I remember going into the barber shop and picking up a comic book,” DeCaire said. “It was a rag even then, a Fantastic Four that I was enamored with. I was picking up these comic books all the time then, Thor, The Avengers. They were so bright and interesting.”
In high school, DeCaire won the Mid-Michigan Art Contest sponsored by Coca-Cola and Delta College.
Over the next several years, he went to Central Michigan University where he studied art education and biology. The sciences fascinated him then and still do.
DeCaire was drawing all the time. He found his love of the human form during that time and began drawing comics in 1991.
“I ended up going to Delta College as well,” DeCaire said. “Delta is a college known for its art program, but I was already working for Marvel and other companies before I completed my degree.”
The college experience was a “smorgasbord of academic delights”
for DeCaire.
“College is more of an introduction of interests to different venues rather than just learning one thing,” DeCaire said. “I treated visual art sort of like music lessons. You go in for an hour a week and then you go home and practice what you learned during that hour. You learn at school, but to truly master it, you have to go home and work on it all the time.”
Even now, DeCaire still stands by that work ethic. “Even when I’m not getting paid for it, I go home and I’m always trying out ways to draw the human figure.”
DeCaire remembers the phone call that started his professional career in comics.
“Bob Harris, who worked on the X-Men, called up and my wife had no idea who it was,” DeCaire said. “She gave me the number and said it was ‘some guy from a company called… marvelous or something.’”
DeCaire called back as soon as he could.
During his early years at Marvel, DeCaire grabbed the eye of veteran Marvel artist John Buscema. Busce-
ma had been with the company since the ’60s and had worked on many of the books that the young DeCaire had probably been reading.
“He became my mentor,” DeCaire said. “He jokingly said to me that there are three things that you must do to get good at drawing comics: one, start drawing; two, keep on drawing; and three, don’t stop drawing.”
DeCaire took that advice to heart.
His published work is extensive, and he’s had the opportunity to work on some of the industry’s most popular intellectual properties, including the Mighty Thor and Deadpool.
His first published work was in a book called “Uncanny X-Men #15: Kings of Pain.”
If you look at his list of credentials, you’ll see a pile of comic books stretching from the 1990s until the present day. He lists anything “realistic” as being his favorite to work on, but cites what he considers has his best work in books that were published recently.
“The stuff I did for books like ‘Vampire: The Masquerade’ and ‘Werewolf: The Apocalypse’ are my
best,” DeCaire said. “For the big companies, I’m usually not able to ink my own work and for me that makes a big difference in the end product.”
There are end products everywhere when it comes to Jerry DeCaire. In addition to his comic work for other companies, he is currently finishing up work on his first solo book entitled “The Which When Man.”
“I’m doing all of the work,” DeCaire said. “Writing, inking and lettering.”
This new book is a time-travel comic that follows a man trying to right the wrongs of the past while it all goes horribly wrong around him.
The comic book industry has been in flux for the last several years. There were paper shortages during the pandemic, and then the major distribution house for all of the companies, Diamond Distribution, filed for bankruptcy last year.
But the comic industry isn’t a worry for DeCaire.
“I got into comics because there was no other industry that would enable me to make a living while drawing the human figure,” DeCaire said.
Jerry DeCaire’s programs aim to teach kids how practice and dedication can help them accomplish their goals, and he showcases how mathematics and science will help them do that. (Photo courtesy of Jerry DeCaire)
“I don’t even really read them anymore. I read a lot of science books.”
Another end product that DeCaire is working on is a book about consciousness which he’s called “The Other You.”
“It’s a very difficult subject, and no one has tackled it in either the sciences or psychology because consciousness is experiential,” DeCaire said. That book has been in the works for some time, and DeCaire said it will be a bit before it’s out.
“Consciousness is something I’ve studied, and this book will be a mix,” DeCaire said. “It will be experiential and philosophic as well as dealing with pre-cognition and intuition.”
DeCaire has done all of the research and is illustrating it. Illustrating such a complex book might seem difficult, but DeCaire said the roots of the idea came from his history as a comic book illustrator.
“I’ll be drawing human experiences that are surreal and fantastic in their natures,” he said. “It’s something that is unique in its genre, but it is quite common in the graphic novel and comic book genre.”
DeCaire quotes Carl Jung, saying it best describes what “The Other You” will be: “There are these peculiar faculties of the psyche, that aren’t entirely confined to space and time. You can have dreams or visions of the future, you can see around corners and such things. Only ignorance denies these facts. The psyche is not under obligation to live in time and space alone.”
Then we come to the next invention of DeCaire — the public speaker.
Over the last decade, DeCaire has begun sharing his love of comics as a medium and art with new generations of kids by going to schools and libraries and doing live demos on making comic books.
Don’t tell the kids this next part.
“I show the connections between mathematics and art,” DeCaire said.
You heard it. He showcases how important mathematics and science are to the art world, more specifically to comic book art.
Jay Bitely is a fifth and sixth grade math teacher at Three Lakes Academy
in Curtis. He has seen DeCaire do his presentation.
“Jerry has been doing programs for us at the school for close to 10 years,” Bitely said. “He does shorter presentations for each of the Grades K-4, and then does a presentation/ workshop for my fifth and sixth grade students where he focuses on the math and science behind his drawings.”
DeCaire said that — math and science aside — the kids will learn how to make comics.
“If you get a book on how to draw,” DeCaire said, “there are these steps
you have to follow. Young people often don’t make the connection between steps one and two. Here they can ask those questions.”
Bitely said the kids that have been to DeCaire’s programs always come away with an appreciation for the art as well as the academic side.
“They’re fascinated when he explains to them that he doesn’t ‘invent’ muscles when he draws,” Bitely said. “He has an impressive biological knowledge of human musculature and uses that to show the importance of proportion in drawing. For example,
One of comic artist Jerry DeCaire’s favorite accomplishments was seeing his name on the cover of a Thor comic book alongside that of his mentor, John Buscema. (Photo courtesy of Jerry DeCaire)
he’ll draw an arm out of proportion with a big bicep and tiny triceps.”
Holman hopes to see a good crowd at the senior center for the presentation.
“I think it’s a great learning experience for people who are interested in how comics are made,” Holman said. “People interested in making comics and people who enjoy the medium and superheroes in general will appreciate the program.”
Participants will see a live presentation with drawings done in real time.
“I give those drawings away at the end,” DeCaire said.
This latest reinvention of himself has opened up new avenues for DeCaire, but the interaction with the kids will always be a drive for him.
“I encourage parents to bring their kids so they can see the math and science behind the superheroes that they love,” DeCaire said. “I hope that it becomes an encouragement for them to pursue math and science.”
Bitely has seen all of the presentations that DeCaire has done at the Three Lakes Academy and plans not to miss any in the future.
“He connects with the students on their level and inspires them to follow their passions,” Bitely said.
The program will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Negaunee Senior Center on Saturday, June 14.
“He’ll be drawing superheroes in real time in front of the audience,” Holman said, “and it will be projected so everyone can see. There will be audience participation where he’ll ask people what to draw and someone will
be able to get up and work with him.”
Afterwards Holman said there will be a Q&A session, and everyone that comes will get an autographed copy of the drawing he does on the day.
Despite the art heavy program, the importance of math and science is what DeCaire wants kids to get out of it. “I always tell them that if you leave high school not being able to
draw Deadpool, you’ll be fine,” DeCaire said. “Leave high school without knowing math and science, not so much.”
DeCaire has come a long way from that little kid in the barber shop reading Fantastic Four.
“I can only describe it as sort of surreal,” DeCaire said. “You go from reading these stories to actually em-
bellishing them as an illustrator.”
The shine of seeing his name in the credits of a book and meeting fans has worn off a little.
“My biggest concern is to create not only the art, but the written story as well,” he said. “I guess the biggest reward for me thus far is to see my name sharing the cover of a Thor comic alongside the mighty John Buscema’s, my favorite artist when I was growing up.”
DeCaire has left a lasting impact, not only with his art, but with the number of young lives he’s impacted through his latest reinvention. One might wonder if the first half of his career might not have been his superhero origin story.
“Jerry is a super dude,” Bitely said. “He’s not only an artist, he’s a remarkable philosopher and brilliant thinker.”
DeCaire had one thing to say about his career.
“In my line of work, as long as you keep doing it, you only get better with age,” DeCaire said.
For more information about Jerry DeCaire go to his website superheroworkshop.org. For information about the Negaunee Public Library’s “Color Our World” reading program go to cityofnegaunee.com/ negaunee-public-library.
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 Which-When Man is Jerry DeCaire’s latest creation, with story, pencils, ink, coloring and lettering by him. (Photo courtesy of Jerry DeCaire)
essay
A street by any other name...
By Jim Pennell
Have you ever wondered what the most popular street name in America is? It’s not Main or First, but Second Street.
Marquette has a Second Street, and the name fits it well. It’s a quiet, narrow residential street, only a few blocks long with a dead end and it seems content to be runner-up and away from the main focus. Its res-
idents are known to say, “If you’re driving on Second Street, you either live there or you’re lost.”
Many of Marquette’s streets have confusing and inaccurate names, though. There is no park on Park Street, Arch goes up but never comes down, Crescent is as straight as an arrow, Summit is in the lowlands and Center is nowhere near the center of town. East Avenue is west of West Avenue and they both run north-south.
Illustration by Kim Tincknell
Furnace Street is no warmer than any other. There are birch trees on Birch, cedars on Cedar, spruces on Spruce, pines on Pine, maples on Maple and oaks on Oak, but there never have been and likely never will be palms growing on Palms Street.
Where’s Waldo? It’s easy to find. Just turn off Fourth Street — or is it Presque Isle — which doesn’t go directly to the island, of course, just as College doesn’t go to the university.
Presidents are a popular choice for street names. There are 10 streets in the City of Marquette named after them. Can you name them? (*The answers are listed at the end) Here’s a hint: they were all presidents at least a century ago. There are two streets named after Civil War generals — Sherman, and in the interest of fairness, Lee.
police chief was quoted as saying, “They were being stolen for obvious reasons.”
“
Where’s Waldo? It’s easy to find. Just turn off Fourth Street — or is it Presque Isle — which doesn’t go directly to the island, of course, just as College doesn’t go to the university.
Speaking of fair, was there ever a fair on Fair Street? Or is it impartial? Or attractive? The street I’m attracted to is Magnetic, but that may be because of the metal fillings in my teeth. Adjectives are rarely used as street names, but one that comes to mind is High, which, by the way, has no dispensaries on it. A newspaper article in the early 1980s mentioned the increase in thefts of the High Street signs. The
Michigan and Ohio streets represent a classic Big Ten rivalry, but alas, they run parallel to each other and will never meet. They start and stop in the same places, so it would be a tie anyway…
The Shiras Hills subdivision is a bird’s nest of streets designed by M.C. Escher. Most of its streets are named after early explorers, which is fitting because it often feels like you need a map and a native guide to find your way out of it. An urban legend tells of a Pizza Hut delivery boy who got lost trying to bring a large deluxe to an address on Jonathan Carver. They say he’s still there, driving around in circles trying to find his way out. On some nights, you can even smell the pepperoni…
There are a few oddball street names as well. I don’t mean to offend, but Rock Street shows a certain lack of imagination. And Bejig? Bejig is an obscure, old English word meaning to jig about. Bejig Street is less of a street and more a driveway leading to some apartment buildings, which must be where the Leprechauns live.
Piqua is another uncommon word that’s difficult to define, but one
Illustration by Kim Tincknell
definition has it as meaning a vexation caused by a perceived slight or wounded pride, making it an apt name for a short, unpaved alley. Fern Place sounds more like the name of a plant store or a girl you may have gone to high school with than a street.
My favorite Marquette street name is Hebard Court, and I always wanted to live there as a child. It sounded so metropolitan and unique. I don’t think there were ever any houses on Hebard Court, though, and with the recent demolitions, the only remaining building on it is part of the Catholic church.
Sidewalks are the offspring of streets and have some character of their own. The older sections have the infamous DO NOT SPIT ON THE SIDEWALK stamped in them, and there are several left that ask you to SPIT ON THE SIDE. You may also find some that have the street names stamped in them from years ago, and a few with a classic Art Deco hand and finger pointing the way to go. Nowadays, people walk on sidewalks with their heads down looking at the GPS and weather on their phones telling them where to go and what to expect; 100 years ago people walked on sidewalks with their heads down looking at the pavement telling them where to go and where to expectorate.
Our home addresses and neighborhoods help shape our identity, and streets and sidewalks are a part of our life and history. On them, we took the training wheels off and learned to balance on our own. They’re where we drew hopscotch courts and fell and skinned our knees. We walk and run on them and push our strollers and curb our dogs. They’re the concrete stadiums where we play road hockey, wiffleball and touch football.
It’s the pavement our feet float above when we first fall in love, and
the cold, lonely streets we walk alone when our hearts are broken. They take us to work, to school, to church and to play. The same streets that hold block parties, celebrations and parades are the ones that ambulances, fire trucks and funeral processions use. They are narrowed by snow in winter, riddled with potholes in spring, flooded by summer rain and littered with autumn’s leaves, yet through it all they’re always there to guide us home from where we were and take us to where we want to go. Just don’t expect to find Easy Street in Marquette. You can’t get there from here.
Jim Pennell is a fulltime musician and a sometime writer. He has lived on six different streets in Marquette and is usually found on, in or near three quadrillion gallons of water.
Band names are important. They are an announcement for the group, the headline on the news article, the cover of the book that your middle-school librarian told you not to judge.
But judge we do. There’s no getting around that a catchy title — or band name in this case — will more than likely be the thing that attracts a person to a venue.
So when you see a band name like “The Make-Believe Spurs” on the poster or social media post, don’t be surprised when you’re drawn in. Once inside, it’s a whole other story.
The Make-Believe Spurs are a trio of musicians from disparate backgrounds. Their origin stories are as varied as you might expect.
Music found Brian Wallen organically.
“I don’t have any formal training,” Brian said. His love of music comes from growing up in a house where music was played all of the time. “My parents loved music. My mom loves classic rock, and my dad listened to a lot of ’80s and ’90s country.” Having the sounds of the Allman Brothers mixed in with Garth Brooks and Wilco had a big impact on Brian, especially when his parents would then tune in to a weekly bluegrass show and Prairie Home Companion on the radio.
“I was exposed to great music,” he said.
Brian grew up in Indiana, where he said there was a great bluegrass scene.
“I picked up a guitar at 10 and started going to bluegrass festivals and jam sessions,” Brian said. It was the best situation for a young player with passion, as there is a tradition in bluegrass music that older musicians teach the younger. “You learn how to play with people who are far better than you. The culture of bluegrass is that people want to take you under their wing. They want to share that music with you.”
As Brian was building up his calluses, his future wife, Molly, was undergoing a musical education of her own.
“I was born and raised in Kentucky,” Molly said. “My mom was a music minister so I really didn’t have much of a choice when it came to music.” Molly joined choirs and said it
was that experience that reinforced her love of vocal harmonies.
She went to college for music education in Kentucky. During that time, she spent a month in Germany doing intensive study of opera. When she returned, she realized during her student teaching that it wasn’t what she really wanted to do. She finished her degree and did odd jobs around town until she found Brian on an online dating site.
“He hit on me pretty hard,” she laughed.
Once they got together, they were focused on their relationship, but music, such a large part of both of their lives, couldn’t help but sneak in.
“I was listening to his music on my way to work,” Molly said. “I started harmonizing with his Spotify tracks.”
It was the birth of the duo simply
called “The Wallens.”
“I knew she could sing because she had sent me videos of her recitals,” Brian said.
Molly finally got up the nerve to send him a video of her singing along with him and he said, ‘Well, you’re not allowed to be off stage anymore.’”
Molly would go to shows and get up halfway through to sing along. The music was the whirlwind that brought them together.
“We met in January,” Molly said. “By that November, I quit my day job and moved to Indiana, and we were doing music full time.”
The third member of the trio, Mavis Farr, grew up downstate and went to Oakland University.
“I’m generations deep non-musical,” Farr joked. Her introduction to playing music was as simple, or as
complex, as figuring out her college class schedule.
“I needed a class for a certain amount of credits on a certain side of campus at a certain time,” Farr said. That class was a West African Drum and Dance ensemble. When Farr showed up, she was told to go stand by the dancers.
“I was like, ‘No, you’re going to have to teach me to play the drums,” Farr said.
She ended up learning the Ayan drum language from Kumasi, Ghana, a way of transmitting messages through patterns and tone variations that mimic speech.
Easter break at Oakland happened while she was learning this, and Farr found herself dropped into another cultural exposure when she went home with her roommate to Hancock.
The Make-Believe Spurs travel all over the U.P. to perform. (Photo courtesy of The Make-Believe Spurs)
“We were picking lilacs at our house in Detroit, and when we got to Copper Harbor we literally couldn’t get to where we were going because of the snow,” Farr said. “I loved it.”
So much so that she went back to school and applied to Michigan Tech. The following Tuesday she moved to the Upper Peninsula.
Music was in her by that time and was a part of each move after that, and she played with bands from Portland to Ashland to Duluth and finally to Marquette.
Brian and Molly found their way to the U.P. during a tentative step north to tour. In 2015, he put together a two- or three-show tour that included the Orpheum Theater in Hancock and Blackrocks Brewery in Marquette.
“I fell in love with the place,” Brian said. “I went home and told everyone I knew that I was going to move to the U.P.”
It took them years, but in 2022, the Wallens finally made it permanent.
Andy Langlois, the owner of Blackrocks Brewery, was the person who booked Brian during the first tour.
“Usually someone will send a video of them playing at a venue, and then maybe some recorded stuff,” Langlois said. “But you don’t really see how someone can perform until you see them live.”
Langlois, who is also a musician, recognized the talent.
“I was first struck by the fact that he’s an incredible guitar player,” Langois said. “He has a very clean, but still raw approach. When Brian plays, you can tell he means it. He’s
not going through the motions. He’s constantly creating and applying new things to the instrument.”
The Wallens were playing in town — and everywhere else, to be honest. They had a rigorous touring schedule.
As will happen in a small town, the paths of the Wallens and Farr were
constantly intersecting in non-musical ways.
“One of our best friends was also one of Mavis’ best friends,” Brian said. “For years we had been hearing ‘I hope you get to meet my friend Mavis — she’s a great musician.’” They finally met, and the offer was made —
if you ever feel like jamming, come on up. But Farr would always give them a very tentative “sure” and not go onstage.
“It was a real soft no,” Farr said. On one particular evening, Brian and Molly were onstage. Mavis was in the audience. On the break, Brian
Molly Wallen, Mavis Farr and Brian Wallen considered many ideas before they settled on The Make-Believe Spurs for their band name, which came from a novel Farr wrote. (Photo courtesy of The Make-Believe Spurs)
gave her another invite. For some reason that night was different.
“She looked me dead in the eye and said, ‘I’ll start tomorrow. You have a gig, what time is load-in?’” Brian said.
In this situation, many musicians, no matter their experience level, would want to rehearse, get a few numbers under their belt, become comfortable with the way each other plays and make changes. But for this group, it was natural.
“In the African tradition, if someone wants you to play drums, you just go,” Farr said. “It’s go-time.” That sentiment also lent itself to that bluegrass festival tradition that Brian grew up in.
“I’m a huge believer in the spontaneous energy of creativity on the spot,” Brian said. “We have a few practice sessions now and then, but it usually happens on stage. I like to be teetering on the edge of catastrophe. That’s where the magic is.”
Molly enjoys that spot-on creativity as well.
“I like when he starts playing a song onstage and I figure out a harmony along the way,” Molly said. “That’s my favorite.”
Farr says she can ride out the changes.
“As long as I know if I’m counting in four or six, I’m good,” Farr said.
The addition of a third meant they could no longer be just “The Wallens.” A new name was needed and it took some time in the making, or the make-believing, as it were.
The band tossed around many
ideas on a group text. There was a lot of talk about ferns and nature, but nothing felt quite right. It was Farr who provided the crucial words.
“I wrote a novel during National Novel Writing Month,” Farr said. “The title of it was ‘The Make-Believe Spurs.’” It was a hit all around.
As the Spurs, they quickly drew in the fanbase that the Wallens had al-
ready developed.
John and Wendy Frye moved back to Marquette after being away for several years and were early Wallens fans.
“We fell in love with the quality and beauty of their music,” John said. “Their songs, both originals and covers, were great. When they became the Spurs, it was even more impressive.”
As they began to expand their songwriting, the Spurs continued adding more originals to their setlist.
“We try to leave things a little better than we found them and see the same spirit in The Make-Believe Spurs,” Wendy said. “Their ability to transmit kindness through incredible music is uplifting.”
This made bigger fans of the Fryes, who asked about an album.
“It was for a completely selfish reason,” John said. “We wanted to be able to listen to them at home as well.”
The idea of recording an album wasn’t new to the Wallens. They’d recorded and released what they call a “COVID project” in 2020 called “Our Neck of the Woods.” They knew what kind of undertaking that is both creatively and financially.
With the encouragement of fans like John and Wendy, they decided to move forward with a Spurs album.
“We recorded at our house,” Brian said. “I have a studio, a really perfect little alcove.” From his years of making music professionally, Brian also had all of the equipment needed, though this was already shaping up to be a very different project from the first Wallens record.
“We never wanted to rush it,” Brian said. He estimated that they had been working on it for a year and a half, and they only had a few songs to begin with.
“We like to play them out a lot,” Molly said. “They start to settle after a while. Then you find out that the song isn’t what you thought it was when you wrote it, it becomes some-
“A Thing With Feathers” release party is at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11 at Blackrocks Brewery. (Photo courtesy of The Make-Believe Spurs)
thing else.”
Farr agreed the process worked better because there was no big rush.
“A lot of the songs that we thought were going on the album didn’t make the cut,” Farr said. “New songs emerged that were so much better.”
The new album, “A Thing with Feathers,” is done, with a release party scheduled at Blackrocks Brewery at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11. It promises to be exactly what the Frye’s were hoping it would be, a recreation of the live feeling the audience gets at a Spurs show.
“This album is authentic,” Brian said. “The overall theme is finding hope. Hope is in short supply right now for a lot of folks. It’s finding hope and joy in everything around us.”
The band as a whole finds joy in their found community of the Upper Peninsula and took that into the studio with them.
“There’s bluegrass, rock songs and three-part harmonies,” Brian said. “We wanted it to sound like us.”
The album, like their live show, is a mix of the music that built them all.
“We didn’t want to make an album where Brian plays fourteen different instruments,” Molly said. “We did that last time (on “Our Neck of the Woods”). We can’t do that live. We wanted this to sound like you were at a live show.”
Farr said finishing the album was a triumph.
“It’s always flattering when someone wants to hold it at our venue,” Langlois said. “It means they like the venue and the people who follow them also like it.”
Langlois said that since he’s known Brian, he’s seen him progress, both individually and with the Spurs. “He was pretty young when he came up here, and now they’re putting an album out,” Langlois said. “That’s pretty sweet.”
During the recording process, the band was still playing. They garnered the attention of Senator Bernie Sanders’ camp, who reached out to them
The Spurs are a group that embraces inclusion and kindness and love, above all else. (Photo courtesy of The Make-Believe Spurs)
via social media to open for the senator when he spoke in Marquette in October 2024 while campaigning for Vice President Kamala Harris.
“We had to have a conversation about that,” Brian said. “Whether we’re aligned in our beliefs or not, this is a very public stance to take, but we all agreed that it was what we wanted to do.” It led to more connections, and in March, they played at a protest in downtown Marquette against decisions being made by the current administration.
“It was incredible,” Brian said. “For me, it’s a moral thing. I personally know and have seen so many people hurt by the actions of the current administration. I see it negatively impacting my community. I have an obligation to go out there and say I’m not OK with this. There’s a better way.”
He went on to say that the Spurs as a group are about inclusion and kindness and love. “I’m not out there denouncing anyone for what they believe,” Brian said. “I’m just trying to advocate for people who are suffering right now.”
The Spurs have a busy summer scheduled, so there will be ample opportunity to get out and see them somewhere nearby. Their schedule is available on their website, themakebelievespurs.com, and the Spurs are always looking forward to their next gig.
“I’m excited to play at PrideFest,”
Molly said. The band is booked steadily through the summer, from Ontonogan and the steps of Peter White Library, to Ishpeming and Crystal Falls. Farr is ready for warmer weather.
“Patio season is the best,” Farr said. “Being outside is great and the vibe changes.”
Like many fans of the Spurs, the Fryes know what they have when they hear it.
“We’re spoiled to be able to have a band like them playing regularly in town,” John said. “I have two dreams for them: that they keep doing what they’re doing here and make a living at it and stay here forever, or that they get discovered for the great musicians they are and they get taken away. They’re authentic, they’re passionate, engaging, they’re always energetic no matter what the crowd is doing. They do the job at hand, which is to entertain.”
Langlois echoed that sentiment but ended with an even more important one. “Beyond their music, they’re just terrifically nice people,” Langlois said.
The music is real, the people are real, the talent is real, only the Spurs are Make-Believe.
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 Spurs have a busy summer as they enjoy playing on patios and other outdoor venues. (Photo courtesy of The Make-Believe Spurs)
the arts
Veteran shares art therapy
By Jim LaJoie
Bill Irving loves people. He also takes immense pride in helping them.
It only makes sense then for the U.S. Air Force veteran to bring together armed services veterans to help them cope with trauma, depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the nuisances of everyday life.
It’s his calling.
“I like helping people. That’s where I’m coming from,” said Irving, a resident of K.I. Sawyer who served in the Air Force from 1964-68. “I used to help people find jobs in the Veterans Administration. I helped homeless find jobs and those veterans who are seriously ill.”
That compelling passion to make a convincing difference in the lives of veterans and help them deal with past trauma led to him starting up a Veterans Art Therapy Workshop in the basement floor of Peter White Public Library in Marquette.
Irving, several teachers and five veterans met for the first time in April with the goal of meeting on Monday afternoons through the summer.
“We want to bring veterans here to a place where all of these different people can come and meet different people,” Irving said. “It’s a way to reach out to others with mental health issues.”
The concept is quite simple. Each session, veterans are given a different “assignment.” The session could involve making art, writing poetry or a mixture of both. The idea is to provide veterans in the region with a viable outlet to express their feelings and concerns in non-verbal, safe and non-threatening ways.
“We have a number of veterans up here, and being here (in the Upper Peninsula), we’re cut off from programs like they have downstate,” Irving said. “I got the idea from the Wounded Warriors in Wisconsin … that people would come with their piece of the puzzle.”
Nationally, it is reported that seven percent of veterans will experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Among veterans who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, that number is as high as 29 percent.
“Being able to talk is one thing and important, but as you’re doing
art, there is a mindfulness to focus on what is in front of you and ignore the stuff around you,” Irving said. “There is an illustration of a man walking a dog, and he’s got all of these things on his mind. The dog has one thing on his mind and that’s to pee. We need to do that. Get one thing in front of them and ignore the rest.”
He’s essentially walking the walk.
An electronic intelligence specialist, Irving finished seven months of schooling in Mississippi before travelling to Turkey where he and others surveilled the Russians and later Chinese. The Chinese Cultural Revolution, which occurred in 1966, forced the Nationalist Chinese to flee to Taiwan.
When he returned home, he became a draftsperson and his world with art began to flourish. A hobby dwarfed into a way of life for him.
He has painted a growing number of beautiful art pieces, with one painting of a female soldier taking first in a statewide contest and third in the nation.
“I had this idea of doing this a year ago, but in February (2024), I had a heart attack and was in the hospital for a month,” the 79-year-old Irving said.
Veteran Paul Redding says art therapy serves as a place of comfort and clarity for him. (Photo by Jim LaJoie)
“When I got better, I started to put this together and build on it.”
The end goal is to give veterans a non-judgmental outlet to express what’s really going on inside. And, as they progress, submit their work to the National Veterans Creative Art Festival.
In teaching, the self-satisfaction he receives is well worth the time that goes into it.
“Oh, very much so,” he said. “We have so many silos, and veterans don’t talk to one other. We hope this becomes a peer-support thing. There are no peer group specialists anymore, nothing like this at the local level. This breaks down the silo.”
Mariam Taylor helps teach at some of the classes.
“I’m just looking out for opportunities in my community, to help make it a better place to live and pay it forward,” she said. “This is a good program, and we need to get the word out and help our veterans with coping skills and PTSD.”
Paul Redding, an Illinois native
who now resides in west Ishpeming, served in the U.S. Air Force from 2001-06. In that span, with three years as a flight medic, he was deployed to several different overseas locations, with stints in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait, among others. He also served in the Illinois and Wisconsin National Guards.
He’s aiming to become a regular attendee of the workshop and is pleased to see something like this offered locally.
“Because of some of my experiences,” Redding said, “I have utilized VA mental health services, and art therapy is something they offer in larger areas. I have always loved art … it is a place of comfort and clarity.
“To be able to do it with other veterans and see people who haven’t picked up a paint brush in decades and mess around with it … they get something out of it. I have seen how this works firsthand with VA patients.”
Redding, 42, said he has thumbed through the National Veterans Art Magazine and has been unduly im-
Veteran Bill Irving gives of his time to offer art therapy to other veterans. He said no experience is necessary. (Photo by Jim LaJoie)
pressed with the quality of the submissions and overall winners.
“I got my hands on one of those magazines for the VA art contest and I was blown away with how many different varieties of [art] was in there,” he said. “I thought it was really cool that [the VA] wasn’t telling veterans what they can and cannot do. I really hope they get more involved (in the workshop) … It’s cool to connect with veteran artists. I’m showing up because I want something like this to continue to be offered, and for my own personal benefit.”
Irving stressed that one does not need to be an accomplished artist or seasoned writer to attend the workshops. There are no teachers or professors there to assign grades. Emotional support takes precedence over grades.
“People say they can only make stick figures, but John Taylor is going to teach basic drawings,” said Irving, who said he began drawing when he was seven years old in the second grade. “We want to create a goal so they can say they created something nice. I was at the Bonifas Art Center in Escanaba a couple of years ago and they had displays of veterans’ work. Someone there had a sculpture out of barbed wire. Someone else took a moose antler and carved into that. You can’t teach creativity, but you can teach a skill.”
Irving said that in the first session, two brothers attended and were there to support one another.
“Just being able to talk to somebody and share your experiences is really therapeutic,” he said. “Taking the time to focus on one thing is import. How do you express what you have on your mind to put it on paper? It’s like writing a journal. The idea is to help veterans find the medium that they like.”
At a recent workshop, the veterans were asked to trace two faces. On one face, they were instructed to draw or write, “This is who I am today.” The other signifies, “You are not what you are and not what other people think you are.”
Irving concluded: “I like meeting veterans, finding out where they have been and hear about their experiences. That’s what this is … pulling people out. It’s a matter of having a safe place and this is a good way to do that. “
Irving highly encourages veterans to attend his workshops. To learn more about the next sessions, contact Irving at 906-235-8478 or by email at billirving2003@yahoo.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.
Volunteer and veteran Bill Irving created this portrait of a female soldier. He offers art therapy opportunities to veterans. (Photo by Jim LaJoie)
Ishpeming ramps up skatepark plans
By Melissa Wentarmini
For years, a skate park in Ishpeming lived somewhere between rumor and dream — passed around in conversations, sketched into plans and championed by generations of skaters and BMX riders who never quite had a place to call their own. But this summer, that dream begins pouring into concrete.
Construction is expected to begin in June or July on a new downtown skate park at the corner of Division and Pine streets. Once completed, tentatively by fall 2025, the park will offer an inclusive, thoughtfully designed space for skateboarders, bikers and scooter riders of all skill levels. But the story behind the project runs deeper than ramps and rails.
The park resonates deeply with the city’s core values of community development. It’s about creating an attraction, a focal point that draws both residents and visitors, enriching the quality of life for those who call Ishpeming home. In a region known for its outdoor pursuits, the skate park adds another dimension to the recreational landscape, catering to a demographic that might not be served by traditional sports facilities.
“I’m proud to support this project because it brings so much value to Ishpeming and the entire west end of Marquette County,” said Ishpeming city council member and realtor Ben Argall. “This will be the only skate park in the west end, making it a destination not just for local students, but for kids from surrounding townships as well.”
Grant Getschow, City of Ishpeming finance manager, said this has been a key project identified by community members for years.
“It felt important for council and staff to move forward, especially seeing the consistent community support,” he said.
That support goes back years, if not decades. Though Getschow can’t say for sure if it’s been 30 years as some have speculated, he acknowledged the idea has been a recurring theme in city conversations, especially in recent years when younger residents and local enthusiasts stepped forward with fundraising efforts and vision.
Among those voices are residents like Angel Cox, whose 16-year-old
Construction is expected to begin this summer on a skatepark, which will be located in downtown Ishpeming. Grant money for the project also will go toward special programming. (Photo courtesy of City of Ishpeming)
son James is a skateboarding enthusiast.
“He loves being at the skate parks with his buddies and trying out new tricks,” she said. “They currently go to the skate park in Marquette, so it’ll be nice to have one here in town that our local youth can utilize. I think some of the benefits of having a skate park is we’re gonna see a lot more kids outside hopefully doing the things they love and not sitting so much inside on video games. If you notice, a lot of the kids hang out in the church parking lot performing a lot of their tricks, so it’ll be nice for them to have a place of their own.”
Unlike past attempts that stalled due to lack of funding or coordination, this iteration has real momentum thanks to a $300,000 grant from the Michigan Community Center Grant Program and an additional $50,000 from the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. Local contributions, including from the Ishpem-
ing Downtown Development Authority, round out the roughly $375,000 budget.
But the path to this moment wasn’t always straightforward. The city applied for the grant in partnership with Partridge Creek Farm in what Getschow calls “a creative way” to secure funding for a project that didn’t perfectly fit into traditional categories.
“The capital side of the grant came in lower than we hoped,” Getschow said, “but we weren’t going to turn it down. It’s been a process of finding ways to make it work.” One of those ways involved tapping the expertise of the American Ramp Company, a Missouri-based team that specializes in skate park design and construction. Because they handle everything from concept to build, Getschow said the city can be confident that the finished product will meet the expectations of both first-time skaters and seasoned riders. “If you’ve ever been on a skateboard, you know it doesn’t take much
to throw you, even just a little rock,” he said. “Having a smooth, professional surface is a really big deal.”
But rather than rely solely on professional expertise, the city also brought local voices into the design process. In January, they held a listening session that drew about a dozen skateboarders and BMX riders from around Marquette County. What came out of that meeting shifted the entire design direction.
“The original design was more of a street-style plaza with lots of ledges and rails, less transition features,” Getschow said. “But what we heard was, people are driving to Escanaba just to skate on ramps. That told us we had to pivot.” The final design now includes more transition-style elements, like quarter pipes and bowls, features that are harder to find in the region and have the potential to draw users from across the Upper Peninsula.
Community excitement has already begun to build. After the city released
early design images on Facebook, Getschow said the reaction was overwhelming. “There were a lot of people who were like, ‘Wait, it’s actually happening?’” he said. “It’s been talked about so long, I think some folks didn’t believe it would ever come together.”
That excitement is echoed by Torrey Dupras, a longtime Ishpeming resident who sees the project as a smart investment in both infrastructure and youth engagement.
“As a member of the community and an avid outdoor recreation enthusiast, I feel this is an excellent addition to the City of Ishpeming,” Dupras said. “There are good public spaces for skating like this, and it will not only draw more people into the activity, but also keep them from damaging private structures in the area.”
The location was chosen strategically, not just for accessibility, but for its potential to breathe life back into a quieter part of the downtown. Across the street from the future skate park is the former Rollie’s Furniture building, which the city is working to redevelop into housing. The goal is to create an active, people-centered block in what has long been a neglected corridor.
“Its central downtown location near schools, shops and future housing means it’s accessible, visible and part of a larger vision for our community,” Argall said. “From a real estate and community development standpoint, projects like this elevate quality of life and make our city more vibrant and connected.
“This isn’t just about skateboarding. It’s about creating a safe, inclusive space for young people to be active, express themselves and feel like they belong. It also signals to families, especially first-time home buyers and young families, who are increasingly choosing Ishpeming thanks to more attainable housing options, that we’re investing in our future.”
Thanks to its partnership with Partridge Creek Farm, the skate park project includes a community programming component. While the city oversees construction, Partridge Creek will use part of the grant to coordinate educational and community-focused events, like outdoor workshops, farm stands or collaborative festivals.
“The hope is that this becomes more than just a skate park,” Getschow said. “It’s part of a bigger vision, turning underused spaces into community hubs.” That vision includes room for future expansion. A pump track — a looped, dirt path designed for bikes — was initially considered as part of the skate park but has been deferred for
now. Still, Getschow said, they’ve left space for it down the line, depending on how the park is used. “This break between phases gives us a chance to watch how the park functions, how it’s used and what the community wants next,” he said.
It’s also a moment to think practically. Mountain bikes, for instance, can bring debris like gravel and clay onto skate surfaces, something Getschow and others want to avoid. If the pump track is added later, it may be designed to keep that kind of cross-traffic to a minimum.
From a planning perspective, Getschow sees the skate park as an example of how to “hit pause and get it right.” As the interim city manager during key phases of the project, he wanted to avoid the kind of missteps he’s heard about in other cities. “I didn’t want this to be a bunch of bureaucrats pushing through something just to say we did it,” he said. “Once that concrete is poured, it’s there.”
But perhaps most encouraging is the open-door attitude toward future use. During that same listening session, participants asked about hosting competitions or community events, ideas that Getschow welcomed enthu-
siastically. “I looked around and said, ‘If you’ve got a cool idea, run with it,’” he said. “Our council would be thrilled. We’re already kicking around ideas for a grand opening celebration.”
Even Getschow, primarily a mountain biker, is feeling the pull. “I busted out my old skateboard for the first time in six years,” he chuckled. “It was a little rough, but I’ll be out there.”
As construction gears up, the sense of momentum is palpable. And for Ishpeming, a city that has weathered the ups and downs of post-industrial change, this project symbolizes more than a new park. It’s a sign of a broader shift toward reinvestment, creativity and pride of place.
“We’ve spent the last couple years putting the wheels back on the bus,” Getschow said. “Now they’re on, and we’re ready to drive.” MM
Melissa Wentarmini is a writer based in Iron Mountain with a focus on storytelling that highlights local communities, history and human connections. She is actively engaged in her community and enjoys time with her family as a wife and mother.
Officials from the City of Ishpeming chose the location of the skatepark strategically in an underused part of Division Street in its downtown that is in need of redevelopment. (Photo by Kristy Basolo)
Volunteers lifeline of fire departments lookout point
By Jennifer Donovan
By day, they work in offices, stores, repair shops. They bag groceries, cut timber, grow crops, sell insurance or fix cars. Or they may be stay-at-home moms or retired. But when that emergency call comes — be it during family dinner time or at 3 a.m. — they head straight for the fire hall to do their part to help save lives and property. They’re volunteer firefighters, and communities all over the Keweenaw rely on them.
These brave, selfless men and women are members of the Copper Country Volunteer Fire Fighters Association (CCVFFA). They serve in 35 fire departments in four counties: Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw and Ontonagon.
They include the small-city fire departments of Houghton and Hancock and volunteer fire departments in townships, villages and little communities like Bootjack, Ahmeek, Keweenaw Bay and Copper Harbor. Altogether, around 600 firefighters staff those departments, almost all of them volunteers.
Covington’s fire chief is a woman, Rachael Lassi, as are 40 or 50 of the firefighters in the departments that comprise the CCVFFA. More
and more women are stepping up and becoming firefighters, said Annette Butina, an Adams Township firefighter and CCVFFA secretary.
The women have to qualify, just like the men. All firefighters are required by the state to take 240 hours of training to earn certification as a Firefighter I.
City departments, as well as more and more smaller volunteer fire departments, are also requiring Firefighter II training, which involves another 50 hours of classes, field training and exams. Recently a new requirement was added calling for 36 more hours of training for every firefighter every three years.
The CCVFFA gives its members two years after they join their fire departments to complete Firefighter I training.
The training, supervised by the Michigan Fire Fighters Training Council, is demanding. The Fire Fighters Training Council is a state agency, part of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Firefighter I training involves 10 weeks of classes at approved locations, many of which are far from the remote Keweenaw Peninsula.
“Many of the courses require travel
The Baraga Fire Department is one of 35 fire departments in four CCVFFA counties who rely on volunteers to keep their communities safe. (Photo courtesy of the Copper Country Volunteer Fire Fighters Association)
and a huge time commitment,” said Dan Sarazin, volunteer firefighter training coordinator for Houghton and Keweenaw counties. “At least Houghton County is fortunate to have one of the only live-burn training facilities in the Upper Peninsula, where Copper Country firefighters can train.”
A live burn site is a specifically designed or modified structure where firefighters can practice fire suppression techniques in a controlled, real-fire environment. These sites provide a realistic but safe space for firefighters to develop and refine their skills, including how to identify and manage different fire behaviors and tactics.
Why do they do it?
Butina’s father and her husband were firefighters. She remembers her father saving 20 people from a fire, and when she was just 12, she pulled her brother from a haystack fire. “I think I was destined to be a firefighter,” she said. She’s been a firefighter for more than 20 years and a certified emergency medical technician for 38 years.
Frank Schutz, shop manager at Matt’s Auto Glass & Body Repair in Atlantic Mine by day, is a volunteer firefighter in South Range. He’s been with the department for about 12 years. At first, he just loved the camaraderie with his fellow firefighters. “As time went on, I realized that I loved doing it for the community and people in it because I felt the town and the people played a role in making me
the man I am today,” he said. “We aren’t just volunteers; we are a family doing what we can to protect the people of South Range.”
Schutz’s fire chief, Mike Balma, grew up in a family of firefighters. His father served in the South Range Fire Department for 30 years, and his grandfather was a volunteer firefighter in Atlantic Mine.
Balma, whose day job is treating water for the City of Houghton Public Works Department, joined the fire department in 2005, straight out of high school. “I grew up in the fire hall,” he said. “When I joined, I was single, young, ambitious, so I spent a lot of time there. I showed the members that were on the fire department at that time that I was a very dedicated and driven individual.” That dedication fast-tracked him to become fire chief in 2010.
He’ll never forget arriving on the scene of an early morning apartment building fire, running up the steps into the apartment building as one of the lower units was on fire, pounding on people’s doors to get them to evacuate the building.
He still likes firefighting, although he said the training requirements that LARA keeps adding are getting more and more burdensome. Butina and Sarazin mentioned that issue too. “They might make sense for large, paid city fire departments, but they’re making it increasingly hard for small departments like the ones we have in the U.P. to recruit and retain volunteers,” Sarazin said.
Adams Township firefighter Annette Butina said more women are joining U.P. fire departments. (Photo courtesy of the Copper Country Volunteer Fire Fighters Association)
Volunteer firefighters don’t just fight fires. They are first responders, often first on the scene of car accidents and other life-threatening mishaps. Some of them are emergency medical technicians as well, a certification that requires 180 additional hours just of basic training.
It can be a dangerous job. “We’ve been blessed; we haven’t had a death in a fire,” Butina said.
South Range did have a fire death a couple of years ago. “That was tough to deal with,” Balma said.
Volunteer firefighters helped save lives during the ice storm that swept the western U.P. this spring. They even got a shout-out from Congressman Jack Bergman on the House of Representatives floor for their response to the storm. “Their bravery and dedication embody the spirit of resilience and unity that defines Northern Michigan,” he said. “To all those affected, your determination has not gone unnoticed.”
Martin Erskine, Marshall fire chief and president of Western Michigan Fire Chiefs Association, called volunteer firefighters “the backbone of Michigan’s fire service.”
South Range volunteer fire chief Mike Balma grew up in a family of firefighters. (Photo courtesy of the Copper Country Volunteer Fire Fighters Association)
In Michigan, approximately 134 fire departments rely on volunteer firefighters, he said. Statewide and nationally, volunteer and paid-on-call personnel make up around 70 percent of the firefighting force.
“Many communities simply cannot afford full-time fire departments,” Erskine said. “Without the service of volunteer and paid-on-call firefighters, countless areas would be left without any fire protection at all. These firefighters are not just responders — they’re our neighbors, business owners, teachers and community leaders. Their willingness to serve ensures that even the most rural or financially limited areas have access to life-saving fire and rescue services.”
Who funds all this?
Where
do the volunteer fire departments get the funds to do their work? Their specialized equipment is expensive. A fire truck can cost from $500,000 to over $2 million
for a new ladder truck with advanced features.
Even a well-made fire hose can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars. The personal protective equipment for a single firefighter costs more than $13,000. And that doesn’t include the tools and equipment they need to carry.
Some departments get some tax funding. In Adams Township, there’s an $80 per property fire levy. Houghton and Hancock charge a fire millage. There are some local, state and federal grants available.
Copper Shores Community Health Foundation allocated $50,000 this year for emergency services matching grants up to $5,000 each. The fire departments also get some donations and hold fundraisers such as pancake breakfasts.
The CCVFFA holds a tournament annually, hosted by a member fire department. Firefighters compete in races. There’s a parade and a dance after it. This year’s tournament is
scheduled for Saturday, June 21 in Laurium. They raise funds by selling ads and trophy sponsorships. There’s also an Upper Peninsula Firemen’s Tournament every year, sponsored by a different volunteer fire department. This year, the Forsyth Township Fire Department is sponsoring it in Gwinn from July 25 through 27. The tournament includes a parade, competitive races, demonstrations of firefighting skills and a firemen’s ball.
CCVFFA TOURNAMENT
Saturday, June 21 in Laurium ccvffa.org
teer firefighters are the backbone of many fire departments, especially in rural and underserved areas, where resources can be limited. Their dedication and commitment provide crucial support in firefighting, medical responses and disaster situations.”
As Butina, Sarazin, Balma and Schutz can attest, volunteer firefighting is a tough, fulfilling, vitally important job.
MM
Volunteer firefighters needed The CCVFFA is always in need of more volunteer firefighters. They offer a Fall Fire School in October for aspiring and current firefighters, to introduce them to the work, the thrill and the satisfaction of being a volunteer firefighter.
“This initiative aligns with our commitment to building a resilient community through volunteer participation and preparedness,” says the CCVFFA website. “CCVFFA is dedicated to strengthening the capabilities of local fire departments and fostering a spirit of volunteerism to ensure the safety and well-being of Copper Country residents.”
The CCVFFA urges more community members to get involved with their local fire departments. “We need more volunteer firefighters in our local communities to ensure the timely and effective response to emergencies,” the website explains. “Volun-
Jennifer Donovan is a freelance writer based in Houghton. She has decades of experience as a newspaper reporter, magazine writer and university communications specialist, most recently as director of news and information at Michigan Tech.
Above, the Hubbell Fire Department was established in 1903. Below, the Tamarack Fire Department is located in Lake Linden. (Photo courtesy of the Copper Country Volunteer Fire Fighters Association)
Fresh talent Music festival selects annual group of UPstarts! for youth program
By Melissa Wentarmini
In the vast, rugged beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, opportunity often feels like the landscape itself — a rare treasure, something that takes time to find and even longer to cultivate.
Yet for a select group of young classical musicians each year, the Pine Mountain Music Festival’s UPstarts! program offers a chance to step into the spotlight. Now in its 13th year, the program has been elevating emerging talent from the U.P., providing a platform for young musicians to perform and grow alongside seasoned professionals.
That vision took shape in 2012 under the leadership of former Artistic Director Joshua Major, who launched UPstarts! with a clear purpose: to give gifted young musicians from the U.P. a chance to share the stage with experienced performers. This year’s program continues that legacy, featuring three outstanding young artists and continuing to gain momentum across the region.
The program’s roots trace back to an audition in New York City, where Major heard two exceptional vocalists — Miles Mykkanen and Amanda
Boundy — both from the U.P. Recognizing their talent, he envisioned a program that would spotlight emerging artists with ties to the region. He reached out to Susie Byykkonen, a former UPstarts! director and accompanist, who suggested broadening the concept to include more young musicians, including flutist Savannah Clayton. From there, UPstarts! officially launched, offering a springboard for the region’s budding musicians.
“We toured all over the western U.P.— Ontonagon, Ironwood, Munising, Houghton, Iron Mountain, Ishpeming, even Land O’Lakes, Wisconsin,” Byykkonen recalls, reflecting on the program’s expansive reach. “It was an exciting time.”
This year’s UPstarts! cohort includes Curt Rogan, a tenor from Calumet; Rachel Nulf, a flutist from Hancock; and Jane Fall-Lakatos, a violinist from Oakland County. Though their backgrounds differ, they share a deep connection to the U.P. and a passion for music.
For 17-year-old Jane Fall-Lakatos, a Michigan Tech student and first-time UPstarts! participant, the program is both a milestone and a motivation. With over 13 years of performance experience — from solo recitals to or-
Oakland County violinist and Michigan Tech student Jane Fall-Lakatos was selected for the UPstarts! program this year. (Photo courtesy of Pine Mountain Music Festival)
Calumet tenor Curt Rogan was selected for this year’s UPStarts! class. (Photo courtesy of Pine Mountain Music Festival)
chestral concerts — she looks forward to joining a wider musical community.
“I’m excited about the chance to play in front of audiences around the entire Upper Peninsula,” Fall-Lakatos said. “All performances remind me of the importance of persistence and hard work. Ultimately, my goal is to continue performing at the community level, no matter where I am in the country or world.”
Her program includes Lalo’s “Symphonie Espagnole,” Bartók’s “Romanian Dances,” and Bach’s “Partita No. 2 in D Minor.” Despite her age, Jane brings emotional nuance to her playing. “The Bach partita evokes more emotion than some others due to its particular juxtaposition of tempos,” she said. “All of Bach’s violin solos are classics. They are solid base hits.”
But UPstarts! offers more than just performance; it provides mentorship. Participants work closely with Artistic Director Joel Neves, who also directs orchestras at Michigan Tech with accompanist Jon Ensminger, a seasoned performer and educator. Together, they guide the musicians on repertoire, technique and stagecraft.
“It will be a privilege to work with this year’s artists as accompanist and collaborator,” Ensminger said. “The Pine Mountain Music Festival provides a first-class classical music venue for young artists to gain performance experience while enriching the U.P.’s cultural environment. There’s something special about having young musicians with local ties take the stage. That’s what UPstarts! is all about.”
The program also emphasizes audience engagement. “Participants work on developing their stage presence and addressing the audience,” Byykkonen said. “Having multiple performances of the same program allows for growth and development on many levels.”
Artists also benefit from coaching by the renowned Bergonzi Trio, ensuring they receive professional, high-level instruction. “We’ve had different artistic directors, different budgets,” Byykkonen said. “But the instrumentation is always fresh and exciting, which keeps it a dynamic experience.”
Several alumni have gone on to impressive careers, including tenor
Mezzo-soprano Julia Janowski and violinist Eric Bannit perform during the 2022 festival. (Photo courtesy of Pine Mountain Music Festival)
Hancock flute player Rachel Nulf is a 2025 PMMF UPstarts! selection.
(Photo courtesy of Pine Mountain Music Festival)
Miles Mykkanen, part of the very first UPstarts! class. He has since sung at the Metropolitan Opera and founded the Emberlight Festival in Bessemer, which brings together Broadway musicians and local talent.
Many other alumni are now music educators, passing their skills and passion on to the next generation. “Several have pursued higher education in music and are performing professionally,” Byykkonen said.
While the festival has faced challenges in recent years, including budget constraints and the effects of COVID-19, the commitment to nurturing young talent remains strong. Venue availability has fluctuated, but momentum is building again.
“We hope to expand back to six locations throughout the Upper Peninsula,” said Lara Neves, Executive Director of the Pine Mountain Music Festival. “In the meantime, we’re proud to offer these concerts in four locations this year, and we look forward to seeing the program continue to grow.”
For musicians like Fall-Lakatos, UPstarts! marks a meaningful chapter. “Just being selected has been exciting,” she said. “I’m looking forward to seeing how this all goes — especially the traveling from location to location. It’s kind of thrilling to have that experience as a musician.”
2025 UPstarts! Performances
This year’s UPstarts! concerts will be held in four U.P. communities, offering audiences a chance to experience the region’s rising stars: Wednesday, June 25 – Ontonagon
Theatre, Ontonagon
Thursday, June 26 – The Braumart, Iron Mountain
Friday, June 27 – St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Marquette
Saturday, June 28 – Portage Lake United Church, Houghton Visit pinemountainmusicfestival. com for full performance details and ticket information.
As the program continues to uplift and inspire, the UPstarts! concerts promise to be a highlight of the 2025 season, enriching the region’s cultural landscape for years to come.
“Nurturing local talent through the UPstarts! program is at the very heart of what the Pine Mountain Music Festival stands for,” Neves said. “It means creating real opportunities for young musicians from our own communities to grow, perform and gain invaluable experience alongside professional artists. This program not only helps these talented individuals build confidence and refine their craft, it also strengthens the cultural fabric of the Upper Peninsula. When local performers take the stage, the entire community feels that pride and connection. It shows young artists that their dreams are possible right here at home.” 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.
UPstarts! bassoonist Oskar Gaenssle performs during the 2023 festivities. (Photo courtesy of Pine Mountain Music Festival)
Jackknife fiction
Inspired by the art of Ryan Lee, printed with permission at right.
By Brad Gischia
“M’pa carried it across Europe in the Great War. He gave it to me. Now it’s yers.”
Gramps handed something over. When his hand brushed Pete’s, he could feel the gnarly, hobbled joints brush his palm. His own skin was smooth with age.
The jackknife. Pete had seen it a thousand times in his short years. Gramps would fold it out to cut a plank of apple or to pick a splinter from his cigarette-yellow fingertip.
It was heavy in Pete’s palm, the mother-of-pearl glinting dully in a shaft of kitchen sunlight.
That was only this morning; now it had to be near of midnight, maybe later. The wind was clattering the shutters against the house.
The knife was gone.
Not gone though. Pete knew where it was. The nightmare, already faded to a dull shiver of something, had slit the throat of his sleep and upon waking he thought of the knife.
Hope pushed him to search the denim shadow of his holy-kneed jeans with his toes. Then, despite not feeling the hardness of it there, he searched with his hands, feeling fabric worn soft by summer chores and running in fields.
Fields.
That’s where it was. In the west pasture, in the place where the old ash tree, as gnarled as grandpa’s finger joints, stood. Where the fences took a corner at the edge of the property.
It was the cat’s fault. The big tabby lived in the barn most of the time, eating mice and chasing the pigeons that sometimes roosted in the rafters.
Pete had been absent-mindedly carving at the fence with the jackknife, relishing in its antiquity as he marveled at the newness of it to him. Smooth and cool in his hand, it warmed as he used it to cut fragrant curls of cedar from the fence rail.
A rabbit sat in the shade of the ash, sucking dandelions in like Pete sucked in noodles on spaghetti night — ears up, twitching in the summer heat.
The tabby cat had bolted from the long grass like a lion in this northern Michigan veldt, and the rabbit hadn’t a chance. The cat pounced and there was a scream like that of a child, one that Pete had heard before and one that he hated more than all sounds on the farm.
Fortunately for both Pete and the rabbit, the tabby was a pro. It killed the rabbit quickly.
Just then, mom called Pete for lunch. He’d gone of course — he was a good boy. But he’d left the jackknife.
So now worry drove him out into the night field with hot August wind whipping his toolong hair and the grass sawing at his pajama pants, making the little cowboys on them look like they were buckin’ them broncos. Lightning lit the pasture in a series of flashes not unlike Gramps’ camera with the stacked flashbulbs on top — pop-pop-pop-pop.
There was the ash tree. Its branches were caught in the wind, the small leaves whirling like pinwheels at the Fourth of July parade. Between the strobing flashes, he could see the post where he’d left the jackknife. He’d found it.
Whatever relief he felt was short-lived. Coming towards him in great leaps was a small, shadowy figure.
It seemed to be touching only the tops of the grass, just for a moment when it did, before leaping again into the sky, sailing forward with the wind and coming down again. It was advancing quickly.
Unthinking, fueled by panic and bizarre wonder, Pete ran.
The thing beat him to the fence. Pete ducked behind the ash tree as it lit, and just as it touched the ground, a bolt of lightning struck very near to the tree. Thunder boomed across the field with the immediacy of artillery fire. Pete clapped his hands to his ears and crouched down, making himself as small as he could amidst the exposed roots of the tree.
When he pulled his hands away, he could hear voices.
“I believe, Clausewitz, that we have had something of a night. What wonders can now accompany our endeavors?”
“I’m certain I do not know.” The second voice was far quieter, muffled like Pete’s behind his heavy woolen scarf in winter.
“I’m also certain you do not, for imagination escapes you. It is but one of your many faults. That and the fact that you live upon my head.” There was a weird snickering laugh. “Ah … what have we here? Another bauble for me?”
Pete was indeed a good boy. But he was still a boy, and in the way of boys, was suddenly more curious than afraid. He leaned low around the trunk — which was larger around than Gramps and he together could reach — and peeked.
The cat stood on the corner post, balanced on its hind paws as proper as a gentleman. Where its fur showed, it was mottled orange and dirty white.
Where it didn’t show, it was covered with clothing small enough for a doll. It wore a rumpled shirt, mismatched polka-dot jacket and brown dungarees. In one paw it was holding a stick that it propped against the top rail to help it balance. Its top hat had a band that matched the coat; at the top, it was split wide open. A mouse held on there as if riding in the crow’s nest of a ship.
The yellow moons of the Cat’s eyes bulged and rolled independently of one another, each thin pupil looking in different directions. The air smelled of pungent electricity. To his dismay, Pete saw that in the cat’s other paw was his jackknife.
“Some light, Clausewitz,” the Cat said, “to better see what we’ve found.”
The Cat raised the stick in the air and lightning crackled, as if on demand, across the sky.
“Two gifts for me in a night,” the Cat said. “T’would seem I be blessed.” It folded the jackknife up and pushed it into the hole in his hat, shoving the mouse out of the way.
“This is a prize indeed.” He waved the stick in the air and lightning crackled. Pete remembered the magician at the county fair last year, the way the man had waved his magic wand to make the skinny rabbit appear, and was disturbingly certain this stick was more magical than that wand had been. The fact that Pete was hearing both cat and mouse speak to each other was not lost on him, but he was a boy, and boys will believe curious things.
“A prize stolen…” Clausewitz said in a very mousy voice. The Cat spun on its toes, balancing on the post, holding the stick outstretched in its paw. On cue, thunder rumbled.
“Stolen indeed.” He sounded appalled. “Who is as clever as I? What is found is not stolen. From whom have I thieved? Who?”
Pete felt dread in his stomach. The mouse was looking directly through the grass at him.
“Perhaps there?” Clausewitz said.
“What?” The Cat, fighting his roaming eyeballs, took his hat off and held it so as not to topple the tattletale mouse inside.
Long black and white hairs sprouted from the cat’s head in every direction. Now that it wasn’t fighting the brim, it was looking directly at Pete, and he felt his testicles retreat somewhere deep inside him. His stomach quivered.
“Well …” The Cat considered him for a moment, balancing on one foot, and holding the hat clutched to his chest with Clausewitz peeking from under the ripped top.
“What …”
It jumped to a limb above Pete’s head.
“Have …”
Illustration by Brad Gischia
It spun itself around, slamming the hat upon its head so it was upside down. The cat was belly-first to the trunk.
“We …”
It scrambled down, very unlike a cat, more like a lizard, until it was just higher than Pete was tall.
“Here?” It jumped towards him, holding the staff behind its back and landing on its two lower feet, neatly, as Pete would step out of bed.
“I didn’t think we ordered a pasture for three, Clausewitz. But here we have … company.”
The Cat’s voice was smooth. It rumbled a deep purring. It was somehow a sleepy sound and Pete felt his eyes droop involuntarily. “What is the name of this company?” It leaned close, bulging eyes wide and slit pupils swiveling towards him.
“P … Pete.” His bed seemed a long ways away. Too far. His head nodded.
“P’pleased t’meetcha P’Pete.” He took the hat from his head and bowed, a strange quaint gesture that seemed old to Pete. Like something his Gramps might have done.
“This is Clausewitz.” He extended the hat to Pete. Clausewitz poked out of the tear and held out a mousy paw. Pete gently took it between his thumb and forefinger.
“Pleasure,” Clausewitz said, then whispered just so Pete could hear: “Do not trust the cat and do not sleep.” Sleep? How could he sleep? But when thunder rumbled overhead, he found that his eyes had closed. The Cat was closer than a moment before, its smile wide and black lipped. Pete suddenly remembered the tabby — and the rabbit.
“P’Pete. You live in yonder farmhouse?”
“Yes.” Pete’s eyelids were heavy.
“I suspected. You stink of farmhouse — fresh milk and cream and chicken.” The cat’s smile widened with each word. “P’raps you and I can make little deal here P’Pete.” Clausewitz was shaking his head violently in the hat.
“Clausewitz? Have thee something to add?” the Cat snapped.
“No.” Clausewitz ducked behind the felted — was the hat made of rabbit? — hat. Somehow Pete thought it was.
“Then stop. You’re messing my haberdashery. P’Pete. P’raps, there is something you want that I have, that I could give to you, and if I give that thing to you, then you — fine upstanding farmhouse lad that you are — would give a thing to me. What say you P’Pete?”
“The jackknife.” Pete couldn’t help himself.
The Cat smiled wide. Something black oozed from between its lips and a heavy drop quivered there. The Cat waved the stick at the heavens and thunder boomed.
“Clausewitz?” The Cat held a paw out and the mouse muscled the jackknife over the felted edge. The Cat easily caught it without looking. He opened the blade.
“Here? This tool? P’raps it belongs to Jack? P’raps to P’Pete. But good for many things. Carving one’s initials into a sweetheart tree? Maybe skinning a worm to find the multiple hearts? Did you know they have more than one? Several P’Pete. How many hearts do you have P’Pete? Care to find out?” The Cat cackled. The sound was like the screeching of a screen door spring.
The Cat threw the knife in the air, and it landed, blade-first, quivering in the rail.
Illustration by Brad Gischia
“Ha-HA! Cle-ver. That I am P’Pete. A game p’raps? Shall we play a game?”
The noise of the storm notched up, thunder clambering around them. Pete could hear Clausewitz. “No games. He cheats.”
“A game of Stretch? Do you know Stretch, P’Pete?”
He did, of course. The boys all played it with their own pocket knives. Pete had even considered it for a moment when Gramps had given it to him. Now I can play stretch as well, he’d thought.
The rules were simple. Draw a circle, not too big, not too small. One person throws their knife at the ground, sticking the blade. The other has to reach to get it, not moving their feet. Once the blade is retrieved, the retriever throws and the other stretches. The idea is to get the knife far enough out of reach that the other person can’t stretch to it, loses balance and falls, or throws outside the ring. A failed throw — when the knife didn’t stick — was forfeit of turn.
Pete had played a number of times. His boots bore the marks of missed throws.
Gramp’s knife. He had to get it back.
“OK.” Pete said. As the words were leaving his mouth, he heard a small whimper from the top hat, lost in a roar of thunder.
The Cat drew a circle in the dirt with the end of the stick. The edge of the circle was just behind the Cat, nearly at the ash tree.
“Step into the circle P’Pete. We’ll see who can stretch best …”
Pete’s foot was over the line, hover-
by Brad Gischia
ing just above the dirt, when he spoke.
“What are the stakes?” It was a phrase he’d heard from his father. He wasn’t sure why he said it or really what it even meant, only that it felt right.
“The stakes, P’Pete, are thus,” the Cat hissed. “You win and my prize, lost and found, is yours to lose again.” He pointed at the jackknife with a claw. “I win and you sleep.” The Cat’s smile grew wider, threatening to break its face. “Just a nap is all, and I go on my way. What say you, P’Pete? Can a cat such as myself and an upstanding duck such as yourself make a deal in such foul weather?” The Cat cackled and Clausewitz moaned. Not a duck…a rabbit, Pete thought and stepped into the circle.
The Cat tossed the stick aside and clapped its paws together. It landed at the base of the ash tree neatly as an umbrella in a stand. The Cat leaped light as raindrops inside the ring.
“I offer you the first throw, P’Pete, to show that I am a good sport.” He held the knife out to Pete, holding the blade between black claws thin as razors. Pete hadn’t noticed the claws before.
Through many hours playing with his friends, Pete knew to hold the knife, blade-first. It was easier to get it to stick that way, and the blade had to stick to count. He looked at the edge of the circle, at where the Cat was standing, and threw.
He was not used to the weight of the jackknife. It was handle-heavy and the mother-of-pearl hit first. The Cat picked it up.
“That don’t count, my lad. My turn.”
Illustration
Flicking its wrist, the Cat stuck the knife to the hinge three feet from Pete’s right foot. He could widen his stance, and he did. He was easily able to stretch to it. It was stuck hard in the dry earth. He yanked it free and wiped the blade on his pajama pant leg, as he’d seen Gramp do a hundred times.
Now he was standing with his legs spread and had to throw again. He concentrated and threw.
This time the blade stuck in the ground a foot from the Cat, who had a much shorter reach. It easily pulled the knife.
“One and one, P’Pete, advantage me.” It threw again, adding six inches to its last throw, but in the opposite direction. Pete leaned the other way, his legs apart, the stitches in his pajamas threatening to rip, and his fingertips just brushed the knife, knocking it askew in his favor. He pulled it out. The Cat growled under its breath.
“He’s a stretchy one, ain’t he Clausewitz?”
“That he is.” Was there a hint of laughter in that small mousy voice?
Pete held the knife, felt the weight of it in his hand, and adjusted his grip closer to the hinge point on the blade. It flipped twice in the air when he threw it and stuck the ground near the edge of the circle furthest away from the cat. Close to a perfect throw. There was no way the Cat could reach.
Pete smiled.
The Cat growled, rumbling from deep within it, and then the sound was lost in a clap of thunder. Rain began pattering away around them. Drops that hit the dry earth sent up a plumes of dust, small mushroom clouds, a sea of atomic explosions.
But the rain didn’t touch the circle. It began to damply inscribe the shape around them. Pete stuck his hand on his head and felt his dry hair and then reached it outside of the circle and felt the raindrops on his palm.
“Scoot and skedaddle if you want P’Pete. Who don’t like a nap?”
Pete wiped his hand on his pants leg and stared evenly at the Cat.
“Stretch, Mr. Cat.”
The Cat’s wide moon eyes squinted and its lip twitched up in a snarl, then it took its stretch towards the mother of pearl handle.
It was not nearly close enough. Pete suppressed his joy.
“I guess I win,” he said.
The Cat spun on one foot and its tail whipped out, a tail longer than should have been on such a cat, longer than on any kind of cat living in this world, and it wrapped, tentacle-like around the knife, pulling it free. It flipped through the air and the Cat caught it.
“I guess you don’t, P’Pete.” It
smiled, needle teeth bright in the darkness. It clasped its paws together as if praying and said: “Thus is sure victory saved from the jaws of defeat.”
“That’s cheating.” Pete was hurt and at the same time knew it was too late for protest. Clausewitz had warned him. He’d stepped into the circle of his own free will. Worry gouged at him. What would the nap be like? He thought again of the rabbit, eternally napping somewhere in the grass around him.
“No cheaters here. You never said no tails. One more throw.” The Cat flicked its wrist and landed the knife on the line in the dirt, as far away from Pete as it could. It was the perfect throw. The Cat let out another screen door giggle.
“That’s a fair stretch, P’Pete. Don’t know that a lad of your size can make it and you’ve no tail — unless you’ve got it stuffed into your PJ’s. Shall we call it done then?” The Cat had drawn low to the ground, coiled as if to spring. Pete could see its claws seemed to grow out of each one of its strange, furry fingers.
“No. I’ll get it.” Pete looked at the distance. It was easily six feet away, at least two feet longer than he was tall. Even the longest step he could take would put him at least three feet away, and off balance at that. If he could leap and land, he might be closer. He was already standing with his legs apart, no easy position to jump from, and that was more than bending the rules. But he already cheated, Pete said to himself.
Not allowing himself any more time to think, he swung his leg around and leaped towards the knife. He landed on one foot and brought the other around so that he spun, pivoting on his lead foot.
His outer foot waved in the air and Pete pinwheeled his arms, fighting for balance, then brought his second foot down hard. He hardly dared to look down, but when he did, he saw his foot was inside the circle, the knife right next to it. He bent and picked it up.
“Un-FAIR!” The Cat hissed. “No frogging about in stretch.”
“You never said no jumping,” Pete said.
The Cat hissed, sounding more catlike, feral.
“Last throw. If it don’t stick, you lose. If it does and I stretch to it, you lose.”
“That’s not in the rules.” “The rules have changed, boy. Throw.”
Pete looked at the Cat evenly. His heart fluttered. There was nowhere he could throw it that the Cat couldn’t
reach. Thunder rumbled.
Pete heard Clausewitz, low, and only once.
“The stick…”
The Cat was intent on Pete. Its back was high, and now looked very catlike, but other-worldly, a creature stuffed into people’s clothes, ready to tear him to pieces.
The stick was still leaning against the ash tree. The base of it was touching the line in the dirt. The Cat was growling, low in its throat.
Pete went to church. He didn’t understand most of it. Spent a lot of time people-watching and daydreaming, but he had a very firm understanding of good and evil. Light and dark — a boy’s understanding. He may have prayed or wished. Whichever, he did it as hard as he ever had and threw.
Lightning struck — a bolt came down, through the ash tree, and blinded everyone. When his vision cleared, the jackknife was quivering in the end of the stick, a good inch into the wood.
“Trying to be clever, ain’t you P’Pete? That stretch is easy as beans, now that frogging is allowed.” The Cat leapt to the tree, a feat no ordinary cat could make, and grasped the knife. He pulled. The stick moved, but the knife stay stuck fast. The Cat, unthinking, put one foot on the stick to brace it as he pulled…
“I win. You took a second step.”
The Cat spun at him.
“Brat! Farmhouse stinking brat!” It got down on all fours, the clothing billowing around it as the wind picked up. “Game over P’Pete. Time for sleep.” The storm was on top of them now. The hat caught the wind and fell to the ground. Clausewitz peeked out from the rip.
The Cat’s muscles rippled beneath its fur, stretching the aged stitching on the clothing. Pete jumped forward and grabbed the knife, then yanked with all his might.
The stick and knife came up in his hands as the cat leaped at him.
Lightning flashed and froze the moment in Pete’s memory. The Cat was above him, mouth open wider than any cat mouth had a right to open, something black oozing from its eyes. Each toe was aiming to pincushion Pete.
He held the stick crosswise to his body. The Cat descended with the lighting. It followed the path of least resistance, through the air and the Cat to the stick. It hummed in the stick. There was a feline screech and then an explosion of thunder so loud that Pete worried for his hearing.
Then, the Cat was gone, and the air smelled of ozone and burnt fur. The stick was still in his hands. The knife
crackled where it was jammed. On the back of Pete’s hand, a narrow scratch dripped with blood.
Rain plastered his hair to his skull, his pants stuck to his legs. Something tumbled by and he instinctively stopped it, trapped it with his feet. It was the hat. He picked it up and held it in front of his eyes. The rip in the top rose and fluttered as a little mousy hand pushed it open against the wind.
“He’s not gone,” Clausewitz mourned. “Not forever. He’ll be back. He always comes back.”
Pete pulled the knife out of the stick and folded it into his pocket. It was a comforting weight against his leg.
“How long?”
“A year? A day? Sometimes sooner?” Clausewitz disappeared into the hat for a moment. When he emerged, he had pulled on a small coat of his own. “Do you want the stick? By rights it belongs to you.”
Pete found that he wanted nothing less. He let go and it fell to the ground. Thunder accompanied it. The storm had begun to move off.
Clausewitz touched it and the stick shrunk until it was no bigger than one of the toothpicks that Gramp chewed on after dinner.
“Perhaps I’ll hide this. Or not. He’ll find it again anyway.”
Pete was cold and wet and tired. He wanted to be in his bed, away from the storm and the smell.
“Thank you,” he said, and offered his hand to Clausewitz, who reached up and shook Pete’s finger.
“Next time, stay home, or not. If he’s looking for you, he’ll find you, but I expect if the stick isn’t here, he won’t come back.”
Pete hoped that was true.
“I would say it was a pleasure, P’Pete, but you know I’d be lying,” Clausewitz said.
The boy and the mouse parted ways — the boy to his bed and the mouse to a different story in a faraway land. When Pete was older, and a late summer storm was brewing, he would often sit and watch the storm as it came in.
He would open and close the jackknife and think about cats and mice and rabbits. When lightning danced across the fields, he would look at the top of the grass and feel the tingle of old scars, like static scratches on his skin.
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.
Ishpeming woman dedicated to researching, preserving area archives
locals Living history
By Erin Elliott Bryan
When Karen Kasper graduated from Ishpeming High School in 1976, she had a front-row seat to two significant historical events: the bicentennial of the United States and a high school football state championship. Perhaps those events contributed to her lifelong interest in history, particularly that of her beloved hometown.
“She has an inherent interest in history, in community, in the people that have come before us,” said David Aeh, president of the Ishpeming Historical Society. “Our community is just a little stronger because of her appreciation of our history.”
Despite being born at a hospital in Marquette, Kasper spent her entire youth in Ishpeming and described her childhood as “very happy, very normal.” She has a younger brother and a sister, and her father, Seth Johnson, worked for the natural gas company.
“When my father wanted time off, we had to leave town,” Kasper said, explaining that her father could be called into work at a moment’s notice. “We had a travel trailer to use in the summer and we would go to Minnesota, Wisconsin, the state parks.”
After her high school graduation, Kasper attended NMU where she majored in English and took a concentration of journalism classes. In 1979, she became the first journalism intern at The Mining Journal in Marquette.
“Those six credits would help me graduate a year early,” Kasper said. “They treated me like a junior journalist, and I got to experience a lot of different things.”
For the duration of her internship, Kasper was driven to the Marquette office each day by her father. But for one week when he was out of town, she worked out of the Ishpeming office. During that time, she attended a city council meeting and was asked if she was “substituting for her father.”
“He attended all of the [Ishpeming City Council] meetings, and he would stay until the bitter end, sometimes 11 p.m. or later,” Kasper said of her dad.
Her father also served on a variety of boards, including the Ishpeming
Karen Kasper has put in countless hours archiving and cataloguing historical information and artifacts for future generations. (Photo courtesy of Karen Kasper)
planning commission.
“He believed in giving back to where he lived,” Kasper said. “He volunteered a lot, and I did, too.”
About a year after graduating from NMU, Kasper got married. Her husband was a member of the U.S. Air Force, and the young couple moved out of the U.P. Kasper eventually became a stay-at-home mom to their two children, and the family lived in various places, including spending four years in England.
They eventually moved to Houston, where Kasper stayed for 15 years, although she admitted she didn’t like living there. In 2005, Hurricane Rita forced Kasper, who was now on her own, to evacuate and she made an important decision.
“I wasn’t going to go back,” she said. She moved to Appleton and spent four years there. But when the recession hit in 2009, Kasper was laid off from her job.
Around the same time, her father received a terminal brain cancer diagnosis, and she returned to Ishpeming to spend time with her family.
“I came up to see him one last time,” Kasper said. “I saw that my mom was stuck at home caring for him, so I of-
fered to move back to help.”
For the next year, she admitted that it was “weird being back,” but she eventually found ways to reintegrate into the community. She joined the Ishpeming Historical Society in 2011.
“Our historical society would be sunk like the Titanic without her,” Aeh said.
Though Aeh first met Kasper when she moved back to Ishpeming, Aeh knows her mother, who is also named Karen, and had served on the planning commission with Kasper’s father.
“He was quiet, he had integrity and high intelligence. But he was not afraid to stir the pot,” Aeh said of Kasper’s father. “Karen was a gem, quirky in her own way, like we all are… She will look you right in the eye and say this is the way it is. Knowing her father, I can see where she got it from.”
Aeh said Kasper was a reliable volunteer at the Ishpeming Area Historical Society Museum, located on the third floor of the Gossard building, and eventually took the lead on research — both for museum displays and special events.
“My nickname for her is the pitbull of research,” Aeh said. “She will not stop until she gets what she needs.”
Kasper visited the Central U.P. and NMU Archives in May 2013 and was inspired to volunteer there. In that role, she assisted patrons with genealogical research, wrote blog posts, scanned documents, processed collections and served as the point of contact for the Northland Consortium, an affiliation of historical societies and museums around the U.P., according to an NMU press release.
She later expanded her volunteer role to work with NMU’s Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center. Kasper was tasked with general duties of cataloguing the museum’s collection as well as other artifacts related to the university’s history. She also worked with students and showed them the process.
She said she had an advantage in her work there, as someone who had grown up in the U.P. While she was working, Kasper encountered Ishpeming artifacts that had been donated to NMU prior to the founding of the Ishpeming Historical Society in 1989.
“She helped them, and they helped her with tremendous access to this research,” Aeh said.
Dan Truckey, director of the Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center, said Kasper’s work is an “unromantic aspect” of working in a museum.
“People will never see the work that [Karen] did. It’s a thankless job in
many ways, but it’s very important to the institution,” Truckey said. “This is the collection we’ll keep for decades, centuries, and having that organization and preservation is important.”
Truckey was so impressed with Kasper’s work, as well as the other volunteer work she was doing in Marquette County, that he nominated her for the Distinguished Volunteer of the Year Award from the Historical Society of Michigan. She received the honor in 2020.
“A lot of people who do the work don’t get recognized,” Truckey said. “Her contribution needed to be recognized on a statewide level. She is the perfect example of what one person can do and how important it is.”
Truckey acknowledged that “it’s an ongoing issue” to find new people to take on the work of maintaining community institutions.
“Everything you have in your life, in your community, is based on the work of those who came before you,” Truckey said. “A lot of people put in a lot of time to make it happen. Don’t take for granted what you have in your community. Appreciate the people who helped make it happen. They did it with the hope that you would carry that torch.”
Though Kasper left her regular volunteer role at NMU, Truckey is glad that she is continuing to make an impact in Ishpeming.
“She’s exactly the kind of person communities need to keep the institutions going,” Truckey said. “I wish more communities had Karen Kaspers in them, to inspire and mentor others to follow in her footsteps.”
Aeh echoed Truckey’s sentiment.
“Karen has an old-school obligation to give back to the community,” he said. “We all benefit whether you know it or not.”
In 2017, Kasper was working with Truckey on a county-wide commemoration to mark 100 years since the beginning of World War I. As part of that project, she spent time at the library each week reading copies of the Ishpeming Iron Ore, a newspaper that ceased publication in 1951.
“That kind of hooked me, and I was able to learn about the buildings downtown,” Kasper said.
In 2018, Kasper was hired by Jessica Flores, owner of Preservation Forward, a historic preservation consultancy based in East Lansing, to help with the National Register designation process for the Ishpeming Main Street Historic District.
For two years, Kasper conducted deed and title research, parcel-related research and primary and secondary resource research, which included
oral interviews, according to Flores.
“Karen assisted as a local historian and community member who truly was an expert on all things related to the history of Ishpeming,” Flores said, adding that Kasper was a “steady resource for us on the ground.”
“Karen is a quiet individual with a strong desire to help preserve the architectural and cultural history of Ishpeming,” Flores said. “Karen is both knowledgeable and resourceful. She is passionate about sharing the story of Ishpeming, which includes the people and places that make it so unique.”
In December of 2021, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced that Ishpeming’s Main Street, as well as Negaunee’s downtown, had earned the historic designation.
“Many benefits come with listing a community’s historic commercial core in the National Register. Chief among them is access to historic preservation tax credits, which can be applied to reduce the long-term costs of rehabbing historic buildings,” Michigan’s State Historic Preservation Officer, Mark A. Rodman, said in a press release at the time. “Listing also becomes a point of pride for residents and can be a driver for economic activity and growing heritage tourism.”
The Ishpeming Main Street Historic District contains all of the buildings on both sides of Main, from Front Street to Ready Street, along with some adjacent buildings. Among the buildings that are included in the district are several constructed of Lake Superior Red Sandstone, including the distinctive Anderson Building, which was built in 1891 on the southeast corner of Main and Pearl streets.
With the knowledge she was learning from her research for Preservation Forward, Kasper began offering tours for the Ishpeming Historical Society. She led walking tours of downtown with a focus on the architecture, conducted research on the homes featured on the society’s annual Historic Places Tour, and created a popular cemetery tour where she shared stories of notable Ishpeming residents.
“I tried to highlight people who were fairly big at their time, but are not known now,” Kasper said.
Among the stories she shared on the summer cemetery tours were that of Olaf Husby, the first Ishpeming resident to be killed in a war (he died of a disease while fighting for Cuba’s independence as part of the Spanish-American War in 1899), and Frederick Braastad, a Norwegian immigrant who operated a meat market and
general store and later constructed a two-story building that would become the Gossard Building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. She also made a conscious decision to share the story of one resident who had been killed in a mining disaster on each tour.
Currently, Kasper serves as vice president of the Ishpeming Historical Society, writes twice a month for The Mining Journal’s “Historically Speaking” column, serves as a summer tour guide for the Cliffs Shaft Mine Museum and is the chairperson of the Michigan Iron Industry Museum’s advisory board, to which she was first appointed by Gov. Whitmer in 2021.
Kasper is also serving as chair of the Barnes-Hecker 100th anniversary remembrance committee, which is planning events to commemorate the iron mining disaster beginning in the summer of 2026. Among her goals for the project is to create a digital archive where people can view photos and stories of the 51 men who were killed in the cave-in.
“I want people to get a sense of what the disaster meant to families,” Kasper said. “It’s a very tragic event in Ishpeming’s history.”
Kasper said she has developed a reputation in the community, and people know they can come to her if they have questions.
“Everyone should know about their history and how they came to be living where they are,” she said. “This is our history. If we don’t embrace it, we’ll lose it.”
MM
Erin Elliott Bryan grew up in Ishpeming. She is a freelance writer and an MM calendar editor.
Karen Kasper leads the popular annual cemetery tour in Ishpeming. (Photo courtesy of David Aeh)
in the outdoors
The call of the crane
“Magic birds were dancing in the mystic marsh. The grass swayed with them, and the shallow waters, and the earth flattened under them. The earth was dancing with the cranes, and the low sun, and the wind and sky.”
—Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
By Scot Stewart
Acool, moist wisp of clouds rises from a sphagnum bog an hour before sunrise, but there is a faint hint of light at the eastern horizon. The ground bounces beneath each step, and a slosh of water rises around toes and heels.
A wrap of bowl-and-doily spiderwebs cling stubbornly to the branches of every black spruce and tamarack, all bejeweled in crystal-clear dew drops. The cushion of peat moss below dark reddish leaves of pitcher plants just peeking out of the water serves as a reminder of just how precious this bog is.
Silence pervades the surroundings, except for the tiny twitter of a winter wren and a fluting Lincoln’s sparrow. Suddenly, it’s as though a time machine has pulled the place back to the late Jurassic and pterosaurs call in the distance.
The calls are deep, boisterous, trumpeting sounds, so unlike the songs of the birds along the edges of the bog. They resonate through the bog and the sound echoes back from the maples and pines at the edge of the bog. The trumpeting is from sandhill cranes. Usually, it’s a pair calling to each other in the spring, although they migrate in flocks and will call to each other, especially when in flight.
In the Upper Peninsula, the cranes may be looking for a nesting site in the bog. The U.P. lies close to the climate tension zone, a region where two different climate regimes meet.
Here the warmer edge contains more marshy or swampy wetlands with cattails, reeds and horsetails, along with a variety of grasses. As the edge transitions into cooler areas, bogs may be the more common type of wetlands, with Labrador tea, bog rosemary and leather leaf shrubs with sedges and sphagnum moss filling in the gaps.
Spring migration takes them northward to Michigan and beyond, from Florida and Georgia. Sandhill cranes migrate through the Upper Peninsula in large numbers every spring. While the numbers flying over Whitefish Point in Chippewa County vary considerably, some years those numbers are truly impressive.
In 2017 and 2022, particularly good years, cranes numbered more than 10,000 for spring migrations. Flocks can range from around a dozen to more than 100. Most of the flocks continue northward into Canada
Out west, things get even better. Wintering cranes make a monumental stop on the Platte River in Nebraska each spring. Each year, from late February to mid-April, about one million cranes may stop on the river to rest and feed, with as many as 700,000 at one time. They are often joined by whooping cranes
that have spent the winter at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge on the Gulf of Mexico in Texas. The sandhills will spread out all across the west from parts of the Rockies, Oregon and Washington to most of Canada and Alaska.
“To what shall I liken the world” Moonlight, reflected In dewdrops, Shaken from a crane’s bill.” —Dôgen
This sandhill crane dances through a field in Luce County in the U.P. (Photo by Scot Stewart)
There are only 15 species of cranes worldwide, and they are the tallest of the birds able to fly. The sarus crane of Asia and Australia is the tallest at six feet. In North America, there are only two species of cranes found here in the Upper Peninsula — the whooping crane, one of the rarest birds on the continent, and the sandhill.
The whooping crane has been the poster child for endangered species. The Aransas National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1937 to protect their winter range along the Gulf Coast. The next year, in 1938, their numbers had dropped to just 15 wintering in Texas and 13 living in Louisiana year-round. The Louisiana birds all died out within a few years due to a 1940 hurricane that killed half of them and dispersed the rest so far apart they never recovered to breed again.
The Texas birds moved 2,500 miles to Wood Buffalo National Park in the Northwestern Territories in Canada. Their population dropped to that level due to habitat loss as lands were converted to agriculture, loss of wetlands due to climate change creating repeated droughts, slimmer river flows, the reduction in blue crab populations (a food source), collision with power
lines, predators and hunting.
Hurricanes along the Gulf of Mexico continue to serve as a major threat to wintering birds, perhaps now more than ever. One other significant factor is low genetic diversity, as all of today’s whooping cranes are descendants of those 15 cranes from Texas.
Historically, their range extended through the central United States to northern Indiana and Ohio. It was thought their population was about 10,000. By 1860, their number had dropped to an estimated 1,400.
Even though the population dropped to an incredibly low level, because it was during World War II, it took years to ramp up research to restore their numbers. Originally, it was hoped that with greater protection, the flock would recover more quickly on its own. Some early research with cranes started in Japan in 1957. Research involving whooping crane reproduction began in 1966.
Work in the United States continued the following year as whooping cranes were listed as threatened, and in 1970, their status was changed to endangered. They were also an important part of the Endangered Species Act in 1973.
Average whooping cranes are five feet tall. (Photo by Scot Stewart)
One part of their recovery has involved the cooperation of tribal, national, state, non-government organizations and private organizations across both the United States and Canada. They work to identify crucial wetlands, not only for summer breeding and wintering ranges, but also along migration routes to develop plans to protect the birds.
Early whooping crane experiments started by removing eggs from nests and incubating them at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Maryland. This was the result of slow growth of that Texas migratory flock for more than 25 years after the first protection was given to them in 1940.
Unbelievably, their summer nesting range was not discovered in a remote part of Wood Buffalo National Park until 1954, allowing a greater opportunity to study their behavior. When crane eggs are lost during the laying period, females usually lay additional eggs to maintain at least two in the nest. In 1966, 12 eggs were collected in the wild to begin a captive population there.
“When engineers and quantity surveyors discuss aesthetics and architects study what cranes do, we are on the right road.”
—Ove Arup
One of the first plans, in 1975, involved placing whooping crane eggs in sandhill nests to be hatched in the wild by the sandhills. This was successful, but because they were raised by sandhills and imprinted on them, they did not relate properly to other whooping cranes and were unable to pair and mate with each other.
Starting in 1988, research, described in the refuge’s Annual Narrative Report for 1994, was conducted at Seney National Wildlife Refuge to “develop reintroduction techniques for whooping cranes” that used puppets and crane costumes to hand raise sandhill cranes released at fall migration. Nearly half of the 38 released returned the following spring to the refuge and nearby area signaling a successful way to raise and release cranes and proved this technique could be used to successfully produce more cranes than by simply allowing the cranes to reproduce naturally.
Using concepts for conception developed at Seney, the size of the captive flock was slowly built up to provide birds capable of producing eggs for future restocking plans.
A second plan, started in 1993, involved releasing 289 captively raised cranes in Florida to develop a yearround non-migratory flock. High mortality and poor reproduction caused this start-up population to slowly dwindle down to 14 in 2018. A year later, two were moved to another non-migratory flock started in Louisiana, leaving just nine there. Another was moved later that year.
The Louisiana flock was begun with another reproductive trick replacing naturally laid eggs of cranes in the southwestern part of the state with captive-laid eggs about to hatch. Combined with the release of juvenile cranes born in captivity, the flock began to grow and numbered 76 in 2020.
A new plan started in 2011 using techniques developed at Seney. Juvenile cranes were raised in pens at Necedah National Wildlife Refuge in south central Wisconsin. In autumn,
This pair of whooping cranes are graceful fliers. (Photo by Scot Stewart)
an ultralight aircraft dressed like a whooping crane led the cranes down the Atlantic flyway to central Florida. Through crazy weather, early problems with mortality from power line collisions and bobcat predation at night, a population was established.
Work on it was finally halted when licensing problems developed involving the pilots being paid to fly the cranes south. However, the population now numbers around 86 with adults returning to a number of states, including Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois. Some do occasionally stop in the Lower Peninsula, but none have stayed there yet to breed.
The last plan involved the main flock from Texas. It continues to be monitored as to both their breeding and wintering habitat. The cranes themselves receive additional protection; 536 cranes were counted in 2023 in the Texas-Wood Buffalo National Park flock. That put the wild population to just under 700. There are around 165 cranes in captivity.
There do not seem to be any sightings of whooping cranes in the U.P. yet. The Texas flock’s travels to northern Canada each year may push them into the U.P with the potential to be blown off course.
“Cranes carry this heavy mystical baggage. They’re icons of fidelity and happiness. The Vietnamese believe cranes cart our souls up to heaven on our wings.”
—Mitchell Burgess
Sandhill
and whooping cranes bear a special magic among birds. They are the tallest in North America, with whooping cranes just under five feet and sandhill cranes just under four feet. They are graceful fliers, with necks outstretched and legs extending behind them. Their booming calls are legendary, especially when heard
for the first time on a misty morning. The deep trumpeting and multi-note calls are due to coiling of their long trachea, or windpipes, into their sternums. Lastly, they are great dancers — the talent they need to clinch their life-long bond with a mate.
The International Crane Foundation’s recent estimate for sandhill cranes across the continent and part of Siberia is 827,000, a stark difference from the numbers of whooping cranes. Currently, sandhills are separated into five subspecies. Lesser and the larger greater sandhills are migratory. Mississippi, Florida and Cuba sandhills are small populations of non-migratory groups. Lesser sandhills summer in Siberia and winter in Mexico and some parts of the southwestern states. Great sandhills are the common species in the United States and Canada and are the ones seen in the Upper Peninsula.
There are variations in the colors of greater sandhills that may create some confusion. The slaty-colored cranes have a habit of preening themselves with mud to help them blend better into their surroundings. This can be valuable as they nest. In areas like Seney, the mud can contain high amounts of iron giving the feathers a decidedly reddish-orange hint — much like the surroundings at the Tilden Mine south of Ishpeming. In other areas, cranes may just be decked out in a variety of tans and browns.
“On motionless wing they emerge from the lifting mists, sweep a final arc of sky, and settle in clangorous descending spirals to their feeding grounds. A new day has begun on the crane marsh.”
—Aldo Leopold
Sandhill cranes can begin breeding when they are two years old but are sometimes seven before they nest
Sandhill cranes like this one flying over Wisconsin cover a lot of territory before settling in for the season. (Photo by Scot Stewart)
for the first time. They usually lay two eggs, if all goes well, but like whooping cranes, can lay one to three eggs, and can live longer than 30 years in the wild. Often only one juvenile, called a colt, survives. A sandhill crane banded as a youngster in Florida was found in Wisconsin at age 37. Their long lives help make up for their low reproductive rate.
Nests can be 2.5 to more than three feet in width, but are only four to six inches high. Many nests are built in standing water of dried vegetation and can get flooded if there are heavy rains or a late snow melt. This requires a pair to start the nesting process over, and if it comes too late in the approximately 30-day incubation period, they may give up for the year. Others may build nests on upland sites.
A pair may have nested near a small pond behind the Westwood Mall in Marquette Township in 2023. They were seen frequently around businesses and offices nearby during August and seemed unperturbed by people.
When the young hatch, their eyes are open and they are fully covered in feathers. They can leave the nest in only eight hours. Juveniles remain with their parents for nine to 10 months, traveling with them through fall and spring migration with other families and unpaired individuals.
Sandhill cranes have become more visible over the last 10 years. They are common in the marshes at Seney National Wildlife Refuge. In recent years, they have been seen along both M-28 between Shelter Bay and Mu-
nising and on the Seney Stretch and along US-41 between Skandia and Osier. On stretches of US-41 and M-38 in Baraga and Houghton counties, they can be seen, too.
Both whooping and sandhill cranes are omnivores, feeding on insects like grasshoppers, plant roots, frogs, snakes and small mammals like mice, voles and shrews, and aquatic plants and invertebrates. Whooping cranes also consume a variety of marine crustaceans during the winter along the Gulf. While migrating, both depend heavily on spent grains like corn, soy beans, oats and wheat.
A large portion of the cranes begin staging by early September. During staging, entire families gather in large open fields as flocks begin to grow in anticipation of migration. Open fields near Chatham and places in Chippewa County are three historical staging areas. Most of these eastern sandhills head to the Jasper-Pulaski Wildlife Area in northern Indiana, south of Gary. The area contains a large marshy area and is surrounded by agricultural fields where corn and soybeans have been grown.
During the day, cranes forage in the fields. As the sun sets at dusk, they move back into wetlands; the area over the marsh looks like a World War II airfield, with small flocks noisily gliding in to rest for the night. Their time there runs from the middle of October until the middle of December, with crane numbers peaking at nearly 33,000 some autumns. As the temperatures drop and wetlands begin
This adult sandhill crane keeps the colt company. (Photo by Scot Stewart)
to freeze, the cranes head south. In the western United States, huge numbers of sandhills overwinter at Bosque del Apache in Socorro County, New Mexico. It was founded in 1939, just two years after the establishment of the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge for whooping cranes. More than 10,000 sandhills can be found there from December until early spring along with 20,000 Canada, snow and Ross’s geese. Communities throughout this region hold crane festivals to celebrate their presence.
“High horns, low horns, silence, and finally a pandemonium of trumpets, rattles, creaks and cries that almost shakes the bog with its nearness…A new day has begun on the crane marsh. A sense of time lies thick and heavy on such a place…Our ability to perceive quality in nature begins, as in art, with the pretty. It expands through successive stages of the beautiful to values as yet captured by language.”
—Aldo Leopold
Cranes
can migrate up to 200 miles a day. They often use thermals — columns of air rising from heated surfaces like rock outcroppings — to gain altitude and help them with their flight as they glide and use the winds, like hawks and eagles do.
Some lesser sandhills have the longest migration flights of all the cranes,
from Siberia to Mexico. Demoiselle cranes are the smallest of the cranes and live in Asia. They may be the most impressive migrators, climbing upwards to 26,000 feet to cross the Himalayas on their way to India.
Although it might sound surprising, 16 different states, mostly in the west, have sandhill crane hunting seasons. Kentucky and Tennessee have seasons to hunt the eastern cranes, like those from Michigan headed to Florida. The justification for these hunts lies in the population size at more than 750,000 birds. It does provide some risks for whooping cranes migrating with sandhills, though, as hunters sometimes mistake them for the same type of crane.
With the increased numbers of sandhill cranes in the U.P., it has become easier to see them with a keen eye on the shoulders of some local highways. At Seney National Wildlife Refuge and the Sturgeon River Sloughs Wildlife Management Area near Arnheim in the western U.P., it has become easier to see sandhills and hear their relic calls in the mist of early morning and take a step back into a truly wild place and share it with a magical creature.
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.
Answers for the New York Times crossword puzzle, located on Page 14
lookout point
Celebrating summer, Finn-style
By Lily Venable
Imagine this: it is 900 CE. The land is thick with conifers and mosquitoes. A small family of Kalevalan Finns — named for the mythical heroes of the oral epics — prepares for the sun’s longest watch.
They build a kokko near the edge of a lake. The eldest tells tales of Ukko, the sky god, and how fire calls to him. Children toss herbs into the flames. The air smells of smoke, pine and barley beer. Somewhere nearby, a drum beats a slow, steady rhythm, calling neighbors from their clearings. They wear homespun wool and fur, wreaths of wildflowers crowning their heads. The first Juhannus festival represents the shared impulse of communities across the region to celebrate light, life and the thin veil between the visible and invisible worlds.
Long before Finland bore its name, when the land was still shaped by glaciers and the tribes of those who revered forest spirits, the people of the north marked the height of the sun in ways that honored both survival and the sacred. They did not yet call it Juhannus — not until Christianity touched the region — but the summer
solstice was already a vital point in celebrating the Wheel of the Year.
The earliest celebrations of Midsummer in what is now Finland were deeply tied to the agrarian calendar and pagan beliefs, especially those of the pre-Christian Finnish peoples, who celebrated nature and its cycles. The solstice was seen as a time when fertility magic was most potent.
Fires were lit to banish evil spirits and protect crops, a custom derived from broader Baltic-Finnic and Scandinavian traditions. According to Eero Kiviniemi’s “The Mythology of Finland,” these bonfires, or kokkot, were set near lakes and open fields, sometimes on hills, their flames licking the twilight skies.
The people gathered in small villages, sometimes no more than a few timber huts, dancing and drinking homebrewed beer from birchwood mugs. Young couples leapt over the flames — a fertility rite in many European cultures — and girls gathered different flowers, placing them under their pillows in hopes of dreaming of their future spouse. These rites predate widespread organized religion, rooted in the animistic belief that the world was alive with spirits and omens.
According to the Scandinavian Journal of History, the arrival of Christianity in Finland during the 11th to 13th centuries gradually changed the solstice festival. The church rebranded it as the feast of St. John the Baptist, whose name in Finnish is Juhannus, as part of a broader strategy to integrate local customs into Christianity.
Yet the Christian veneer was thin. People continued to celebrate with fire, drink, song and love. The church may have named it, but the forest spirits still whispered through birch branches.
The sauna, though used year-round, took on particular importance on Juhannus Eve. Cleansing the body with birch whisks (vihta) became symbolic of spiritual renewal.
As the days grow longer and Lake Superior finally begins to warm, the Keweenaw Peninsula readies itself for Juhannus — the Finnish midsummer celebration that honors light, heritage, and the joy of being together. In Hancock, this year’s festival is set to be unlike anything the community has seen before.
For the director of the Finnish American Heritage Center David
The Finnish Midsummer festival will take place from June 20 through 22, featuring events for all ages. The event is sponsored by the Finnish Long Drink. (Photo courtesy of Finnish American Heritage Center)
Maki, Juhannus (pronounced yoohan-us) is a celebration that’s personal.
“Depending which side of the tree you follow, my grandparents and great-grandparents were exclusively Finnish,” Maki said. “The use of sauna, hearing the language spoken daily — it was so normal I didn’t even recognize it as Finnish.” Growing up with these traditions, Juhannus has been a part of his life from day one.
That deep cultural thread continues in this year’s event, which promises both tradition and a fresh take. The festival will include bonfires, cold plunges and saunas, plus a fun lineup of events like live Finnish music and dance, the wife-carrying contest, the “tori” or Finnish-style market, and more.
The celebration includes beloved customs that have been preserved for generations, such as the raising of the midsummer pole — a vivid, communal tradition that gives attendees a glimpse into what early Finnish immigrants brought with them to this region. It’s a tradition still alive today in nearby communities like Toivola, where Juhannus bonfires and sauna gatherings have quietly continued for more than a century.
Maki said this is the first time the organization is offering a festival in
Hancock of this magnitude. With support from the City of Hancock and representatives from various Finnish-affiliated organizations on the planning committee, the people of Hancock and beyond are planning something for everyone.
There’s space to engage deeply with tradition — or simply enjoy a sunny summer afternoon among neighbors. That openness is also reflected in some of the modern additions to the festival, like the inclusion of the Long Drink, a Finnish beverage that’s gaining popularity in the United States.
The idea for a Juhannas festival came from the team at Visit Keweenaw, who try to plan creative events to boost tourism. Visit Keweenaw representative Jesse Wiederhold says that Juhannus is “100 percent happening because of the excellent work and event planning we’ve been doing at Visit Keweenaw to boost our slower seasons.”
Wiederhold said it started from a meeting with Long Drink representatives and a group of business and community leaders to enter the Keweenaw’s event market and collaborate this summer. Visit Keweenaw planned out a concept for the event and pitched it to the Long Drink Team.
“Building on the significant history
Bonfires are a key component of the Juhannas Summer Solstice Celebration in Hancock. (Photo courtesy of Visit Keweenaw)
and existing culture behind Juhannus in the Copper Country and in Finland, we integrated the modern visitation aspects — drinks, sunshine and Finnish outdoor festivities, with the traditional side,” Wiederhold said. “That includes raising the Midsummer Pole, traditional dancing and songs taking place around Hancock.”
This makes it three days worth of events to encourage people to stay around town for two nights, Wiederhold said.
“It’s a good way to engage with people who are younger,” Maki said. “The Long Drink is a new ‘in’ for people to dip their toes into the proverbial pool of Finnish ancestry.” The partnership with Visit Keweenaw and Long Drink adds another layer of vibrancy to the event, helping to connect newcomers with a culture that can sometimes be quietly proud and reserved.
Indeed, Finnish Americans often carry their heritage with a kind of gentle strength.
“Finns are, by nature, a humble and underspoken people,” Maki said. “They’re silently proud of who they are and where they came from. They might not say it in words, but through their actions and attitudes, they’re ea-
ger to share their culture.”
As Juhannus comes to Hancock in full form, it becomes clear just how much this region has in common with Finland itself. The traditions that arrived with immigrants generations ago haven’t just been preserved — they’ve been lived. “[Some would say] that this place is the most like Finland, other than Finland,” Maki said.
Looking ahead, there’s excitement in the air.
“[We’re most excited to] give people a chance to get together in whatever way they see fit,” Maki said. “If they want to engage in traditions, there’s ample opportunities for that. If they have no understanding of Finnish culture, it’s very casual and social. No matter who comes out, they’re going to find something to enjoy and build on for years to come.”
True to Finnish form, the festival aligns with the summer solstice, set for June 20 through 22 in Hancock. MM
Lily Venable is a cook, mother, veggie enthusiast, ghost hunter and community-oriented creative in the Keweenaw Peninsula. For more from Lily, visit lilyvenable.com.
The Finnish American Heritage Center is a hub for Juhannas festivities in Hancock. (Photo courtesy of the Finnish American Heritage Center)
Poetry offers glimpse into mining history superior reads
By Victor R. Volkman
Astute followers of the Superior Reads column will notice I have reviewed less than one poetry book per year since I assumed the helm in 2019. This is not because there is any shortage of U.P. poets and their chapbooks.
You might first ask yourself, “But what is U.P. poetry?” You wouldn’t be wrong to expect many of the typical themes to revolve around the majesty of Mother Superior, the fleeting glories of springtime and the striking characteristics of the abundant wildlife of the region. U.P. poetry, of course, includes traditional topics of love, loss and meditations on the universal human conditions. It was actually my review of “Superior Voyage,” the 2022 anthology by Marquette Poet’s Circle that sparked the fire for my love of U.P. poetry in that sub-genre which I identified as “industrial poetry.” Among the vanguard of those poets, Kathleen M. Heideman ranks at the top for me.
So, it was with great delight that I picked up Heideman’s “The Caving Grounds” for the first time. I say the first time because I kept going back to it and read it cover-to-cover three times prior to this review. There’s a lot to take in, especially for someone like me who didn’t come to live in the U.P. until the tender age of 18. Most of what I know about iron mining in the U.P. is from Allan Koski’s
magnificent “Empire Mine Cascade Range,” an 80-year industrial history of this mining behemoth that is sadly out of print at this time. However, I did not know until reading “The Caving Grounds” that the blasts from Empire could be felt by residents of Negaunee a few miles down the road. And I think that’s the perfect way to access Heideman’s book — to think of it as reverberations of mining — to answer the question “What is the human toll?”
Today, Negaunee is a town of about 4,700 people that folks call an “old U.P. mining town.” On my frequent travels between Detroit and Houghton as a student at Michigan Tech in the late 1980s, it was little more than a road sign on US-41 to us, a mile marker on the way to somewhere else. Being either an hour from the beginning or end of a 10-hour road trip, there was never a thought to stop and see what it was about. Heideman’s book gives me a chance to glimpse Negaunee’s history as recounted from her interviews of residents and her copious research. Enough background. Poetry is meant to be experienced not talked about. So, let’s begin with a portion of Kathleen M. Heideman’s evocative “Areas of Induced Subsidence,” which speaks to the horror of cave-ins of abandoned shafts:
At midnight, an old board yields to rot And drops, a small throat opens under grass,
An unmarked shaft parts the grass with parched lips.
The dog goes to investigate the hole And it swallows: barking, compost pile, stacked terracotta pots, patio slab. Nobody sees nothing. Nobody hears. Near dawn, a puff of fog drifts from the lawn’s little nostril.
One of the old gods, remembering how to breathe.
Indeed, many of Heideman’s poem titles read like ersatz newspaper headlines: “The Barnes-Hecker Mine Disaster as a Schrödinger’s Box,” “A Full Color Map of the Local Terrain,” “Miracle in the Museum of Iron Industry,” “He Did Not Dig Deeper for Fear of Disappointment,” and so on.
In case you haven’t deduced already, Heideman leans heavily into anti-capitalist territory, primarily sur-
rounding the immense toll on people and the land that has been paid to line the pockets of the investors.
In an April 7, 2025 interview with Michigan Radio’s April Baer, the poet reveals some of her spiritual journey, which has spanned 28 years to produce this book:
“I had this idea that there was poetry in the landscape and that this is a place partly at the beginning because it’s off limits. It’s a fence line telling you how dangerous it is. Don’t go in. And there were lots of them, not just one big area, but several areas. Negaunee was surround by these cave-in areas, and if you look for corollary, it’s grottos, shrines, oracle holes … These are places that are sacred precincts. And I came to them over and over, thinking “What is the spirit that’s here? Where are the worshipers?” They were all here and gone and there’s [sic] no offerings being left anymore.
this review in print, he will have selected the next two poets for 2026 publication, and I for one cannot wait to see and hear these new voices.
“I sort of felt like the sacred layer of the story, even when it’s broken, is still sacred. And so there were churches that had been moved out or there were graveyards that had been moved out, finding the sacred, finding the songs, people telling me about tent camp revivals that had been held in what was now caving grounds every summer when they were children, the sacred tree that their father planted, that they had to go back and visit every year and pick the apples from by this woman who was in her 70s rolling under the fence to sneak in to go to the father’s apple tree and pick apples. So it was about finding the human and the sacred and what is still there. That’s beautiful.”
“The Caving Grounds” is just the second book in the highly curated Yooper Poetry Series. It follows the debut volume “A Bigfoot Bestiary and Other Wonders” by Ishpeming poet and performance artist Marty Achatz. Series editor and award-winning poet Raymond Luczak is the mastermind behind these genre-defining compilations. By the time you read
Kathleen M. Heideman’s “The Caving Grounds” is a wild ride through the history of Negaunee through the lived experience of its people.
At times varying from the scientific and factual to the emotional and psychological and even a fun-house mirror of the industrial legacy of rural America, there is something for everyone to think about in this compact and yet deeply moving collection. MM
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.
poetry Sentinels
By Christine Saari
Three are left behind the house, three conifers, tall and tattered. My father planted them at his mountain farm when he began his new life before the War. Planted rows of trees to form a rectangle, named it Tanneneck, German for square of firs.
They grew tall and taller over eighty years, spread their branches, dropped their cones, served as playground for squirrels. Crows spied from their tops. They fell, one by one, in storms racing up the mountain, struck by lightning, cut to give each other room.
Today only three are left, in vigil over the valley. When I stand on surrounding hills, I search for these sentinels to find the farm, see them reach into the sky from far away, telling me, there is my home.
I trust they will outlive me, tower over the red tile roof for years to come, guide our sons and grandchildren when they hike, run in the hills, search for the farm in the distance.
Christine Saari, writer and visual artist, grew up on an Austrian mountain farm, emigrated to the United States in 1964 and moved to Marquette in 1971. She worked as a freelance journalist and photographer before concentrating on mixed media art and poetry. She is a member of the Marquette Artist Circle and of The Gallery in downtown Marquette. Her third book, “A Stitched Life: a memoir in poems” was published in March 2025.
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.
MTU alum pays it forward on campus
Daron Hebeler’s bright future was far from a sure thing. At a pivotal moment, when he was running out of steam on his way to a Michigan Tech education, he found out how many people in the MTU College of Business and beyond were willing to bet on his success.
Hebeler, now an analyst at Deloitte Detroit, graduated from Michigan Tech in 2023 with two bachelor’s degrees: one in management information systems and another in accounting with a specialization in data analytics. He decided to double up on degrees after his first semester at Tech.
“One key factor was my concern about the future, particularly the rapid advancements in technology and how they’re reshaping industries,” he said. “I wanted to ensure that I wasn’t just gaining a traditional understanding of accounting, but also equipping myself with the technological and software expertise necessary to stay ahead in an ever-evolving landscape.”
Hebeler’s hometown of Ovid, Michigan, has an estimated population of 1,600 set in a farming area.
“My high school was as rural as it gets,” said Hebeler, who, like many kids in U.S. agricultural communities, became a Future Farmers of America (FFA) member.
The FFA membership was one of his first real-world experiences with hands-on learning. Fittingly for a future accountant, Hebeler was also elected FFA’s regional treasurer for Michigan.
While the natural scenery of the U.P. swayed him, the commitment from MTU’s College of Business completely won Hebeler over.
“It quickly became clear that the professors weren’t just there to deliver lectures — they were truly invested in each student’s success,” he said.
At Tech, Hebeler thrived as he found the balance between the university’s structure and expectations coupled with increased flexibility and personal responsibility.
Focused on his degree work and campus life, Hebeler’s path seemed clear. Then came the COVID-19 pandemic. When Michigan Tech shifted to remote learning in March 2020, Hebeler went home to Ovid. He soon found himself mired in worry.
“This period was particularly challenging for me,” he said. “I was seriously considering dropping out. I
could see the weight of student debt piling up over the next three and a half years, and I knew that even with a job offer after graduation, it would take years of living as frugally as possible just to pay it off. The financial strain felt inevitable, and it made me question whether continuing my education was truly the right decision.”
Then came an unexpected email from the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office: Hebeler had been selected for a Thompson Working Families Scholarship.
Started by fellow Michiganders Robert and Ellen Thompson to give the children of working-class families an opportunity to pursue their bachelor’s degrees, the Thompson scholarship is offered at four public universities. In addition to helping cover tuition, the scholarship sets academic and community service benchmarks. More than 100 Huskies have received the award since it was instituted at Tech in 2020.
“The scholarship changed my life,” Hebeler said. “It gave me the opportunity to continue pursuing higher education without the overwhelming burden of debt — a burden that would have impacted major life decisions, such as starting a family or making other important choices that depend heavily on financial stability. This scholarship didn’t just alleviate a financial strain; it allowed me to focus entirely on becoming the best version of myself.”
Hebeler’s personal and professional development continues to be powered by a commitment to lifelong learning for himself and others.
He originally connected with Deloitte through a campus recruiter based on a recommendation from a friend who had interned there for a summer. He secured an interview and landed an internship that led to his full-time position after graduation.
“I’ve been doing some truly exciting work,” he said. “My primary focus has been on implementing artificial intelligence and automation into client processes, helping them reduce the manual, tedious efforts associated with repetitive and time-consuming tasks.”
In addition to his work with clients, Hebeler is excited about his role in a firm-wide initiative to “upskill Deloitte staff in AI and automation.” He wants to be a top candidate for any project in the AI and automation space and become known as an advocate for innovation within the firm.
Michigan Tech has also found a strong advocate in the young alum. Hebeler said he’s passionate about giving back to current Michigan Tech students by creating opportunities for them, particularly through recruiting. He said he’s already begun taking steps in this direction and hopes to continue building stronger connections with Tech as he progresses in his career.
Alum Daron Hebeler is grateful for his MTU education and is passionate about creating opportunities for future grads. (Photo courtesy of MTU)
College BPA club competed in the
respective
Bay students place in top ten during BPA event
TheBay College/LSSU Regional Center student club, Business Professionals of America (BPA), created magic while competing in the BPA National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Fla., in May.
All eight of the club’s competitors placed in the top ten of their respective events.
BPA has three pillars: Community Service, Leadership and Workplace Skills Assessment Program. State and National Leadership competitions assess workplace skills.
Griffin Johnson, BPA club president for the past three years, had first place finishes in Human Resource Management and Contemporary Issues. Johnson took second place in his third event, Ethics and Professionalism. Johnson has competed in Anaheim, CA (2023) and Chicago, IL (2024) and is a repeat national champion in Contemporary Issues.
“The 2025 NLC was once again a tremendous success for our team,” Johnson said. “Every member had the opportunity to compete at the highest level in their events and step onto the big stage.”
Madelyn Wilson, BPA club vice president, took first place in Prepared Speech and the team event, Small Business Management Team, with team member Sarah Myers. Wilson will be attending Michigan State University this fall.
Sarah Myers, BPA club treasurer, took first place In Small Business Management Team with Madelyn Wilson. Sarah will be attending the
University of Michigan this fall.
Gabriel Belanger, the first Bay College Iron Mountain student to compete, took first place in Administrative Support Concepts and Digital Communication & Design Concepts, had third-place finishes in Computer Security and Linux Operating System Fundamentals, and was top ten in Computer Programming Concepts.
Hunter Robinson, BPA secretary, took second place in Interview Skills.
Isaac Carlson placed in the top ten in five events: Contemporary Issues; Ethics in Professionalism; Prepared Speech; Healthcare Administration Concepts; and Project Management Concepts.
Jake Poquette placed in the top ten in Public Speaking.
Marcy Dugree placed in the top ten in Presentation Individual and in Digital Communications & Design Concepts.
“I couldn’t be prouder of everyone as this achievement was well deserved, a true testament to the dedication and hard work everyone put into getting here,” Johnson said.
Reflecting on his three years as BPA president, Johnson was appreciative for the relationships he made and opportunities he had.
“Leading for three years as the club president was not just about steering the ship, it was about forging lasting connections and leaving a meaningful impact on the those around me,” he said. “I could not be any more grateful for having had that opportunity.”
Bay
National Leadership Conference in Orlando in May, and all placed in their
events. Bay students participating, from left, include Griffin Johnson, Marcy Dugree, Jake Poquette, Gabriel Belanger, Hunter Robinson, Isaac Carlson, Madelyn Wilson and Sarah Myers. (Photo courtesy of Bay College)
Arts and Athletics golf event set for June 19
NMU Athletics and NMU Theatre & Dance will team up once again for the seventh annual Arts and Athletics Golf Outing on Thursday, June 19, at the Marquette Golf Club.
The event supports students and programs from both departments. Four-person teams can play either the Heritage course for $150 per person or Greywalls for $250 per person. Tickets include 18 holes with a cart, dinner, refreshments on the course and a thank-you gift.
Registration begins at 10 a.m. Shotgun starts are scheduled at 11 a.m. for Greywalls and noon for Heritage. A 19th hole reception is scheduled for 4:30 p.m., with dinner at 5 p.m., followed by awards and a silent auction.
Visit nmu.universitytickets.com for tickets. Sign-in is required to reserve team tickets. There is a dinner-only option for $25 per person. For details, contact Bill at wdigneit@nmu.edu or 906-360-0751.
The seventh annual Arts and Athletics golf outing will take place on Thursday, June 19 at the Marquette Golf Club. (Photo courtesy of NMU)
NMU selects committee to choose next president
The NMU Board of Trustees has approved appointments to the Presidential Search Advisory Committee (PSAC), which will help identify candidates for NMU’s next president.
The board had previously retained the services of Parker Executive Search of Atlanta to coordinate the process. A listening session was held on campus May 6 to gather feedback that will be used to create the position description for the next president.
The PSAC will work with the firm to review resumes, interview candidates and identify three to five finalists to present to the NMU Board of Trustees, who will make the selection.
Former NMU Trustee Tami Seavoy of Marquette will serve as chair of the PSAC.
In addition to Seavoy, other members of the PSAC are:
• Faculty — Rick Mengyan, AAUP president and Physics professor; Randy Klitzke, NMUFA president and Technology and Occupational Sciences assistant professor; and Jaime Crabb, Academic Senate chairperson and Nursing associate professor
• Administration — Tyler Dettloff, director, Center for Native American Studies; Carter Wilson, department head, Political Science; Mary
Brundage, Dean of Students; and Robin Burke, senior associate athletic director, Athletics
• Students — Cassidy Gibson, ASNMU; and Jarmarie Calhoun, Black Student Union president
• Staff — Dave Wiegand, UAW 2178 president and supervisor of building services; Tyler Thompson, UAW 1950 president and principal administrative assistant, Graduate Studies and Research; Kevin Price, AFSCME union president and buildings and grounds/ice attendant; and Greg Carrier, POAM union president and police officer.
• Foundation — Mark Pynnonen, alumnus and president of the NMU Foundation Board of Trustees
• Others — Jessica Hanley, Marquette mayor and U.P. Children’s Museum director; Tonya Darner, CEO of UP Health Systems; Christopher Germain, Lake Superior Community Partnership; Kara Katona, Andrews Hooper Pavlik PLC; and Chris Charboneau, NMU Alumni Advisory Board president
• Current NMU Trustees — Lisa Fittante; Venus Joy Brown; Greg Toutant; Steve Young, ex officio non-voting.
spirit of water
Why water calls to us
Editor’s Note: This article is another in a series by the Interfaith 2024-25 Water Stewards Initiative, a collaboration of area faith communities with local municipalities and Native American tribes to protect and preserve the quality of accessible drinking water. A part of this Initiative, alongside regional efforts, is assisting in establishing a village well in Tanzania and a community well in Cambodia. Visit cedartreeinstitute.org for details.
“Water is the first medicine, Nokomis told me. We come from water. It nourished us inside our mother’s body. As it nourishes us here on Mother earth.
Water is sacred, she said.”
By Pastor Natalie Handley
Does a river have rights? Personhood? Does Lake Superior? Does it deserve to be free of pollution? Does this vast body of fresh water feel alive to you, like a companion on life’s journey?
The water has always called to me. I grew up in Republic, about 35 miles from the shores of Lake Superior, then lived less than a mile from McCarty’s Cove while attending NMU.
I visited the lake regularly before I moved away. For the next decade plus, I returned frequently to visit. Along with visiting family and friends, Lake Superior was always on the list. I wonder what she’s doing today, I’d think as we would drive to the shore.
Would she be as still as glass or rowdy with 15-foot waves? Would she be (relatively) warm and inviting or pushing cool water in with the current?
In seasons of cold, I’d hike the shoreline and take her in with my eyes. In seasons of warmth, I’d make sure to fully submerge and let her waters take me in. No matter the season, on each visit, I felt compelled to physically touch the water.
Over the years, I realized I wasn’t simply missing the beautiful beaches or nearly private-like swimming, or even a moment of peace at the shore, but that the water felt spiritually alive to me. Lake Superior seems imbued with a touch of the divine, the Cre-
The Spirit of Water Health, Hope & Healing
ator’s own essence, perhaps with God’s very Spirit hovering over the waters, as it did in the creation story of my Judeo-Christian tradition. Each time I dip below the surface and rise up, I am reminded of the waters of baptism, the Christian practice that links creation to rebirth. Here, the ordinary is made extraordinary, made sacred; here, the simple and pure gift of water nourishes, heals and gives me life.
The quote at the beginning of this essay comes from “We are Water Protectors” written by Carole Lindstrom and illustrated by Michaela Goade (2020). This book, with stunning illustrations, will move you to tears.
Do not be deceived into thinking this is a children’s (only) book as I was when I picked it up for my younger kids. Rather, the book preaches. It articulated for me what I always sensed spiritually: water is life, water is sacred. It is about an Ojibwe girl who fights against a black snake, an oil pipeline, in an effort to protect their drinking water supply, but also to protect the water’s own sacredness and
connectedness to her people. Another articulation: we are called to be stewards of creation.
I believe indigenous wisdom will lead us back to the renewal of the earth, air and water that our world so desperately needs — if we have eyes to see and ears to listen. In my faith’s tradition, the word “water” appears 708 times in the scriptures. As a comparison, “love” appears 730 times. Could water be as important as love?
Within these ancient texts, the creation stories and the Psalms are filled with praise and admiration for this beautiful earth and the bounty of goodness it supplies for all living things.
The earth is not a spiritual metaphor; it’s real and tangible and alive. Just go touch the waters yourself.
While in seminary, eco-justice theology called to me. Simply put, it proclaims: justice for humanity often begins with seeking justice for the earth. We discussed how delicate ecosystems exist in perfect harmony, how (bio)diversity is a strength — in all of creation, not just people and workplaces — and how the ability of the earth to replenish itself while continuing to feed and nurture us is a witness to the Creator’s love for us. We learned how environmental destruction distresses the world’s most poor
and vulnerable first and how people of color are disproportionately affected by climate issues.
In 2017, the New Zealand parliament granted the Whanganui River rights as an independent entity, an indivisible entity from source to sea, and it ignited the nature rights movement. I hope we are witnessing a change in consciousness that brings forth global eco-justice.
Now that I have returned to Marquette as a pastor, I am still in awe to see the Great Gitche Gumee daily. She calls me to enjoy, steward and care for all of God’s good creation. How do the waters call to you?
When environmental justice exists, there will be harmony among people. With water becoming the world’s next most valuable resource, we would all be wise to do everything we can to protect the waters — and therefore people — now. Water is life. Water is sacred.
MM
Natalie Handley is pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Marquette. She obtained her M.Div. from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary (2024) and is delighted to return to the beautiful UP. She and her husband, Derek, form the musical duo ivory + craft.
The Interfaith Water Stewards Initiative celebrates the joy of pure water. (Photo courtesy of Cedar Tree Institute)
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 July events by Tuesday, June 10 to: calendar@marquettemonthly.com.
end of may events
28 WEDNESDAY sunrise 6:03 a.m.; sunset 9:31 p.m.
Ishpeming
• Aspen Ridge Playgroup. Children and their caregivers can enjoy free play, circle time, crafts and activities, and snacks. 10 a.m. Aspen Ridge School, 350 Aspen Ridge School Rd. 906-485-3178, ext. 1104 or 1105.
• 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.
• Adult Horror Book Club. This month’s selection will be “Jurassic Park” by Michael Crichton. 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
Great Lakes Rodeo | June 13 and 14 | Gwinn
Photo by depositphotos.com
Maritime Museum, 300 N. Lakeshore Blvd. 906-226-2006 or mqt.maritimemuseum.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.
• Adult Nonfiction Book Group. This month’s selection will be “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt. 2 p.m. Conference Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4311 or refdesk@pwpl.info.
• Savvy Senior Finances. This informative session will offer smart and secure banking tips tailored for senior citizens, including how to avoid scams and fraud. 3 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. To register, call 906-225-7760.
• A History of the Northern Michigan University Greenwood Nature Center: A Perspective by David Kronk. David Kronk will discuss the forgotten history of the Greenwood Nature Center (GNC), a community resource on the bank of the Greenwood Reservoir near Ishpeming. Suggested donation, $5. 6:30 p.m. Marquette Regional History Center, 145 W. Spring St. 906-226-3571.
Negaunee
• All Booked Up. “Upper Michigan Today” host Tia Trudgeon will lead an on-air book discussion of Samantha Sotto Yambao’s “Water Moon.” 9 a.m. WLUC TV6 Studio, 177 U.S. Hwy. 41 E. 906-226-4322 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.
• After-school Middle School Group. Snacks will be provided. 3 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18, or facebook. com/NegauneePublicLibrary.
29 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.
Gwinn
• Gwinn Modeltown Market. Featuring live music by
M.U.G.–Marquette Ukulele Group.
3 to 6 p.m. Riverside Pavilion, Peter Nordeen Park, 115 N. Pine St. 906361-4843 or modeltownmarket@ gmail.com.
Ishpeming
• Crochet Club. 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. 906486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.
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.
Negaunee
• Sensory Playtime. This one-hour, drop-in play session will feature activity stations and early reading and language activities. Parents and caregivers can also connect to share tips and experiences. This week’s theme will be “Raindrop Wonders.” 11 a.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18 or facebook. com/NegauneePublicLibrary.
30 FRIDAY
Marquette
• League of Women Voters of Marquette County Garage/Yard/ Rummage Sale. Proceeds will support voter services such as candidate forums, VOTE411 and printed voter guides, National Voter Registration Day and “Hooked on Voting.” 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 2021 Woodland Ave. lwvmqtco@ gmail.com.
• Cultivating Care, Compassion and Connection. This event will offer a space to pause, reflect and build connections with others who are committed to cultivating kindness. Each week, a different organization 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.
• 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.
31 SATURDAY
sunrise 6:01 a.m.; sunset 9:34 p.m.
Ishpeming
• Silent Book Club. Attendees can bring their own book and read silently
for one hour, followed by time to socialize and talk about books. Noon. Velodrome Coffee, 105 S. Main St. 906-486-4381.
• Iron Range Roll. This 12-mile family-friendly bike race follows the Iron Ore Heritage Trail to Barrel + Beam in Marquette. Proceeds benefits the YMCA of Marquette County’s youth programs and other community groups. Prices vary. 1 p.m. Cliffs Shaft Mine Museum, 501 W. Euclid St. To register, bikesignup.com/Race/MI/Ishpeming/ IronRangeRollBikeRace.
Marquette
• Farmers Market. This market includes items from farmers, growers, food producers and artisans. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Marquette Commons, 112 S. Third St. mqtfarmersmarket.com.
• Bike Rodeo and Safety Fair. This free skills and safety event is intended for children ages five to 12 and the first 150 registered will receive a free helmet, headlight and taillight. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Marquette City Hall, 300 W. Baraga Ave. erpaupore@marquettemi. gov or marquettemi.gov/bike-rodeo.
• League of Women Voters of Marquette County Garage/Yard/ Rummage Sale. Proceeds will support voter services such as candidate forums, VOTE411 and printed voter guides, National Voter Registration Day and “Hooked on Voting.” 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 2021 Woodland Ave. lwvmqtco@gmail.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.
• Superior String Alliance Chamber Players Concert. Featuring Maitri White (soprano), Danielle Simandl and Ben Campbell (violins), Eric Marta (viola) and Adam Hall (cello). Admission by donation. 7 p.m. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 201 E. Ridge St. superiorstringalliance.org.
june events
• Project Jade Golf Outing. Proceeds will benefit Project Jade, which provides core communication boards to schools, parks, playgrounds and other spaces. 9 a.m. Wawonowin Country Club, 3432 Co. Rd. 478. charitygolftoday.com/projectjadegolf.
• Music Mondays. Featuring Grand Design Band. 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
• 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.
• Craft Magic Series: Felt Magic with Jody Trost. Participants will learn basic needle felting and leave with their very own handmade felted beehive. Felting starter kits and wool will be provided; bring a small pair of scissors. 6:30 p.m. Shiras Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. To register, visit pwpl.info.
03 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.
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
• 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.
• 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.
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
on the town
Big Bay
• Lumberjack Tavern.
- Saturday, June 14: Boots and Sandals.
- Saturday, the 28th: Groove Candy. 8 p.m. to midnight. 202 Bensinger St. 906-345-9912.
Gwinn
• Up North Lodge
- Sunday, June 1: Vinyl Taps.
- Sunday, the 8th: Exploders.
- Sunday, the 15th: The Reveal.
- Sunday, the 22nd: Lost Cause.
- Sunday, the 29th: Shot Gun Kelly. Music, 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. 906-2730706 or 906barandgrill.com.
• Blackrocks Brewery.
- Thursday, June 5: Jim and Ray. 6 to 9 p.m.
- Friday, the 27th: Groove Candy. 6 to 9 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.
- Thursday, May 29: Alyssa Palmer.
- Friday, the 30th: Jakey Thomas.
- Saturday, the 31st: Outlaw'd Band.
- Friday, June 6: Boots and Sandals.
- Mondays: Musicians’ Open Mic. 6 to 8 p.m.
- Thursdays: Trivia. 7 p.m. All music, 6 to 9 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.
- Sunday, June 1: Generation Jazz, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Open Mic, 7 to 10 p.m.
- Monday, the 2nd: Vinyl Day.
- Tuesday, the 3rd: Trivia, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, the 5th: Iron Golem Games, 6 to 10 p.m.
- Thursday, the 6th: Chris Valenti, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
- Saturday, the 7th: Vinyl Tap, 7 to 10 p.m.
- Sunday, the 8th: Generation Jazz, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Monday, the 9th: Vinyl Day.
- Tuesday, the 10th: Trivia, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, the 11th: Dave Balding Band, 6 to 8 p.m.
- Thursday, the 12th: Hot Plate, 6 to 8 p.m.; Iron Golem Games, 6 to 10 p.m.
- Friday, the 13th: Nifty 2 Fifty Harbor House fundraiser.
- Saturday, the 14th: The Mafia Elvis, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- Sunday, the 15th: Generation Jazz, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Open Mic, 7 to 10 p.m.
- Monday, the 16th: Vinyl Day.
- Tuesday, the 17th: Trivia, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.
- Thursday, the 19th: Iron Golem Games, 6 to 10 p.m.
- Friday, the 20th: The Exploders, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.
- Saturday, the 21st: Jakey Thomas, 7 to 10 p.m.
- Sunday, the 22nd: Generation Jazz, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Monday, the 23rd: Vinyl Day.
- Tuesday, the 24th: Trivia, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, the 25th: Dave Balding Band, 6 to 8 p.m.
- Thursday, the 26th: Hot Plate, 6 to 8 p.m.; Iron Golem Games, 6 to 10 p.m.
- Friday, the 27th: Boots and Sandals, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.
- Saturday, the 28th: The MakeBelieve Spurs, 7 to 10 p.m.
- Sunday, the 29th: Generation Jazz, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Open Mic, 7 to 10 p.m.
- Monday, the 30th: Vinyl Day. 1034 N. Third St. 906-273-2727.
• Ojibwa Casino.
- Saturday, June 7: Boots and Sandals.
- Saturday, the 14th: The DayDreamers.
- Saturday, the 21st: Last Call.
- Saturday, the 28th: Superior Sound
DJ.
Music, 8 p.m. to midnight. 105 Acre Trail. 906-249-4200 or ojibwacasino.com.
• Ore Dock Brewing Company.
- Thursday, June 5: Superior on Tap, Suggested donation, $10. 7 p.m.
- Friday, the 6th: Bootstrap Boys. 8 p.m.
- Saturday, the 7th: Rock and Roll Prom. Ages 21 and older. $10. 8 p.m.
- Thursday, the 12th: Line Dance Lessons, Week 1. $20 (covers both lessons). 6 p.m.
- Tuesday, the 17th: Juneteenth Rhythm and Motion Drum Workshop. 1 p.m.
- Wednesday, the 18th: Juneteenth Rhythm and Motion Dance Workshop. 6 p.m.
- Thursday, the 19: Line Dance Lessons, Week 2. $20 (covers both lessons). 6 p.m.
- Friday, the 20th: The Palestras. 6 p.m.
- Friday, the 27th: Leroy. Ages 18 and older. 8 p.m.
- Saturday, the 28th: Leroy. Ages 18 and older. 8 p.m. All shows are free unless noted. 114 W. Spring St. 906-228-8888 or oredockbrewing.com.
Groove Candy | June 27, Blackrocks Brewery, Marquette and June 28, Lumberjack Tavern, Big Bay
(continued on page 87)
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.
04 WEDNESDAY
sunrise 5:59 a.m.; sunset 9:37 p.m.
Calumet
• Cris Mazza Author Talk and Book Signing. Cris Mazza will read from “The Decade of Letting Things Go,” a collection of linked essays containing still-relevant experiences that take place after the age of becoming socially and/or professionally invisible. Sponsored by the Friends of the Calumet Public Library. 6:30 p.m. Calumet Public Library, 57070 Mine St. 906-337-0311, ext. 1107, or clklibrary.org.
Ishpeming
• Project Linus: Fiber Artists Meetup. Knitters, crocheters, quilters and other fiber crafters are invited to work on blankets for Project Linus, an organization that donates homemade items to children in need. Participants can bring their own project to work on for the cause. 2 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary. info.
• Musician Noah Bauer. Noah Bauer is a multi-instrumentalist who takes inspiration from The Beatles, Neil Young and the Dave Matthews Band. 5:30 pm. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.
on the town
(continued from page 86)
• Rippling River Resort.
- Thursday, June 19: Boots and Sandals. 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
• Smarty’s Saloon.
- Thursday, June 19: Jim and Ray. 6 to 9 p.m.
212 Iron St. 906-401-0438.
Republic
• Pine Grove Bar.
- Friday, May 30: Lillian Manceau. 8 to 11 p.m.
- Saturday, the 31st: Shreck. 3 to 6 p.m.
- Saturday, the 31st: Pentatonic Uncertainty. 8 p.m. to midnight.
Marquette
• Heritage Room Book Group. The group welcomes readers interested in a variety of contemporary fiction. This month’s selection will be “The Heiress” by Rachel Hawkins. 10 a.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.
• NCLL: Tour the Recycle Center. In Part II of the “Understanding Recycling” series, Josh Wales will lead a tour of the warehouse where recycling materials are stored and then shipped, and discuss the modern techniques of recycling that are now available. NCLL members, $5; non-members, $10. 11 a.m. Marquette Recycle Center, County Road 480. 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• League of Women Voters of
- Friday, June 6: Brian Nowicki. 8 to 11 p.m.
- Saturday, the 7th: Pink Violing Band. 3 to 6 p.m.
- Satuday, the 7th: Fyrbird. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
- Friday, the 13th: Derrell Syria Project. 7 to 10 p.m.
- Saturday, the 14th: Dylan Conger-Lyweski. 3 to 6 p.m.
- Saturday, the 14th: Money 2 Burn. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
- Thursday, the 19th: Drewpalooza.
- Friday, the 20th: Drewpalooza.
- Saturday, the 21st: Drewpalooza.
- Friday, the 27th: Jim Counter. 8 to 11 p.m.
- Saturday, the 28th: Toni Saari. 3 to 6 p..m.
- Saturday, the 28th: Boots and Sandals Band. 8 p.m. to midnight.
- Sunday, the 29th: Luke Ogea. 3 to 6 p.m.
286 Front St. 906-376-2234. MM
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 Artist. 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. Featuring works by local and regional artists. Days and hours vary. Bay College, 2001 N. Lincoln Rd. baycollege.edu.
• East Ludington Gallery. Featuring 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). 906-786-0300 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 July 10. 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. 906-7863833 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.
- “Humus (taking over),” featuring large-scale drawings by Finnish artist Eeva Honkanen, is on display through the 4th. 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. Plein air and illustrations by Cheryl Perkins will be on display June 3 through 28. 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. 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. Featuring 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.
- “Made UP!,” showcasing one piece of art in a variety of media from artists living within a 100-mile radius of Manistique, is on display through the 7th.
- “A Sense of Direction,” featuring multimedia art and objects by Marquette artists Ruby Miller, Emily Weddle and Amber Dohrenwend, is on display through July 11 with an opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on the 13th.
Ava Hanford | Or Duh | Deo Gallery, Marquette
art galleries
(continued
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.
- “Critters: Representations of Animals in Art from the Permanent Collection” is on display.
- “North of the 45th,” an exhibition highlighting artists living in this upper Midwest region from rural and urban areas in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota, will be on display June 20 through Aug. 1.
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. 906227-1481 or nmu.edu/devos.
• The Gallery Marquette. Featuring works by local and regional artists. Daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 130 W. Washington St. thegallerymqt.com.
• Huron Mountain Club Gallery.
- “Nimiigwechiwendam (I Am Grate-
Marquette County Annual Meeting. All community members are welcome to attend to meet current LWV members and learn more about League activities and volunteer opportunities, and enjoy refreshments, music and prizes. The business meeting and announcement of award recipients will begin at 6:45 p.m. 6 to 8 p.m. Ore Dock Brewing Co., 114 W. Spring St. lwvmqtco@gmail.com.
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.
05 THURSDAY sunrise 5:58 a.m.; sunset 9:38 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.
ful)” by Sherri Loonsfoot-Aldred and Aiyana Aldred is on display through July 31 with an artist reception from 6 to 8 p.m. on the 12th. 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. 906228-3686 or lakesuperiorphoto.com.
• Marquette Arts and Culture Center Deo Gallery.
- "High School Art Show," will be on display through May 31.
- “Detritus mine,” featuring multimedia sculptures by Ruby Andromeda Miller, is on display through July 31 with an artist reception from 6 to 8 p.m. on the 12th. 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
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
• Gwinn Modeltown Market. Featuring live music by the Delta Duo. 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 “Sandwich” by Catherine Newman. 11 a.m. Ishpeming Senior Center, 121 Greenwood St. 906-4864381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.
• Drop-In and Draw Club: Paul Olson Intructs. Paul Olson from Winter Life Drawing will lead teens and adults in exercises to understand the basic concepts of portraiture and how to look at a face or a reference photo of a person to capture the person’s likeness. 1 p.m. Ray Leverton Community Room, Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary. info.
• Get Ready to Garden with Partridge Creek Farm. The final class of the four-part series with Partridge Creek Farm will discuss how to transplant seedlings and keep them healthy all season long. There will also be a free
and local artisan goods. Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. 2905 Island Beach Rd.
• 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. 906225-1695.
• 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.
- “Remnants of Childhood,” featuring sculptures by Carie Roberts, will be on display throughout the 30th with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m. on the 27th. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 810 N. Third St. 906-273-1374 or wintergreenhill.com.
• Zero Degrees Gallery. A reception for artists John Hubbard, Patrick Dragon, Marvin Zehnder, Monica Zehnder and others will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. on the June 14. The gallery features works in oils, water-
seedling swap. 5:30 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary. info.
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.
• Computer Scam Awareness. SAIL’s assistive technology advocate Giovanni Pedrotti will show how to identify scam tactics and respond to scam calls. 1 p.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4311 or refdesk@ pwpl.info.
• Second Thursday Creativity Series. Guests can enjoy hands-on craft activities and free Culver’s frozen custard. This month’s theme is “Red, White and Blue!” 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum, 123 W. Baraga Ave. 906-226-3911 or upchildrensmuseum.org.
• 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.
colors, 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. 906228-3058 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. 906-3436592.
MM
Calumet
• “Doubt: A Parable.” Set at a Bronx Catholic school in 1964, “Doubt: A Parable” follows the school’s principal, Sister Aloysius Beauvier, who suspects Father Brendan Flynn of impure acts with a male student. Presented by the Calumet Players. Ticket prices vary. 7:30 p.m. Calumet Theatre, 340 Sixth St. Purchase tickets in person at the Calumet Theatre or call 906-337-2610.
Hancock
• Noteworthy Spring Concert. Noteworthy, the region’s only women’s barbershop chorus, will celebrate the music of the Beatles at its spring concert. A free-will offering will be taken to benefit Meals on Wheels. 7 p.m. Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 1000 Quincy St. 906-482-5088 or noteworthychorus@gmail.com.
Marquette
• Cultivating Care, Compassion and Connection. This event will offer a space to pause, reflect and build connections with others who are committed to cultivating kindness. Each week, a different organization 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.
• The Lullaby Project Concert. This concert will feature original compositions written as part of the Lullaby Project, which pairs parents and caregivers with professional musicians from the Northwoods Music Collaborative. 5 p.m. The Fold, 1015 N. Third St. bette.premo@white-water-associates.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.
Negaunee
• Dungeons and Dragons Interest Meeting. This meeting will gauge interest in summer games open to students going into fifth through 12th grades, and preference will be given to those who have never played D&D before. Snacks will be provided. 4 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St 906-475-7700, ext. 18, or facebook. com/NegauneePublicLibrary.
07 SATURDAY
5:57 a.m.; sunset 9:39 p.m.
Baraga
• Baraga County Yard Sale. Hosted by the Baraga County Chamber of Commerce. 9 a.m. to noon. Participating sites available at keweenawbay.org. 906-353-8808.
Calumet
• NSDAR Meeting. This is the monthly meeting of the Onagomingkway Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR). Noon. The Hut Restaurant, 58540 U.S. Hwy. 41. 906-226-7836.
• Keweenaw Pridefest. This all-ages LGBTQ+ pride event will feature live music, information and resources from local organizations, a photo booth, food trucks, and free face painting and balloon art. As part of this year’s theme of “Community Unity,” there will be a donation drive for the Calumet Free Fridge as well as a clothing swap. 1 to 5 p.m. Calumet Colosseum, 110 Red Jacket Rd. keweenawpridefest.org.
• “Doubt: A Parable.” Set at a Bronx Catholic school in 1964, “Doubt: A Parable” follows the school’s principal, Sister Aloysius Beauvier, who suspects Father Brendan Flynn of impure acts with a male student. Presented by the Calumet Players. Ticket prices vary.
7:30 p.m. Calumet Theatre, 340 Sixth St. Purchase tickets in person at the Calumet Theatre or call 906-337-2610.
Dollar Bay
• Keweenaw Early Music Ensemble Recital. The newly formed Keweenaw Early Music Ensemble, featuring Brian
Wall on violin, Andrew Shaud on cello and Kathleen Arten on harpsichord, will perform a recital of Baroque-era music. 4 p.m. Copper Country Suzuki Association, 23415 Granite Ave.
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.
• Copper Country Farm Bureau Farm on the Town Day. Youth can participate in a farm hand activity, plant a flower, see baby farm animals and more. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Parking lot, Sunflower Books and Coffee, 528 Quincy St. 906-523-7511.
Marquette
• Farmers Market. This market includes items from farmers, growers, food producers and artisans. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Marquette Commons, 112 S. Third St. mqtfarmersmarket.com.
• Kids Read! Summer Reading KickOff. Magician and comedy entertainer Cameron Zvara will perform at 10 a.m. and there will be drop-in scratch art mandalas and mask making from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kids can also register online for summer reading and pick up a reading log. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl. info.
• Teens Read! Summer Reading Kick-Off. Youth entering sixth through 12th grades can enjoy activities, win a prize from the prize machine and register online for Teens Read! summer Reading program. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Teen Zone, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4321, apierce@pwpl.info or pwpl.info.
• 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.
Skandia
• “Plants, Pies and Summer Buys.” Featuring seedlings, house plants, homemade pies, homemade crafts, quilts and gently used gardening decor, tools and equipment. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Emanuel Lutheran Church, 9812 U.S. Hwy. 41. 906-942-7245.
• Pie Sale. Proceeds will support scholarships and youth development. Sponsored by South County Fund
Committee “Pies for Kids by Women Who Care.” 9 a.m. West Branch Township Hall, 1016 Co. Rd. 545.
08 SUNDAY
sunrise 5:57 a.m.; sunset 9:40 p.m.
Calumet
• “Doubt: A Parable.” Set at a Bronx Catholic school in 1964, “Doubt: A Parable” follows the school’s principal, Sister Aloysius Beauvier, who suspects Father Brendan Flynn of impure acts with a male student. Presented by the Calumet Players. Ticket prices vary. 2 p.m. Calumet Theatre, 340 Sixth St. Purchase tickets in person at the Calumet Theatre or call 906-337-2610.
• 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.
Rock
• Senior Dance. Old Friends 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.
09 MONDAY
sunrise 5:57 a.m.; sunset 9:41 p.m.
Escanaba
• Music Mondays. Featuring Kind of Blues. 7 to 9 p.m. Karas Bandshell in Ludington Park.
K.I. Sawyer
• Sawyer Community Garden Planting. All are welcome to plant the community garden, learn about soil and seeds, and have access to fresh produce when the garden grows. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Upper Great Lakes Family Health Center—Sawyer Clinic, 301 Explorer St. 906-372-3038.
Marquette
• 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.
• Michigan Notable Book Author Tim Schulz. Tim Schulz will read from his book “A Cast Away in Montana." 6:30 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4322 or pwpl.info.
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.
• Storytime. Youth are invited for stories, songs and rhymes on the theme of “Camping and the Great Outdoors.” Rain will cancel the event. 2 p.m. Jackson Mine Park. 906475-7700, ext. 18, or facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary.
• Outdoor Concert. Local musicians Troy Graham, Marcella Krupski, with Liat Lis and Kyle McGonegle of the Gossamer Strings, will perform a family-friendly concert. Bring chairs or a blanket. 5 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906475-7700, ext. 18, or facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary.
10
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
• Sawyer Community Garden
Planting. All are welcome to plant the community garden, learn about soil and seeds, and have access to fresh produce when the garden grows. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Upper Great Lakes Family Health Center—Sawyer Clinic, 301 Explorer St. 906-372-3038.
• Literature at the Lodge. This month’s selection will be “The Couple Next Door” by Shari Lapena. 6 p.m. Up North Lodge, 215 S. Co. Rd. 557. 906346-3433 or forsythtwplibrary.org.
Ishpeming
• Summer Reading Program KickOff. Kids and teens can register downstairs in the children’s area and get a reading log, goodie bag and a free book. Adults can pick up review sheets, a free book and enjoy some refreshments on the main floor. 10 a.m. to 5 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 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.
• NCLL: Wildfire Hazards Around Your Home. Robert Ziel will share a simple inspection process to find hazards around the home and yard so changes can be made to protect it. This class will begin with an informational lecture and proceed to a field activity. NCLL members, $5; non-members, $10. 12:30 p.m. DNR Repair Shop and Warehouse, 110 Ford Rd., Chocolay Township. 248-217-5434 or rrobb28@ yahoo.com.
• 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 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.
• 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.
• Superiorland Woodturners Meeting. Bill Wiard from Calumet will demonstrate disc-shaped vases and members will show examples of their work. Social time, 6 p.m.; meeting, 6:30 p.m. Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. jmarchimes@charter. net.
Negaunee
• Cinderella Storytime. Princess Cinderella will read stories and pose for photos. Dressing up is encouraged. 10:30 a.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-4757700, ext. 18, or facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary.
11 WEDNESDAY sunrise 5:56 a.m.; sunset 9:42 p.m.
Bark River
• Escanaba Public Library Bookmobile. Noon. Bark River Senior Center, 4283 D Rd. 906-789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.
Curtis
• Music in the Park. Featuring music by Wingin’ It. 6:30 p.m. Erickson Center for the Arts, N9224 Saw-Wa-Quato St. 906-586-9974 or ericksoncenter.org.
Sunrise Lighthouse Tour | June 11 and 25 | Marquette
Photo
Escanaba
• Friends of the Escanaba Public Library Book Sale. 4 to 6 p.m. Foyer, Escanaba City Hall, 410 Ludington St. 906-789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.
• Friends of the Escanaba Public Library Ice Cream Social and City Band Concert. 6 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.
Ishpeming
• West End Farm Stand. 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. 550 Cleveland Ave. partridgecreekfarm.org.
Crochet Club. Gather with fellow crafters to socialize. Supplies and instruction will be provided for those who are interested in learning how to crochet. 5 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.
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
• 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 Blvd. 906-226-2006 or mqt.maritimemuseum.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.
• Wednesday Night Market. This market includes items from farmers, growers, food producers, and artisans. 5 to 8 p.m. 100 Block of Washington Street. mqtfarmersmarket.com.
• Community Knit/Crochet Club. 5:30 p.m. Alley Kat’s Quilt Shop, 1010 W. Washington St. 906-315-0050.
• Concert on the Steps: Troy Graham. Troy Graham will perform an evening of indie folk music and spirituals. 6:30 p.m. Front Street Steps, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906226-4322 or pwpl.info.
Negaunee
• Edmund Fitzgerald Presentation. In honor of the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald, singer Mike Fornes will give a presentation on the event, including a performance of the iconic Gordon Lightfoot song. 1 p.m. Negaunee Senior Center, 410 Jackson 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.
• Kids’ Craft Time. Kids ages five to 12 will paint balloons at this hands-on crafting session. All supplies will
BridgeFest | June 13 - 15 | Houghton
Photo courtsey of Visit Keweenaw
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. Fridays and Saturdays, 1 to 3 p.m. Center Street (1 block west of U.S. 141). covingtonmichigan.org/ covington-historical-society.
Eagle Harbor
• Eagle Harbor Life Saving Station. View displays of early wooden rescue boats, surfboats, life-cars and more. Opens June 15. 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. Opens June 15. 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. Opens June 18. 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 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. Until June 12, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; after June 12, 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. Saturdays and Sundays, 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. Saturdays and Sundays, 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 (continued on page 95)
museums
(continued
Society. Saturdays and Sundays, 1 to 4 p.m. Northeast corner of Lake and Randolph streets. grandmaraismichigan.com/historicalsociety.
Greenland
• Adventure Mining Company. The mine opened in 1850 and remains one of the best-preserved sites of its time. Although the mine closed 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. 906-883-3371 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. 906-482-3101 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. Monday through Saturday, 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 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; 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. 906-485-1882 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. 906-4856323 or skihall.com.
K.I. Sawyer
• K.I. Sawyer Heritage Air
(continued on page 96)
museums
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.
- “The Political Life,” an exhibition chronicling the lives and work of U.P. politicians along with accounts of U.S. presidents who visited the region, is on display through the 28th. The museum promotes and preserves the history and culture of the U.P. and collects and preserves artifacts related to the history of NMU. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 11 to 4 p.m. Corner of Seventh and Tracy streets. NMU.
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 City Band Concert. Seating is limited; bring a chair. 7:30 p.m. Negaunee Outdoor Performing Arts Center, east end of Iron Street.
12 THURSDAY
sunrise 5:56 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.
Crystal Falls
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 wreck 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. 906-226-2006 or mqtmaritimemuseum.com.
• Marquette Regional History Center. 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. 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.
• U.P. Notable Books Club (Online). This month’s discussion will feature J.D. Austin, author of “The Last Huck.” 7 p.m. EST, 6 p.m. CST. Via Zoom. 906-875-3344 or egathu@crystalfallslibrary.org. upnotable.com.
Escanaba
• Author Mike Fornes. Mike Fornes is the author of “101 Things that Happened on the Mackinac Bridge.” 5:30 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906-789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.
Gwinn
• Gwinn Modeltown Market. Featuring live music by Anna p.s. 3 to 6 p.m. Riverside Pavilion, Peter Nordeen Park, 115 N. Pine St. 906-361-4843 or modeltownmarket@gmail.com.
Houghton/Hancock
• Bridgefest Helicopter Rides. This weekend of events commemorates the 65th anniversary of the Portage Lake Lift Bridge and celebrates the communities it connects. Helicopter rides will be available from 2 to 9 p.m.
Main St. 906-323-9016 or 906-3236608, or michigammetownship.com/ michigamme-museum.
Menominee
• West Shore Fishing Museum. Experience the life of an early 20th-century fishing family at this stop on the Great Lakes Fisheries Heritage Trail on the west shore of Green Bay. Tour the restored home, gardens and trails. View exhibits of boats and equipment used by commercial fishermen. See the new monument remembering those who have lost lives in Green Bay and Lake Michigan waters. Saturday and Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m. 15 miles south of Cedar River or 8 miles north of Menominee on M-35. Turn at Bailey Park entrance. 715-923-9756.
Mohawk
• The Delaware Mine. View veins of copper exposed in the walls of the mine, as well as indoor and outdoor train displays during self-guided tours. 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.
Ramada Hancock Waterfront, 99 Navy St. bridgefestfun.com.
L’Anse
• Lakefront Concert. Featuring blues and Cajun music by UP Gumbo. 7 p.m. Lakefront Park, Broad Street at the lake (rain location is Meadowbrook Arena, 204 Division St.).
Marquette
• NCLL: Manistique Day Trip. Participants will explore Manistique’s unique shops, enjoy lunch at the Cedar Street Café, visit Lake Effect Arts and stop at Palms Brook State Park, home of the Kitch-iti-kipi Springs. Meet at 9 a.m. at Lofaro’s Market in Harvey to carpool. NCLL members, $5; non-members, $10. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 248-464-3828 or bevans@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.
• Celebrating Six Decades of Services: Community Action
Negaunee
• Michigan Iron Industry Museum. The museum overlooks the Carp River and the site of the first iron forge 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. The museum is one of 10 museums and historic sites administered by the Michigan Historical Center. Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking. Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 73 Forge Rd. 906475-7857 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. Originally built in 1858 and located in the town of Cliff, the church was dismantled and reassembled in its current location in 1899. The last mass was held in 1957. Opens June 15. Daily, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Junction of US-41 and M-26. keweenawhistory.org. MM
Alger-Marquette. This event will celebrate CAAM’s positive impact on the community. Attendees can enjoy hot dogs, chips, cake, and music. 1 to 4 p.m. Lakenenland, 2800 M-28 E. CAAM60th@gmail.com.
• Adult SRP 2025: Art Escapes— Adult Coloring. As part of the adult Summer Reading Program, attendees will color ceramic coasters. 2 p.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. To register, call 906-226-4311.
• Yarnwinders Fiber Guild of Marquette. 6 p.m. City of Marquette Arts and Culture Center, lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St.
• 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. 906226-4322 or pwpl.info.
• Marquette City Band Concert.
Bring your own chairs. Rain location is at NMU's Reynolds Recital Hall. 7:30 p.m. Marquette Commons, 112 S. Front St. marquettecityband.com.
13 FRIDAY
sunrise 5:56 a.m.; sunset 9:43 p.m.
Gwinn
• Great Lakes Rodeo. The day’s activities include the rodeo riding competition, vendors, a performance and pop-up party. Monies raised are used to fund grants available for youth programs in Marquette County. Children ages six to 12 and seniors, $10; adults, $15. Events begin at noon. 150 W. Johnson Lake Rd., Forsyth Township. 906-360-7069 or greatlakesrodeo.com.
Houghton/Hancock
• Bridgefest. This weekend of events commemorates the 65th anniversary of the Portage Lake Lift Bridge and celebrates the communities it connects. The day’s activities will include helicopter rides at the Ramada Hancock Waterfront, Kids Day on Quincy Green, food, vendors and live music on the Ray Kestner Houghton Waterfront, the Thatcher Markham Memorial Run and the Bridgefest Parade. 10 a.m. to midnight. bridgefestfun.com.
Marquette
• Cultivating Care, Compassion and Connection. This event will offer a space to pause, reflect and build connections with others who are committed to cultivating kindness. Each week, a different organization 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.
• Three Sopranos (and a Tenor).
Soprano Maitri White, soprano Kathryn Summersett, mezzo-soprano Julia Janowski and tenor Darrius Morton will present an operatic tour de force featuring a blend of dramatic and comic scenes. 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 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.
14 SATURDAY
sunrise 5:56 a.m.; sunset 9:44 p.m.
Flag Day
Big Bay
• Big Bay’s 15th Annual Rummage Sale. Maps of the featured rummage sale locations will be distributed online and at Cram’s General Store. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information and a map, email director@bigbaystewardship. org or call 847-894-3763.
Escanaba
• LEGO Club. This month’s theme is “Outdoor Adventure.” 1 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.
Gwinn
• Great Lakes Rodeo. The day’s activities include the rodeo parade, vendors, youth events, a performance and after party at the VFW. Monies raised are used to fund grants available for youth programs in Marquette County. Children ages six to 12 and seniors, $10; adults, $15. Events begin at 10 a.m. 150 W. Johnson Lake Rd., Forsyth Township. 906-360-7069 or
greatlakesrodeo.com.
• Summer Reading Kick-Off Party. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Forsyth Township Library, 180 W. Flint St. 906-346-3433 or forsythtwplibrary.org.
Houghton/Hancock
• Bridgefest. This weekend of events commemorates the 65th anniversary of the Portage Lake Lift Bridge and celebrates the communities it connects. The day’s activities will include tours, games, Keweenaw Classic Car and Vintage Motorcycle Show, kids area, cornhole, cribbage and pickleball tournaments, rubber ducky races, water ski show, live music, street dance, a lighted boat parade and the Jon Davis Memorial Fireworks. 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. bridgefestfun.com.
Houghton
• Three Sopranos (and a Tenor). Soprano Maitri White, soprano Kathryn Summersett, mezzo-soprano Julia Janowski and tenor Darrius Morton will present an operatic tour de force featuring a blend of dramatic and comic scenes. Part of the Pine Mountain Music Festival. Pay As You’re Able ticketing. 7:30 p.m. Rosza Center for the Performing Arts, MTU. pinemountainmusicfestival.com.
Marquette
• MVH D.J. Jacobetti Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser. Proceeds will benefit the Charitable Support Fund,
which enriches the lives of the veterans who call D.J. Jacobetti home. Suggested donation, $10. 8 to 11 a.m. MVH D.J. Jacobetti’s back parking lot, 425 Fisher St. 906-226-3576, ext. 2520396.
• Farmers Market. This market includes items from 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.
Negaunee
• Marvel Illustrator Jerry DeCaire. The Negaunee Public Library will host Marvel Entertainment Illustrator Jerry DeCaire, a native of Saginaw, who will present a live drawing performance. DeCaire has worked on Deadpool, Wolverine, Thor and other superheroes and his presentation will include opportunities for audience participation. All attendees will receive an autographed copy of the sketches created during the program. 9:30 a.m. Negaunee Senior Citizens Center, 410 Jackson St. 906475-7700, ext. 18 or facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary. 15
Father’s Day
Houghton/Hancock
• Bridgefest. This weekend of events commemorates the 65th anniversary of the Portage Lake Lift Bridge and celebrates the communities it connects. The day’s activities will include a pancake breakfast and Father’s Day ice cream social. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. bridgefestfun. com.
16 MONDAY
Escanaba
• Music Mondays. Featuring Boots and Sandals. 7 to 9 p.m. Karas Bandshell in Ludington Park.
Hancock
• Buellwood Weavers and Fiber Arts Guild Meeting. Participants will start a group project that will be used for a display next summer. 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
• Mini Bluey Bash. Children up to preschool can enjoy Bluey and
Bingo games and crafts. 10 to 11 a.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.
• Bluey Bash. Children of all ages can enjoy Bluey and Bingo games and crafts. 3 to 5 p.m. Community 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. 6 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod.com.
Negaunee
• Storytime. Youth are invited for stories, songs and rhymes on the theme of “Pond Life.” Rain will cancel the event. 2 p.m. Jackson Mine Park. 906475-7700, ext. 18, or facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary.
17 TUESDAY
sunrise 5:56 a.m.; sunset 9:45 p.m.
Crystal Falls
• Three Sopranos (and a Tenor). Soprano Maitri White, soprano Kathryn Summersett, mezzo-soprano Julia Janowski and tenor Darrius Morton will present an operatic tour de force featuring a blend of dramatic and comic scenes. Part of the Pine Mountain Music Festival. Pay As You’re Able ticketing. 7:30 p.m. CDT. Crystal Theatre, 304 Superior Ave. pinemountainmusicfestival.com.
Curtis
• Mark Seth Lender Reading. Mark Seth Lender, a writer and wildlife photographer, will read from his book “Smeagull the Seagull: A True Story.” Part of the Seney National Wildlife Refuge’s 90th Anniversary. Contact for time. Curtis Public Library, 9220 N. Portage Ave. 810-938-3020, seneyrefuge90years@gmail.com or friendsofseney.org.
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.
Ishpeming
• Northern Scales Educational Program. This educational program presented by Marquette’s Northern Scales Reptiles aims to break down misconceptions about reptiles and provide information about pet care for these types of animals. There will also be an opportunity for an interactive meet and greet. 11 a.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary. info.
• Adult Book Club. This month’s selection is “A Cast Away in Montana” by Tim Schulz. 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.
• 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.
• Teen Tuesday: Henna and Sun Catchers. Youth entering sixth through 12th grades can create one-of-a-kind sun catchers and Behennaed will be on site for henna art, which can last up to 3 weeks. 12:30, 1:30 or 2:30 pm. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. Register for one session; call 906-226-4321, email apierce@pwpl.info or visit 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.
• 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.
• Marten and Fisher Management in Michigan. Cody Norton, bear, furbearer and small game specialist for the Michigan DNR, will discuss the biology, history and management of the American marten and fisher, two lesser-known members of the weasel family in Michigan. The talk will be followed by a short Q&A session. 6 p.m. MooseWood Nature Center, Shiras Pool Building at Presque Isle Park. moosewood.org.
Negaunee
• Adult Craft Event. This hands-on workshop will guide participants through basic techniques to blend and design their own set of alcohol ink coasters. All materials will be provided. Registration is required. 2:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St 906-475-7700, ext. 18, or facebook.com/NegauneePublicLibrary.
18 WEDNESDAY
Calumet
• Primroses in the Garden. Daniel Hendrickson, a retired music educator and plant enthusiast, will introduce attendees to the beauty of primroses and discuss plant selections and design tips suitable for woodland, crevice, container and rock garden settings. 6:30 p.m. Community Room, Calumet Public Library, 57070 Mine St. 906337-0311, ext. 1107, or clklibrary.org.
Curtis
• Music in the Park. Featuring music by No B.S. 6:30 p.m. Erickson Center for the Arts, N9224 Saw-Wa-Quato St. 906-586-9974 or ericksoncenter.org.
Iron Mountain
• The Bergonzi Trio. The Bergonzi Trio will perform their signature blend of passion, precision and power in a chamber music experience. Part of the Pine Mountain Music Festival. Pay As You’re Able ticketing. 7:30 p.m. CDT. Iron Mountain High School, 300 W. B St. pinemountainmusicfestival.com.
Ishpeming
• West End Farm Stand. 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. 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.
• Michigan Notable Books Author Tour: Tim Schulz. Tim Schulz, author of the Michigan Notable Books selection “A Cast Away in Montana,” will visit for a presentation, Q&A and book signing. 5:30 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.
Marquette
• Introduction to Riparian Ecology. Clare Fastiggi will lead a tour showing the plant communities and wildlife that are found in riparian zones, areas where waterways and land interact, and the critical role these areas play in a healthy ecosystem. NCLL members, $5; non-members, $10. 9 a.m. Vielmetti-Peters Reserve, end of Brickyard Road near Meijers. 906241-9800 or whitebirch07@icloud. 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.
• 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.
• 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, email apierce@pwpl.info.
• Wednesday Night Market. This market includes items from farmers, growers, food producers, and artisans. 5 to 8 p.m. 100 Block of Washington Street. mqtfarmersmarket.com.
• Concert on the Steps: The MakeBelieve Spurs. The Make-Believe Spurs, featuring Molly Wallen, Brian Wallen and Mavis Farr, will present an evening of close-knit harmonies and storytelling. 6:30 p.m. Front Street Steps, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4322 or pwpl. info.
• Wild Wild West: The Forgotten History of West Washington Street—A Walking Tour with Jim Koski. Jim Koski will lead a walk to discover stories associated with the churches, gas stations, grocery stores and railroads that called Washington Street, west of Fourth Street, home. Suggested donation, $5. 6:30 p.m. Meet at and return to the Marquette Regional History Center parking lot, 145 W. Spring St. 906-226-3571 or marquettehistory.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.
906-789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.
Gwinn
• Gwinn Modeltown Market. Featuring live music by Chris Valenti. 3 to 6 p.m. Riverside Pavilion, Peter Nordeen Park, 115 N. Pine St. 906361-4843 or modeltownmarket@ gmail.com.
Ishpeming
Crochet Club. 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. 906486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.
L’Anse
• Lakefront Concert. Featuring roots, country, bluegrass and Celtic music by Tapestry String Band. 7 p.m. Lakefront Park, Broad Street at the lake (rain location is Meadowbrook Arena, 204 Division St.).
Marquette
• Kids’ Craft Time. Kids ages five to 12 will create bean mosaics 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 City Band Concert. Seating is limited; bring a chair. 7:30 p.m. Negaunee Outdoor Performing Arts Center, east end of Iron Street.
19 THURSDAY
sunrise 5:56 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.
Curtis
• FEAST Potluck. This FEAST (Friends Eating and Storytelling Together) Potluck will feature speaker Mark Seth Lender, a writer and wildlife photographer. Part of the Seney National Wildlife Refuge’s 90th Anniversary. 6 p.m. Erickson Center for the Arts, N9224 Saw-Wa-Quato St. 810-938-3020, seneyrefuge90years@ gmail.com or friendsofseney.org.
Escanaba
• Live on the Lawn at Lunch. Featuring live jazz from Patrick Booth and lunch from Wildman’s food truck. 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St.
grade. 1 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906-789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.
Hancock
• Juhannus Summer Solstice Celebration. The day’s activities will include the Finnish Long Drink Experience from 3 to 7 p.m. at Small Craft and Takka, Canal Rock from 6 to 9 p.m. at Porvoo Park and Juhannuskokko (Midsummer bonfire), at 7:30 p.m. at Porvoo Park. visitkeweenaw.com.
Ishpeming
• Fantasy Map Making. Participants ages eight and older will learn how to make their own fantasy map using rice and beans, stamps and antiqued paper with local fantasy author Nikki Mitchell. 1 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.
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.
• 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.
• 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.
20 FRIDAY
sunrise 5:56 a.m.; sunset 9:46 p.m.
Calumet
• Members Only Used Book Sale. Gently used books and DVDs will be available to purchase at this primary fundraiser for the Friends of the Calumet Public Library. $10 memberships will be sold at the door. 3 to 6 p.m. Calumet Public Library, 57070 Mine St. 906-337-0311, ext. 1107, or clklibrary.org.
Escanaba
• Color Our World. Beth Peterson will lead a session of color clay mixing for students in kindergarten through fifth
• Bergonzi String Trio Family Concert. Children will hear excerpts from Haydn Piano Trio No. 39 on G Major “Gypsy,” Jennifer Higdon Piano Trio No. 1 “1. Pale Yellow” and Tchaikovsky Piano Trio in A Minor, Op. 50. Members of the trio will explain different parts of the music, talk about the different instruments and more. Part of the Pine Mountain Music Festival. 10 a.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. pinemountainmusicfestival.com.
• Global Cinema: “The Teacher’s Lounge.” In this Oscar-nominated German feature, director Ilker Catak tells the story of an idealistic young teacher who is pressured to discover which of her seventh-grade students is responsible for a series of thefts. Rated PG-13. Noon. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4322 or pwpl.info.
• Cultivating Care, Compassion and Connection. This event will offer a space to pause, reflect and build connections with others who are committed to cultivating kindness. Each week, a different organization 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.
• The Bergonzi Trio. The Bergonzi Trio will perform their signature blend of passion, precision and power in a chamber music experience. Part of the Pine Mountain Music Festival. Pay
As You’re Able ticketing. 7:30 p.m. Reynolds Recital Hall, NMU. pinemountainmusicfestival.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.
21 SATURDAY
sunrise 5:56 a.m.; sunset 9:46 p.m.
Calumet
• Used Book Sale. Gently used books and DVDs will be available to purchase at this primary fundraiser for the Friends of the Calumet Public Library. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Calumet Public Library, 57070 Mine St. 906337-0311, ext. 1107, or clklibrary.org.
Caspian
• TT Palooza: 60 Years on the Line. This event will mark 60 years of WIKB’s “Telephone Time,” which will live-broadcast its full three-hour show from the museum. There will also be booths showcasing local nonprofit organizations, live music, food and beverage trucks, bounce house, presentations, demonstrations, activities and more. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CDT. Iron County Museum, 100 Brady Ave. 906265- 2617 or info@ironcountymuseum. org.
Curtis
• Sarah Bomber: A Night on Broadway. Naubinway native Sarah Bomber will perform some of the most popular Broadway show tunes. Ticket prices vary. 7:30 p.m. The Pine Performance Center, N9224 Saw-WaQuato St. MyNorthTickets.com.
Gwinn
• Fun Daze. Hosted by the Gwinn Lions Club, the day’s activities will kick off with the Walk, Run, Roar 5K followed by the parade along Pine Street. Events in the park will include a display of antique cars, trucks, tractors, snowmobiles and chainsaws, craft and food vendors, kids games and live music. 5K begins at 9 a.m.; parade begins at 10 a.m. with activities to follow. Peter Nordeen Park, 115 N. Pine St. gwinnlionsclub.org.
Hancock
• Juhannus Summer Solstice Celebration. Visit Keweenaw, the City of Hancock and the Finnish Long Drink will host this celebration of the longest day of the year. The day’s activities will include the Midsummer pole raising and opening ceremonies, games, tori market, mobile saunas and cold plunges, and more beginning at 11 a.m. at Quincy Green, Finnish American Folk School Dance at 6:30 p.m. at the Finnish American Heritage Center, and a concert at 8 p.m. at the
Orpheum Theater. visitkeweenaw.com.
Houghton
• Bergonzi String Trio Family Concert. Children will hear excerpts from Haydn Piano Trio No. 39 on G Major “Gypsy,” Jennifer Higdon Piano Trio No. 1 “1. Pale Yellow” and Tchaikovsky Piano Trio in A Minor, Op. 50. Members of the trio will explain different parts of the music, talk about the different instruments and more. Part of the Pine Mountain Music Festival. 11 a.m. Portage Lake United Church, 1400 E. Houghton Ave. pinemountainmusicfestival.com.
• The Bergonzi Trio. The Bergonzi Trio will perform their signature blend of passion, precision and power in a chamber music experience. Part of the Pine Mountain Music Festival. Pay As You’re Able ticketing. 7:30 p.m. Rosza Center for the Performing Arts, MTU. pinemountainmusicfestival.com.
K.I. Sawyer
• Dance. Music will be performed by Red River Band. $10. 1 to 4 p.m. K.I. Sawyer Air Museum, 402 Third St.
Marquette
• Farmers Market. This market includes items from 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.
• 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.
22 SUNDAY
sunrise 5:57 a.m.; sunset 9:46 p.m.
• Used Book Sale. Gently used books and DVDs will be available to purchase at this primary fundraiser for the Friends of the Calumet Public Library. Noon to 2 p.m. Calumet Public Library, 57070 Mine St. 906-337-0311, ext. 1107, or clklibrary.org.
• 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.
Hancock
• Juhannus Summer Solstice Celebration. Visit Keweenaw, the City of Hancock and the Finnish Long Drink will host this celebration of the longest day of the year. The day’s activities will include a pancake breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. (location TBD) and a Finnish
tori and market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Quincy Green. visitkeweenaw.com.
Marquette
• Healthy Bees, Healthy Food, Healthy Kids Program. Beekeeper Sue Payant will talk about the importance of bees in the food chain. The program will include a storybook, craft and honey tasting, and activity books will be available to take home. Recommended for ages five to 10. 1 p.m. MooseWood Nature Center, Shiras Pool Building at Presque Isle Park. moosewood.org.
• Marquette Hope Free Concert. Music will be performed by The MakeBelieve Spurs and a special guest. 6 p.m. Connection Center, 927 W. Fair Ave. jpmqthope@gmail.com.
23 MONDAY
sunrise 5:57 a.m.; sunset 9:47 p.m.
Escanaba
• Music Mondays. Featuring Wingin’ It. 7 to 9 p.m. Karas Bandshell in Ludington Park.
Marquette
• 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.
• 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. 4 to 6 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.
• Block Busting Cinema Dinner and a Movie: “Wicked.” Starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, the film reveals the untold story of Oz’s witches, following Elphaba and Glinda—two unlikely friends whose bond is tested by power, destiny and the forces that shape good and evil. Rated PG. Bring dinner as tables will be available. 5 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4322 or pwpl.info.
• Hiawatha Art Week Concert. “Stories from the Woodshed: A Collection of Songwriter Tales” will feature performances by Cloverland, The Make-Believe Spurs, The Knockabouts and Troy Graham. 6 p.m. The Marquette Commons, 112 S. Third St. 906-226-8575 or hiawathamusic. org.
• Big Lake Theatre Co: "Bonnie & Clyde - The Musical." This musical is based of the infamous criminal duo Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. $25. 7 p.m. Ore Dock Brewing Company, 114 Spring St. biglaketheatre.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.
• Storytime. Youth are invited for stories, songs and rhymes on the theme of “Dinosaurs.” Rain will cancel the event. 2 p.m. Jackson Mine Park. 906475-7700, ext. 18, or facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary.
24 TUESDAY sunrise 5:57 a.m.; sunset 9:47 p.m.
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.
Ishpeming
• Color Your World: Preschool Color Day. The Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library and the Great Start Parent Coalition will team up to offer learning, craft and snack stations all about colors for kids ages six and younger. 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.
• 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. 10 a.m. to noon. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl. info.
• All Booked Up: Can We Talk? This month’s selection will be “James” by Percival Everett. 10 a.m. Shiras Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4322 or pwpl.info.
• Teen Tuesday: Felting with Jody Trost. Youth entering sixth through 12 grades can create a felted colorful person. 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., or 3 to 5 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. Register for one session; call 906- 226-4321.
• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge
Calumet
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 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.
• 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.
• D&D Junior. Youth entering fourth and fifth grades can choose a campaign session over the course of the summer or a one-shot game. Players who are new to the game are welcome. In-person registration is required. 4:30 to 6 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906226-4323 or pwpl.info.
• Concert on the Steps: Bluesday Tuesday. The Delta Duo 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 or pwpl.info.
• Big Lake Theatre Co: "Bonnie & Clyde - The Musical." This musical is based of the infamous criminal duo Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. $25. 7 p.m. Ore Dock Brewing Company, 114 Spring St. biglaketheatre.com
Negaunee
• Adult Craft Event. This hands-on workshop will guide participants through basic techniques to blend and design their own set of alcohol ink coasters. All materials will be provided. Registration is required. 5:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18, or facebook.com/NegauneePublicLibrary.
25 WEDNESDAY
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 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. 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 Blvd. 906-226-2006 or mqt.maritimemuseum.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.
217 N. Front St. 906-226-4321.
• Wednesday Night Market. This market includes items from 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. 906-226-4322 or pwpl.info.
• Big Lake Theatre Co: "Bonnie & Clyde - The Musical." This musical is based of the infamous criminal duo Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. $25. 7 p.m. Ore Dock Brewing Company, 114 Spring St. biglaketheatre.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 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 City Band Concert. Seating is limited; bring a chair. 7:30 p.m. Negaunee Outdoor Performing Arts Center, east end of Iron Street.
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, seneyrefuge90years@ gmail.com 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.
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.
• The Sue Huber Evening of Piano with Joe Amijo. Joe Amijo 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
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
• Youth Community Art: Tye-Dye Flags. Youth of all ages can drop in to design and dye a unique rainbow flag. 1 to 3 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906226-4323 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,
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
• UPStarts! Emerging Artists Showcase. Up-and-coming classical musicians from the U.P., Curt Rogan, tenor (Calumet), Rachel Nulf, flute (Hancock) and Jane Fall-Lakatos, violin (MTU student) will perform. 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.
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
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
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. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4322 or pwpl.info.
• Big Lake Theatre Co: "Bonnie & Clyde - The Musical." This musical
is based of the infamous criminal duo Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. $25.
7 p.m. Ore Dock Brewing Company, 114 Spring St. biglaketheatre.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.
feelings, develop friendships and learn about available community resources from their own home via phone. June 18. 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. June 11. 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. 12-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. June 11. 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. June 9 and 19 (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. June 11. (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. June 18. 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
• Marquette City Band Concert. Bring your own chairs. Rain location is at NMU's Reynolds Recital Hall. 7:30 p.m. Harlow Park, 623 W. Washington St. marquettecityband.com.
27 FRIDAY
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 Museum, 100 Brady Ave. 906-2652617 or info@ironcountymuseum.org.
Gwinn
• Family Health and Resource Fair. Families can enjoy food, along with health resources and activities. 1 to 5 p.m. Upper Great Lakes’ Sawyer Family Health Center, 301 Explorer St. uglhealth.org.
• Alumni Co-Ed Softball Tournament. Alumni teams will compete throughout the week. Times vary. Forsyth Township Baseball Field, off Johnson Lake Rd. gwinnmmi.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.
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. 906-2264323. or pwpl.info.
• Cultivating Care, Compassion and Connection. This event will offer a space to pause, reflect and build connections with others who are committed to cultivating kindness. Each week, a different organization 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.
• 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. Up-and-coming classical musicians from the U.P., Curt Rogan, tenor (Calumet), Rachel Nulf, flute (Hancock) and Jane Fall-Lakatos, violin (MTU student) will perform. 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 LEGOs and other blocks. Older youth are welcome to quietly build as they please. 11 a.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-4757700, ext. 18.
Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.
Houghton
• UPStarts! Emerging Artists Showcase. Up-and-coming classical musicians from the U.P., Curt Rogan, tenor (Calumet), Rachel Nulf, flute (Hancock) and Jane Fall-Lakatos, violin (MTU student) will perform. Part 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. This market includes items from 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.
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 Rd. gwinnmmi.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.
Gwinn
• Alumni Co-Ed Softball Tournament. Alumni teams will compete throughout the week. Times vary. Forsyth Township Baseball Field, off Johnson Lake Rd. gwinnmmi.com.
Escanaba
• STEAM Story Time with the Robomos and Technomos. Intended for ages five to 12. 1 p.m. Escanaba
• 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
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 Rd. gwinnmmi.com.
Marquette
• Pokémon Adventure. Youth of all 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. Youth are invited for 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. MM
Alumni Co-Ed Softball Tournament | Begins June 27 | Gwinn
