December 2021 Marquette Monthly

2

Marquette Monthly

December 2021

contents

4

City Notes

20

New York Times Crossword Puzzle

21

Feature

Highlights of important happenings in the area

18 On Campus

News from U.P. Universities/Colleges December 2021 No. 342

Publishers

Jane Hutchens James Larsen II

This and That (answers on page 66) Jackie Stark

U.P. holiday events fuel holiday spirit

24 Locals

Joseph Zyble Art & History: Bill Hamilton

Bah humbug?

Coach Buck

Managing Editor

29 At The Table

Katherine Larson

Calendar Editor

32 Sporting Life

Michael D. Walker

Graphic Design

40 Back Then

Kristy Basolo-Malmsten Carrie Usher Jennifer Bell Knute Olson

Proofreader Laura Kagy

Circulation

Dick Armstrong

Chief Photographer Tom Buchkoe

Marquette Monthly, published by Model Town Publishing, LLC, located at PO Box 109 Gwinn, MI, 49841, is locally and independently owned. Entire contents copyright 2021 by Model Town Publishing. All rights reserved. Permission or use of editorial material in any manner must be obtained in writing from the publishers. Marquette Monthly is published 12 times a year. Subscriptions are $65 per year. Freelance material can be submitted for consideration to editor@marquettemonthly.com. Events can be submitted to calendar@marquettemonthly.com. Ad inquiries can be sent to jane@marquettemonthly. com or james@marquettemonthly.com.

(906) 360-2180 www.marquettemonthly.com

About the Cover Artist This month’s cover artist is Carol Papaleo, a full-time artist who works in watercolors, acrylics and mixed media. She is the owner of the Art U.P. Style Gallery in downtown Marquette. See more of her artwork on Facebook and Etsy.

Larry Chabot

Peace song goes awry

42 Lookout Point

44

Gwinn community adopts seniors during holidays

Fiction

John Smolens

The Superior Gatsby, part iv

45 Back Then

Erin Elliott Bryan

Larry Chabot

Remembering Joan Volek

47 Lookout Point

Katherine Larson

Fueling Imagination

Deborah K. Frontiera You better watch out...

When death came to the Keweenaw

49 Locals

51 Back Then Sonny Longtine 53 In The Outdoors

Counting Crows

I Believe

New view for the Vista

57 Poetry

Scot Stewart

Helen Haskell Remien

58 The Arts

Brad Gischia

60 Gift of Water

Olivia Kingery

Craw Corner

61 In The Outdoors

Life History

65 Home Cinema

Leonard Heldreth

Break-ups, meet-ups and a side order of murder mystery

67 Superior Reads

John Pepin/DNR

Touching the Wild U.P.

Victor Volkman

68

Coloring Page

Carrie Usher December events and music, art and museum guides

69 Out & About

The Gathered Earth

December 2021

Marquette Monthly

3

city notes Finn Group to hold meeting on December 11

O

n Saturday, December 11 at 2 p.m., the Finlandia Foundation National Lake Superior Chapter will hold a program to honor Finland’s Independence Day (December 6), and to celebrate “Little Christmas” or “Pikkujoulu” in the Community Room at Peter White Public Library in Marquette.

A brief message about Finnish Independence and about “Little Christmas” will be given by Chapter president Ron Hill. There will be a short business meeting, with election of officers. Entertainment will include music by Tanja Stanaway, and possibly a Finnish film with English subtitles.

Finnish coffee bread and juustoa (Finn cheese, all individually packaged) and coffee will be offered for refreshments. Masks are recommended, but not required.

This gathering is open to all, members and friends alike. There is no charge for attending, but a basket on the refreshment table will collect donations. Membership in the Chapter, which is $10/year, may be renewed or begun at this meeting.

For details, call (906)485-1971.

Public sessions on climate plan set for December

T

he public will have an opportunity at two online public listening sessions scheduled from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 1 or from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, December 2 to offer their reactions, ideas and insights to the recommendations received to date by the Council on Climate Solutions about how Michigan can achieve its goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050. New recommendations are also welcome.

The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), through its Office of Climate and Energy, is charged with formulating and overseeing implementation of the climate plan, which includes a roadmap to reducing greenhouse gas emissions statewide.

You can indicate your interest in commenting when you sign up for the event. Registration is not required to attend. If you do not register in advance, but would like to attend and make a comment, send an email to EGLE-ClimateSolutions@Michigan. gov with “Public Comment Request” and your name in the subject line. All attendees will have an opportunity to

4

Marquette Monthly

December 2021

make a comment. Each speaker will be limited to three minutes.

Individuals needing language assistance or accommodations for effective participation at the listening sessions should contact Kimber Frantz via email at FrantzK@Michigan.gov or by calling (517)284-5035 before the event to request assistance.

Those who cannot attend the listening sessions can offer their topical comments at any time by sending an email to EGLE-ClimateSolutions@ Michigan.gov

Taste the Local Difference releases Michigan gift guide

S

hop local for unique Michigan gifts this holiday season with the Michigan Local Gift Guide.

Curated by Taste the Local Difference, the Gift Guide features items made by local artisans and food businesses, as well as organizations that fight for a stronger Michigan food system.

With a full range of prices and representation from companies around the state, this Guide simplifies holiday shopping. Shop by categories like Sweet, Savory, Home and Wellness, and BIPOC-Owned Businesses, to find anything from local lavender home goods to hot sauce.

Additionally, the Gifts from the Heart section showcases organizations fighting hunger, helping farmers, and creating a good food culture here in Michigan to donate to as a gift to your community.

Visit www.michiganlocalgiftguide. com for details.

Grant received for local playground equipment upgrades

H

onor Credit Union Full-Meter-THON recently presented a check to the “Kids Cove Playground for All” Committee for $14,338.80.

This donation will help fund the playground that will be built as an enhanced replacement of the current Kids Cove playground in Mattson Lower Harbor Park.

The Playground for All Committee and City of Marquette have partnered with the Community Foundation of Marquette County to raise funds for this project.

The Honor Credit Union Full Meter-THON was a hilarious fun “race” of only 3.28 feet. It included a full day of family fun and music at Mattson Lower Harbor Park.

Playground for All is currently in the fundraising phase for an all-in-

in memory Miriam Hilton A list of accomplishments would not fit on this page.

We all miss her smile.

Thank you, Miriam.

Love to the Hilton family clusive playground at Mattson Lower Harbor Park called Kids Cove, A Playground for All. The committee is looking to raise an additional $830k to reach their fundraising goal of $1.3M. Construction on the playground is anticipated to begin in the spring and be finished in summer of 2022.

For more information or to donate, visit kidscovemqt.com

Campaign launched for Lakeshore Depot project

L

akeshore Depot in Marquette will complete its vision of becoming a local hub where community and agriculture meet with the help of a new crowdfunding campaign, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and local L3C. The campaign is being offered through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.

If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $50,000 by December 21, the project will win a matching grant with funds made possible by MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places program.

Lakeshore Depot is the Upper Peninsula’s only year-round indoor daily farmer’s market. Located on the coast of Lake Superior across from McCarty’s Cove on Lakeshore Boulevard, the depot offers a variety of regional and local produce, meat, eggs, dairy, craft beverages, dry goods and pantry staples. Though they opened their doors in July 2020, this campaign will allow them to complete their space and expand.

For project details and to donate, visit www.patronicity.com/lakeshore

Poor Artists Sale scheduled for December 4 in Calumet

T

he Poor Artists Sale is an annual juried holiday art fair hosted by the Copper Country Community Arts Council as a benefit for the Community Arts Center in Hancock.

The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 4 at the CLK gym in Calumet.

This year’s sale offers the work of more than 40 artists. Shoppers will find handmade jewelry and pottery, ornaments, baskets, wood art, stained glass, fiber arts, photography and many other special items made by local artists.

The Poor Artists Sale will look a little different this year. Participating artists and attendees are asked to wear a mask. Booths will have extra space around them to allow for distancing, and free masks and sanitizing stations will be available.

Bakers are sought for the hospitality table at the Poor Artists Sale. If you can help by pre-wrapping goods individually or onto plastic wrapped paper plates, that will allow the continued tradition of the fundraising hospitality table. Email bonnie@coppercountry arts.com for details.

UP CTC offers community survey opportunity

U

pper Peninsula Communities That Care (UP CTC) works to lower local rates of youth substance use, depression and more. They are asking for community feedback with a brief, seven-question online survey.

The survey is open to parents, professionals, youth and other communi-

December 2021

Marquette Monthly

5

ty members in the U.P. You can find it at by visiting www.upctc.com and clicking “Take Our Survey.”

Communities That Care (CTC) is an evidence-based coalition model, which means multiple studies have shown that it has a measurable, positive impact on youth in communities that have CTCs. Short-term, CTC helps prevent risky behavior in middle and high schoolers. Longterm, it helps youth grow into healthier adults, resulting in stable families, improved local workforce and less strain on taxpayer-funded agencies.

Funding for the coalitions is provided by NorthCare. If you would llike to volunteer for UP CTC, there is room for everyone around the table.

Dale’s Light Show in Gwinn opening to visitors soon

E

very December, for many years, Dale Weingartner of Gwinn has put up a Christmas light show that includes more than 120 circuits of lights coordinated with music that can be heard on a vehicle radio.

There’s even a Christmas dragon that kids of all ages wait to find where it will pop up each year. The show lasts about five minutes and goes through parts of various songs and scenes and then repeats.

The entire show is computer-operated and takes more than 70 hours to set up with more than 20 hours of programming. The music and display is different each year.

Most people remain in their vehicle and park by the sign that shows them where the best viewing is. Please wait your turn. One needs to spend at least five minutes for the whole show, but if you decide to stay longer or would like to get out and walk around, just park off to the side where the additional parking sign is. The music can be heard outside as well.

The display is located at 950 East Girl Scout Lane in Gwinn, and is open from 5:30 to 11 p.m. during the last 3.5 weeks of December. The show is

6

Marquette Monthly

Lake Superior Life Care & Hospice offers tips to manage grief during the holidays

H

olidays are times for experiencing a wide variety of memories, and with memories come emotions.

This is especially true for those who have said goodbye to a loved one recently, and are experiencing the shades and varieties of grief.

Holidays, however, do not have to be entirely sad if we can accept some of the following: • For those who are experiencing the first holiday without a loved one, acknowledge that this holiday is going to be different. Accepting that reality right up front can be a huge and important step.

• Secondly, grief can be a time of growing, of calling forth and going forth. It is a time to accept our limitations and take care of ourselves both physically and spiritually.

• Thirdly, accept that mood swings are common. It is OK to feel sad; it is OK to feel good.

• Keep holiday stress in perspective. Holiday stress is a part of life.

Focusing our energy on things we can change, not on things we can’t, can help alleviate some of this stress.

Lovingly remember the three “Cs” of serenity: “I didn’t cause it, I can’t change it AND I can cope with it.

A few specific tips to cope with the holidays include:

• Set realistic expectations for yourself. Remind yourself that this year is different. Decide if you can cope with the responsibilities you’ve had in the past. Examine the tasks and events of celebrating and ask yourself if you want to continue them. Take others up on offers to cook, shop, decorate, etc. Consider shopping by phone or online.

• Surround yourself with people who love and support you. Share your plans with family and friends and let them know of any intended changes in holiday routine. Memories can sometimes be a source of comfort to the bereaved. Share your memories of holidays spent with your loved one by telling stories and looking at photo albums.

• Try to avoid “canceling” the holiday despite the temptation. It is OK to avoid some circumstances that you don’t feel ready to handle, but don’t isolate yourself. Allow yourself some time for solitude, remembering and grieving, but balance it with planned activities with others.

• Allow yourself to feel joy, sadness, anger. It is important to recognize that every family member has his/her own unique grief experience and may have different needs related

closed in damp or rainy weather.

Donations are accepted in the big candy cane, but the show is free. Donations are used to improve the equipment and lights.

nect meaningfully with their past and also create public art that both edified and beautified.

A group of organizations in the region formed a planning committee to create a series of events in 2023 to celebrate Mary Wright’s legacy in the Upper Peninsula. The planning group is currently discussing what shape those events or projects should take and is looking for community input.

One of the ideas is to create an exhibition that features art work or objects that were created as part of one of Wright’s many projects in the U.P.

Mary Wright Project seeks ideas and artist artifacts

F

or over three decades, the artist Mary Wright brought communities across the Upper Peninsula together with their love for art and our cultural heritage.

Through a series of public art projects, Wright helped communities con-

December 2021

to celebrating the holidays. No one way is right or wrong. Experiencing joy and laughter does not mean you have forgotten your loved one.

• Draw comfort from doing for others. Consider giving a donation or gift in memory of your loved one.

Invite a guest who might otherwise be alone for the holidays. Adopt a needy family during the holiday season.

• Take care of yourself. Avoid using alcohol to self-medicate your mood. Try to avoid the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Physical exercise is often an antidote for sadness. Writing in a journal can be a good outlet for your grief. Buy yourself something frivolous that you always wanted but never allowed yourself to indulge in.

• Create a new tradition or ritual that accommodates your current situation. Some people find comfort in old traditions. Others find them unbearably painful. Discuss with your family the activities you want to include or exclude this year.

Please remember, whatever way you choose to celebrate (or not celebrate) is the “right” way for YOU. —Chuck Tooman, Chaplain, and Lisa Marttila, Bereavement Coordinator and Social Worker

These could include your family’s Heritage Pole, Finnish chairs, Ancestor’s Clothesline, Remembering M-28 shovels, Grandma Doors or many other projects she helped organize.

If someone in your family has a remnant of one of these projects, and you are interested in being involved, contact Daniel Truckey at heritage@ nmu.edu or (906)227-3212.

United Way announces shopping spree winners

U

nited Way of Marquette County held a Facebook contest allowing

community member to choose a participating partner agency to win shopping sprees for basic needs items.

Three randomly selected people chose agencies to get the shopping sprees—one for $500 and two for $125.

Mary Moe chose the Women’s Center for the $500 shopping spree.

The recipients of the two $125 sprees are Negaunee Senior Citizen’s Center, chosen by Amy Mattson, and Bay Cliff Health Camp, chosen by Chandler Jones. Agencies shopped for their basic needs items at Meijer.

Funds for the basic needs shopping sprees are the result of Michigan taxpayers selecting the United Way Fund on their Voluntary Contributions Schedule, Form 4642, when filing their Michigan Income Taxes in 2021.

In accordance with Public Act 527 of 2008, the funds must be used “for basic needs, including, but not limited to, food, clothing and shelter.”

Dial Help asks friends, family to talk about suicide

S

uicide isn’t exactly a comfortable topic to talk about, but the more we do, the more hope there is for the people in our communities who are struggling. They may be depressed; dealing with an illness, abuse, or addiction; or looking for an escape from their pain. The reasons vary, but there’s one thing they all have in common: suicide is preventable. And we can all play a part.

Signs that someone is suicidal can vary from person to person. Listen to your gut if something seems off.

Common warning signs include: • Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves • Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun • Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live • Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain • Talking about being a burden to others • Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs • Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly • Sleeping too little or too much • Withdrawing or isolating • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge • Extreme mood swings • A sudden change to positive/ euphoric mood while giving things away or making similar arrangements The biggest way you can help is by asking directly, “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” You may have to check a couple times, because

people with suicidal thoughts may be embarrassed or afraid. Try to use a calm, non-judgmental voice and keep eye contact. Remember, research has shown that asking someone if they are suicidal will NOT cause them to kill themselves.

Let the person know that it’s safe to talk to you about suicide. Ask what’s going on that has them thinking about killing themselves, then just listen.

Be empathetic rather than turning the conversation to yourself and your experiences. Just let this person get their emotions off their chest. Above all, don’t judge them. It takes a lot of courage to talk about feeling suicidal, and feeling judged is a big reason why people keep those feelings inside.

If possible, check in the days and weeks after they disclose they’ve been thinking about suicide. Let them know that you care and see how they’re doing. Evidence has shown that such follow-up support can make a real difference in helping a suicidal person stay alive.

Youth are particularly vulnerable to suicide due to major transitions and significant cognitive, mental, emotional, and social change. If someone under the age of 18 discloses that they are suicidal, make sure to tell the youth’s parent or guardian.

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, reach out to Dial Help 24/7 by calling (906)482HELP or toll-free (800)562-7622, texting 35NEEDS (906-356-3337), or chatting online at www.dialhelp.org Community members and professionals who want to get involved in suicide prevention locally can reach out to their Communities That Care (CTC) coalition at www.upctc.com

U.P. Home Health & Hospice offer holiday giveaway

U

.P. Home Health & Hospice (UPHH&H) and U.P. Private Duty Services are giving away two Hisense 55-inch 4K Smart LED televisions.

UPHH&H is working together with the TV6 Canathon and the United States Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots in their efforts to help our community during the Holidays.

Donate three nonperishable food items and/or a minimum of a $5 new children’s toy for an entry into the drawings. Enter as many times as you would like.

Those who wish to participate may drop off their items to either of the locations listed below. Drop off Toys for Tots items by Friday, December 10 to qualify for the drawing at UPHH&H’s Marquette or Ishpeming locations.

Employees, volunteers and immediate family members of U.P. Home

December 2021

Marquette Monthly

7

Health & Hospice and U.P. Private Duty Services are not eligible to win.

For details, call (906)225-4545 or visit www.uphomehealth.org

Public reminded to check carbon monoxide detectors

A

s the temperatures continue to drop, Michiganders are urged to take action to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide, or CO, is a gas that forms whenever a fossil fuel is burned. You cannot see, taste or smell CO, but it can be deadly when you breathe it in. CO is dangerous because it blocks your body from taking in the oxygen it needs. CO can cause serious illness or death in just minutes.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that each year, about 50,000 people across the country visit the emergency department for accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. Hospitalizations for carbon monoxide poisoning are preventable when people are prepared by following these safety tips: • Make sure you have working carbon monoxide detectors. Detectors on every level of your home, including the basement, are strongly recommended. Detectors can be purchased at most hardware and big box stores.

• Have your furnace or wood-burning stove inspected annually. Hire a

professional to make sure it is functionally sound and vents properly outside the home.

• Never run a gasoline, kerosene or propane heater or a grill (gas or charcoal) inside your home or in an unventilated garage. Any heating system that burns fuel produces carbon monoxide.

• Generators should be run at a safe distance (at least 20 feet) from the home. Never run a generator in the home or garage or right next to windows or doors.

• Never run a car in an enclosed space. If a vehicle is running, you must have a garage door open to the outside.

Symptoms of overexposure to carbon monoxide include headache, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea and confusion. At high levels, carbon monoxide can cause death within minutes.

For details about carbon monoxide poisoning, visit www. Michigan.gov/ MiTracking

Community members asked to be election workers

E

lection workers are the Most Valuable Players of our democracy, ensuring free and fair elections for all.

And our democracy needs election workers more than ever.

Serving as an election worker is a

Bradford Veley is a freelance cartoonist, illustrator and farmer in the U.P. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram and at www.bradveley.com

8

Marquette Monthly

December 2021

P

mea culpa!

hotos in “Hunting Tale” on Page 41 and 42 of our November 2021 issue were incorrectly attributed to the author of the story, when they actually were courtesy of Linda Hornick. We regret the error.

paid position, and all election workers are trained on proper protocols to assist clerks and count ballots.

Interested voters can sign up at www.Michigan.gov/DemocracyMVP

Prepare for holidays with mindfulness classes

M

SU Extension is offering a program, Preparing for Holiday Stress Using Mindfulness, free online each Monday and Wednesday starting December 6 and going through December 20.

Join in at 12:30 p.m. for five sessions where you can take time for yourself to be better prepared to navigate this special time of the year.

To register, call Anita at (906)3609732 or email carte356@msu.edu.

Holiday tree permits offer family gathering opportunity

A

s the holiday season approaches, if you are looking for the perfect weekend family activity, the Hiawatha National Forest offers holiday tree gathering. Permits, just $5 a piece, are available online. Purchase information and details about designated cutting areas, dates and types of trees that may be cut can be found at www. recreation.gov/tree-permits/hiawatha Online purchase of your seasonal tree permit is highly encouraged and can be a great way to easily get your permit at your own convenience and plan your family’s day outside.

There is a three-permit maximum per family. For those unable to purchase the tag online, call your local district office ahead of time to arrange permit purchase.

Cutting your holiday tree on the National Forest improves forest health by helping to thin densely populated stands of small-diameter trees, allowing for more room for larger trees in the area and providing wildlife openings.

It is important to carefully read the overview and need-to-know information prior to purchasing the permit.

Governor’s Service Awards set virtually on January 12

T

he Michigan Community Service Commission is pleased to announce that the 2021 Governor’s Service Awards will take place virtually on January 12, 2022.

For nearly 30 years, the Michigan

Community Service Commission has supported Michigan volunteers, organizations and businesses that are committed to service and play a critical role in improving the lives of people and our communities.

To recognize those who go above and beyond, Michigan’s governors have presented the Governor’s Service Awards since 1994.

The Michigan Community Service Commission will present the awards in a new format for 2021. Nominations will go through the newly launched Michigan Heroes Campaign and honor those who have made a difference during the COVID-19 pandemic.

All Michigan Heroes Campaign nominees are eligible for the 2021 Governor’s Service Awards. New nominations must be submitted by December 3 to be eligible for the awards. Visit www.miheroesproject. org to submit a nomination.

Downtown Marquette offers complimentary parking

I

n celebration of the holiday season, enforcement of the metered parking and two-hour customer parking areas will be suspended after 3 p.m. throughout Downtown Marquette from Monday through Friday until Sunday, December 26.

After 3 p.m., visitors to downtown may park without restriction in any of the public parking spaces within the district except those reserved for handicapped, 24-hour reserved or loading zones. This includes North Third Street, the lower and upper level of the Bluff Street Parking Ramp, Commons Lot, Main Street Lots, Lakeshore Boulevard Lot, Rock Street Lot, East Baraga Avenue Lot and the Spring Street Lot. Overnight parking restrictions will still be enforced. The courtesy parking is offered compliments of the Marquette City Police Department and The Marquette Downtown Development Authority.

Grants help communities address lead, water quality

M

ore than $2 million in grants awarded recently under the umbrella of the MI Clean Water plan will assist water supplies in asset management plan development or updates, and/or distribution system materials inventory as defined in Michigan’s

December 2021

Marquette Monthly

9

Lead and Copper Rule.

The grants, issued through the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), are among a suite of grants that support work including replacing lead service lines, enhancing water affordability plans, and connecting homes with contaminated drinking water wells to safe community water supplies.

The MI Clean Water plan is a $500 million investment announced by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer last year to rebuild the state’s water infrastructure to help provide clean, affordable water to Michiganders through investments in communities.

It addresses water infrastructure issues that Michigan faces such as lead-laden water service lines, toxic contamination like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), undersized sewers, failing septic systems, unaffordable water rates and constrained local budgets.

The Drinking Water Quality portion has already been approved and includes federal dollars for lead service line replacement in low-income communities ($102.1 million) and General Fund programs that address PFAS or other contaminants, planning and/or rate studies, asset management

10

Marquette Monthly

plan development, and lead service line identification ($105 million). The governor continues to advocate for the Wastewater Protection program that would be funded through existing bonding authority ($293 million).

More than half of EGLE’s budget is funneled to Michigan communities in the form of financial assistance to help address water infrastructure and other environmental- and health-protection efforts.

The Drinking Water Asset Management (DWAM) grant is available to assist water supplies in asset management plan development or updates, and/or distribution system materials inventory as defined in Michigan’s Lead and Copper Rule.

The Affordability and Planning (AP) grant is available to any community water supply and local unit of government to assist in planning and/ or rate studies.

October grants were all awarded through the DWAM grant program, including $108,200 to Tilden Township.

have joined its board of trustees for three-year terms.

Eslinger recently retired from Northern Michigan University, where he served as the Dean of the College of Technology and Occupational Sciences, Associate Vice President for Workforce and Economic Development, and co-founded the idea incubator Invent@NMU. He has been active in the Marquette County and Upper Peninsula workforce and economic development issues for more than two decades.

Gonstead has been an active volunteer in the Upper Peninsula for more than 20 years, and has served on the boards of the Noquemanon Trail Network and the Yellow Dog Watershed, and on the marketing committee of the Big Bay Stewardship Council.

She and her husband Sven launched the Big Bay summer concert series in 2018 in Powell Township. She also devotes her time to the Big Bay Fall Fest, the Big Bay Pathway, the Honey Bear Classic, and other causes and organizations.

Community foundation names new trustees

Library for the Blind makes change to assist readers

T

he Community Foundation of Marquette County announced that Robert Eslinger and Marcia Gonstead

December 2021

T

he National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) implemented a long-awaited

change to make it easier for people with reading disabilities to enroll for talking book services. Now reading specialists, educators, librarians and school psychologists may certify the eligibility of applicants with reading disabilities such as dyslexia.

Great Lakes Talking Books (GLTB) in Marquette is part of a national network of NLS outreach and advisory centers. GLTB serves residents (all ages) of the Upper Peninsula and Alpena and Crawford counties in the Lower Peninsula. GLTB provides a free braille and talking book library service, circulating books and magazines in braille and audio formats that are instantly downloadable to a personal device.

Individuals are eligible for service provided they meet any of the following criteria: • are blind or have a visual impairment that makes them unable to comfortably read print books, • have a perceptual or reading disability, or • have a physical disability that makes it hard to hold or manipulate a book or to focus or move the eyes as needed to read a print book.

Applicants or caregivers may call to apply by phone or online at www. greatlakestalkingbooks.org

UP Health System welcomes orthopedic hand surgeon

U

P Health System hired orthopedic surgeon Andrew Mitchelson, MD from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, where he completed his hand and upper extremity fellowship.

A graduate of Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Dr. Mitchelson completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the same center in Springfield, Illinois.

Mitchelson specializes in the treatment of conditions affecting the hand, wrist, and elbow—most commonly to help relieve symptoms related to inflammation, injury, pain, limited range of motion, or deformity. Common procedures of the hand include carpal tunnel surgery, trigger finger surgery, Dupuytren’s contracture surgery, joint replacement, tendon repair, and nerve repair.

If you’re suffering from upper extremity joint pain, call (844)411-8747 to get connected to an orthopedic provider.

Northern Orthotics welcomes certified prosthetist

N

orthern Orthotics and Prosthetics announced that Maya Gougeon joined their team this fall.

Maya was born and raised in Marquette. She earned her bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Lake Superior State University, then pursued her Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

While in Houston, Maya focused on pediatrics and frequently worked with children with spina bifida, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and autism. She worked alongside physical therapists, doctors, and parents to help her patients achieve their milestones.

Gougeon is excited to be back in Marquette and looks forward to developing partnerships within the medical community. For details, visit www.northernoandp.org

UPHS-Portage seeking community health worker

U

P Health System-Portage has received funding as part of a federal grant awarded to AdvantagePoint Health Alliance-Great Lakes, a clinically integrated network (CIN) built in partnership with leading national

healthcare company LifePoint Health.

The Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) grant will provide $200,000 annually for the next four years to help establish a Community Health Worker Program in Marquette and Houghton counties. The program is designed to help connect underserved members of the community with the appropriate resources to support their overall health and wellness. The project will focus on addressing barriers to healthcare, increasing access to primary care, and reducing overuse of the emergency department for non-urgent care. The grant funds will cover training, supplies, travel and administration, in addition to the salaries of the Community Health Workers.

Interested applicants can learn more about the Community Health Worker position and apply at LifePointHealth. jobs.net

President Joe Biden signed the Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act of 2022 into law, thus authorizing State WIC Agencies to significantly increase the program’s vegetable and fruit benefit through December 31.

The monthly cash value benefit for fruits and vegetables has been increased to the following amounts: • $24 for children.

• $43 for pregnant and postpartum people.

• $47 for breastfeeding people.

WIC’s CVB vegetable and fruit benefit was first introduced in 2007 and is credited with improving the dietary quality of WIC participants and reducing the prevalence of childhood obesity among WIC toddlers.

For details about the WIC program, visit www.Michigan.gov/WIC. To apply for WIC, visit www.Michigan. gov/MIBridges.

More fruits and vegetables are available for WIC families

First influenza A outbreak reminder to get flu vaccine

M

ichigan Women, Infants and Children (WIC) clients are being reminded about additional Cash Value Benefits (CVB) they are receiving to purchase fruits and vegetables at the grocery store through the end of the year.

December 2021

T

he Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is asking Michiganders to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, wear masks in indoor settings, social distance when possible and stay home when they are ill to prevent additional

Marquette Monthly

11

outbreaks of the flu and COVID-19.

A recent outbreak involving more than 525 cases of influenza A (H3N2) among University of Michigan students is currently being investigated by public health officials.

This outbreak comes at a time when COVID-19 infections are again surging in Michigan, with case rates, positivity rates, hospitalizations and deaths all increasing. State and local public health officials are concerned with the potential for increased strain on health systems if COVID-19 and influenza cases surge at the same time this winter.

Despite its comparison to the common cold, the flu is a very serious and potentially deadly disease, especially for children, older people and people with chronic health conditions.

Both COVID-19 and flu vaccines are available now at local health departments, physician offices and pharmacies around the state. Visit Vaccine Finder to find a location near you.

To learn more about influenza, visit Michigan.gov/flu

MDHHS asks residents to get COVID-19 vaccine booster

F

ollowing FDA approval, recommendations from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the endorsement of the CDC director, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is urging certain Michiganders to get a booster vaccine if they received the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson (J&J) primary COVID-19 vaccines.

This includes people ages 65 and older; individuals 18 through 64 years of age at high risk of severe COVID-19 due to underlying health conditions; and those at high risk of COVID-19 due to occupational or institutional exposure.

There are now booster recommendations for all three available COVID-19 vaccines in the United States. People over age 18 who re-

12

Marquette Monthly

UPPAA offers free student workshop for writing, offers podcast and author talk

U

.P. students in grades five through twelve who are interested in submitting to the Dandelion Cottage Student Short Story Contest sponsored by the Upper Peninsula Publishers & Authors Association (UPPAA) are invited to sign up for a free short story writing workshop.

This will be a virtual workshop conducted by UPPAA award-winning author and educator, Deborah K. Frontiera, and will take place over two Tuesday evenings: January 4 and January 11 at 7 p.m. The scheduling enables students to have enough time to rewrite or polish their stories before the contest deadline for submission, which is January 31, 2022.

The first session will be about story structure, developing a character, and starting a first draft. Students will complete their first draft between the first and second sessions.

The second session will involve revision with Frontiera providing many suggestions for students to examine their stories and improve them.

Students may also consult with their teachers or others on their stories, but the students themselves must make any suggested chang-

ceived a single dose of the J&J (Janssen) vaccine should receive a single J&J COVID-19 booster dose at least two months after completing their primary series.

MDHHS recommends masks for holiday season

W

ith the increasing rise in COVID-19 and flu cases, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will issue a face mask advisory and offering guidance to keep loved ones safe and prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses during the holidays.

MDHHS recommends everyone

December 2021

es. Students then give their stories to their language arts teacher since each teacher in a U.P. public or private school may submit two stories from each class to the contest.

Students who are home-schooled should check with their local district for a sponsoring teacher.

The top prize for the Dandelion Cottage Contest is $250 cash for the first-place senior division winner and $150 for junior division winner, and there are no entry fees for writers. Winners also receive a hardbound edition of U.P. Reader in which their stories appear and a commemorative medallion.

The workshop is designed mainly for Grades 5 through 8, but high school students with no experience in writing short fiction and who are interested in learning are welcome to register as well. There is a limit of 20 students for workshop participation, so students should register as soon as possible at www.uppaa.org/ student-workshop For submission guidelines, visit www.dandelioncottage.org

T

he Crystal Falls Community District Library in partnership

over the age of two should wear a face mask at indoor gatherings regardless of their vaccination status.

In addition, establishments should implement a policy to ensure that all persons entering or seeking services, including employees, wear a mask.

This face mask advisory will remain effect until further notice.

In addition to the MDHHS advisory, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also issued recommendations for safe gatherings, including getting vaccinated, wearing masks, social distancing and hand washing. MDHHS announced that Michigan has reached the state’s 70%

with the U.P. Publishers & Authors Association (UPPAA) has scheduled author events with winners of the UP Notable Book List.

The twelfth event is with William Sproule, whose authoritative history book of the birth of professional hockey in the Copper Country makes a bold claim for its birthplace.

It takes place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 9 over Zoom, and is open to all U.P. residents free of charge.

To register, contact Evelyn Gathu in advance at egathu@uproc.lib. mi.us or (906)875-3344.

T

he authors and publishers of the U.P. found a new platform for sharing their work and connecting with their audience—the YouTube channel of UPPAA. This may also be used as a valuable resource for teaching composition in schools.

The first series of videos posted to the UPPAA YouTube Channel comprises all the recorded episodes of First Season of the U.P. Notable Book Club.

For more information about UPPAA or any of the information above, email Victor Volkman at president@ uppaa.org goal of eligible residents age 16 and over receiving at least one dose of the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine.

To date, nearly 5.7 million Michiganders have received at least one of the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines since the first doses became available less than a year ago.

To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine and where to find a vaccination site, visit Michigan.gov/COVIDVaccine and VaccineFinder.org.

Agencies work to resolve water issue in Ontonagon

S

tate, county and township officials are working cooperatively in On-

tonagon County’s Greenland Township to answer questions about an unlicensed water source some locals have been using for drinking and other household needs for many years.

In the Lake Mine area, northeast of Mass City, the water is being drawn from a hose, after running through an old watermain that travels nearly a mile along the Bill Nichols Rail-Trail.

Water samples have been collected from the site and tested. The preliminary test results met safe drinking water standards, but the water is not routinely sampled, nor regulated as a public water source in line with the Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act. Additional heavy metals water sample test results are pending.

The exact origin of the water is undetermined. Without the ability to locate and inspect the source, the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy cannot deem the water safe to drink.

Area residents are getting water from the old steam locomotive filling station, which has degraded over time to a flooded pit. The plumbing at the water access site does not meet minimum code requirements to provide safe and sanitary water to the public.

The DNR posted signs alerting the public that the water is not drinkable (non-potable). Recently, signs have been removed by vandals.

Contact John at (906)226-1352 or pepinj@michigan.gov for details.

DNR asks anglers to turn in adipose fin clipped fish

H

ave you caught a trout or salmon in Michigan that had an adipose fin clip? If so, it could contain a tag with valuable information.

Through mass marking assistance by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, several Great Lakes states, including Michigan, mark popular gamefish like steelhead, Chinook salmon, Atlantic

salmon, brown trout and lake trout.

The adipose fin—a small, fleshy fin behind the larger dorsal fin—is found on only a few fish, including trout, salmon and catfish. Most trout and salmon with an adipose fin clip also have a coded-wire tag in their snout.

The tag is small, like the tip of a lead pencil, so it must be removed by lab technicians. If anglers catch an adipose fin clipped fish, they should turn in the head at a local drop-off station.

According to Jay Wesley, Lake Michigan Basin coordinator, fish tag returns help biologists understand survival, age and movements of important sport fish.

For more information on how to recognize a tagged fish and how to fill out the proper information, visit Michigan.gov/TaggedFish

Clean Boats, Clean Waters grants now available

C

alling all lake associations, watershed groups, nonprofits, and local and tribal units of government—the Michigan Clean Boats, Clean Waters program is offering grants to support aquatic invasive species outreach efforts. This funding opportunity is available to organizations dedicated to boater education about aquatic invasive species and protecting Michigan’s waterways.

Funding requests can range from $1,000 to $3,000 and do not require local match or cost sharing. Clean Boats, Clean Waters grants can be used for a variety of activities including signage, invasive species removal supplies such as plant removal tools, sponges and towels, and staff time to perform watercraft inspections and demonstrations of boat cleaning techniques.

Interested organizations can apply for a grant now on the Clean Boats, Clean Waters website. This is a competitive funding opportunity, and complete applications will be ranked based on eligibility, project signifi-

Did You Know...

When was Christmas first celebrated in the U.P.?

J

esuit missionary René Menard (1605-1661) arrived at Keweenaw Bay near L’Anse on October 1660 where he established the mission of Ste. Therese.

He wintered with the Odawa family of Kinongé The Pike in a house of boughs and subsisted on fish begged from the Indians and boiled moss. He celebrated Christmas with the Odawa amid “the solitude of our great forests.” He died several months later in northern Wisconsin seeking to bring food to starving Huron.

Submitted by Russell M. Magnaghi, history professor emeritus of NMU and a U.P. author and historian.

cance and overall strategy. The deadline to apply is December 17.

Emergency program can help private forest owners

A

family forest is an investment that can create an outdoor legacy for future generations, but wildfire, storms, drought and hungry insects all can threaten forest lands.

The Emergency Forest Restoration Program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture is available for landowners in case of catastrophic damage to private, nonindustrial forests.

The program is offered through the USDA Farm Service Agency and can cover up to 75% of the costs to restore lands after windstorms, wildfire or other damage.

In Fall 2019, Michigan’s Arenac County on the north side of Saginaw Bay suffered a wind shear event that threw trees to the ground with tornadolike force. Local USDA Farm Service Agency employees applied for an Emergency Forest Restoration Program cost-share sign-up at the request of local landowners who suffered damage.

Once sign-up was open, 28 applications for EFRP cost share were accepted, providing over $410,000 in cost-share assistance to restore

December 2021

nearly 400 acres of damaged forest.

With technical assistance from DNR service foresters, staff prepared restoration plans for the landowners and helped them through the process to receive reimbursement.

The program also was used to assist eastern Upper Peninsula landowners after the destructive Duck Lake Fire in 2012. The program provides payments to owners of nonindustrial private forest land for emergency restoration measures to lands damaged by natural disaster. Eligible practices include: • Removal of downed or damaged trees to establish new stands or allow for natural regeneration.

• Site preparation, planting materials and labor to replant forests.

• Restoration of forest roads, fire lanes, fuel breaks or erosion control structures.

• Fencing, tree shelters and tree tubes to protect trees from wildlife damage.

• Wildlife enhancement to provide cover openings and habitat.

Cost-share payments are determined by committee. They can be up to 75% of the cost to implement approved restoration practices and are limited to $500,000 per person, per disaster.

Marquette Monthly

13

CWD testing, deer reporting available for hunters

D

eer check station locations and hours and days of operation will be reduced in 2021. This year, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is beginning a five-year process of strategic, focused chronic wasting disease surveillance by testing deer heads around the state. This year, testing will occur mainly in the southernmost three tiers of Michigan counties.

CWD testing for surveillance will continue free of charge for all deer harvested from the core CWD surveillance area in the Upper Peninsula (portions of Dickinson, Menominee and Delta counties). Deer heads from these counties can be submitted at any open deer check station from now through early January.

The DNR has partnered with U.S. Department of Agriculture-approved labs to accept hunter-harvested deer from anywhere in Michigan for CWD testing. This testing will come at a fee set by the receiving laboratory.

For the 2021 deer hunting seasons, the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab and the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Lab are both accepting CWD samples. If you plan to use these services, look at the instructions now to save yourself time after your hunt. Regardless of the route you take for testing, be sure to make a plan for how you will store your harvest until you receive your test results.

To lower the cost of the testing and simplify shipping, hunters may wish to remove the needed lymph nodes from the head of their harvested deer.

For a list of check stations, dates and hours, visit www.Michigan.gov/ DeerCheck Hunters now can report their deer harvest online. Reporting is optional, but highly encouraged. All data collected helps the Department of Natural Resources manage the deer population in Michigan. A video will walk you through the simple steps to report your deer harvest online. You can report your harvest at www.Michigan. gov/DNRHarvestReport

Public input sought on state land recommendations

S

taff recommendations on whether to keep, exchange or sell land in the third set of 10 counties in the DNR’s state land review process are nearing DNR director approval, but there’s still plenty of time to review and share feedback via the interactive web map or by email to DNR-StateLandReview@Michigan.gov by January 12.

The counties under review include

14

Marquette Monthly

December 2021

Alcona, Calhoun, Emmet, Houghton, Keweenaw, Mackinac, Macomb, Mason, Oceana and St. Clair. The updated web map reflects the latest staff recommendations since the initial public comment period closed, making it easy to see what has changed.

Implemented as part of the 2013 managed public land strategy, the state land review involves DNR-managed lands that are 200 acres or less in size or that, due to an irregular boundary, may be difficult to manage.

All feedback received now through January 12 will be compiled and provided to the DNR director. A final decision on recommendations is expected at the January 13 meeting of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission.

Follow the latest updates on the state land review process at Michigan. gov/PublicLands

U.P. author wins Saginaw Valley literature award

S

aginaw Valley State University has awarded the 2021-2022 Stuart D. and Vernice M. Gross Award for Literature to author T. Marie Bertineau for her debut memoir, The Mason House.

Born amidst the copper mining ruins of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula of Ojibwe-Anishinaabe and French Canadian/Cornish descent, Bertineau is a member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community of the L’Anse Reservation, migizi odoodeman.

Described as “an elegy for lost loved ones and a tale of growing up amid hardship and hope,” “The Mason House” has been praised by reviewer M. Bartley Seigel as “a graceful and moving memoir...[that] paints an intimate and complicated portrait of life in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.”

Bertineau will visit SVSU in spring 2022, when she will accept the award as well as visit classes and student groups on campus. She will also receive a $1,000 prize.

Bertineau has published her work in the annual journal U.P. Reader and Mino Miikana, a publication of the Native Justice Coalition. Her quarterly column, “Hankies in My Pocket: Tender Thoughts from the Keweenaw,” can be found on carrotranch. com, home of Carrot Ranch Literary Community. She also has contributed work to Minnesota’s Carver County Arts Consortium.

Winners are selected by a panel of judges from SVSU’s faculty and staff.

Superior Health Foundation hosts fall grants celebration

T

he Superior Health Foundation (SHF) in Marquette awarded more than $638,680 in health-cen-

tered grant funding at its Fall Grants Celebration recently. The event was presented by 44 North.

At the event, the SHF awarded fall grants to 11 non-profit organizations in the U.P.: • Community Foundation of Marquette County ($20,000) for “Jumpstart a Heart” project to supply Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to law enforcement in Marquette County.

• Great Lakes Recovery Centers, Inc. ($15,000) for its Adolescent Services Center (ASC) facility to be more secure, youth-friendly and trauma-informed to meet the needs of the emerging adolescent clients.

• Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital ($13,383) to benefit the Rehabilitation Services Aquatic Therapy Program, which provides aquatic balance therapy.

• Superior Health Support System ($12,950) to Hearthside Assisted Living, a 50-bed assisted living home in Sault Ste. Marie, for new mattresses.

• Michigan Tech University ($9,940) for a sustainable community resource directory project.

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Marquette and Alger counties ($9,807) to connect 40 students at Tahquamenon Area School District to the mentoring services.

• Superior Housing Solutions ($7,584) in Marquette to purchase six adult bicycles and helmets, one cargo trailer, six kayaks and YMCA memberships.

• Superior Alliance for Independent Living ($6,000) to provide matching funds for an Action Track Chair to assist individuals with mobility challenges.

• Bay Cliff Health Camp ($6,000) to expand this program to include two family camp weekends.

• Marquette Mountain Ski Patrol ($5,000) to improve communication by purchasing four 800hz radios with equipment.

• Trillium House ($4,044) to provided funding for a human floor lift and commercial toilet lift for its facility to enhance the safety of residents and staff at its facility.

At the celebration, SHF announced the four award recipients for its proactive grant giving addressing food insecurities: • UPCAP ($322,388.37) for its Food As Medicine (FAM) program, which addresses and improves food security for low-income residents who have or are at risk of developing chronic health conditions.

• Partridge Creek Farm of Ishpeming ($106,427.50) to work with Lions of Michigan District 10 to assess

food insecurity, related health issues and resources; identify “community champions” to create local food insecurity workgroups; and develop, disseminate and exchange info and resources in all 15 counties.

• Upper Peninsula Veterans Community Action Team ($50,000) to increase access to food by providing grocery gift cards, health program info and referrals for food access.

• Feeding America West Michigan ($31,160) to provide a library of recipes and online cooking demonstrations, produce live cooking demonstrations, distribute cooking tools, increase participation at mobile food pantries and improve understanding of healthy food preparation.

SHF also awarded pilot project and equipment grants to the following organizations: Courage Incorporated, Teaching Family Homes, Eversight, Omega House, Michigan Breastfeeding Network, Camp New Day U.P., Lake Superior Life Care & Hospice, Partridge Creek Farm, Ontonagon Village Housing Commission and Bay Cliff Health Camp.

SHF accepts grant proposals monthly for pilot projects and equipment. Applications for the spring grants cycle will be accepted from December 15 through January 17. For details or to apply, visit www.superiorhealthfoundation.org

Foundation seeks funding partner applications for 2022

A

re you a non-profit with a health-centered mission? If so, the Superior Health Foundation (SHF) invites you to submit a funding request, with the hopes you’ll be part of it’s 2022 annual gala celebration.

The SHF annual gala will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2022, in the ball rooms in the Northern Center at NMU. Proceeds from the gala will benefit SHF. In addition, the SHF Gala Planning Committee will select one, health-centered project ($15,000 or less) in the U.P. and award those monies at the gala.

The Superior Health Foundation will accept applications through Monday, December 13, 2021.

Call (906)225-6914, visit www. superiorhealthfoundation.org or email shf@superiorhealthfoundation.org for an application.

Foundation recognizes 2021 Catalyst Award recipients

E

ach year, the Community Foundation of Marquette County (CFMC) Board of Trustees nominates individuals, organizations, and businesses to receive Catalyst Awards.

Catalyst Awards recognize the ef-

December 2021

Marquette Monthly

15

forts of those that help build community through volunteerism or philanthropy and inspire others to do the same—those who go “above and beyond” for our community. The CFMC announced the following 2021 Catalyst Award recipients: • Henry Chittle received the Catalyst Award in the Youth category. At just nine-years old, he is already an asset to his community. He looks for opportunities to help others, and he does so in creative and effective ways.

From selling his own artwork to support UPAWS, to running a lemonade stand to raise funds for the Care Clinic, Henry uses his time and talent to benefit others.

• Double Trouble Entertainment received the Catalyst Award in the Business category. Bill and Pat Digneit moved to Marquette to attend NMU and have called the U.P. home ever since.

• Spread Goodness Day received the Catalyst Award in the Service Club/Organization category. Inspired by her love of volunteerism, Founder Anna Dravland wanted to encourage others to find their purpose in supporting their communities in their own unique ways. Spread Goodness Day inspires countless individuals, groups, businesses, and organizations to make positive change at the level they are capable of and comfortable doing so.

Proclaimed an official annual holiday by the City of Marquette and State of Michigan in 2021 Spread Goodness Day encourages us to do just that: “Spread goodness. To whoever you want, however you want and to whatever extreme you want.”

• Jesie Melchiori received the Catalyst Award in the individual category. Jesie wears many hats—President of the Great Lake Rodeo, owner of Cold Springs Livery, board member of the Haunted Hayride, board member of the Alger County Fair, Campaign Chairperson of Gwinn School’s Booster Club, as well as wife, mother and sister. Many know Jesie as the general manager of the Up North Lodge.

U.P. communities benefit from restoration grant

T

he Superior Watershed Partnership received a Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) grant in the amount of $216,395 from the USDA Forest Service for an Upper Peninsula project titled; The Northern Tribal and Community Green Infrastructure Collaborative.

Project partners include the Hannahville Indian Community, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, and the City of Ishpeming.

16

Marquette Monthly

December 2021

The Great Lakes Climate Corps (GLCC) and project partners will implement three green infrastructure projects that include planting more than 5,800 climate-adaptive native trees and more than 600 native shrubs at prioritized sites with an estimated reduction of more than 700,000 gallons of untreated stormwater runoff annually.

The three projects will benefit the waters of Lake Superior (KBIC, Ishpeming) and Lake Michigan (Hannahville).

Capturing untreated stormwater runoff at these priority locations targets pollutants that can enter the Great Lakes as a result of increased development pressures, climate change impacts and unprecedented tourism.

Specifically, green infrastructure projects mitigate sediment, algae blooms, nitrates, and phosphorus pollutants impacting Lake Superior and Lake Michigan.

Clickner receives economic development awards

A

my Clickner, CEcD, CFRM, the former CEO of the Lake Superior Community Partnership, was recently awarded the Fellow Member designation, the Jeffrey A. Finkle Organizational Leadership Award and Honorary Lifetime Member status by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).

The IEDC, the largest association for professional economic developers in the world, has recognized fifteen leaders in the field with its 2021 Honorary & Leadership awards for achieving excellence in the profession.

Nominees for these individual awards were selected through a months-long process and from a pool of many highly qualified nominees.

The Fellow Member status is conferred upon active IEDC members who have attained unusual stature in the field of economic development and closely related disciplines. Unusual stature is defined as significant contributions to the profession through service to the Council and/or academic endeavors directly related to economic development.

The Jeffrey A. Finkle Organizational Leadership Award recognizes an individual who has continuously led the same public or non-profit economic development organization with integrity, tenacity, and a philanthropic spirit for at least 15 years. Organizational Leadership Award recipients also automatically received the Honorary Life Member designation.

Honorary Lifetime Member status is conferred upon active or former members of IEDC who have furthered the

Father Marquette elementary students visited Jo-Kay Corral in Negaunee recently. The students had wonderful got the chance to learn from the owners about the commitment and hard work a family farm requires. They took a tractor ride, played on a tower and net, fed their chickens, and pet the rest of their animals, from sheep and horses to pigs and kittens.

profession of economic development and have been a teacher or inspiration on the part of the profession to others in many communities.

Business news...in brief

• Van Straten Enterprises, Inc., located in Baraga, was recently awarded “Car of the Year” at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Awards in Las Vegas, NV, for its X3 Solar Generator/Charging System in partnership with Ford that is integrated into the Ford Mustang. The VSE X3 Solar Generator/ Charging System features removable solar panels on the hood and windshield and permanently fixed or optional removable solar panels on the roof and rear window louvers that allow users to continue to use an electric car to the fullest without access to an EV charging station.

• Bill Verrette is the recipient of the 2021 Carl V. Pellonpaa Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing one U.P. resident who has dedicated a life of service to their individual business or industry and the community. He is the owner of Champion, Inc., Gundlach Champion, Inc., and Verrette Materials, Inc.—employing approximately 1,000 people in the U.P. His

experience and history in the U.P. is expansive, previously serving as director of multiple boards and organizations. He continues to serve as an adviser to the Upper Peninsula Construction Council (UPPC), of which he was a founder.

• Kall Morris, Inc., a space-tech startup based in Marquette, took home the $10,000 prize at the first-ever virtual pitch event hosted by the Center on Rural Innovation. The start-up was recognized for its bid to become the first company with a commercially viable product for collecting man-made debris orbiting Earth.

• The nearly $1.5B overhaul of the Soo Locks is on schedule to be completed by 2030. The Soo Locks project is being done in three major phases, the first being upstream channel deepening to 32 feet to allow larger ships to pass through the locks. When completed, more than 250,000 cubic yards of bedrock and overburdened materials will have been removed. Other phases included the construction of upstream approach walls that would rehabilitate the channel walls. The new lock will be 1,200 feet long and 110 feet wide, and will support 1,200 jobs annually.

MM

December 2021

Marquette Monthly

17

on campus Finnish American art exhibit starts on December 4

F

innish American artist Natalie Salminen Rude will present an exhibit titled Interstice: [noun] a small, intervening space, for the 31st Annual Contemporary Finnish American Artist Series at Finlandia University Gallery in Hancock.

Contemplative, multidisciplinary and inquisitive, Salminen Rude aims to identify and unmask the dehumanizing forces found within technology and systemization.

By use of antidotal and symbolic imagery, layered ideation, encaustic, oil, light and darks and haiku (as “poetic assists” for conversation), Salminen Rude brings together an interstice for contemplation and conversation.

Her desire is for viewers to pay attention to and participate in their own inquiries and solutions. Through attention, dialogue and the art of breaking down the breakdowns, the re-humanizing of our world is still possible.

For details, visit www.finlandia. edu/universitygallery.

Marquette video game studio launches multiplayer game

N

MU alumni and Marquette local, Silas Talley, announced a new game, REVN, developed by Ambitious Games.

Silas Talley, creative director at Ambitious Games and creator of REVN, founded Ambitious Games in 2016. Ambitious Games is an indie game development studio located in Marquette. One year after the creation of Ambitious Games in 2017, Talley and the Ambitious team began working on REVN, a free-to-play third person multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) videogame. In 2018, Talley released the Closed Alpha of REVN, but now three years later, he is releasing the Open Beta to PC gamers.

REVN is a free-to-play third person MOBA that allows players to craft a variety of items and weapons, select special abilities and fully customize their characters. In this fast-paced 5v5 MOBA, the objective is to defend your core while destroying your enemies by any means necessary.

Competitive online multiplayer is a main feature of REVN which challenges opponents to high intensity matches where players fight to defeat one another or capture terminals to increase resources used to overpower the other team.

For details, visit www.ambitious. games.

18

Marquette Monthly

December 2021

U.P. universities honored for financing, career outcomes

M

ichigan Tech was recently ranked second in Michigan on WalletHub’s Best College & University Rankings report. Overall, Michigan Tech ranked 22nd in the Midwest.

Finlandia University ranked 267th and Lake Superior State University ranked 496th.

With average tuition and room and board at a four-year college costing around from $27,000 to $55,000 per year, WalletHub compared more than 1,000 higher education institutions in the U.S. across 30 key measures, grouped into seven categories like student selectivity, cost and financing, and career outcomes.

Michigan Tech also was named the third swankiest college campus in the nation. Michigan Tech was only one of two universities in Michigan to be recognized. It was recognized for its ownership of Mont Ripley Ski Area—which features 24 runs, a 440foot vertical drop, snowmaking equipment, night skiing, a terrain park and a tubing area.

Art museum offers exhibit by regional women artist

T

he DeVos Art Museum at NMU will offer “Regional Perspectives

by Women Artists” through May 2022.

The artworks in this permanent collection exhibition investigate people, places and abstractions. The show includes artworks created by regional women artists in various media from the dawn of the 20th century to the present. Selections introduce viewers to intimate portraits, landscapes of mining scenes and snow squalls, and abstractions ranging from atmospheric depictions of place to domestic objects reimagined.

Artists include Alice Carr, May Cebalo, Susie Colquitt, Kathleen Conover, Nita Engle, Phyllis Fredendall, Christine Garceau, Judy Jamieson, K. Carlton Johnson, Celia Kelly, Ada Kettunen, N. Cecilia Kettunen, Vida Lautner, Yvonne LeMire, Jan Manniko, Laura Stahl Maze, Becky Morriseau, Carol Phillips, Kristine Houtari Poole, Julie Risak, Ann Russ, Christine Saari, Sylvia Smith, Grace Spaulding, and Leora Tadgerson.

The DeVos Art Museum is open from noon to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday on NMU’s campus in Marquette. Admission is free, and masks are required for all visitors.

MM

December 2021

Marquette Monthly

19

THIS AND THAT

Reprinted from the New York Times

No. 1114

By BY SID SIVAKUMAR /Edited by Will Shortz

ACROSS 1 Piles 15 Tablet purchases 19 Setting for Banff National Park 21 Dealer’s enemy 22 Disney film with more than a million handdrawn bubbles 24 Rap’s Run-D.M.C., e.g.

25 Ostrich or kangaroo 26 Amtrak service 27 Emulate Ella Fitzgerald 29 Boxer Wolfe who played Artemis in ‘‘Wonder Woman’’ 30 ‘‘Yes, indeed’’ 31 Get-together 33 Rush 35 Clear spirit 36 Seasonal fast-food sandwiches that aren’t halal 37 ‘‘Star Trek’’ virtualreality chambers 38 San ____ (European enclave) 39 [stern glare] 40 Italian wine region 41 Certain developer’s job 42 Seriously unpleasant 43 Or greater 44 Fall flavoring 45 Some movie-theater concession areas 50 Shattered 51 Eateries serving small plates 52 Spoils 53 Up 54 Command center 55 Multiday event, for short 56 2017 CVS Health acquisition 57 Profess 58 Tough bass part?

60 Really grooves with something

20

Marquette Monthly

December 2021

61 Quaint locale of first-aid supplies 63 Valorous 64 Bhikkhunis : Buddhist monastery :: ____ : convent 65 The C of C major, e.g.

66 Word with zone or boots 67 Actor Idris 68 Error message?

69 Was completely exhausted 70 Hiking aids 72 Employees who work a lot 73 Bit of reading near a cashier, in brief 76 Grasps at straws?

77 Not at all 78 Big name in pasta sauces 79 N.B.A. coach ____ Unseld Jr. 80 Badly hurt 81 ‘‘Capisce?’’

82 Rail in a dance studio 83 Images on some Australian silver coins 85 V.I.P. access points 89 Mythos 90 Nutritional plan involving controlled removal of foods 91 Predator frequently appearing in Calvin’s daydreams in ‘‘Calvin and Hobbes’’ 92 Special delivery?

DOWN 1 Put on pretensions 2 Island home to Faa’a International Airport 3 It’s located in the middle of an alley 4 Drones, e.g.

5 Terse confession 6 Op. ____ 7 Bad person to confess bad things to

8 Twisting together 9 Puerto Rico’s ____ Telescope, formerly the world’s largest single-aperture telescope 10 Impersonate at a Halloween party 11 Immune system component 12 Vegetable in bhindi masala 13 Lens holder 14 Fine crystals used in food preparation 15 Symbol of industry 16 Make a flying jump onto a slope 17 They get left in the dust 18 Treat on a tea trolley tray 20 ‘‘____ Mode’’ (2018 No. 1 hit for Travis Scott) 23 Labyrinth builder of myth 28 Tarot card said to ‘‘radiate’’ positivity 31 Foretold the future 32 Certain gasket 33 Deterrent to a pickpocket 34 Behaves like a fool, informally 36 Drama linked to the resurgence of the name ‘‘Betty’’ for baby girls 37 Remains tightly secured 38 Acquired family member 39 Actress Meyer of ‘‘Beverly Hills 90210’’ 41 Tested the censor, say 42 Vendors of e-cigs 43 Cruise stop 44 Wet behind the ears

Answer Key To check your answers, see Page 66.

No cheating!

45 Important sales for growing businesses?

46 Argument 47 Totally wipes out 48 Like some very old characters 49 Pallet piece 50 Small drink of whiskey 51 Zap, in a way 54 Items at T.S.A. checkpoints 56 Boeing competitor 58 What the waving of a white flag can indicate 59 Business brass 60 Reduce in rank 62 Style pioneered by Picasso 63 Works at the cutting edge?

66 Hot, in Havana 67 Evidence of a crossword solver’s mistake, maybe 68 Dairy-free coffee additive 69 Butcher’s offering 70 Quiver 71 Ripply fabric pattern 72 Give a thumbs-down 73 Bespectacled ‘‘Peanuts’’ character 74 Gives a thumbs-up 75 Talk-show slate 76 Harped (on) 77 Unfashionable 78 Time off, for short 81 Slightly spoiled, in a way 82 Label signing 84 ____-positive movement 86 Contest 87 Actress Mowry of ‘‘Sister, Sister’’ 88 Authority, metaphorically

feature

U.P. events fuel holiday spirit

T

by Jackie Stark his time of year means something different to every person.

Whatever holiday they celebrate (or don’t), the end of December marks the end of another year—and the early-setting sun provides plenty of time for reflecting on that year gone by.

So it’s no wonder this time is special to so many, with holiday celebrations that bring families together and give them a chance to remember what’s happened over the past 12 months, and recharge for the next 12.

And when times become tumultuous, as they certainly have over the last year-and-a-half, traditions can help tie us together, even if we’re apart.

Afternoons spent baking dozens of Christmas cookies, decorating the house with lights and setting up the Christmas village. Sledding with children on a bright Saturday morning.

Giving a new set of pajamas and a book on Christmas Eve. Just as important as the traditions we keep in our homes are the ones we keep in our communities. Holiday parades, concerts, tree lightings— they’re all important parts of the fabric of community. And with the global COVID-19 pandemic, many of those traditions were paused, replaced with another evening spent at home.

This year, however, those traditions are returning—to theaters, bandshells

and downtowns across the Upper Peninsula. Here’s a look at just a few:

FRT presents Elf the Musical he eminently quotable film that gave us Will Ferrell as an impossibly tall elf, more excited for Christmas than any living human, is making its debut on the Forest Roberts Theatre (FRT) stage, adapted into a musical The plot follows the life of Buddy Hobbs, who crawls into Santa’s sack of toys as a child, and is mistakenly transported back to the North Pole, where he’s then raised as an elf. Many years later, he learns he’s actually a human and takes the advice of Santa to head back to New York City and attempt to find his father.

Jill Grundstrum, co-director of theatre and dance for NMU, said as the FRT schedule for the coming year was being prepared, it was clear the direction they should go.

“We were all very much in agreement,” Grundstrum said. “We needed to have shows that were in some way uplifting and joyful.”

The musical will include fan-favorite jokes from the original film, and is a family friendly event.

“It’s been 18 months since we’ve been able to do this,” Grundstrum said. “We’re really excited to have something that has such a lovely holiday theme to it on our stage.”

The NMU Department of Theatre

T

Santa will help light the commons after the holiday parade in Downtown Marquette this year. (Photo courtesy of the Marquette DDA)

Marquette will host its annual hoilday parade on December 2, with a visit from Santa Claus himself. (Photo courtesy of the Marquette DDA)

and Dance is hoping to spread even more cheer during the holidays by partnering with the NMU Food Pantry to provide a donation bin in the FRT lobby through December.

The NMU Food Pantry is located in Gries Hall, above the Health Center, and is open to all NMU students, faculty and staff who need assistance.

In addition to shelf-stable food, other items available to patrons include personal care items, dishes, cooking utensils and cookware. There is also space for bedding, towels and winterwear for those in need.

Performances take place at 8 p.m. on Friday December 3 and Saturday, December 4, with a 2 p.m. “Theatre for All” performance on Saturday, December 4 as well. This sensory-friendly show is performed in a friendly, supportive environment for families and friends with children or adults who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder or other sensory sensitivities.

Slight adjustments to the production are made, including reduction of any jarring sounds or strobe and spot lights that shine into the audience.

House lights are faintly dimmed but remain on. Quiet and activity areas staffed with specialists are available in the lobby areas for those who need to leave their seats during the performance.

Additional 8 p.m. shows take place

December 2021

Wednesday, December 8 through Saturday, December 11.

Will the audience get to hear the line “SANTA’S COMING! I KNOW HIM!” that Ferrell made famous?

You’ll just have to attend to find out.

Christmas Tribute Dinner Theater ine Mountain Resort is offering an evening of music and humor on December 5 with Christmas Tribute Dinner Theater by Let Me Be Franks Productions.

The evening will include the sounds and styles of artists such as Elvis, Reba, Barbra Streisand, Neil Diamond and more—all with a Christmas flair. Combining songs from incredible vocalists and comedy bits by Frank Hermans and crew, the event will prove to be a unique Christmas-themed evening.

Doors open at 4 p.m., with dinner served at 5 p.m., which includes a selection of ham, turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, dinner roll and apple crisp. The show begins at 6 p.m.

Email Barb@pinemountainresort. com to purchase tickets, which cost $50 a piece.

P

Deep in the Heart of Christmas he Texas Tenors are the most successful music group and third highest selling artist in the history of America’s Got Talent.

T

Marquette Monthly

21

In addition to the parade, Tinseltown will offer activities for all ages, including cookie decorating. (Photo courtesy of the Negaunee DDD)

Since appearing on the show in 2009, JC, Marcus and John have released four studio albums, two PBS Specials, four DVDs, multiple singles and a children’s book that have earned them impressive recognition including three Emmy Awards, The Gelett Burgess Award for Excellence in Children’s Literature and the distinction of being Billboard Magazine’s 2019 #10 Classical Artist in the World.

Their most recent albums, “Rise” and “A Collection of Broadway and American Classics” both debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Classical Chart.

The event begins at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 14. Tickets range from $38 to $50 and can be purchased online at www.calumettheatre.com Tinseltown Returns to Irontown aking a triumphant return to Downtown Negaunee is its annual Tinseltown holiday celebration.

“We’re really excited,” said Pete Munson, event organizer and Negaunee Downtown Development Authority board member. “We’re looking forward to it being a little bit bigger even than what has been done in the past.”

The event, organized by the Negaunee DDA, will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. on December 11, and include activities for all ages.

The event will include cookie decorating at the Negaunee Eagles for the kids and a wine tasting at the Negaunee VFW for adults. Santa will also be at the Elks to greet kids.

The evening will also include a Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting, and performances at the bandshell from the Negaunee High School Band, Lakeview Fourth Grade Chorus, Negaunee

M

22

Marquette Monthly

December 2021

City Band and Negaunee Male Chorus. Performances will begin at 5 p.m.

And last but not least, the night will include horse-drawn sleigh rides through downtown Negaunee, sponsored by Fox Negaunee and Honor Credit Union.

Although the event skipped a year, organizers wanted to ensure it returned to downtown Negaunee, bigger and better than ever.

“One of the great things about the U.P. in general is the small-town feel we have,” Munson said. “Certainly in the last year, we’ve all kind of gotten away from that. This is something we wanted to put a little bit of a different stamp on…to see people we haven’t seen in however long because we’ve all been cooped up for the last yearand-a-half, hopefully get people feeling like their lives are getting back to normal.”

Winter Snow Fun Holiday Parade he Marquette Downtown Development Authority will resume its popular Winter Snow Fun Holiday parade this month, bringing back the parade in its original form for its 11th year.

“We’re really excited to be able to do this for the community,” said Tara Laase-McKinney, Marquette DDA promotions and event coordinator.

“We’re really excited to help spread some holiday cheer this year.”

Illuminated floats, tinsel-strewn trucks and colorful carolers will transform Third Street into a holiday wonderland, with the parade beginning at the corner of North Third Street and Fair Avenue and ending at the Marquette Commons. After the parade, spectators can head to the Marquette

T

Commons, where Santa Claus and friends will light up downtown at the 46th Annual City of Marquette Tree Lighting.

Though Santa will make an appearance at the parade, and will help light the tree in the commons, there won’t be any visits with Santa as a precaution against COVID-19.

“He’ll still help light the city tree with the mayor,” Laase-McKinney said. “Kids will still be able to see Santa, they just won’t be able to sit on his lap.”

The parade begins at 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 2.

The Nutcracker Ballet at MTU timeless classic will hit the Rozsa stage this month with several performances of the ballet “The Nutcracker.”

Performed by the Minnesota Ballet, with music from the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra and featuring dancers from the Superior School of

A

Dance, the whimsical ballet has been delighting audiences for more than a century.

The ballet, scored by Tchaikovsky, follows the story of a girl who befriends a nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve and wages a battle against the evil Mouse King.

Although it wasn’t successful at the time it was first written, the ballet soared to success in the 1960s, becoming a beloved holiday tradition for many.

Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 3 and Saturday, December 4, followed by a 2 p.m. show on Sunday, December 5.

Tickets for “The Nutcracker” ballet can be purchased at mtu.edu/rozsa MM About the Author: Jackie Stark has lived in the U.P. since she was 11. An avid reader, she also loves gardening and has been talking about learning to play the guitar for 14 years.

Santa visits Downtown Negaunee during Tinseltown to help host the parade and tree lighting. (Photo courtesy of the Negaunee DDA)

December 2021

Marquette Monthly

23

locals Ninety-two-year-old Bill Hamilton has seen many things over the years, from experiences spending his childhood overseas, his military service and the role painting has had on shaping his career and life.

He continues to live his best life, enjoying the lessons learned from...

Art & History

L

by Joseph Zyble ife is good, really good, according to newlywed William Hamilton. Well, he may not qualify as a newlywed since recently celebrating his one-year anniversary to his wife, Diana, but he is happy, and there’s no place he’d rather be than in Marquette County.

Sure, a lot of people feel that way about this area, but Hamilton isn’t like a lot of other people. To begin with, his parents were Presbyterian missionaries serving in China when he was born there in 1929.

He was eight years old the first time he remembers coming to America.

His family returned to Atlanta for a year in 1937 to get reacquainted with relatives and friends, and his parents gave presentations to raise monies for the missions.

“In China there was very little motorized transportation,” he said. “It was all rickshaw and oxen powered.

When we got to San Francisco, it was like being transported to a different world.”

Returning to China in 1938 was also memorable. While they were away, the Japanese military captured the region of China where his family lived.

“When we entered Shanghai, it was a completely different China than the one we left a year earlier,” Hamilton said. “I remember seeing the devastation of parts of Shanghai due to the shelling of the city from the gunboats on the river. The main destruction was to the main railway station. There were two or three thousand Chinese killed in that attack who were trying to leave the city.”

He remembers hearing bombshells soaring overhead and witnessing aerial dogfights in the skies.

They also discovered that the Chinese pastors in the area had been imprisoned as well. Fortunately, Hamilton’s mother had been raised in a missionary family that served in Japan, and her knowledge of Japanese language and culture helped her advo-

24

Marquette Monthly

cate on behalf of the jailed missionaries.

“My mother was perfect for this role—she knew how to speak to the sensibilities of the local commander,” he said. “Her efforts, along with the efforts of others, they got the Chinese pastors released.”

It wasn’t all bad under Japanese rule. The local commander took a liking to Bill and his sister because they reminded him of his own children.

The kids got to ride on the commander’s Australian thoroughbred and took trips into town with him for ice cream.

“We had a good counter-balance to the popular belief that all Japanese were evil,” he said.

The family stayed in China until early in 1941 when the state department ordered all missionary families to leave due to the growing threat of war. Hamilton’s family returned to America, with the exception of his father who opted to stay and run the mission by himself. However, he too ended up leaving later that year.

“We found out afterward that he caught the last ship leaving Shanghai to make it to the states,” Hamilton said. “Three weeks after he was in Honolulu on the stopover, the Japanese got there and attacked Pearl Harbor.”

I

n China, Hamilton was home schooled, but in America he was enrolled in junior high.

“As a missionary kid, you were kind of an oddity in school,” he said.

“Kids would cluster around you and tell you to say something in Chinese.”

In school he was very happy to go to art class. While living in China, he liked to draw and had created a comic strip to entertain his siblings, but he never had any formal training in art.

His teacher must have noticed his artistic knack because one day he received a special assignment.

“There was a day I went to school and there was snow on the ground,” he recalled. “That’s rare in Atlanta.

My art teacher took me to the top floor of the school and set me in front of a

December 2021

Bill Hamilton enjoys time in his home studio, located in Marquette, which he describes as the perfect community. (Photo by Joe Zyble)

large window to paint the view of the snow-covered rooftops. It was a nice painting. I won a scholarship with that painting.”

Unfortunately, he had to pass on

it. At age 12, he wasn’t interested in studying with 16-year-olds, the typical age at the special school where the scholarship was awarded.

He continued to enjoy painting

found drawing or painting.

“It was the start of an art career that I hadn’t really planned on,” he said. “It was developing into a growing thing. I combined the love of flying and airplanes with the love of painting. Eventually, the love of painting took over.”

Wherever he was assigned, he took advantage of opportunities to enhance his skills.

“When I was stationed in Louisiana, I joined a men’s art group off base,” Hamilton said. “We’d get together once a month; we had to make a different painting each month, and we’d show them and criticize each other’s paintings to see how they could be improved.

I learned a lot from that.”

From there, he sought out artist workshops by established artists.

“I chose the artists who painted like I wanted to paint and signed up for one of their workshops,” he said.

As his skills grew, he made a significant change.

“I transitioned from painting in oils to painting in watercolors because watercolors are so much cleaner and neater and easier to work with to me than oils,” he said.

H

is Air Force service brought him to Puerto Rico for three years. He was there during the

Lighthouses are common in Hamilton’s work, as well as nature scenes, as shown below, of a sunlit forest trail. (Photos by Joe Zyble)

during his high school years. After graduation, he went to college on a scholarship awarded by Davidson College in North Carolina.

“It was a liberal arts college, but they didn’t really teach art at that time,” he said. “I was fortunate that there were other schools all around that I could take art classes from. I learned to paint primarily from taking a course here and a course there.”

In college, Hamilton earned a commission in the U.S. Army through the ROTC. Upon graduation in 1950, his entire class was sent to Korea as officers due to the outbreak of the war—with the exception of Hamilton, who was told to return home to await further orders. He joined the Air Force in 1951, which would bring him to Korea as a military pilot a year later.

“In one week’s time, I got married, I got my bars as a second lieutenant and received my pilot’s wings,” he said.

He flew 29 missions during the Korean War. “When I was stationed in Korea, and later in Japan, my fellow pilots would bring their helmets to me to paint a design on,” he said. “That turned into painting airplane portraits of the planes we were flying back then. I had a deal with the officers club, where I was allowed to hang my paintings there. I got to be well known on the base.”

During his off-duty time, Hamilton could often be

December 2021

Marquette Monthly

25

Cuban Missile Crisis, which was taking place not too far away.

“It was a much more tense situation than most Americans realize,” he said.

He also served in the Vietnam War, involved mainly in air refueling operations.

He was stationed at K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base in 1967, when he served as a lieutenant colonel.

“I ran the wing command post,” Hamilton said. “It was a pretty complex job, and one of great responsibility, and I was aware of that. The command post would send air crews to war if we ever had to.”

He continued seeking out artistic opportunities in the area. Hamilton had already discovered and admired the work of Nita Engle prior to ever coming to the U.P. He eventually went to three workshops she conducted.

“The most rewarding of the workshops was spending a week on Isle Royale with my wife, and going to a different location every day for seven days,” he said. “I got many paintings out of that experience.”

He also participated in the open-air painting sessions at early Art on the Rocks shows.

“Back then they met around the statue of Father Marquette,” he recalled. “I attended one at that location and then they moved it to Presque Isle the next year.”

Like many people who have spent time in the area, the Air Force commander and artist was captivated by the region.

“The more I saw of the U.P., the more I loved it, and to me the ideal home would be a house on a lake surrounded by white birches and pines,” he said.

He found that home on Little Lake in 1970 and still owns it today as a second residence. He and his first wife, Liz, raised three kids there.

He retired from the Air Force in 1973 after 20 years of active duty.

From there it was back to college where he earned two master’s degrees: one in history, the other in art education from Northern Michigan University. He hoped to become an art instructor in an area public school.

“I wanted to teach art but I could never get a full-time position,” he said. “I did some substitute teaching in Gwinn and I enjoyed it even though I couldn’t get a regular, full-time job.”

He used his time to perfect his art, taking advanced workshops when possible.

I’ve been influenced by a series of visiting artists who’ve led workshops in the area and sometimes out of state,” he said.

One such workshop was by a Chinese-American artist in Duluth.

“He liked to paint goldfish. It’s a

Created at a goldfish painting workshop from a Chinese-American artist in Duluth, this is Hamilton’s favorite work of all his paintings. Goldfish are a common subject of Chinese art. (Photo by Joseph Zyble)

26

Marquette Monthly

December 2021

dia. They take turns staffing the gallery.

“I’m looking forward to meeting the other artists. Many are retired professionals like me who were looking for a second career,” he said.

He considers Marquette the perfect community for him.

“I love Marquette,” Hamilton said. “I think it’s given me everything I need as far as a city goes.

It’s small enough to be enjoyable. During normal times, there is always something going on that makes life interesting. Diana and I are both members of the symphony. We enjoy good music. We also enjoy good restaurants; there’s a lot of good restaurants.”

At their home in Marquette, the living room windows look directly into a thick woods. The walls and shelves are adorned with art, and there are books stacked on the coffee table. A thick one on top of the stack is a biography of Alexander Hamilton.

“He’s an ancestor from five or six generations ago and I wanted to learn more about him,” he said.

Hamilton has no plans to slow down.

“I don’t drink, never smoked and I’ve always tried to stay on the right side of the good Lord, I guess,” he laughs. “I’m Bill Hamilton’s depiction of the Eagle Harbor Lighthouse. (Photo by Joe Zyble) going to be 100 years old before I quit.” favorite subject of Chinese artists. I and I was painting mainly landscapes, Genetics also seem to be on Hamhave the painting I made at that par- woods and lakes in the different sea- ilton’s side. Both of his parents lived ticular workshop and it’s one of my sons.” well into their nineties, and he has a favorite paintings,” he said.

In 2001, he met Friederike Roach, sister who is 95.

Hamilton gave it to Diana as a who was opening up the Michigamme “I’m 92 years old but I feel a lot present.

Moonshine art gallery, and decided to younger,” he said. “Part of that is fallWhile he deeply admired the style give gallery sales a try. ing in love all over again and getting of Nita Engle and learned much from “I found it much easier to give the married, and also starting a new phase her art lessons, he also learned anoth- art gallery a percentage of the sales of my career. I wake up every day and er valuable lesson from her: an artist and let them worry about the advertis- I’m glad to be alive.” could actually earn a living selling ing, setting up shows and so forth,” he MM their work. said. “I was successful there. MichiBetween his Air Force pension and gamme Moonshine earned a reputa- About the Author: Joseph Zyble is his wife working as a nurse, the cou- tion as the place to go for quality art.” a troll who hasn’t lived beneath the ple could still get by.

When Michigamme Moonshine bridge for 30-some-odd years. He is “We didn’t depend on the sale of closed its doors recently, Hamilton married to the lovely Melanie and my art, but it was something nice to moved his work to the Zero Degrees they have two cats together. Oh yeah, look forward to,” he said. “I was in gallery on Third Street in Marquette. and some grown-up kids, and a big, on about 20 Art on the Rocks shows. The co-op style gallery has a variety yellow dog they frequently wind up And I moved from oils to watercolors of artists who work in a variety of me- babysitting (dogsitting?) too.

December 2021

Marquette Monthly

27

28

Marquette Monthly

December 2021

at the table Christmas traditions cause kitchen woes

D

Bah humbug?

by Katherine Larson ecember in the United States is one of the most music-filled times of year, as background sounds that ordinarily hum along quietly shift, with one accord, towards seasonal songs that often invoke Christmas.

They also often invoke foods associated with the season, and that got me thinking: how about the foods that we sing about but, in real life, eschew? “Hurrah for the pumpkin pie” indeed, but how about, well, “Chestnuts roasting on the open fire”?

Crooner Mel Tormé and his music partner wrote this iconic song on a sweltering summer day in 1945, trying to think cool thoughts, and by 1946 it was a runaway hit. Nat King Cole, Celine Dion, Paul McCartney, Diana Ross, Bob Dylan, Sheryl Crow—all these and many more have famously covered the tune, and lots and lots of us sing it every year.

But how many of us have actually roasted chestnuts on an open fire? Not me.

When I started thinking about writing this article, I contemplated rectifying the omission. But then I learned that roasted chestnuts are far better when extremely fresh, while most chestnuts available for sale in the United States come from Europe and so are not fresh at all. (Most chestnuts in American backyards are horse chestnuts and inedible.)

I also learned that, to avoid creating a deadly weapon in the form of an exploding nut, I would have to hack an X into each chestnut’s hard shell, using a robust and extremely sharp serrated knife. After the nuts spent the requisite ten to fifteen minutes in a cast-iron pan on an open fire, I’d have to decant them in a tea towel and then guess when to start peeling them.

When they are just barely cool enough to touch without scorching one’s fingers is the magic moment.

Too cool and they won’t peel. Too hot and your fingers blister. Moreover, it’s not just the hard shell that has to be removed; there are

Mrs. Cratchit’s chaotic kitchen illustration by Brad Gischia (depending on your sources) ei- keys as the big holiday bird in ther one or two thin layers of inner England, where so many Ameriskin that need to come off, and this can traditions come from. When process is described as the most turkeys crossed the Atlantic, howchallenging part. Nor is it sure of ever, they pretty much swept their success; if the chestnuts are not waterfowl brethren off the table. fresh enough, the inner skin stays There are reasons for that. stubbornly put.

To begin with, all that fat. RecMaybe this is your favorite De- ipes for roasting goose are filled cember pasttime. If so, I congrat- with sentences like, when you ulate you and ask you to teach me have the goose on a rack, “drain your tricks. Until you do, I’ll con- the roasting pan whenever the ristent myself with the song and then ing tide starts to touch the goose.” serve a different appetizer.

Really? And precisely how do As for an entrée, well, “Christ- I do that with a sizzling hot pan mas is coming; the goose is getting filled with sizzling hot fat in which fat.” How often have I warbled is balanced a sizzling hot but still these words, accompanying the half-raw goose? How often must I piped-in department store music, do that? And even after the bird is singing with children or grandchil- cooked, I’d still have to tip it cavidren, or flipping through the chan- ty-opening downward so the extra nels on the radio? Countless. fat—yes, there’s even more, accuAnd how often have I actually mulated inside—can drain out. cooked a fat roast goose? Exactly All that fat is also why most reczero. Why not? Because I’m intim- ipes recommend not stuffing the idated; because it’s not all that easy bird at all, since the dressing would to get a fat tame goose in the U.P.; absorb it. It is also why you cannot because, frankly, it just doesn’t make gravy with the pan juices. sound all that wonderful.

And it is also why you have to alGeese, of course, preceded tur- low so much raw weight per perDecember 2021

Marquette Monthly

29

30

Marquette Monthly

December 2021

son—the consensus seems to be about one and a quarter pounds of goose apiece, so a ten-pound goose would serve a maximum of eight people with no leftovers. Compare a ten-pound turkey which can, judiciously eked out, feed a family for a week.

Finally, the meat itself is described as “harsh,” “dark,” “oily”… and usually “fairly tough.”

So, for me: “Christmas is coming; the goose is getting fat!” And may the goose live happily on into January while I celebrate otherwise.

On to dessert: per the song “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” carolers demand a figgy pudding.

What actually is a figgy pudding? Not what you might think.

Back in the 14th century, it was essentially a wet, sticky, thick porridge consisting of boiled figs, water, wine, ground almonds, raisins and honey. Centuries later, those who were sufficiently wealthy added brandy, ground meat and grains. Centuries later still, the meat dropped out again, except in the form of suet.

Suet, indeed, is a key component of British puddings. A typical recipe to serve eight includes more than half a pound of raw beef or mutton fat. Besides that, of course, there’s the dried fruit and the brown sugar, some flour and some breadcrumbs and perhaps some eggs, along with lots of spices and at least half a pint of brandy.

All this gets soaked and stirred together—traditionally, in Anglican households, on “Stir-up Sunday.” That’s the last Sunday before Advent, typically in the last week of November, and in theory it’s called stir-up not because of any need to stir puddings but because the collect (a kind of gathering prayer) assigned to that day begins, “Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people.” In other words, rouse us up from complacency! Help us roll up our sleeves and get to work!

And indeed, a figgy pudding involves a fair amount of work, though not really of the sort envisioned by the prayer. After the cook ties everything up in a pudding bowl, the concoction gets steamed gently for eight full hours, with the water topped up as necessary throughout.

Eventually it’s done; it cools; it gets stored in a cool dry place for five to six weeks; it gets taken out of the cool dry place and steamed again for a couple more hours; and

finally it’s served.

I cannot do better, at this point, than to quote the immortal Charles Dickens in A Christmas Carol: “Mrs Cratchit left the room alone—too nervous to bear witnesses—to take the pudding up, and bring it in.

“Suppose it should not be done enough! Suppose it should break in turning out! Suppose somebody should have got over the wall of the back-yard, and stolen it, while they were merry with the goose: a supposition at which the two young Cratchits became livid! All sorts of horrors were supposed.

“Hallo! A great deal of steam!

The pudding was out of the copper.

A smell like a washing-day! That was the cloth. A smell like an eating-house and a pastrycook’s next door to each other, with a laundress’s next door to that! That was the pudding. In half a minute Mrs Cratchit entered: flushed, but smiling proudly: with the pudding, like a speckled cannon-ball, so hard and firm, blazing in half of halfa-quartern of ignited brandy, and bedight with Christmas holly stuck into the top.”

Dear readers, I must be candid.

I do not have Mrs. Cratchit’s fortitude. I do not wish to be “too nervous to bear witnesses” about my holiday feasts. And I do not look forward to eating a dessert that resembles “a speckled cannon-ball, so hard and firm.” So, with deep respect, please count me out.

On reflection, I realize that the seasonal songs I like best—despite my love of food—don’t focus on food at all, but rather point towards different, deeper aspects of this time. Perhaps, if we restrict ourselves to food, the best is Good King Wenceslas, who on a bitter cold night (the feast of St. Stephen, Dec. 26 in the traditional Christian calendar) spotted a poor peasant toiling through the forest.

“Bring me flesh and bring me wine, bring me pine logs hither,” the king commands his page.

“Thou and I will see him dine when we bear them thither.” So, page and monarch, forth they went together to give the peasant his meal and his warmth. The message in the last verse: “Ye who now will bless the poor shall yourselves find blessing.”

MM About the Author: Katherine Larson is a writer, teacher, and former lawyer, with a special passion for food justice.

December 2021

Marquette Monthly

31

sporting life One man had a profound impact on the lives of so many great men who came after him. His drive inspired players he coached and colleagues he coached with; football greats call him a legend.

Here are words, memories and stories from those who loved...

A

by Michael D. Walker few weeks ago, someone asked me if I heard about Coach Buck.

When I was told he had passed away, I didn’t want to believe it. I wanted to be alone. I went to my bedroom, closed the door, sat on the edge of the bed and cried.

I know there were many people who felt the way I did when they learned that legendary football coach Carl “Buck” Nystrom, 88, had died on September 25 at a hospital in his hometown of Marquette. In fact, I have talked with several people since then who still get emotional and have trouble finishing sentences while talking about Coach Buck.

Upper Peninsula sports legend Steve Mariucci talked with Coach Buck on the phone just hours before he passed. Alabama football coach Nick Saban called Buck a great man and said he loved him. Former Oklahoma coaching great Barry Switzer said Buck was “easy to love” and that he was glad that Nystrom was a part of his life and career. Former Michigan State All-American Tony Mandarich said he was devastated when he heard the news.

How can one man have such an impact on so many? We all have had someone in our lives that have encouraged us, inspired us, demanded from us, but few have done it better than Coach Buck.

If all you knew about Nystrom was that he was part of five national championships—two as a player (MSU, 1952 & 1955) and three as a coach (North Dakota State, 1965; Oklahoma, 1968; NMU, 1975)—you would know that he was a winner.

If you knew that one of his proudest accomplishments was being named both an All-American and an Academic All-American in the same season (1955), you would know that he was driven to do his best in everything he did.

If you knew that he coached in seven different decades, you would know he had an impact on generations of young men. Those accomplishments

32

Marquette Monthly

Coach Buck alone would be worthy of celebrating when remembering Coach Buck.

But that would only be half of his story. It’s not what he accomplished as a football player and coach that made him great, it’s what he did through football for others that is his lasting legacy.

Thirty years ago, as a young coach at a rival high school, I asked if he would be willing to meet with me. I never played for Coach Buck. At that time, I hadn’t coached with him yet.

There was nothing I could offer him in return, and yet he spent hours in a classroom with me, covering everything he could think of regarding offensive line technique, blocking schemes and life.

It was the most fun I ever had regarding football without actually having a football. There are many stories like this that hundreds of coaches could share.

Eventually, I worked several of his high school line camps, and then I finally got to coach with him as an assistant at Ishpeming High School.

Working with him was amazing. I never saw such intensity, such attention to detail, such a demanding coach.

But what amazed me the most was the amount of respect he showed every single player and coach on the team. He made everyone work hard, he made everyone better, and he didn’t accept anything less than what he thought was your best, and yet he did it in a way that made you want to work hard, do your best and give all you had because you didn’t want to let him down. That is a very rare skill in coaching.

Buck had another skill. He stays with you long after you have played for or coached with him. Sometimes in the moment we don’t understand— or appreciate—the lessons and gifts we have been given. There were times when players might have thought he was teaching them about football, but in reality, he was teaching them about life, toughness, integrity, hard work, character and about confronting adversity. He was teaching them how to

December 2021

All-American coach dies at age 88

by Michael D. Walker egendary football coach Carl “Buck” Nystrom, 88, passed away unexpectedly on September 25 at the U.P. Health System facility in Marquette.

“He had been there about a week, maybe 10 days, and he was getting ready to be discharged shortly,” recalled his son Kyle, Northern Michigan University’s head football coach, who was on a bus with his team returning from a game downstate when he learned his father had passed.

“I got a call from the hospital saying they were trying to revive him,” he said. “They called me back about 10 minutes later and it was over. I didn’t think he would pass away from that. I thought he would be fine. They were shocked too.”

In the past 10 years his father had battled cancer, among other health issues, including complications as a result of his cancer treatment. He

L

then had a case of COVID-19 that sent him to the hospital in the days preceding his death.

“He had so many underlying issues,” Nystrom said. “He had been in and out of hospitals the last three years. That’s part of the reason that we wanted to come back home to Marquette.

“I was very fortunate because of who Buck was and what he did. I grew up being formed and put together character, ethics and personality wise because I was always around top-notch people like the players at Northern, Colorado, Michigan State and coaches like (Chuck) Fairbanks, (Hank) Bullough, (George) Perles, (Herb) Grenke.

That was the biggest benefit of being raised by Buck, being able to experience all that.”

Carl “Buck” Nystrom was born in Marquette, Michigan on August 7, 1933. Interestingly he was called

“Bud” when he was growing up, and “Bud” Nystrom was an outstanding athlete at Gravaeret High School, where he played several sports and was an all-state fullback his senior year.

Although he had been lightly recruited by Michigan State University and other colleges, in 1951 he used an academic scholarship to enroll at MSU and walked onto the football team. He hitchhiked the 400 miles to East Lansing in a time before the Mackinac Bridge was built.

At MSU, Nystrom was part of two national championships, first as a redshirt-practice player in 1952, and then as a captain and MVP of the 1955 team that defeated UCLA in the Rose Bowl, 17-14. That year the 5-foot-10, 190-pound, two-way player became the first Spartan ever to be named both All-American be husbands, fathers and men.

Coach Buck could be tough on you, but if he was, it was because he needed to be tough on you. He would demand more from you because more needed to be demanded from you.

He would confront you because you needed to be confronted. He never did anything with malice. He coached the way he did because he believed it was best for you. Not for him—for you.

Buck was also a very fair man, and he treated everyone with respect. He had a great sense of humor and was fun to be around. But ultimately, he expected you to play hard because he played hard. He expected you to work hard because he worked hard.

He expected you to be a good person because he was a good person.

When I began contacting former players and coaches of Nystrom’s career, our conversations would cover a lot of emotions and thoughts. But every conversation had a common

(offensive guard) and Academic All-American in the same season.

He then enjoyed a long career as one of the top offensive line coaches in the country, highlighted by national championships at North Dakota State (1965), Oklahoma (1967) and NMU (1975). Another highlight was when his Oklahoma offensive line led the way for 1969 Heisman Trophy winner Steve Owens. Additional coaching stints included MSU and Colorado.

The one person who shared all the highs and lows of his career was his wife of 59 years Joan. They were married 13 days after Buck played his final game at the 1956 Orange Bowl. Both were active with several charitable organizations including the Special Olympics and the March of Dimes. Joan passed away November 1, 2015.

MM theme: Buck stories. Many had a story about Nystrom’s teeth falling out at some point in practice while he was yelling, and how he would slap them back into his mouth, grass and dirt all over them, and never miss a beat.

I have many of my own Buck stories. About 20 years ago, he had my two-year-old do bear-crawl drills in my kitchen while making him “growl like Coach Buck.” About 10 years ago, he came to my house just to give me a box full of old coaching books and playbooks he collected going back to the 1950s. To this day, those are among my most prized possessions. I had many practice stories and conversations with him over the years that bring back great memories.

However, there are two memories in his later years that I can’t forget.

The first was the only time that Coach Buck lied to me. It happened in November of 2015, just a few days after Joan, his loving wife of 59 years,

Coach Buck Nystrom and his son Kyle, coaching together at Northern Michigan University in 1988. (Photo courtesy of Kyle Nystrom)

had passed away. When I asked him how he was doing, he told me he was OK, and that he was used to sleeping alone already because Joan had been staying in a nursing home for a while before she passed.

I could see in his eyes that he wasn’t telling me the truth. But even in that moment, he wasn’t thinking of himself. He was still trying to be that pillar of strength, that rock for those

December 2021

around him. You never saw Coach Buck down or scared or beaten. And he wasn’t going to let anybody see it, even at the lowest point of his life. He was going to demand toughness from himself and confront life and adversity head-on. Because that’s what a man like him does; he thinks of others, and he leads by example.

The second memory is the last time I worked a line camp with him. There

Marquette Monthly

33

were a couple hundred high school players sitting on a high school gym floor when Buck walked in front of them. As I watched him talk to these kids, I was saddened by the fact that he looked old and tired, and I began to wonder how much longer he was going to be able to do these camps.

I looked at the faces of the kids in front of him and they all looked younger to me then they had ever before. I wondered if they understood what was happening in this room, what an amazing opportunity they had to learn from this great man—especially because I knew that window was closing.

Then I closed my eyes, and I heard the voice: Coach Buck’s voice. It was full of enthusiasm, intensity, strength, compassion and love. Those who spent time with him know what I mean. It was the voice that I heard so many times over the years, and it made me happy. It was the voice of a great coach and a great man. That was the Coach Buck I knew.

I had the opportunity to talk to several players and coaches going back over 50 years of Buck’s career, and I heard the same words over and over.

Words like discipline, commitment, enthusiasm, effort, pride, hard work, toughness, greatness, demand, con-

34

Marquette Monthly

have ever done in their lives.

However, the one word I heard the most was love.

A different kind of love teve Mariucci, who was quarterback of the 1975 NMU National Championship team, played for Nystrom from 1975-77. He coached with him in 1978.

“Coach Buck meant a lot to me, as he did to a lot of people,” Mariucci said. “Everywhere I coached, I had a picture of Buck. I still have it. He has a chook, yelling out the side of his mouth, his teeth are half out. It looks like he’s yelling at me. It’s a reminder to get your butt up in the morning and go like hell. When he woke up, he went 100 miles-an-hour every day. It was a reminder for me to work, work, work as hard as I could. His picture is looking at me every day.”

Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban coached with Nystrom as MSU assistants from 1983-86.

“I loved Coach Buck,” Saban said.

“He was a really good friend. We lived together for six months when we went to Michigan State to coach for George Perles. We were like the odd couple. I was like maybe 30, 31 years old, and he had been coaching a long time. We had a lot of discussions about a lot of

S

Buck Nystrom left Marquette in 1951 for East Lansing, where he became a walk-on football player at Michigan State University, where this picture was taken in 1955. (Photo courtesy of Michigan State University)

front and fun. Almost everyone talked about his legendary fourth quarter offseason conditioning program, which

December 2021

is so tough that people who did it more than 40 years ago still talk about it being one of the hardest things they

things. Joanie was a good friend to (my wife) Terry. We enjoyed our time working together. It was a lot of fun.”

College Football Hall of Fame Coach Barry Switzer worked with Nystrom as Oklahoma assistants from 1967-69.

“Buck was easy to love,” Switzer said. “I’m glad he was part of my career and life. He was an outstanding coach. Anybody who played for him loved him, and anybody who coached with him believed in him. I enjoyed working with him. Buck always made you smile. I’m glad I knew his family, Joanie and Kyle. It was a good experience and I’m glad we had it, and that and he was part of our lives.”

Mark Marana is the only person who played for (1979-80), coached with (1981-82, 1987-90) and was a head coach with Nystrom (1991-92), all at NMU. “I can tell you one thing, he was the best there was,” Marana said. “I have From 1963-66, Buck Nystrom coached at North Dakota State University. so much respect for him. It was an (Photo courtesy of North Dakota State University) honor to play for him, it was an honTony Mandarich, MSU 1988 Con- darich said. “They were two of the or to coach with him. I had a special sensus All-American who played for most influential people in my life, both connection with him, like many peo- Nystrom from 1984 to 1986, said he incredible human beings. Coach Buck ple did. I’m getting emotional right was shattered when he heard about went way above and beyond what you now…he just brought the best out of Coach Buck’s passing. ask of a line coach. He was teaching you. I lost a true friend, a loyal friend, “I was devastated when I got the you about life, about discipline in the a good person. A lot of people did news, just like when (MSU coach daily routine, about doing what you when he passed.”

George) Perles died last year,” Man- signed up for. He taught compassion

December 2021

and love. What a valuable person to have in your life.”

Herb Grenke coached with Nystrom at NMU over three decades; he was NMU’s head football coach from 1983 through ’90. He said Nystrom was more than just a great coach to the players.

“Buck was a great colleague,” Grenke said. “I learned so much from him, but most of all he was a great friend. We have great memories with the national championship and the playoff games, but the thing I remember the most about Buck is his friendship. He was always there for you when you needed a friend, above and beyond.”

Jim Driscoll was team captain for Nystrom at North Dakota State University in 1965. He also coached with Nystrom at NMU. “Tears come to my eyes thinking about him and the impact he had on my life,” Driscoll said. “He meant so much to me. It’s indescribable the effect he had on so many people, everyone who played for him. He has to be one of the greatest coaches in the game of football. What else can I say? He was one of the greatest ones around.”

Randy Awrey played for Nystrom, and was MVP of the 1975 National

Marquette Monthly

35

Championship game.

“He is without a doubt, next to my father, the greatest man I’ve ever known,” Awrey said. “I would say every guy that ever played for him thinks of him as a father figure. He was never afraid to put the hammer down when he needed to, but he would also put his arm around and hug you. He would make you work harder than you thought you could because you never wanted to let him down. There are very few men like him in the world.

He was a great leader.”

Rick Popp was an All-American quarterback at NMU in 1987, and played for Nystrom. He said Nystrom was so much more than a good coach.

“He meant to me all that is really good about high school and college football,” Popp said. “He even meant more to me as I got older. I wish every man, every person, could get out of their sport, or whatever their passion is, what he taught; the value of discipline, of building courage, having pride in what you do, enthusiasm for what you do, making every effort to do your best. That’s what he means to me. I love the man. I told him that every time I saw him.”

All-American running back Steve Avery also played for Nystrom at NMU in 1987.

“Buck was such a good coach,” Avery said. “Just think what he’s done

for the game. He was the real deal. I want to honor and represent that man for the rest of my life. I’m trying not to cry. I think heaven gained a great coach.”

The gold standard n his 38 years of coaching college football, Nystrom influenced both former players and coaches who reached the highest level of high school, college and professional football. His impact is still felt in the game today, including at places he never played or coached.

Saban, a seven-time national champion, said he’s been around some great offensive line coaches, but Nystrom was the best.

“He was the ultimate coach,” Saban said. “He coached right up until he couldn’t coach anymore. What a great man and what a great coach, always helping kids.”

Mariucci, who coached in the NFL for nine seasons, agreed.

“I coached on a lot of staffs over the years—college, big college, small college, pro football,” Mariucci said.

“I’ve been an assistant, head coach, I’ve done everything that you can do, and I’ve met a lot of great coaches, great, great teachers, excellent minds.

Nobody has been more influential to me in my career than Buck Nystrom.”

Nystrom was influential to many

I

Michigan State University teams got to feel Coach Buck‘s intensity for six seasons in the mid-1980s. (Photo courtesy of Michigan State University)

36

Marquette Monthly

December 2021

football programs through the lessons he taught his players and fellow coaches—even places he had never coached or played at.

“He was instrumental with our success [at Oklahoma]. After Buck got here (in 1967), players said I was soft compared to Buck,” Switzer said, laughing. “But everyone was compared to him. I can promise you; he was fiery. He worked the o-line hard.

Sometimes I felt sorry for them, getting cussed, his front teeth falling out, spitting everywhere. Our backs would already be dressed and he would still be outside working the linemen. He worked them hard, but they loved him. They knew he cared for them.

He got the best out of them. He drove them. He got all that was there, I promise you.”

His ability to earn the respect of the players was part of what brought the best out of his teams.

“He built great relationship with all the players,” Marana said. “He was a tremendous teacher, a tremendous disciplinarian and a tremendous motivator. I don’t know if I’ve ever been around anybody who could motivate like he could.”

Grenke said Buck’s ability to motivate and bring the best out of everyone around him was key to turning around an 0-10 team into national champions in 1975.

“The major thing was his enthusiasm,” Grenke said. “We had a terrible season the year before, and somehow we had to overcome the feeling of doubts, the inadequacies. How do you overcome that after such a devastating season? He brought that enthusiasm.

When Buck came in, he changed the whole attitude. He was exceptional in practice, the enthusiasm and effort he brought.”

Popp said although Coach Buck’s style was sometimes confrontational, his style was effective.

“All he really wanted was for you to be the best version of you. The way he did it, he was himself, one of a kind, and he did things the way he did because it worked,” Popp said. “His personality could come off as gruff, and there were times he irritated me when he coached me, but as I reflected on it, I realized it made me a better man. He taught me to confront when something isn’t right, and to give great effort in everything I do. Many people today are afraid to demand and confront excellence from themselves or others.”

Former Ishpeming High School Head Coach Jeff Olson (1992-2018) said Nystrom lead by example.

“Everyone that has been around him, that coached with him, they talk

Buck Nystrom coached at the University of Colorado in 1981. (Photo courtesy of University of Colorado)

about his work ethic,” said Olson, who coached nine seasons with Nystrom.

“I call that passion. He loved football, but he also loved hard work, he loved winning. He wasn’t trying to make you the best football player, but the best person you could be.”

Driscoll said Buck’s knack for teaching more than football made a difference everywhere he went.

“He always had high success,” Driscoll said. “He had something special. It’s hard to describe it. He had a fantastic personality, and you always wanted to do good for the guy.

He treated you the right way. He was very tough, very insistent that you do things the proper way. ‘Demand and confront’—he always talked about that. If you are going to demand something, and you don’t get it, you have to confront the player. But he did it the proper way. Somehow, whatever Buck did, it was always taken the right way by players involved.”

Avery said Nystrom’s vision for what could be took his players to the next level.

“Buck was almost prophetic,” Avery said. “He spoke about what he

wanted to see. He didn’t speak about where we were, he spoke about what he wanted to see. Through all the blood, sweat and tears, he would explain it like how it was going to be. He made us do things that maybe upfront we didn’t know if we could do it or not. That instilled even more confidence in us.”

Former Gwinn High School coach Dick Mettlach (1986-2009) established a top local football camp with Nystrom from 1990 through 2019.

“It was fun just being around Buck,” Mettlach said. “He was a charismatic kind of guy. Just talking with him got you fired up. He believed in what he was doing, and he got people around him to believe in what he was coaching. He had one gear when coaching, and it was full speed ahead.

The kids loved him, there were no ifs, ands or butts. He was genuine and the kids could sense that. The kids loved being around him.”

Nystrom’s 4th Quarter Program ystrom’s 4th Quarter offseason conditioning program was derived from his core philosophy

N

December 2021

of demanding that players train and compete at their highest level of performance—and confronting them when they don’t.

This program was specifically designed to instill toughness, discipline and other intangible qualities, and developed endurance, strength and speed, preparing players to be able to maintain their physical strength and mental toughness all the way through the fourth quarter of a game.

Mariucci said his introduction to Coach Buck was in the offseason— and it was memorable.

“The first time we got to know about this new guy (in 1975) was during the offseason program when he implemented 4th Quarter Program,” Mariucci said. “Talk about an eye opener. We would do circuits until we threw up. It was the hardest work that any of us had ever done.”

Mariucci said it changed the team’s whole mindset.

“That’s when we got to know who Buck Nystrom was. We gained respect for him right away— and fear right away,” Mariucci said, laughing.

Saban said he still uses Nystrom’s 4th Quarter Program to this day.

“In fact, when I was at LSU (2000-04) we used it,” Saban said.

“He would visit a beach somewhere in Mississippi in the winter, and he would drive over to LSU and watch our 4th Quarter Program. He would take it over like was he coaching it.

Players would look around, ‘who is this guy?’, but there was something about him, even though they didn’t know him, he would get after them and they would accept it.”

Marana said the 4th Quarter Program was key to the important relationship building that Nystrom was famous for.

“It built team chemistry, it built relationships, player-to-player and player-to-coach,” Marana said. “It made you tough mentally and physically. It taught you how to battle through adversity. It wasn’t an easy program, I can tell you that. You had to put your hand on the line and bust your tail for about an hour every day of the week for four or five weeks, and you had to lay it on the line. It made you mentally tough, mentally strong and physically strong.

Awrey said the program makes players learn how to exceed any physical limitations they’ve ever had.

“He designed it for physical and mental toughness, so that when you get in any situation, you can say ‘this is nothing’ because games are not as hard,” Awrey said. “When things hit you in life, you can say ‘I’ve done stuff worse than this, no big deal.’ It

Marquette Monthly

37

really prepares young men to take on all the battles you are going to have to take on in life, that you can get through anything, that you can push through your limits.”

Avery said Coach Buck came before his junior season in 1987, and he had an impact immediately.

“He started the 4th Quarter Program and I’ll never forget it,” Avery said. “I was wondering, who was this guy, and why was he so intense?”

Grenke said going from 0-10 in 1974 to winning the national championship in 1975 did not happen during the games they won that season.

“It started with the 4th Quarter Program Coach Buck Nystrom was intense on the sideliin the off season,” nes while coaching at Michigan State in the 1980s.

Grenke said. “As (Photo courtesy of Michigan State University) coaches, we’ve always done those kinds of things at one time Mariucci said in his first year of or another. However, the format, ef- coaching at NMU, in 1978, his staff fort, enthusiasm of the program was went down to visit the University of the key. It was in the way in which he Wisconsin spring practice at Camp presented it, not just to the players but Randall. to the coaches.”

“Buck took it over,” Mariucci said Grenke said NMU head coach Gil laughing. “He took over the line drills Krueger did things his own way, but and started driving guys. He would Buck could make anybody respect grab them by their backs and their what he said. pants and drive them into each other, “Gil really bought into it, and the into bags. He would fall on them, spit rest is history,” Grenke said. flying everywhere. He did it the whole NMU All-American defensive practice. I ran into a guy not too long back Jerry Woods played for Nystrom ago, and he tells me, ‘I was one of the from 1987 to 88. linemen.’ This happened just the other “Coach Buck came back the spring day. It was 43 years ago, and he reof my junior year in ’87,” Woods said. membered it like it was yesterday. It’s “I didn’t know anything about him, not everybody who can show up at a but he was exactly what we needed. Big 10 practice and take it over.”

He instilled discipline right off the Switzer had an intense memory of bat. He brought the discipline and a different variety. hard work we needed throughout the “Buck comes into practice one day, spring. He brought toughness, pride, and wasn’t feeling good,” Switzer enthusiasm, all the things he talked said. “He had an upset stomach and about in the 4th Quarter Program. was complaining about it in a staff Once you understood the philosophy meeting. We told him to see the trainof it, then you learned how to fight er, and he gave Buck some sodium through the pain. That’s when you bromide—it was like Alka-Seltzer.” saw the improvement. The mindset When it was time for practice, had changed, and it carried over into Nystrom showed up in a panic. the fall. You could see the difference “It looked like he had rabies,” in the players and you could see the Switzer said. “He was foaming out of benefits on game day.” his nose, there was white foam coming out of his mouth. He was trying to Favorite Coach Buck stories say something, but he was just bubveryone who met him seems bling foam. I thought he was having a to have a favorite story about heart attack. He had taken the cup of Nystrom seared into their memory. bromide dry and then drank the water.

E 38

Marquette Monthly

December 2021

You are supposed to mix it in the water before you take it.”

The reaction took place in his stomach instead, and it was running out everywhere.

“I wish I had a picture,” Switzer said, laughing. “He looked like a mad man. He never lived that one down.”

Grenke always felt the games were usually pretty easy, but the hard part was at practice.

“It was always competitive, and we would stay out there forever,” Grenke said. “Buck and Gil would have this game plan set, and Buck would come up with something else, and Gil would tell Buck, ‘We’ve got to get the players to dinner’ and Buck would say, ‘Nobody has ever starved to death on this campus.’ That was his sense of humor. Everybody thought that was funny.”

Mandarich’s memory was a common one among players and coaches who knew Nystrom.

“I remember when he would start yelling, and his whole upper dentures would fall to the ground,” Mandarich said. “He wouldn’t miss a beat coaching. He would pick it up off the ground and put it back in his mouth.

Grass would be sticking out of his mouth; he didn’t care.”

Popp said Coach Buck came to

NMU from Michigan State the spring before his junior year, in 1987.

“He showed up for his job interview, and we were running the 4th Quarter Program in the old turf room,” Popp said. “Buck came walking by and peeks his head in. He wasn’t happy with the drills and he starts yelling and spitting, and with his sports coat on, he grabs a player who isn’t doing it right and he gets after him. Buck knocks him over and [the player] gets hurt. Everyone is like, ‘Who is this crazy old man?’(laughing).”

Avery said even when he went to Pittsburgh to play with the Steelers in 1993, Buck’s reach was apparent.

“They all knew Buck Nystrom,” Avery said. “Dick Hoak was my running back coach and he asked me if I played at Northern. When I said yeah, he started talking about Coach Buck—smiling, telling me stories. I didn’t realize the impact Buck had.”

“If they knew you were coached by Coach Buck, they knew what type of a player you were.”

MM About the Author: Michael D. Walker is a long-time area high school coach, former teacher and sports writer. He enjoys spending time with his family and reading in his spare time.

Coach Nystrom and his son Kyle at Buck‘s induction into the Michigan State Sports Hall of Fame in 2014. (Photo courtesy of Kyle Nystrom)

December 2021

Marquette Monthly

39

back then

Illustration by Mike McKinney

Peace song goes awry

by Larry Chabot e’ve always had songs associated with our country’s wars. During the Civil War, it was “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” for World War I, the country sang “Over There,” while World War II produced thousands to choose from— “We’ll Meet Again” being one of the best and saddest.

During the Cold War, the long and edgy standoff between the United States and USSR, a song of peace morphed into one of the most popular Christmas songs ever. The peace piece spiraled up the wrong charts, as it begat hundreds of artist versions and sold tens of million of copies.

The wayward song is “Do You Hear What I Hear?” with these famous opening lines:

W

40

Marquette Monthly

December 2021

Said the night wind to the little lamb, Do you see what I see?

Way up in the sky, little lamb, Do you see what I see…

Do you hear what I hear?

How did this happen? In New York, Noel Regney and his wife Gloria Shayne Baker were struggling with a holiday song without enthusiasm, until a scene witnessed by Regney got them to thinking about the Cold War and how a peace song was suggested by a scene that Regney observed on the streets of the city: “I saw two mothers with their babies in strollers. The babies were looking at each other and smiling. A glimpse of these babies filled Regney’s heart with poetry, reminding him of newborn lambs. So the song’s

beginning grew out of his recollection: from that: ‘Said the night wind to the little lamb…’”

So who was this Regney? He was a Frenchman drafted into the German army in World War II after the Germans had occupied his homeland. He got back at his oppressors by stealing German secrets and delivering them to the Allies, thus becoming a double agent.

After being wounded in combat, he fled to the United States where he began a musical career by composing the runaway hit “Dominique,” recorded by The Singing Nun. He partnered talents with Gloria Shayne, who he soon married; Regney wrote the words and Shayne the music.

Beginning in 1962, they composed a string of popular melodies before struggling with a Christmas song. Instead Regney, nervous about the Cold War and recalling the baby strollers on the city streets, was inspired to begin writing lyrics of peace, and thus began the need for a song of peace.

“Said the night wind to the little lamb, ‘Do you see what I see?’”…

Pray for peace. The enormous tensions generated by the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 made it difficult for them to even perform the song.

“Our little song broke us up,” Regney said. “You must realize there was a threat of war at the time.”

Their song of peace drew the attention of the Harry Simone Chorale, popularizers of “The Little Drummer Boy,” who put it out as a 45 rpm Christmas single. It sold 250,000 copies the first week.

Along came crooner Bing Crosby to record his own version, which sold over a million records. Literally hundreds of other artists got on the bandwagon: Perry Como, Mahalia Jackson, Carrie Underwood, Johnny Mathis, Johnny Cash, Pat Boone, Robert Goulet (Regney’s reluctant favorite version), and the wildly popular, stunning version by Whitney Houston on the “Tonight” show. It was even performed at Regney’s funeral in 2002. “Do You Hear?” has since been voted one of the most beloved Christmas songs of all times.

Critics soon began praising (or hating) the tune. The Deb Simmons website asked, “Didn’t you assume that this Christmas carol was along the lines of an old folk song? I certainly did, at least partly because the words don’t make a lot of sense—to me, anyway... It isn’t an old folk song at all, but one written in 1962 at the height of the Cuban missile crisis... (when) the world hovered on the brink of destruction for several days in October,

as the standoff between the USSR and the US continued over...missiles in Cuba. In the end, the USSR backed down and removed the missiles...The world breathed a little easier.”

Edgar Herwick of Boston PBS station WGBH-TV also mentioned the backstory: “In 1962, Bobby Vinton was climbing the popularity charts with his single, ‘Rain, Rain Go Away,’ composed by Regney and Shayne.”

He quoted their daughter Gabrielle: “They were always at the piano, composing. They were born to do this. It was in their blood. They existed for their music and for each other. That’s when they came alive,” she said.

Washington Post columnist Alexandra Petri panned it as too repetitive.

“If you must repeat something you said [then maybe] you didn’t phrase it very well in the first place,” she wrote.

Both parents had music careers when they met in New York, their daughter said.

“He was on tour when he met my mother,” she said. “She was playing piano, I believe, at the Ritz. They were soulmates and married a few weeks later and began an incredible career together.”

Their works were recorded by some of the biggest stars of their day, like Jo Stafford, Eddie Fisher, Doris Day, Whitney Houston and Johnny Mathis.

She stressed that it was not meant to be a religious or Christmas song.

“My parents were not religious at all. It blows my mind to think about how the two of them wrote a very Christian song. They were making a political statement: a plea for peace, and a reminder of the ravages of war.”

“The biggest part for them was the ‘pray for peace’ line,” Gabrielle said.

“That line was very big for both of them.”

MM About the Author: Larry Chabot, an Ontonagon native, worked his way through Georgetown University and was then employed at White Pine Copper Company for 32 years, before moving to Marquette with his wife, Betty. He is a freelance writer who has written for several publications, including over 150 articles for Marquette Monthly.

Author’s Note: Until editor Joe Zyble suggested there was an intriguing story behind this song, Larry – like almost everyone else – assumed it was a holiday special, right up there with the old favorites. Musically challenged, Larry is in sync with his brother Peter, who once said “I couldn’t carry a tune if it had a handle on it.”

December 2021

Marquette Monthly

41

lookout point

Gwinn community adopts seniors during holidays

W

by Erin Elliott Bryan hen Rynee Dombrowski received her copy of the Gwinn Quarterly in the Fall of 2019, a brief notice on Page 6 caught her eye.

That fall, it published an article about the Forsyth Senior Center’s Adopt-a-Senior program, which asks community members to adopt local seniors in need and help them have “a joyful holiday season.”

Dombrowski was immediately intrigued by the program.

“I’m in a position to help others. I don’t have a lot of money, but I can help,” she said. “And I know what it’s like to be lonely. I want other people to know that someone is thinking about them.”

This program has been running for more than a decade and it continues to grow each year, according to Michelle Borrett, the center’s social worker. She said the holiday season can be tough on those who live alone or face increasing difficulties as they age, particularly if they are on a fixed income.

“A lot of them have gone through physical losses during the year and deaths, of course. They’ve lost family members or friends. And as they’re aging, they’re losing more and more,” Borrett said. “It’s just kind of a nice little ‘we love you’ kind of thing and ‘we’re thinking about you.’”

Forsyth Senior Center Director

42

Marquette Monthly

Brian Veale said the center works with more than 380 documented clients each year, plus those who visit the center’s clubhouse each month for programs. The center serves clients in seven townships—Forsyth, West Branch, Sands, Skandia, Turin, Wells and Ewing—which covers a fairly large geographic area.

Veale is the center’s only full-time employee. His only other staff members, Borrett and outreach worker Avis Meyers-Ketola, are part-time employees.

Borrett and Meyers-Ketola run the Adopt-a-Senior program, which provided gifts to 50 seniors last year.

“When we first started, it was completely anonymous. We made the list, we contacted the volunteers, we did everything,” Borrett said. “Well, now that it’s grown so much, people get wind of it. Sometimes, [seniors] will call personally and ask to get put on the list for their own self, or we get family members, even agencies will call and say we have a senior that needs a little Christmas pick-me-up.

We get referrals from pretty much anywhere now.”

Often, the center’s staff of parttime homemakers and chore workers also identify seniors who would most benefit from the program and help determine their greatest needs.

Seniors are then matched with a community volunteer, who receives a curated list of suggested items as well

December 2021

Presents for senior citizens are donated by members of the Gwinn community each holiday season. (Photos courtesy of the Forsyth Senior Center) as some personal information, such as hobbies and interests. It’s not required for volunteers to purchase everything on the list, but some do.

Among the gifts that are purchased include winter coats, socks, bedding, paper products, canned goods or calendars, gift cards for gas, groceries and pharmacy items, and even money for winter heating assistance. Most volunteers add a little something extra depending on the suggestions offered

by Borrett and Meyers-Ketola.

But the program is double blind— the volunteer doesn’t know the identity of the person they are shopping for and the senior doesn’t know the identity of the person who shopped for them.

“It’s really kind of neat if you think about it,” Veale said. “It’s the personal touch, just someone caring about you.”

That was precisely the appeal for volunteer Dombrowski.

“This is something I can do to make people feel better, especially during our long winters up here,” she said. “I think of the person and how they’re going to feel, and what would I feel if someone were doing that for me.”

Dombrowski admitted she generally doesn’t like to shop, but “Christmas

is a different story,” adding that she’s not in the mood to shop until it snows.

She usually waits until after Thanksgiving.

Dombrowski is one of the volunteers who likes to add a few extra items to the provided list. Whether it’s her homemade banana bread, holiday kitchen towels or decor to cheer up their home, or their favorite candies, she works to make it special for each senior she adopts.

She also takes care to wrap each item, preferring that to simply putting items into gift bags.

“I like to unwrap things, and I assume others do, too,” she said. Dombrowski has also donated wrapping paper and trimmings to help the center staff wrap gifts purchased by others.

The program has been inspiring and uplifting for herself and her grown daughter Emily, who lives in Grand Rapids. Emily has even chosen to adopt a family in her area, and mother and daughter sometimes shop together.

“I can make somebody else’s life easier; it’s not hard to do. You don’t have to spend a lot of money, and you don’t have to buy everything on the list,” she said. “It’s an awesome time of year, a time to brighten up someone

else’s life. Everybody’s got problems; I just try to be nice.”

Borrett echoed Dombrowski’s sentiment.

“There’s a lot of negative news, but this is something positive,” Borrett said. “We hope this program keeps growing and that we run out of seniors, and we hope people keep being generous.”

For information on the Forsyth Senior Center’s Adopt-a-Senior Program, or to volunteer or make a donation, call (906)346-9862 or stop by the clubhouse at 165 North Maple Street in Gwinn.

More ways to support seniors this holiday season

T

he Ishpeming Salvation Army provides gift baskets to shut-in seniors with little to no local support each holiday season. Most are referred by other local senior organizations.

The Salvation Army provides a food basket and the Bell Auxiliary generously donates a variety of gift cards. Deliveries are made by the Ishpeming Noon Kiwanis.

“The need seems pretty big this year,” said Cari Detmers, development director of the Marquette County Salvation Army.

To make a donation or to refer a local senior, call Liz Nevala at (906)486-8121.

The Negaunee Senior Center also delivers gift baskets to those in need; donors give household items, handmade items, grocery gift cards and

other items, and volunteers, including the local Girl Scouts troop, wrap the gifts. The program also is anonymous, and the social work staff and student workers from Negaunee High School deliver the gifts. To donate, call the Negaunee Senior Center at (906)4756266.

Individuals can also make donations to Community Action for their Meals on Wheels program to help provide free meals to seniors in need this holiday season. Not all recipients of Meals on Wheels can afford to donate to offset the cost of the meals, so donations are needed and welcome.

The suggested per meal donation is $3.50 for each Congregate or Home Delivered Meal, but no one is ever denied service due to their inability to donate.

Since federal and state funding does not cover the full cost to operate the Senior Meal Programs, the generosity of program participants and their families is crucial. Community Action Alger-Marquette Senior Meals Programs serve close to 100,000 meals a year to seniors in Alger and Marquette counties, helping those seniors live longer, healthier lives. To donate, call Lori at (906)228-6522, ext. 301.

MM About the Author: Erin Elliott Bryan grew up in Ishpeming, and was the MM calendar editor from 2001 to 2005. She is now a freelance writer in the Minneapolis area.

December 2021

Marquette Monthly

43

fiction “Reserving judgements is a matter of infinite hope.”

—F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

The Superior Gatsby

This is Part IV, the final installment of a multi-part series by John Smolens.

L

by John Smolens ake Superior is a matter of life or death. As soon as Gatsby leapt from the dinghy into the Lower Harbor, he understood that the fine line between succumbing and surviving was a decision to be made within seconds. If he did not begin to swim, he would drift away from Dan Cody’s yacht, which rode at anchor with a dignified poise, her lights seeming to beckon as their reflections danced across the dark rippled water.

He chose to live. Fortunately, he was a strong swimmer, and it was a mild September night when the harbor was bathed in the glow of a rising harvest moon.

Although his strokes were constricted by his double-breasted blazer, duck pants and two-tone broughams, he reached the ladder at the stern of Tuolomee and climbed aboard. Sopping wet, he straightened his jacket, and adjusted the knot in his silk tie, and then entered the saloon as though he’d been out for a leisurely turn about the deck.

Dan Cody, seated on the leather divan, martini glass in hand, looked up, alerted by the sound of water patting on his Turkish carpet.

Sitting next to Cody, Lila Banks reclined in a posture intended to exhibit the fine cut of her green silk gown.

“My, that is stunning bathing attire.”

“Success?” Cody asked.

“Do I have Tuukka Hautamaki’s money? No, old sport,” Gatsby said.

“But I learned that Lila has a twin sister. Identical, except her voice. What’s her name?”

“Lea.” She sounded bored.

“Couldn’t carry a tune to save her life.”

“It didn’t,” Gatsby said. “She was stabbed under the trestle.”

Lila’s eyelashes, mascara laden, afforded her a gaze colder than Lake Superior.

“Emmet Jones?” Cody asked.

“Probably,” Gatsby said. “I believe he made off with Tuukka’s money,

44

Marquette Monthly

but he had an accomplice. Or should I say a consort.” He bestowed his smile upon Lila. “Perhaps you knew your sister sang her last song.”

Cody turned to her. “You? In league with Emmet Jones?”

Lila was accustomed to being waited on, fawned over, cosseted; not being called to accounts. “How did you know?”

“The fur coat,” Gatsby said. “It was a dead giveaway. Some women are born to wear fur—your sister wasn’t one of them. You’d part with such a garment only if it meant a great haul.

When the police find your sister’s body, they’ll be inclined to think it’s you.”

“Dead women don’t sing, so it would be an honest mistake.” Lila drank the remainder of her martini and cast an assessing eye on Gatsby.

“Those pink blotches on your lovely white trousers—would that be Lea’s blood?” When he didn’t answer, she smiled. “So, the police will be looking for you in connection with my murder. Such a pretty face for a killer.”

Dan Cody got up and veered toward the bar, where he poured gin into his glass. “Where’s the money Tuukka owes me for this latest shipment of Bronfman’s hooch? Emmet Jones must have it. Stolen from Tuukka, and then he double-crossed Lea.” “Emmet opens the door, makes deliveries,” Lila said. “A man one rarely takes notice of at first glance.”

“But you took notice,” Gatsby said.

“In some men, darling, brutality is a most desirable quality.”

Gatsby went to the bar, where Cody was filling his glass yet again.

“That’s enough. You know how you get.” Gatsby took the glass and placed it on the bar.

“But I don’t understand—” Cody turned toward the divan as Lila stood up holding a small nickel-plated automatic pistol. “Interesting,” Cody said, “I thought that knives would be her métier. Where could she hide a gun in that dress?”

“Concealment is an art form,” she said, and then turned to Gatsby. “But the subject was loyalty. So here’s your

December 2021

chance.”

“Chance for what?” Cody sounded suddenly quite sober.

“I have Tuukka’s cash, here aboard your boat,” Lila said. “And your pretty captain is going to take me to the Caribbean, where we can make good use of your boat and each other.”

Cody looked at Gatsby and then back at Lila’s pistol. “Just the two of you? My crew—” “They’re carousing in Marquette,” Lila said. “You gave them shore leave tonight.”

“So after Emmet Jones stabbed your sister under the trestle,” Gatsby said, “you dispatched him with that pistol and took the money.”

“Emmet is adrift in the harbor,” Lila said. “And Dan can join him. The authorities will suspect a love triangle gone wrong. But Tuukka Hautamaki will know it was all about his money. We shouldn’t plan on returning to Marquette anytime soon.”

“Old sport,” Cody said. “You’re in on this?”

“Ever since you’ve taken me aboard the Tuolomee,” Gatsby said, “I’ve watched women try to take your money from you. Eventually, I suspect, you’ll die, making some woman rich.” Gatsby turned around and faced Lila. In the distance they could hear revelers, a drunken, off-key serenade about the harvest moon. “That’s the crew, rowing across the harbor. Lila, if you’re going to shoot Cody, then you’d better do it now.”

Cody buttoned up his evening jacket and ran a hand back through his hair. “Well, if you must.”

“After you shot Emmet,” Gatsby said. “I trust you reloaded?”

“Yes,” Lila said. “Why?” “You’re going to need more than one bullet.”

“Why?” “You’re going to have to shoot both of us. And then, when that crew comes aboard, you’ll have to explain yourself to them.”

“I should have reserved judgment about you, darling.” Lila aimed the pistol at Gatsby’s heart. Water dripped from his blazer with the precision of a

ticking clock. A gentle breeze caused the porthole curtains to billow as though the room were encircled by a troupe of ballerinas. “Loyalty,” Lila whispered as she lowered the gun. “It ruins everything.”

Gatsby crossed the Turkish carpet and gently eased the pistol from her fingers. “You could swim ashore. Or the crew might lend you their boat.”

Regaining her composure, Lila went to the bar and poured herself a drink. “If I show my face in Marquette, you know what will happen?”

“Your former paramour,” Gatsby said, “he’ll hold you accountable.”

“Tuukka Hautamaki’s a true Renaissance man,” Lila said. “His métier includes ghastly unmentionables, such as the garrote.”

“His money,” Cody said, filling another glass. “Hidden on my boat?”

“If I can conceal a gun in this dress, darling, I can stash seventy-five grand on a yacht.”

Cody stared into his drink as though consulting a crystal ball. “Once my crew’s on board, why don’t we set a course for the Soo Locks? The price for your safe passage from Marquette will be half of your haul.”

“A third,” Lila said.

“Well, I’m feeling generous tonight,” Cody said. “A third, for each of us. Equal partners.” He raised his drink in a toast. “What do you say, old sport?”

“The wind’s rising,” Gatsby noted as he looked out a porthole at the moonlight shimmering on the eastern horizon of Lake Superior. “We’ll navigate by the moon, which will guide us toward a new world filled with infinite hope.”

MM About the Author: John Smolens, NMU professor emeritus, has published 12 books, including Cold, Out, Fire Point, The School Master’s Daughter, Quarantine, and Wolf’s Mouth, a Michigan Notable Book selection. In 2010, he received the Michigan Author Award from the Michigan Library Association. His most recent novel is Day of Days.

back then

I

Remembering Joan Volek

by Larry Chabot t was Christmas Eve in Ontonagon, sometime in the late 1940s.

Parishioners at the Catholic church exchanged greetings as they filled the pews for midnight Mass. When the organist and choir began the first notes of the carol “Oh Holy Night,” a hush settled over the congregation, as if they knew what came next. And what came next was worth the wait...

Teenager Joan Volek, gifted with a magnificent coloratura soprano voice, sang the carol with a stunning operatic recital that resonated in every corner of the church. No one spoke as her beautiful voice brought the carol to life.

An Ontonagon native, Joan studied under Mrs. Wayne McCormick.

So outstanding was her early voice that she was invited to perform on Ironwood radio station WJMS at only seven years of age.

Every Saturday, Ford dealer Harold Labyak drove her 65 miles to Ironwood for the taping, where she accompanied herself on the piano while singing a variety of works, including favorites like “Mealtime at the Zoo” and” La donna e mobile.” Then Harold would drive her back home.

Joan was highly intelligent, graduating a year early from Ontonagon High School in 1948 as the class valedictorian among 40 seniors. Naturally, she was a member of the Glee Club and school orchestra, and of course her pet peeve

was “popular music.” Joan’s yearbook profile predicted her performing at the Metropolitan Opera one day, which actually came to pass. Someone penned an appropriate verse for the profile: “She’s the girl with dreamy eyes, and music in her fingers lies.”

For the record, a coloratura soprano sings the highest and one of the rarest vocal registers. Coloraturas are a breed apart. The coloratura soprano is capable of almost magical feats.

Bonnie Vidmar Colclasure has fond memories of her talented cousin.

“Those were exciting years in my aunt’s household, watching her rehearse and anticipating concerts at the Community Building,” Colclasure said. “I remember the beautiful dresses she wore for her concerts, but most of all her wonderful voice. The free

Illustration by Mike McKinney

December 2021

Marquette Monthly

45

music appreciation I Ironwood drew raves received listening to from the local newsopera instead of Elpaper, calling her a vis during those years “sensation,” which was invaluable.” drew “the greatest Joan enrolled in audience acclaim.” a musical college in Dawn Willman Chicago to earn bachrecalls playing the elor’s and master’s piano at a Volek condegrees. Bonnie and cert in Marquette in her aunt Eva Volek 1958.

(Joan’s mother) vis“I had already inited Joan there one terviewed there for summer after a long a teaching job and train ride from Onto- This photo of Joan Volek as a was hired,” she said. nagon. teen is from the 1948 Ontona- “I went to all of her “She was perform- gon High School Yearbook.

Ontonagon concerts, ing at an area theater, including the one and we attended one show,” Colcla- after the fake Elvis show in the same sure said. “She took first place in Met- theater.” ropolitan Opera auditions in a field of Joan often headed to Labyaks after 130 people.” the show to visit the family.

She had been “discovered” at In“In the first half of the Marquette terlochen Arts Academy in Northern event, she sang some pretty heavy Michigan by a scout from the Met but duty classical/opera type music, and headed for Europe instead to get more the second half was a much lightexperience. er, pop-style kind,” Willman said. “I She was awarded a Fulbright would perform during the intermisScholarship to study voice in Salz- sion. Afterwards, there was a recepburg, Austria, and was invited to join tion at a doctor’s home in Marquette. the European opera scene as a solo- She was fun to work with, very parist with Austrian and German operas. ticular and very definite in what she Her favorite roles included Queen of wanted, and she had a beautiful soprathe Night in Mozart’s Magic Flute, as no coloratura voice.”

Kostanze in Mozart’s The Abduction After a 32-year career teaching in from the Seraglio and as Rosine in the music department at the UniverRossini’s Barber of Seville. sity of Wyoming, family and friends Dawn Labyak Willman, who often were at her bedside at Ivinson Memoaccompanied her on the piano and rial Hospital in Laramie on January whose father drove the pre-teen Joan 10, 2009 when the great voice was to the Ironwood radio station, said stilled. She was 77.

Joan decided to board a cruise ship “A widely acclaimed teacher and for her return to the states, and while performer,” the university called her. at sea she met singer Fred Gersten, “Many of her students have performed whom she later married. as soloists and chorus members all After returning to the United States, over the world including Metropolishe performed in musical theater and tan Opera and Broadway musicals.” taught voice in Stockton, California.

But even after her illustrious cousJoan and Fred taught and performed in had passed on, she reminisces. at three universities.

“Memories of Joan will stay with When he headed the vocal depart- me forever,” Colclasure said. ment at Oberlin College, Joan was MM often his accompanist. She performed with the Cincinnati and Louisville Author’s Note: As altar boys at Holy Operas and at hotels and summer re- Family Catholic Church in Ontonasorts, like Land O’Lakes supper club gon, Larry and his brothers were witon the Michigan-Wisconsin border nesses to some of her remarkable solos. near Watersmeet.

The Volek home on River Street was The native daughter of Ontonagon destroyed by a block-long fire in 2008. made many return visits to her hometown to visit family and perform, About the Author: Larry Chabot, sometimes with husband Fred. One an Ontonagon native, worked his memorable event was her program way through Georgetown Universiin the same venue that had hosted a ty and was then employed at White fake Elvis show the night before. One Pine Copper Company for 32 years, performance was during the town’s before moving to Marquette with Labor Day Festival. She was the pa- his wife, Betty. He is a freelance rade marshal in one parade, and the writer who has written for severcommencement speaker at the 1984 al publications, including over 150 high school graduation. A concert in articles for Marquette Monthly.

46

Marquette Monthly

December 2021

lookout point

A

Fueling Imagination

by Katherine Larson ny child younger than five who lives in the 49855 zip code now has an opportunity thanks to the joint efforts of Dolly Parton’s Dollywood Foundation and the Literacy Legacy Fund of Michigan.

Through the program, the child (or someone who loves that child) can sign up for the child to receive a free, age-appropriate book once a month, 12 months a year, until the child turns five. No strings attached.

The books are mailed directly to each child, with the child’s name on the book itself, so the child has the additional thrill of receiving personal mail aimed directly at him or her.

Singer/songwriter Dolly Parton started this program because her father could not read or write, and she knew that this kind of project could have made a big difference to him. All children have dreams, she believes, and “the seeds of the dreams are often found in books.”

So she called her program “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library,” intending it to provide both imagination and inspiration. It is not a charity or social service; rather, it is a gift program, mailing out nearly two million books annually.

Literacy Legacy Fund president

Nancy Wiseman Seminoff explained why the program starts with such young children.

“You can never start too young to read to a child,” Seminoff said. “They see the pictures, hear the words, learn about turning pages, learn that in English words go from left to right and top to bottom—all these things are critical to literacy.”

Besides that, Seminoff added, not only do young children learn the mechanics of reading, they learn to love reading when a parent or other loved one reads to them.

“And they build their own home libraries so these books can be read or read to them over and over again,” Seminoff said.

Babies who are signed up when they are just newborns get the maximum benefit of the program: up to 60 books, many hardcover, over the years until they turn five.

In addition to amassing their own personal library, children receive other benefits. Seminoff—who has been involved in literacy education throughout her career, and is a past president of the Michigan Reading Association—explained.

“Just as in any sport, we need the necessary equipment, the opportunity to participate and some skill to do so, and the desire to be involved,” she

said. “It is also important to want to read and to actually read for information and enjoyment.”

That’s where the child’s loved ones come in. If someone whom the child loves and trusts sits cozily with the child and reads aloud, the child comes to associate reading with the warmth and pleasure of that experience. That, in turn, sets the child on a path toward success, Seminoff believes.

And, Parton emphasizes, toward imagination and inspiration. From books, children learn about other people, other places, other dreams and possibilities. They can imagine being an inventor or a doctor, a minister or an astronaut or a cowboy.

Favorites like Don Freeman’s Corduroy show empathy and love. Patricia Wells’ Max’s First Word, Max’s Bath and Max’s Bedtime focus on events that every toddler can relate to with giggles. Other books give children words for anger or frustration, or plant seeds of hope.

The Literacy Legacy Fund of Michigan began its involvement through a pilot project in the AuTrain-Onota School District.

Now, with the help of donors like Mark Aho Financial Group and Range Bank, it is able to expand to the whole 49855 zip code.

In doing so, the fund is joining the

December 2021

Marquette Monthly

47

United Way of Delta County, which is affiliated with the Dollywood program in Delta County.

Delta residents can contact Julie Mallard by emailing julie@uwdelta. org or mailing to the United Way, 1100 Ludington Street, Escanaba, MI 49829.

The Negaunee Elks Club also provides a way for Negaunee children to enroll, with the contact person being Kristin Knapp of Negaunee Elks Lodge #1116, who can be reached at (906)361-4809 In addition, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library’s website, www. imaginationlibrary.com, has an “affiliate locator” feature that connects would-be readers to their local program.

For the 49855 expansion to succeed, however, the Literacy Legacy Fund must raise $25 per enrolled child per year as its share of their commitment to this program. Seminoff said those who enroll children are welcome (but not required) to donate that amount if they are able; she invites all others to make tax-deductible donations on behalf of other children or to the program generally.

Checks can be made payable to the Literacy Legacy Fund of Michigan and mailed to the fund at 1314 Picnic Rocks Drive, Marquette, MI 49855.

This is not the only program the Literacy Legacy Fund supports. Since its founding in 2006, it has been able to supply over $53,000 in aid to institutions, agencies and organizations locally and in Michigan through evidence-based grants, legacy grants, special projects and scholarships.

Local projects have included: • A Linguistic Summer Lecture Series across the U.P. focusing on Yooper English

48

Marquette Monthly

December 2021

• A workshop providing training and curriculum guides to enhance outdoor education in partnership with Hiawatha National Forest, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and MSU Extension • A high school journaling project; a writing workshop for NMU English majors and local English teachers • A legacy grant for the Third Thursday Literacy Nights at the U.P. Children’s Museum, including free admission and a new hardcover book for each child participating • Books for newborns • Assistance with a digitizing project at the Marquette Regional History Center • A legacy grant to waive the fee for NMU students to use the Longyear Research Library • Funding the reprinting of a book on local shipwrecks accompanied by resource materials for school group visits to the Marquette Maritime Museum.

State-wide grants have included support for summer and after-school reading programs for elementary students and a book project to connect incarcerated parents and grandparents with their families. Much more can be found on the Literacy Legacy Fund website.

To sign up a child younger than five who lives in the 49855 zip code for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, go to the “Special Projects” page of the Literacy Legacy Fund’s site, www.literacylegacyfund.org, and download an application.

MM About the Author: Katherine Larson is a writer, teacher and former lawyer who loves to read.

locals

You better watch out...

E

by Deborah K. Frontiera ven before December 1, even before Thanksgiving, children and parents begin to have Santa on their minds.

While there are many “Santas” out there every year, perhaps no one fits the part quite like Bradley J. Curtis of Lake Linden (aka Santa BJ). His philosophy of being Santa and the extra things he does in that role are an inspiration to those people who might tend to dread the month of December and the arrival of Christmas, or others who might consider becoming a Santa Claus.

Brad grew up in a small town between Grand Rapids and Lansing, a place called Lake Odessa. He arrived in the Copper Country on assignment with the U.S. Air Force—to the old radar base on Mt. Horace Greeley—and met Sally, who hails from the Hubbell area and whom he later married.

Once out of the Air Force, Brad enrolled at Michigan Tech and earned a BS in computer science in 1982. Over his career with four different companies, he started as a software engineer and ended as a senior systems engineer.

Brad and Sally lived in several different states during those years, but they always came back to the Copper Country on vacations. When offered an early retirement, they came back to stay.

His first experience as “Santa” happened in Severna Park, Maryland,

more than 27 years ago. Sally was a member of the mom’s group at their church. The ladies hosted a “Breakfast with Santa,” and Sally talked Brad into being their Santa.

Brad had a broad build, but no full beard at the time (during college his full beard was red, not white) so he had to wear a fake beard. There he sat on the stage with a couple of teenaged girls in elf costumes as the children lined up.

One little girl, about four years old, as Brad remembered, was so excited she seemed to fly—her feet barely touching the floor—onto his lap and gave him a huge hug. Brad was hooked.

A job change brought Brad and Sally to Iowa where he continued to be Santa—more and more often—and he let his beard grow back. He still had to lighten his beard then, but

now, he’s solid white naturally. It’s the smiles, the hugs and the neighbor children in Lake Linden who say, “Hi, Santa,” as they walk or ride bikes past his house that keep him going.

Also, when they take vacations to other areas, such as the cog rail train ride to the top of Pike’s Peak at 14,010 feet elevation, or Arches National Park, children and parents just start lining up asking for pictures with Santa. And he doesn’t hesitate to jump into the role, telling them he’s “on vacation.”

Brad mounts an old one-horse open sleigh over his riding lawnmower, dons his red Hawaiian shirt with Santas on surfboards and in swimming pools printed on it, and rides in the Lake Linden Fourth-of-July parade.

Afterward in the park, children will gather around him and he’ll tell them he’s double checking his “naughty/ nice” list, and that this is his “summer home,” while passing out stickers. He’ll pull out his “sleigh-driv-

December 2021

ing” license—which looks just like a driver’s license, but isn’t, of course.

He always keeps a few of his “million-dollar” bills, complete with appropriate images, in his wallet. These are sometimes left (along with a real tip) for waitpersons in restaurants.

And he always goes the extra mile to be authentic. If invited to a home or children’s party, he’ll check with the parents for some “dirt” on the children, and then bring those bits of information up when a child is on his lap.

The “Huh-he-knew-that!” look on the child’s face is such fun. He also sings traditional songs with his audience, mentions a fun fact or two about reindeer and always ends with a recitation of the whole Clement C. Moore 1823 poem, “A Visit from St. Nick,” complete with the “Happy [not Merry] Christmas to all, and to all a good night.”

When doing a “commercial Santa gig” (which he’s done many of), he’ll usually take a minute or two to tell a child a season-appropriate riddle, such as, “What do you get when you cross a snowman with a shark? Frostbite” or “What did the gingerbread man put on his bed? A cookie sheet.”

And, of course, every Santa must develop that deep-down belly “ho-hoho” and sound sincere with it.

Although Brad does some of his Santa appearances pro-bono, or only for enough to cover driving expenses, candy canes and dry cleaning for his suit, he said that in an urban area, some men can make a nice chunk of extra income in season.

He has advice for people interested in being a “professional” Santa: 1. Make sure your desire to be a Santa comes from the heart. Nothing else is more important.

2. You don’t need a real beard, but it helps if you have one.

3. Go to a “Santa School.” You’ll learn the proper way to lift a child onto your lap without hurting your back and with no accusation of “improper touching.” You’ll also learn how to do those deep belly laughs and the “business” of being a Santa.

4. Get a good quality suit—not the least expensive one at the local big box store.

5. Do a really good job of being Santa! See No. 1.

Brad emphasized that being Santa

Marquette Monthly

49

is not as easy as it looks. In a “mall gig,” there is a lot of pressure to hurry up and move on to the next child in line. Even with just two minutes per child, that’s only 30 per hour, and it creates long lines in a mall.

Children and parents get tired and frustrated waiting in line. There are the two- and three-year-old screamers whose parents insist on taking that picture anyway.

In six weeks, a Santa can expect to hold more than 3,000 children. Brad suggests using breath mints instead of water to keep your mouth moist for all that talking. Another reason to restrict the water is the need to use a restroom when there is no break coming up.

He’s heard of Santas who wear “Depends.”

Also, it can be exhausting to hold that jolly demeanor and smile for a full six-hour shift every day for six weeks straight.

There are also awkward situations that come up. At one point, Brad was Santa at a homeless shelter for several years, and when he asked what one child wanted for Christmas, the answer was, “a home.” Even sadder, might be the fact that you recognize the same child at that shelter the following year.

Sally said while they lived in Iowa, she was asked to be “Mrs. Santa” and did try it out—but it was hard to find

a really good “Mrs. Santa” outfit. She did alter one dress pattern, but velvet is hard to work with.

In addition, when you do it once, everybody wants to have both Mr. and Mrs. It’s hard to keep up that kind of a schedule without both of them wearing down and coming home to no hot dinner while trying to fit in their own preparations for Christmas. Sally said she’d rather support Brad from home by making five-chip cookies and blueberry muffins.

But Brad keeps doing his Santa thing for the joy it brings children, and that in return brings him joy. He’s also a lector and Eucharistic Minister at St. Joseph Church in Lake Linden, treasurer for the Knights of Columbus there, member of the American Legion, and a driver for Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly and the Disabled American Veterans when someone needs a ride to a medical appointment. In other words, a real Santa.

MM

About the Author: Deborah K. Frontiera lives in the Calumet area. Three of her books have been award winners.

She has published fiction, nonfiction, poetry and children’s books. Frontiera is on the board of the U.P. Publishers and Authors Association. For more information, visit her website: authorsden.com/deborahkfrontiera.

Brad Curtis donned his Hawaiian Santa shirt to participate in Lake Linden’s 2021 Fourth of July parade. (Photo courtesy of Sally Curtis).

50

Marquette Monthly

December 2021

back then When death came to the Keweenaw

T

by Sonny Longtine he history of labor strikes in the United States is replete with bloodshed and violence, and the Upper Peninsula was no exception to the carnage created by the rift between labor and management.

One of the most bitter and deadly strikes was the great copper strike of 1913-14. Fifteen thousand miners labored in the copper mines; they struck in order to secure better wages and safer working conditions. Although long past, the residents of the Keweenaw Peninsula still remember the catastrophic strike over the rich copper veins that were embedded in the Keweenaw Peninsula.

Thousands of European immigrants were lured to the copper-laden land with the promise of jobs in the underground mines. In the later half of the 20th century, Croatians, Poles, Czechs, Slavs, Finns and English flooded a 60-mile stretch from Delaware to Painesdale in the hope of making a better life. Often the miners’ meager wages were sent back to their homeland to remaining family members to secure passage to the United States.

Copper mining began in earnest in the peninsula in 1848, but was discovered earlier in the 1820s by Henry Schoolcraft and geologist Douglass Houghton. By the turn of the century, mining companies employed thousands who toiled underground in harsh working conditions. In the bleak winter months, the dank caverns were home for immigrant miners; daylight

was a rare and precious commodity that miners saw little of. Death lurked around every corner in the subterranean shafts.

Poverty-level incomes forced families to live in cramped conditions in company housing, while single men were herded into ethnic boarding houses. Miners were aware of the huge profits that the corporations were reaping from their backbreaking labor and they wanted a larger piece of the pie, something they felt the mine proprietors owed them…and could easily afford. Recalcitrant mine owners were adamant: there would be no negotiations with any labor union over wages and working conditions. A precipitous chasm between labor and management grew larger—something had to give.

The day of reckoning came on July 23, 1913. On that day, renegade miners, without approval from their union, the Western Federation of Miners (WFM), went on strike. They were disgruntled with their paltry $2.50 a day wage and long 10- to 11-hour work day, but mostly they wanted the deadly “widow-maker” to continue to be a two-man operation.

The widow-maker was a copper extract tool that mining company officials converted to a one-man operation. The miners felt that a one-man operation would not only be dangerous, but would reduce the number of miners needed to operate the mine.

The name alone (widow-maker) is telling and ominous. In addition, the miners wanted the recognition of the

Putrich boarding house, site of the Putrich and Tijan killings.

Sheriff James Cruse hired the Waddell-Mahon men for security. The unionists called them strikebreakers. (Photos courtesy of the MTU Archives)

WFM. Calumet & Hecla, the owners of the mine, refused to acknowledge the strike, to do so would have been to recognize the union and legitimize the strike, something they vowed they would never do.

An unlikely strike leader emerged during the crisis: six-foot-two-inch Anne Clemenc, a miner’s wife and household servant, led thousands of strikers in protest marches through the streets in Red Jacket (now Calumet).

As with many strikes, arrests were common and violence inevitable.

But on August 14, 1913, things got worse—much worse. The conflict turned deadly. Events took a grave turn when two Croatians—Alois (Louis) Tijan and Steve Putrich— were gunned down in a miners’ boarding house in Seeberville by men from the sheriff’s department and their hired security guards (miners called them strikebreakers and worse), the Waddell-Mahon men.

Earlier that day, 10 strikers with nothing more to do, had gathered in a Seeberville park and leisurely drank beer on the grass. They consumed 24 quarts of beer before they disbanded and headed back to their boarding house.

Miners John Kalan and John Stimac straggled behind the others and decided to take a shortcut though

December 2021

mine property.

Anticipating sabotage, mine owners declared mine property off limits to the non-working miners. Kalan and Stimac were told to stop by company guard Humphrey Quick. Not drunk, but perhaps a tad tight, they defied Quick’s warning and continued on. In a parting shot, Kalan turned to Quick and said, “Look out for yourself, you son-of-a-$#&!%. I fix you…I fix you for sure [sic].”

Quick told nearby Waddell-Mahon guard Thomas Raleigh what had just happened. Waddell-Mahon guards were private security guards hired by the sheriff’s office to keep peace during the strike. The miners, however, viewed the Wadall-Mahon men as nothing but goons and strikebreakers. Earlier, Calumet & Hecla General Manager James MacNaughton rejected Waddell-Mahon guard service, believing that hiring private security guards would only heighten an already tense situation.

MacNaughton felt the militia that was sent to Calumet could adequately keep the peace. But County Sheriff James Cruse said he was understaffed and couldn’t get local men to intervene in the strike. As a result, he felt he had no choice but to hire the Waddell-Mahon men. After speaking with Raleigh, Quick then alerted his su-

Marquette Monthly

51

pervisor, Edward Polkinghorne, who decided that they should pursue the trespassers and arrest them.

Quick, Raleigh, Polkinghorne and Harry James, along with other Waddell-Mahon men went to the nearby boarding house to find and arrest Kalan and Stimac, although no arrest warrant had been issued. But this did not deter the determined party from pursuing the trespassers.

The armed guard party, now numbering six, were only 500 feet from the boarding house when they spotted Kalan. The boarding house, erected in 1902 as a temporary structure, was a rickety building that unbelievably housed 17 people.

Ten occupants were miners crammed into the second floor of the story-and-a-half house. It was wallto-wall beds. Joseph Putrich and his wife, Antonia, headed the house. The The funeral procession in Calumet. (Photo courtesy of MTU Archives) Putrichs and their four children all The miners felt the assault was Tijan’s funeral was held in the slept in the same room at the front of unprovoked and brutal, particularly Catholic Croatian church, St. John the the house. All of the occupants were in light of an insignificant trespass. Baptist, in Calumet. Five thousand Croatian.

County Prosecuting Attorney Antho- mourners paid their last respects to The enforcement party yelled at ny Lucas said the Seeberville tragedy the fallen miner. In a Croatian funerKalan that he was under arrest. Ka- was “wanton murder.” Joseph Can- al custom, Tijan, a bachelor, was follan responded by saying, “Me no go.” not, a prominent union official, said lowed in the procession by ten womTwo of the arrest party grabbed Kalan “Sheriff Cruise’s hands dripped with en dressed in white, with one of the and yelled, “Come with us.” blood.” The emotional rhetoric po- women marching directly behind the In an ensuing melee, the miners larized the factions even further, and white casket dressed in a bridal veil. attempted to rescue Kalan, who was made attempts to end the strike more The women signified that Tijan’s life being beaten with a billy club by remote. ended unfinished.

Thomas Raleigh. During the scuffle On August 16, Harry James and The impressive and heart-felt prosomeone threw a bowling pin that hit Edward Polkinghorne were arrested cession, accompanied by the Humu one of the sheriff’s guards. The guard and charged with first-degree murder. Finnish Band, solemnly wound pulled out his pistol and fired, hitting At first, the four Waddell-Mahon men through the streets of Red Jacket, with Steve Putrich, a miner near the board- who were in on the shooting were no- the men carrying boughs of evergreen ing house on the fringe of the turmoil. where to be found. They showed up and the women toting bouquets of Alarmed, the other armed security a week later, after failing to convince flowers, to the Lake View Cemetery. guards dashed to the boarding house, the prosecutor to reduce the charges. In a union gathering after the graveand, from all sides, randomly fired The six men were charged with sec- side ceremony, Joseph Cannon, a into the house through open windows ond-degree murder and were released WFM official, stated that the tyranny and doors at the defenseless miners shortly after raising the $60,000 bail. of the mine owners was worse than and their wives and children. The The trial for the accused men the repression that the Croatians expeminers did not have any guns. Pande- took place on February 15, 1914. rienced in their native land of Austria. monium broke loose inside, with ev- Three Waddell-Mahon men—Joshua When the strike ended on April 12, eryone frantically scurrying for cover. Cooper, Arthur Davis and William 1914, the miners had won some modThe firing continued until all am- Groff—were convicted of manslaugh- est concessions, but not nearly what munition was depleted. Alois Tijan ter (third-degree murder) and sen- they wanted. was hit in the back while climbing a tenced from seven to 15 years in the Their union would not be recogstaircase and suffered a mortal wound. Marquette prison. Judge R.C. Flan- nized and the infamous widow maker Putrich, who had been shot outside, nigan recommended the trio serve the would continue to be a one-man operdied in the hospital the following day. minimum. Polkinghorne received the ation. However, wages were increased A number of investigations fol- stiffest penalty with a 12-year mini- to fifty cents a day and the work week lowed. From the start, each side point- mum. James was acquitted while Ra- was shortened to 40 hours. ed a finger at the other side as instiga- leigh jumped bail and left the area.

Tijan and Putrich were unknown tors of the fracas. The sheriff said they The four convicted felons em- Croatian miners and small cogs in had a legitimate right to pursue the barked for the Marquette Prison on a contentious strike that shaped the trespassers and that they were only February 17. Polkinghorne and his fa- Copper Country’s history. doing their job, although it was not the ther openly wept as the prison-bound MM trespassing duo that ended up being train departed the Houghton depot. killed, but two innocent bystanders. This brought closure to the Seeber- About the Author: Sonny Longtine The sheriff’s party claimed the miners ville murders, but the sordid event is a Marquette resident who has pubshot first and that they were just pro- only further fueled the hostility be- lished eight books on Michigan’s Uptecting themselves. Evidence, howev- tween the immigrant miners and the per Peninsula. For more than three er, disputed that claim as no weapons mining companies. Peace was yet to decades he taught American history were found at the boarding house. come. and government in Michigan schools.

52

Marquette Monthly

December 2021

in the outdoors

A male red-bellied woodpecker shows off his colors. (Photo by Scot Stewart)

Counting Crows “Christmas gives us an opportunity to pause and reflect on the important things around us.” —David Cameron

T

by Scot Stewart he arrival of winter usually means the days have shortened considerably to the briefest on December 21 at 8 hours, 34 minutes, 10 seconds from the longest on June 21 at 15 hours, 49 minutes. That means it’s 7 hours and 15 minutes shorter at the Winter Solstice.

Early winter has become more of a puzzle in recent years. Weather has been less predictable, with warmer stretches and weird snow patterns. It does mean the leaves are gone, mornings are quiet, just the sound of wind, falling precipitation, some rain and a few blowing leaves.

Most all of the summer birds— wrens, warblers, flycatchers, swallows, swifts, orioles, thrushes—have headed south, many all the way to the tropics to find warmer days and more daylight.

It is not all bad though. What December does mean is that one of the best birding events of the year, the Audubon Christmas Bird Count

(CBC) is on tap. It is a day of opportunity for birders to get out with friends and other bird lovers and explore the neighborhood for all the birds that are still here. Some birds will stay for the entire winter, like the chickadees, woodpeckers and nuthatches that keep us company all year.

Others may truly brighten up the day as wanderers make their way through the area, like gulls cruising the Great Lakes, migrants from northern Canada and Alaska, and birds simply continuing to hang around late into the season due to physical condition or other unknown issues.

Late in the 19th century, hunters often held “Side Hunt” contests, heading out in teams to see who could bring back the largest number of birds and mammals shot on the day. As birders and conservationists began to see the effects of hunting for “sport,” for fashion and for food were having on birds, some felt it was time to raise public awareness.

In 1900, Frank Chapman, an orni-

December 2021

Marquette Monthly

53

thologist with the newly formed Audubon Society, suggested a “Christmas Bird Census” instead of a hunt, to take an account of the winter birds of various regions. The idea was a success and has continued for 121 years.

Each year the count is held between December 14 and January 5. Because some areas of the country have so many counts—the Upper Peninsula may be holding up to 17, including one covering both Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and Canada, and one over the Mackinac Straits—a wide stretch is needed to schedule many around the holidays and allow birders the opportunity to participate in a number of them each year. Plans for counts are made from November through January 1 and frequently depend on the planning skills and holiday schedules of a few dedicated birders to bring a group together.

In Marquette, the counts have continued since the first in 1948. The idea is to describe a circle with a radius of 7.5 miles and attempt to count as many of the species and actual numbers of birds as possible in a 24-hour period. The Marquette Circle chose Old City Hall on Washington Street as its center, with the intent of including a long stretch of the Lake Superior shoreline, and a rather amazing list of other sections, reaching up to Harlow Lake, out to Negaunee Township along Reany Creek and an area behind the Michigan State Police Post, across CR-480 to the edge of the Sands

Plains, and eastward to an area past Harvey. Other long-term U.P. counts have been held in AuTrain, Gwinn, Cedarville, Sault Ste. Marie and the Copper Country.

“Expectancy is the atmosphere for miracles.”

—Edwin Lewis Cole

T

he expectations for the Marquette CBC and many others in the Upper Peninsula have changed considerably over the years. Many of the early Marquette counts were more social, with the entire group of participants, caravaning to a number of selected sites in town including the Lower Harbor, the Dead River at Granite Street, the MDNR Fish Hatchery on Cherry Creek Road and Lakewood Lane in the morning.

Most ended their day at lunch, but a few would continue north of Marquette in the afternoon, following the old Huron Mountain Railroad grade and either Wetmore Bog or Harlow Creek. In the early days groups were led by Nick Ilnicky, Connie Lincke, Rollie Thoren, Louie Taccolini and Bill Robinson, professor of ornithology at NMU. In 1992, a more systematic approach was developed by Melinda Stamp, dividing the circle into quarters, and sending four different groups out to cover the quadrants and having another small party cover the Lake Superior shoreline. Added to this

new plan were the improvements in optics—from 7X binoculars in those early days to high power 50X spotting scopes—to provide better looks at distant birds brought counts to a higher level.

With the added viewing power, and more importantly, a group of birders with much greater identification skills, new discoveries and more complete lists of the U.P.’s winter birds resulted. The other huge change was the number of extremely able birders who could work from visual or audio cues to identify birds and pick out rarities more accurately.

But there have been even greater changes to the area and to birding totals. With climate change, more of Lake Superior is regularly open during the end of December. Instead of holding their breaths to see if the harbors would freeze, birders can usually depend on open water there, and at the Dead and Chocolay rivers.

With that open water, a greater diversity of waterbirds is present. On many counts, the Lake Superior party has birded all day along the Lake Superior shoreline in search of western and red-necked grebes, canvasbacks, lesser and greater scaup, double-crested cormorants, scoters, gadwalls, mergansers, ring-necked ducks, longtailed ducks, Thayer’s, glaucous, lesser black-backed, great black-backed, Iceland and ivory gulls.

They are also on the lookout for the hunters too, snowy owls, bald eagles,

An adult red-breasted merganser is 20 to 24 inches long with a 28- to 34-inch wingspan. (Photo by Scot Stewart)

54

Marquette Monthly

December 2021

Pine grosbeaks, like this female, are large and plump, heavy-chested with a round head, and are part of the finch family. (Photo by Scot Stewart) gyrfalcons, peregrines, merlins and sharp-tailed hawks.

Each winter, as most of the summer residents head south, there comes the arrival of a number of species from even further north, looking for enough food to get through the winter before they return back to the tundra and boreal forests of Canada and Alaska.

Some of the “normal“ Arctic birds hoped for each winter include snowy owls, northern shrikes, rough-legged hawks, gyrfalcons, northern hawk owls, common and hoary redpolls.

Some make it here with some regularity.

Snowy owls made the Christmas bird counts for several consecutive years in Marquette and are seen fairly regularly on the Chippewa County counts in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and Ontario.

Two years ago, a northern hawk owl surprised many birders, arriving in Marquette at the end of October and sticking around until February. It spent nearly all its time in and around the old city compost area off Lakeshore Boulevard.

Because the area was closed to the public, it was sometimes difficult to find because the area was fenced. It did make the Christmas bird count, and actually stuck around through a good part of the winter. Wistful birders check the area each winter, hoping

for a return of this beautiful diurnal owl, a day hunter.

Lateral migrators also are hoped for in the December counts. These are birds migrating west to east like pine grosbeaks and bohemian waxwings in search of mountain ash fruits, red and white-winged crossbills, pine siskins and purple finches looking for conifer cones, boxelder and birch seeds.

Varied thrushes and Townsend’s solitaires are two other western vagrant birds sought out during the early weeks of December as birders scout out their circles and identify trees, shrubs and feeder stations Throughout the 75 years of the Marquette count, only five species have appeared every year of the count.

They are common goldeneyes, herring gulls, blue jays, European starlings and black-capped chickadees.

A sixth, the downy woodpecker, has made every count except one. These are usually year-round residents, although the gulls head south for open water in severely cold winters. Some other year-rounders are sought with greater effort.

A group of birders heads out before dawn to seek out great-horned, northern saw-whet and barred owls. Some residents monitor the birds at their feeders all day to tally nuthatches, goldfinches, juncos and other feeder regulars.

December 2021

Marquette Monthly

55

The snowy owl, also known as the polar owl, the white owl and the Arctic owl, is a large, white owl of the true owl family. (Photo by Scot Stewart) Warmer winters have also led to lingering warblers—an orange-crowned warbler made last year’s count.

Horned larks, snow buntings and other ground feeders like American tree sparrows and white-throated sparrows have also been more regularly found on the counts in years with little snow.

Some early Marquette Christmas counts were nearly blinded by snow squalls and blizzards and now many are on days with above-freezing temperatures and clear skies.

Changes to climate have encouraged species like crows, mourning doves, red-bellied woodpeckers, northern cardinals to expand their regular or winter ranges northward. The doves did not appear on a count until 1968. There were reports of some of them sitting on warm power plant coal piles and actually losing frozen toes in those first winters. Northern cardinals were only on six counts before 1994 but have been on nearly everyone since. There could be 30 or so counted this year. Red-bellied woodpeckers were on two counts before 2006 and on nearly everyone since. The species count for the Marquette CBC count is now close to 50 every year.

It has become clear citizen science from the Audubon Christmas Bird counts has added a wealth of information about the impact of development,

56

Marquette Monthly

December 2021

habitat changes, feeding stations and climate changes have on bird populations. Data from the counts is compiled and published after each count is completed.

Although some local counts are not held every year, and weather conditions affect visibility and counter turn out, species maps and long-term trends about total numbers can be compared. The more than 120 years of data provide a valuable look at how numbers have changed and relationships between humans and birds affect each other.

Christmas bird counts provide a wonderful opportunity to pause briefly during the holiday season, spend some time with others who love the outdoors and are often very knowledgeable about it and ponder the beauty and wonder of the planet. It can also be a time to watch and reflect on the importance of birds as we seek some tranquility and take a deep breath in the new whirlwind of the man-made world we have created.

MM About the author: Scot Stewart has lived in Marquette long enough to be considered a true Yooper even though he was born in Illinois. He is a teacher and loves to be outdoors photographing and enjoying nature.

poetry

I Believe

by Helen Haskell Remien

I believe in waves waves of breath waves of hair hand waves, double waves two palms up I believe in abundance an earth overflowing I believe in honey bees sweet nectar, the buzz of wings I believe in the human heart in life lived with heart thrumming in youth and elders I believe in fairies in elves, in mischief I believe that happiness dwells within us that we can draw on its waters whenever we want I believe in clear waters I believe in bubbles, pink, glistening drawn from a wand I believe in sturdy feet in rich black dirt red iron ore dirt sand pounder fine by waves waves of light waves of water waves crashing on the shore

About the Author: Helen Haskell Remien lives in Ishpeming with her husband Cam where she writes, teaches yoga/creativity workshops, is the proprietor of Joy Center and plays daily in the great outdoors. This poem was first published in Maiden Voyage.

Editor’s Note: Maiden Voyage is available for $15 at Snowbound Books and the Marquette Regional History Center. If can also be purchased by mail for $19 by sending a check made out to Richard Rastall and mailed to 2100 M-28 East, Marquette, MI 49855.

December 2021

Marquette Monthly

57

the arts

W

New view for the Vista

by Brad Gischia ith another winter beginning, many eyes are on the Vista Theater, which suffered a roof collapse just as plans for renovations were gaining traction in 2020.

The historic building now has to endure a second winter without a proper roof. Despite the setbacks, theater volunteers are confident the building will be making history for years to come.

“My hope is to have the full restoration done by 2026, when the building turns 100 years old,” said Rusty Bowers, Peninsula Arts and Appreciation Council (PAAC) board president.

Located in Downtown Negaunee, the Vista Theater has been an Iron Street staple since its opening in September 1926. It was the first theater in the nation to screen a Finnish language film, “Juin Uni Ja Varjo” in 1938. It spent the years after that as a movie house, and the proprietor, Jafet Rytkonen, opened two more theaters in neighboring Ishpeming, the Ishpeming Theater and the Butler.

According to their website, the Vista closed as an operational movie house in 1972. The following year, a group of citizens formed PAAC, which began using the theater for programs throughout the year, including films and stage plays, as well as musicals and art exhibits. The theater was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.

Since then the Vista has been used almost primarily for PAAC productions.

In 2020, PAAC had a full schedule of events scheduled, but was shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result there was little foot traffic through the Vista Building. That summer was wetter than usual.

It is suspected that one of the two roof drains became clogged with leaves, pine needles or other debris.

An estimated 20,000 pounds of water began to back up on the dome roof of the auditorium, more than the roof was ever meant to support. On August 26, 2020, this increased strain caused the trusses to fail and brought the roof crashing down to the seating area below.

“I found out about the collapse about an hour after it happened,” said

58

Marquette Monthly

December 2021

The area in front of and behind the Vista Theater in Negaunee was roped off after the partial roof collapse in 2020. (Photo by Kristy Basolo-Malmsten)

Bowers. “I was working at home in my office during COVID lockdown.

My immediate response was one of shock.”

The collapse also brought down the electrical system that ran through the roof. The massive amount of water flooded the floor, ruining the heating system. This left the Vista Theater a box made of free-standing walls filled with roofing debris.

Bowers recalls that night.

“We met as a board on Zoom (that night) to talk about what had happened,” he said. “There was nothing we could do immediately. We got to see the damage from drone shots from a local TV station. I don’t think we really ever considered abandoning the building.”

Before making a decision on how to proceed, Bowers said the PAAC board held a Zoom town hall-style meeting with Negaunee residents.

“They expressed their love for the building and its history,” he said.

Eventually, the theater group hired Pitsch Demolition to clean out the interior of the building—to the tune of $60,000. Fortunately, the area from the stage to the rear of the building was relatively untouched, the same for that area at the Iron Street side of the building where the box office is.

The walls, 40 feet tall, have been braced with shoring units inside. The stage has been covered with a framework of thick plastic and wood to keep it weather-protected. The architect employed by PAAC ensures them that it will be OK for another winter.

How do you begin to fix something this big in the middle of a pandemic?

The replacement roof will cost between $200,000 and $250,000. Bowers said there are grant monies available and PAAC is in the process of applying for it.

PAAC has big ideas for the Vista.

They’re looking at not only a new roof, but new electrical and HVAC systems. Because they’re basically starting from scratch on the inside, they’re looking at a complete remodel. Most of this will be grant funded, although they have an army of volunteers and interested businesses in the area, ready to help.

After the roof collapsed, PAAC held a can drive.

“I chose a can drive because I felt like that was something everyone could participate and assist in,” said Eliisa Gladwell, former PAAC board member, who helped coordinate the “Be A Star from Afar” fundraiser.

“My thought was that just about anyone would be able to contribute in this way—which was obviously a greater success than we had even anticipated!”

The cans stacked up quickly as community members brought them to a trailer drop off site at Super One Foods in Negaunee.

“As of now we’ve returned about $30,000 worth of cans, and we still have a building full,” Bowers said.

There are also donations coming in, but the group still has a long way to go.

Before the roof collapse, PAAC received money from the Greater Ishpeming-Negaunee Chamber of Commerce and the City of Negaunee to hire Thomas Gerdom, an historic theater expert, who would create a business plan for them. That plan is still viable, according to Bowers. It includes showing movies in the theater,

renovation of the annex building next door and bringing in outside groups to rent the space for shows while the PAAC group is rehearsing for their own shows in the annex.

The cost to achieve this plan is estimated between $2 and $3 million to complete. That’s a lot of cans.

Bowers and the rest of the PAAC volunteers are optimistic though.

During the pandemic, they have been busy keeping their names in the community in many different ways. They do small shows around the area, Christmas caroling during Negaunee’s Tinseltown, organizing a 5K and recording an Orson Welles radio show that will be released soon.

And they’re still counting cans.

“I remain optimistic in regards to fundraising and the Vista Theater as a whole,” Gladwell said. “The biggest thing I like to remind people is that anything helps. Any dollar amount you can donate is helpful. Any time that you give is appreciated. There is still a crew of us who are working very diligently to save the Vista Theater, and we can’t do it without your support.”

Bowers feels similarly.

“It’s a daunting task,” he said.

“We’re all still committed to getting the building on track.”

To donate time or money to the Vista, visit www.vistatheater.org MM About the Author: Brad Gischia is a writer and artist native to Upper Michigan. He mixes his time between drawing funny books and writing.

The Vista has hosted may types of events in the past, including concerts by musical legends such as “Reb” Beach of Winger and Whitesnake fame. PAAC hopes a variety of events will return in the future. (Photo by Kristy Basolo-Malmsten)

December 2021

Marquette Monthly

59

gift of water

I

Craw Corner

by Olivia Kingery was raised on the banks of the Grand River. My entire childhood was about water; my parents took us fishing, boating, swimming, exploring. Every season of the year and of my life, I’d watch the river from our back deck. The current was always a steady force I could rely on.

Something about bodies of water, rivers and lakes and creeks and streams has always felt deeply important.

If childhood were a reel we could play back, I would want to play one of my earliest memories, when the city drained the Grand River for dam repairs. My brothers let me join as they set out barefoot up the riverbed. We turned over rocks to catch crawfish and measured them against our adolescent hands.

This memory returns to me often, the awe of seeing the river drained, how it felt, like learning the secret to a magic trick. Even though the river was empty, if I had to trace my love of water back to a specific point and place, I’d drop the pin there, in the Grand River.

I moved away from the Grand River after high school and arrived in Marquette on the shores of Lake Superior eager. I felt like I already loved the Lake, as if the Grand River had been preparing me for my arrival on its southern shore.

And, as so many do, I fell in love hard. Every chance I got I was wading into the water, hiking just a bit further, going in for just one more dip. I would dive under to change a bad mood and watch the shoreline sunset to end a great day. My life, just like most of the lives lived on Lake Superior, has been shaped by the current and demeanor of the big Lake.

In May of 2021, my fiancé and I moved from Marquette to a farm in Chatham. This was the first time in eight years that I wasn’t living near Lake Superior. And I felt it—I mourned the loss of seeing the shoreline every day. But, just as my life had previously been carried by water, we moved to the banks of a creek and pond—new bodies to know and learn and protect.

Black Creek is small and mighty, its rocky bottom opening wide to both forest floors and long marsh grass.

60

Marquette Monthly

December 2021

Craw Corner is our favorite wading spot and the dogs’ favorite swimming spot. On a hot June day when the sun umbrellaed us in summer, my partner and I counted 26 crawfish, right out in the open, right there tucked into our corner of the world. My heart felt at home, as if I had turned over a rock and found myself all over again.

Water has a language we will never know, but I still can’t help but put my ear to the surface and hope to understand. Lake Superior shares the same conversation as Black Creek and the Grand River.

But I fear that one day there will be no conversation left to have. I wake anxious in the night thinking about

Water Saving Tips

• Before making rice, wash the rice to remove excess starch— but don’t toss the left-over rice water! Use it to water your plants. They will love the extra dose of minerals and nutrients.

• If you run the shower to let the water heat up, consider collecting that water to use for your plants (make sure the water has cooled).

water tables, sprinklers turned on after rainstorms, droughts all over the world.

My plants would say I am stingy with the hose, and I am. When I’m saturating my peppers while California burns by the roots, how can I not turn off the hose and head back to the creek? Dip my toes next to the crawfish and take a few deep breaths? I am grateful for my haven of water.

We all know, or we should know, how important water is. It isn’t necessary to love a lake, or any body of water, to understand that we need to fight for it. Moving to our homestead on Black Creek is part of my fight.

There are understandably a hundred other parts of the fight, active steps in everyday life to reduce water waste and spread awareness, but for me, the most important part is love. Loving water is the heart of my fight.

MM About the Author: Olivia Kingery writes and farms on her 80-acre homestead with her fiancé, dogs, cats, chickens and a hermit crab. “The Gift of Water” columns are offered by the Northern Great Lakes Water Stewards and the Cedar Tree Institute, joined in an interfaith effort to help preserve, protect, and sanctify the waters of the Upper Peninsula.

in the outdoors

Lift history: Michigan moose among us O

by John Pepin ff the edge of a parking lot at Van Riper State Park, an interpretive display showcases information and artifacts resulting from one of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ most shining achievements.

The “moose lift,” as it was nicknamed, was a translocation project undertaken to restore the Upper Peninsula’s population of the large, roughly 1,000-pound browsing herbivores that today call the region’s mature forests, ponds and wetlands home.

The Michigan DNR traded moose provided by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources for wild turkeys.

Ontario wanted to help create a population of gamebirds sustainable for hunting.

“Michigan’s moose reintroduction project was a monumental undertaking in terms of time, equipment, distance and costs,” according to one of the interpretive display panels detailing the effort. “In 1985 and 1987, with the help of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, sporting clubs, civic groups and other interested people, 59 moose were translocated from Algonquin Provincial Park.”

Helicopters were used to position biologists armed with tranquilizer dart rifles before moose on the surface of frozen Canadian lakes. The moose

were drugged and blindfolded to calm and protect them, before being lifted in slings to a staging area.

From there, the moose were radio-collared, crated and loaded into waiting trucks for a 600-mile journey from the park situated north of Toronto to the woodlands of Marquette County, north of Michigamme and Van Riper State Park.

The goal of the project was to create a self-sustaining, free-ranging moose population. An optimistic objective of wildlife biologists back then was to achieve a population of 1,000 moose over the subsequent 15 years.

“We fully expect to get a herd large enough to support a limited hunt,” then DNR wildlife biologist George Burgoyne told the Detroit Free Press for an Outdoors Page story in January 1985. “Maybe around the turn of the century.”

Moose were native to Michigan but declined after settlement of the area progressed, with unregulated hunting and with mature forests altered through logging and subsequent forest fires.

“Moose were occasionally seen in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan after World War II,” according to the interpretive display. “Then, in the 1970s, biologists noted changes in the U.P. that resulted in better habitat for moose. The prospects for reintroduc-

These moose are part of the Upper Peninsula’s population translocated from Canada during the moose lift operation. (Courtesy of the Michigan DNR)

Three bull moose in the western U.P. in 2010. (Courtesy of the Michigan DNR) tion looked good. for tightness during the fall rut. Track“The DNR reintroduction plan ing showed one bull moved from grew from a belief that releasing a siz- Marquette County east to Chippewa able number of moose into one area County, a distance of more than 100 with good habitat would stimulate re- miles. production and result in a self-sustainAdditional sightings of the transing population.” located moose were documented in Reintroduction had been tried be- the western U.P. during 1986. Lower fore and failed. calving success that year suggested After moose disappeared from the that more bulls were needed. Signs Lower Peninsula by the late 1800s, making motorists aware of moose and only a few scattered animals re- were posted along M-28 in Baraga mained across the U.P., 63 moose County. were brought to the U.P. from Isle The translocation effort continued Royale during the 1930s. in 1987, with 15 bulls and 15 cows However, the moose lift from Can- transported from Ontario and released ada would be different. in Marquette County. One bull killed In 1983, Ontario offered the moose by gunshot was found in November. A translocation opportunity to Michi- total of 30 calves were observed that gan, and the DNR director and Wild- summer with 27 radio-collared cows life Division chief authorized making during calf checks. technical preparations for the projIn 1988, two dozen of the 30 calves ect. The following year, an advanced located the previous summer were DNR team went to Ontario to select a seen from the air in a moose survey in moose capture site.

January. Summer calf checks showed In 1985, 19 cows and 10 bulls were 27 calves with 23 radio-collared cows. translocated to Michigan from OntarThat same year, the Michigan Outio. During May and June, 21 calves door Writers Association donated a were seen with 17 radio-collared commemorative plaque and the incows. Three bulls moved from On- terpretive moose information kiosk tario died in August. Four cows died at Van Riper State Park. The kiosk induring the winter of 1985-1986. cludes moose lift video, shed antlers, Up to three moose surveillance a moose mount, photographs and inflights were conducted each week. terpretive displays.

Radio collars were checked on bulls More than a decade later, in 2002,

December 2021

Marquette Monthly

61

22 calves were seen with 33 radio-collared cows during the summertime calf checks.

Today, the herd originating from the “moose lift” releases in the mid1980s ranges across parts of Marquette, Baraga and Iron counties.

In the eastern U.P., a remnant moose population of less than 100 animals is estimated to occur at places in Alger, Chippewa, Schoolcraft and Luce counties, like the Seney National Wildlife Refuge and Tahquamenon Falls State Park.

Moose thrive on Isle Royale, which is a population separate from Michigan’s mainland moose, managed by the National Park Service. With the heavy browsing and other impacts of moose there, natural resources have been affected negatively.

Beginning in 2018, this helped convince national park administrators to work cooperatively with several agencies, including the Michigan DNR, to translocate gray wolves from Minnesota, Michigan and Ontario to provide the Lake Superior archipelago with a predator able to help keep moose numbers in check.

Since 1997, DNR wildlife biologists have used aerial surveys to estimate moose abundance in the western U.P. “Survey results indicate the population grew from about 130 animals in 1997 to more than 430 animals in 2011,” according to a 2011 “Moose in Michigan: History, Biology and Considerations for Hunting” white paper.

“There is considerable statistical variance associated with the population estimates because moose abundance is relatively low, and moose have a clumped distribution on the landscape. These factors make it difficult to achieve estimates with high statistical precision.”

The white paper said, “The growth (positive, negative or zero) of the moose population is the result of interaction of the rates of birth, death, immigration and emigration. Estimates of these rates can aid understanding of the factors which may be influencing the population.”

Some limiting factors affecting the western U.P. moose population include lower than average birth and twinning rates, at least periodic declines in pregnancy rates and rising temperatures attributed to climate change.

“Survival rates of yearling and adult moose in the western Upper Peninsula are similar to other moose populations that are not harvested, but higher than moose survival rates in northwestern and northeastern Minnesota where populations are declining,” the white paper’s authors wrote. “A variety of diseases and trauma associated with (automobile) accidents are the leading causes of death for moose in the western range.”

The hopes of biologists during the 1980s to realize a 1,000-moose population by the year 2000 did not become a reality.

Moose remain a game species in

A moose is carried in a sling to a staging area after being captured in Ontario during the moose lift process of the mid-1980s.(Courtesy of the Michigan DNR)

62

Marquette Monthly

December 2021

During the moose lift in the 1980s, moose were blindfolded when captured in Canada to calm and protect them during transport.(Courtesy of the Michigan DNR) Michigan that has not been hunted because of numerous considerations, including reduction of the population rate through added mortality, effects of climate change, maintaining bullto-cow ratios and necessary consultation with Native American tribes on treaty rights.

Despite these unrealized hopes, the main objective of the moose lift—to create a self-sustaining moose population in the western U.P.—has been achieved.

Moose surveys continue to take place every other winter, alternating with gray wolf surveys. The latest moose survey was conducted during February 2019. A census of the moose population was canceled for 2021 because of coronavirus limitations. The next survey is scheduled to take place in 2024.

After that 2019 census, wildlife biologists said the western Upper Peninsula moose population is growing at an average of about two percent each year, with an estimated 509 animals living in that part of the state.

“The growth rate for this moose population is low, but remains positive,” then DNR Wildlife Division Chief Russ Mason said. “Moose are continuing to maintain a foothold in the western Upper Peninsula, continuing to further extend the lineage of a population airlifted to the area from Canada in the mid-1980s.”

The western U.P. moose range covers about 1,400 square miles.

With the Moose Hunting Advisory Council’s recommendation to only al-

low hunting if a growth rate of greater than 3 percent is maintained, the DNR has not recommended implementing a harvest through 2019.

Meanwhile, moose remain an epic attraction for Michigan residents and visitors alike.

The aging interpretive display at Van Riper State Park, though ready for a makeover update, remains a popular place. Park staffers provide a list of local places to travel to increase the chances for visitors of seeing a moose.

For many, that opportunity is a great thrill. Moose sightings along U.P. highways in the region lead motorists to pull over and get out to take pictures. This prompts the DNR to issue reminders to watch moose from a distance and to pull safely off highways to stop and remain alert and aware of traffic.

For more information on moose in Michigan, visit www.Michigan.gov/ Moose MM About the Author: This is a press release from the Michigan DNR. Check out previous Showcasing the DNR stories in our archive at Michigan.gov/DNRStories. To subscribe to upcoming Showcasing articles, sign up for free email delivery at Michigan.gov/DNR. In celebration of the department’s centennial anniversary, the Showcasing the DNR feature series will highlight one story each month during 2021 that recalls various accomplishments of the department over the past century.

December 2021

Marquette Monthly

63

64

Marquette Monthly

December 2021

home cinema Break-ups, meet-ups and a side order of murder mystery

T

Reviews by Leonard G. Heldreth he films this month chronicle the breakdown of a marriage, the meeting of two popes, the solving of a murder mystery and a glance back at a landmark of television.

N

Marriage Story

oah Baumbach’s Marriage Story is about a marriage coming apart, so don’t expect happy endings. Since the two people still care for each other but can no longer tolerate living together with their eight-year-old son, there’s a lot of trauma as they try to determine how to separate as painlessly as possible.

Nicole Barber (Scarlett Johansson) is married to Charlie Barber (Adam Driver), who heads a theater company called “Exit Ghost” headquartered in New York City. Nicole is starring in the company’s current production, but wants to return to Los Angeles where she was a movie actress. Charlie wants to stay in New York and take his play to Broadway. It’s the classic case of two people who each want to pursue a career in a different part of the country.

As the situation deteriorates, son Henry (Azhy Robertson) is pulled into the conflict. Nicole is offered the lead in a new TV series and wants to move permanently to Los Angeles; Charlie is awarded a MacArthur Foundation “genius” grant and wants to funnel the award and money into the theater company in New York.

Nicole hires a lawyer, Nora Fanshaw (Laura Dern), and Charlie is forced to hire one, Bert Spita (Alan Alda), and then another, Jay Marotta (Ray Liotta). Charges and counter-charges, shouting matches and apologies, painful moments and tender scenes map the progress toward the precipice of a divorce.

By the time all the papers are signed and the dust settles, Nicole’s TV series has become a success and has been renewed, Charlie’s play has ended its Broadway run and he has taken a one-year position at UCLA. The film ends with Charlie carrying Henry home from trick or treating, while Nicole goes trick or treating with her family and new boyfriend.

Marriage Story is both funny and sad, and audiences will undoubtedly be divided into taking sides, with all lawyers receiving a good share of

blame for encouraging the process to continue in their own self interests.

This is the best film about divorce since Kramer vs Kramer (40 years ago) or Bergman’s Scenes from a Marriage, which is referenced in the current film .The dialogue and acting are excellent throughout, although the trappings of entitlement— the plays on Broadway, MacArthur grants, TV deals, jetting between coasts—may dampen the sympathy from some viewers; the characters are suffering, but they have enough good food and comfortable places to live.

The film received six nominations at the 92nd Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Actor (Driver) and Best Actress (Johansson).

Wallace Shawn is outstanding in a brief part as Frank, an actor in Charlie’s company, and Julie Hagerty is excellent as Sandra, Nicole’s mother.

A

The Two Popes

fter the death of Pope John Paul II in 2005, the cardinals elected Joseph Ratzinger (Anthony Hopkins) to be Pope Benedict XVI. The runner-up was Jorge Bergoglio (Jonathan Pryce), an Argentine cardinal.

In 2013, Bergoglio travels to Rome to ask the pope’s permission to retire.

Benedict receives his visitor at Castel Gandolfo, the papal summer residence.

Although the two men treat each other with respect and decorum, they are not friends, and a huge gap exists between the conservative, authoritarian Benedict and the liberal Bergoglio, a gap illustrated by the red slippers worn by the Pope and the black leather shoes worn by his successor.

At one point Benedict acknowledges impatiently, “I disagree with everything you say.”

The film gives several flashbacks of Bergoglio’s

early life in Argentina, apparently trying to explain where his values and religious beliefs came from.

While these glimpses make the future Pope more sympathetic and perhaps more understandable, they give Hopkins a chance to develop Benedict from a hide-bound villain into almost a tragic figure caught up in an ecclesiastical structure where he is unable to control the sexual and financial scandals around him and can only retreat.

There is even humor as Bergoglio keeps trying to give Benedict his request for retirement, and the audience, knowing the outcome, keeps wondering what Benedict will do next to avoid taking it. There are also sly references to ABBA and the “Dancing Queen” as well as a talking watch that orders the infallible Benedict to “keep moving.”

At one point, when a joke falls flat, Benedict says, “It is a German joke— it doesn’t require a punchline.” The acting is superb, and Pryce and Hopkins conduct a master class in nuance and subtlety.

The Two Popes is much more than just talking heads for Catholics; it’s a chance to vicariously visit with two of the most powerful and complex world leaders at their most engaging.

F

Knives Out

or those who enjoyed Kenneth Branagh’s film Murder on the Orient Express and who are waiting for Branagh’s next Christie film, Death on the Nile, there’s Knives Out. This entertaining whodunit from writer/director Rian Johnson (in between his Star Wars films) has all the standard ingredients, with just enough smirk to make it go down effortlessly without undercutting the genre, and a sequel is already being considered.

It starts with the requisite manor house sprawling in isolated splendor.

December 2021

Of course, it’s owned by someone whom most of the cast hate–in this case the outrageously successful mystery novelist Harlan Thrombey played

by Christopher Plummer at his nasty best. As the film opens, Thrombey seems to have committed suicide by cutting his own throat (count on a mystery novelist for suicidal innovation).

Then there’s the large cast of stars, varying in their brilliance and familiar features, each of whom wants his or her fair share (at least) of the estate.

Among the inheritors are Thrombey’s eldest daughter, Linda Drysdale (Jamie Lee Curtis), and her husband Richard Drysdale (Don Johnson); Walt Thrombey, Harlan’s youngest son (Michael Shannon); Joni Thrombey (Toni Collette), the widow of Harlan’s deceased son Neil; Meg Thrombey (Katherine Langford), Joni’s daughter; Jacob Thrombey (Jaeden Martell), Walt’s son; Hugh Ransom Drysdale (Chris Evans), Linda and Richard’s son.

Next, throw in various minor characters such as Frank Oz as Alan Stevens, Harlan’s counsel; M. Emmet Walsh as Mr. Proofroc, a security guard; and Cuban actress Ana de Armas as Marta Cabrera, Harlan’s nurse.

Then cap it off with Daniel Craig, 007 himself, playing Benoit Blanc, a private detective whom someone has hired and paid a substantial sum to prove that Thromby’s death was not a suicide.

Blanc has a broad Southern accent that didn’t work for me, but some reviewers loved it, even though the takeoff on Poirot seems obvious. Craig is a fine actor, but didn’t really have a very demanding role.

The film touches on some broader social and political themes, especially in scenes with de Armas, but these do not impede the search for the murderer. The film is clever entertainment for those who like well-done mysteries and should please all Agatha Christie fans.

C

I, Claudius

ontinuing our brief review of interesting TV productions is a relatively short series chronicling the early days of the Roman Empire. For anyone, like me, who missed this series in its 1976 BBC version, it’s available now on Netflix.

Based on Robert Graves’s two

Marquette Monthly

65

novels, I, Claudius (1934) and Claudius the God (1935), the series, which extends across 650 minutes, covers Rome from the year 24 BC to Claudius’ death by poison in AD 54.

Directed by Herbert Wise, the series stars Derek Jacobi as the physically handicapped Claudius, who had been preceded as Emperor by Augustus, Tiberius and Caligula, and was to be followed by Nero.

Although the historical record for this period is scanty and frequently written by historians unsympathetic to the emperors, it’s also true that Graves’s novels, like many Hollywood screenplays, were written to stimulate an audience, so the details may often be blurred in favor of a compelling story (e.g., recent research implies that the story of Nero’s behavior while Rome burned may be based on deliberate misinformation written long after the events in question).

In addition to Jacobi’s award-winning performance as Claudius, the series boasts George Baker as Tiberius, John Hurt as Caligula, Robert Morgan as Young Caligula, Brian Blessed as Augustus and Patrick Stewart (in his pre-Star Trek days) as Sejanus.

Although the series was seen as a breakthrough in television productions (often included among the top ten TV shows of all time), it also has been a major influence on successive TV series produced as recently as The Sopranos, Game of Thrones and House of Cards. The creators of the hit 1980s soap op-

era Dynasty acknowledged that they were seeking to make a modern-day version of I, Claudius.

Although the make-up and the sets are sometimes not up to contemporary production standards, I, Claudius still stands as a landmark in television and sets the stage for contemporary television, including the streaming of networks such as Netflix, which, perhaps ironically, is now offering I, Claudius.

MM About the Author: Leonard Heldreth became interested in films in high school and worked as a movie projectionist in undergraduate and graduate school. His short “Cinema Comment” aired for some years on WNMU-FM. In 1987, he started writing reviews for Marquette Monthly.

He taught English and film studies at NMU for over 30 years.

Editor’s Note: All films reviewed are available as DVDs or on streaming video.

Answers for the New York Times crossword puzzle, located on Page 20.

66

Marquette Monthly

December 2021

superior reads

Highlen pens page-turner for two-track wanderers

A

Review by Victor Volkman planned, although a few perhaps end s I read John Highlen’s new wetter than planned. To be book Touching the Wild fair, he does detail some U.P., I became more and adrenaline-rushing close more interested in the coincidences encounters with moose and of our respective lives. Both bear along the way. The most Highlen and I were students at embarrassing mishap would Michigan Tech in the late 1980s be a spectacular wipeout when and had a reverence for the he and his future wife crossbeauty of the Copper Country. country ski up to the top of Because he was a Brockway Mountain and back Mechanical Engineer and I down again. was in Computer Science, it’s Highlen’s book is not just unlikely we would’ve ever personal recollection, but also crossed paths unless it were chock full of ideas for your next passing in the Student Union great U.P. outdoor adventure or perhaps I might’ve handed beyond the well-trodden familiar him a greenbar printout places, including such diverse sites over the counter of the as Rock River Canyon Wilderness, EECS (pronounced “eeks”) Crisp Point, Big Island Lake underground computer Wilderness, Lake Fanny Hooe, Batch Station where I McCormick Wilderness, just to worked part-time until as name a few. The stories are enlivened late as 4 a.m. with pen-and-ink drawings by Julie That’s where the Highlen, the author’s spouse. similarities end, as The book closes with a chapter Highlen was a member of on the importance of conservation the Ridge Roamers outdoors club and s o m e and how we all have a role to play my outdoor experience would consist of these passages in preserving the delicate natural of a few trips to the well-groomed hint: heritage of the U.P, regardless of campus cross-country ski trails and a “Paddling in Superior, I feel part of how it has been scarred by logging of handful of summer beach outings. its immensity. I feel fluid, like part of centuries past. He implores the reader In his opening line, Highlen states the water. I feel freedom of mind, like to find some kind of conservation that in the U.P., “no matter where you a burden has been lifted and I should activity that sparks their passion and are, you’re usually not more than a be thinking deep, flowing thoughts, just get involved. few minutes away from experiencing but it’s usually a relatively short stay Perhaps the oldest cliché in the nature’s wildness—maybe not and those thoughts remained just book reviewer’s handbook is the pure wilderness, but wildness.” As out of reach. Sometimes it feels like deathless phrase “could not put this someone who repeatedly got lost in there’s too much to take in and pon- book down,” but I’ll take the bait here. my Orienteering class at MTU with der, and my mind can’t open up fast I took Touching The Wild U.P. on the help of a compass and map, I can enough or big enough to hold it all.” vacation with me for an autumn week vouch for that personally.

I’ll be the first to admit I’m not a at a beachside cottage on Cathead Bay Coincidences aside, John Highlen competent fisherman, even though in Leelanau County. I read almost the is a consummate outdoorsman as I fished enough as a lad to catch the whole book in one lovely Sunday reflected in his memoir of hiking, odd pike and panfish. And I couldn’t afternoon, so I think I can honestly say backpacking, fishing, canoeing, tell a brook trout from a rainbow trout it was a read I couldn’t put down.If ice climbing, cross-country skiing, even if it bit me. However, Highlen you’ve ever wandered a back-country hunting and, yes, even maple- narrates his fishing adventures (both two-track in search of a reported but sugaring on his 80-acre abode outside hit and miss) with a play-by-play unlisted waterfall or simply enjoy Deerton in Alger County. You can add commentary that had me on the edge paddling the many streams of the U.P, log cabin builder to that list, as one of my seat, and I learned a thing or you’ll find a lot to enjoy in Highlen’s chapter details his quest to build the two about fly fishing as well. With Touching the Wild U.P. family camp using timber felled near his engineer’s mind, he recounts fish MM his downstate home, then cut, finished sightings down to the inch. and assembled in his barn before As a devotee of outdoor adventure About the Author: Victor R. Volkman it was hauled up north on a friend’s genre, I was sort of hoping for a Jack is a graduate of Michigan Technologiflatbed tractor-trailer rig.

London Call of the Wild moment, cal University (class of ’86) and is the But Highlen is even more than perhaps getting seriously lost, injured, current president of the U.P. Publishactions can describe, as his prose waxes taken by a surprise Mother Superior ers and Authors Association (UPPAA). lyrical in places; I would not hesitate storm or pursued by wild beasts. He is senior editor at Modern History to brand him as an outdoor poet as Most of Highlen’s adventures end as Press, publisher of the U.P. Reader.

Send Upper Peninsulat-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

December 2021

Marquette Monthly

67

This coloring page from Colors of Marquette, Michigan Volume 3 is courtesy of The Gathered Earth, located in downtown Marquette.

December 2021

Marquette Monthly

68

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.

Due to changing event requirements, please call ahead to ask about safety precautions, or bring a mask to events, as many events require masks regardless of vaccination status.

Send your January events by Friday, December 10 to: calendar@marquettemonthly.com Marquette Monthly P.O. Box 109 Gwinn, MI 49841 phone: (906) 360-2180

Index on the town ……………70 art galleries …………72-73 musuems ………………. 74 support groups …………79

Christmas Tree Galleria | December 1 through 5 | Caspian

Marquette

december events 01 WEDNESDAY

sunrise 8:13 a.m.; sunset 5:04 p.m.

Caspian

• Christmas Tree Galleria. Sign up to decorate a tree or donate a gift basket with a theme of Christmas Around the World.

Special programs include family night, volunteer awards, a cultural Christmas concert, Santa Lucia and a cribbage tournament. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Iron County Museum, 100 Brady Ave. (906) 265-2617 or ironcountymuseum.org/galleria

• Wonder Babies. Newborns to age 20-months with an adult are invited for songs, rhymes and stories. Masks required. Online registration required.

9:45 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323.

• Fun with Photography. Learn to become a better photographer with photographic techniques and composition. Preregistration required.

NCLL members, $9; non-members, $18.

11 a.m. Cohodas 404A, NMU. (906) 2251004.

• Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry.

12:30 p.m. Lakeview Arena parking lot, 401 E. Fair Ave. feedwm.org • Preschool Creative Movement. Youth age 3 to 5 will explore dance and rhythm while developing large and fine motor skills, coordination and imagination.

Masks required. 2 p.m. Community Room,

December 2021

Marquette Monthly

69

on the town

Them Coulee Boys | December 9| Ore Dock Brewing Company, Marquette

Gwinn

• Hideaway Bar. - Mondays: The Hideaway All-Stars. 7 p.m.

741 M-35. 346-3178.

Marquette

• Drifa Brewing Company.

- Tuesday, December 7: Bingo. 6 p.m.

- Thursdays: Trivia. 6 p.m.

501 S. Lake St. 273-1300.

• Flanigan’s.

- Tuesday through Thursday: Karaoke.

9:30 p.m.

Cover charge on weekends only.

429 W. Washington St. 228-8865.

• Iron Bay Restaurant & Drinkery.

- Wednesdays: Trivia. 7 p.m.

105 E. Washington St. (906) 273-0990.

• Northland Pub. - Friday, December 10: Derrell Syria

Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323.

• Outword. LGBTQIA youth and allied students in grades 7 to 12 are invited.

Masks required. 4 p.m. Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4321.

• League of Women Voters Membership Meeting. 6 p.m. Studio 1, lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. dthomsona@gmail.com • Registration Deadline: Under the Winter Sky. See Wednesday the 8th.

02 THURSDAY

sunrise 8:14 a.m.; sunset 5:04 p.m.

Caspian

70

Marquette Monthly

• Christmas Tree Galleria. Sign up to decorate a tree or donate a gift basket with a theme of Christmas Around the World.

Special programs include family night, volunteer awards, a cultural Christmas concert, Santa Lucia and a cribbage

December 2021

Project. 8 p.m.

- Friday, the 17th: Derrell Syria Project.

8 p.m.

Inside the Landmark Inn. 230 N. Front St. (906) 315-8107.

• Ore Dock Brewing Company.

- Saturday, December 4: Adam Carpenter & the Upper Hand.

- Thursday, the 9th: Them Coulee Boys. $10. 7 p.m.

- Friday, the 10th and Saturday, the 11th: Steve Leaf. 8 p.m.

- Friday, the 31st: Blanco Suave and Shipwreck Kelly. $5. 8 p.m.

All shows are free and begin at 9 p.m. unless noted.

114 W. Spring St. 228-8888.

• Rippling River Resort.

- Friday, December 3: Lillian Pressnell.

5 p.m.

- Saturday, the 4th: Derrell Syria and Cliff Porter. 7 p.m.

- Sunday, the 5th: Sam Galvin. 5 p.m.

- Friday, the 10th: Whiskey Ryan. 6 p.m.

- Saturday, the 11th: Troy Graham. 6 p.m.

- Sunday, the 12th: Sam Galvin. 5 p.m.

- Friday, the 17th: Whiskey Ryan. 6 p.m.

- Saturday, the 18th: Lillian Pressnell. 6 p.m.

- Sunday, the 19th: Adam Carpenter. 5 p.m.

4321 M-553. (906) 273-2259.

• Superior Culture.

- Thursday, December 2: Speak Easy Poetry. 7 p.m.

- Friday, the 3rd: The Kitchen Sink. 9 p.m.

- Friday, the 10th: Troy Graham. 9 p.m.

- Thursday, December 16: Electric Words and Music. 7 p.m.

717 Third Street. 273-0927 or superiorculturemqt.com MM

tournament. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Iron County Museum, 100 Brady Ave. (906) 265-2617 or ironcountymuseum.org/galleria

meeting will include the election of officers, presentations on the accomplishments in conservation work and guest speaker Ryne Rutherford will present the Ecology and Conservation of Granite Bedrock Glades in Marquette County. 6 p.m. Barrel + Beam, 260 Northwoods Rd. • Winter Snow Fun Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting. This annual parade will travel down Third Street and end at the Marquette Commons. Following the parade, Santa will light the city tree. 6 p.m.

Third St. downtownmarquette.org

Marquette

• Toddler Storytime. Stories, songs, rhymes, finger-plays and activities for youth ages 18 to 36-months with an adult.

Masks required. 9:45 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323.

• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club.

Games open to all interested players. 1 p.m. $5 for games. Westwood Mall, 3020 US-41 West. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com or (906) 360-3056.

• Afterschool Camp Vibes. Schoolaged youth are invited for group games, activities and crafts. Masks required.

4:30 p.m. Youth Services, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323.

• Marquette County Conservation District Annual Meeting. The annual

03 FRIDAY

sunrise 8:15 a.m.; sunset 5:03 p.m.

Caspian

• Christmas Tree Galleria. Sign up to decorate a tree or donate a gift basket with a theme of Christmas Around the World.

Special programs include family night, volunteer awards, a cultural Christmas

concert, Santa Lucia and a cribbage tournament. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Iron County Museum, 100 Brady Ave. (906) 265-2617 or ironcountymuseum.org/galleria

Robert Conway will perform. Advanced tickets, $15; at the door, $20. 7 p.m. Pine Performance Center, N9224 Saw-wa-Quato St. (906) 586-9974 or mynorthtickets.com

Escanaba

Escanaba

• Christmas in the Village. Enjoy decorations, music, wagon rides, cookies and visit with Santa. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Antique Village, U.P. State Fairgrounds, 2401 12th Ave. N. • Christmas Parade. 7 p.m. Ludington St.

Gwinn

• Story Time. Youth are invited for stories, crafts and snacks. 10:30 a.m.

Forsyth Township Library, 180 W. Flint St. (906) 346-3433.

Houghton

• The Nutcracker. The Minnesota Ballet will perform this holiday classic with music by the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra, and local dancers from the Superior School of Dance. Prices vary. 7:30 p.m. Rozsa Center, MTU, 1400 Townsend Dr. (906) 487-2073 or rozsa@mtu.edu

Marquette

• Wonder Babies. Newborns to age 20-months with an adult are invited for songs, rhymes and stories. Masks required. Online registration required.

9:45 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323.

• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club.

Games open to all interested players. 1 p.m. $5 for games. Westwood Mall, 3020 US-41 West. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com or (906) 485-4844.

• Zero Degree Art Gallery Gift Card Drawing. Winners of the two gift cards will be drawn. 3 p.m. Zero Degree Art Gallery, 525 N, Third St. (906) 228-3058 or zerodegreesgallery.org • LEGO Club. Meet other LEGO enthusiasts and build LEGO projects using the library’s LEGO blocks. Masks required. 4 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 2264323.

• TV6 Christmas Craft Show. Youth 12 and younger, free; 13 and older, $2. 5 to 9 p.m. Superior Dome, NMU. • Elf the Musical. Watch as Buddy the Elf travels to New York City to search for his father. NMU students, $5; other students, $10; NMU faculty, senior and military, $12; general public, $17. 8 p.m. Forest Roberts Theatre, NMU. nmu.edu/tickets

04 SATURDAY

sunrise 8:16 a.m.; sunset 5:03 p.m.

Calumet

• Poor Artists Sale. This annual, juried holiday art fair features work by more than 40 artists. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. CLK Gym, 57070 Mine St.

Caspian

• Christmas Tree Galleria. Sign up to decorate a tree or donate a gift basket with a theme of Christmas Around the World.

Special programs include family night, volunteer awards, a cultural Christmas concert, Santa Lucia and a cribbage tournament. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Iron County Museum, 100 Brady Ave. (906) 265-2617 or ironcountymuseum.org/galleria

Curtis

• A Christmas by Candlelight Concert.

Master violinist Paul Lundin and pianist

• Christmas in the Village. Enjoy decorations, music, wagon rides, cookies and visit with Santa. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Antique Village, U.P. State Fairgrounds, 2401 12th Ave. N.

Gwinn

• Annual Tree Lighting. 6 p.m. Peter Nordeen Park, M-35. gwinnmi.com

Houghton

• The Nutcracker. The Minnesota Ballet will perform this holiday classic with music by the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra, and local dancers from the Superior School of Dance. 7:30 p.m. Rozsa Center, MTU, 1400 Townsend Dr. (906) 487-2073 or rozsa@mtu.edu

Little Lake

• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This drive-thru light show features more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.

Marquette

• Late Fall Farmers Market. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Masks required for the indoor market.

Marquette Commons, 112 S. Third St. mqtfarmersmarket.com • Christmas Bazaar. Shop for crafts, baked goods, handmade greeting cards, White Elephant gifts and more. Proceeds benefit the Women’s Ministry and Redeemer Preschool programs. 10 a.m. to noon. Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1700 Fair Ave. (906) 228-9883.

• Local Author Extravaganza. Meet local authors Ellen Airgood, Jon Billman, BG Bradley, T. Marie Bertineau and John Higlen. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Snowbound Books, 118 N. Third St. (906) 228-4448.

• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club.

Games open to all interested players.

Lessons, 10 a.m. Game, 11:30 a.m. $5 for games. Westwood Mall, 3020 US-41 West. superiorland_bridge.tripod.com or (906) 236-3173.

• TV6 Christmas Craft Show. Youth 12 and younger, free; 13 and older, $2. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Superior Dome, NMU. • Elf the Musical–Sensory Friendly Performance. Watch as Buddy the Elf travels to New York City to search for his father. NMU students, $5; other students, $10; NMU faculty, senior and military, $12; general public, $17. 2 p.m. Forest Roberts Theatre, NMU. nmu.edu/tickets • Elf the Musical. Watch as Buddy the Elf travels to New York City to search for his father. NMU students, $5; other students, $10; NMU faculty, senior and military, $12; general public, $17. 8 p.m. Forest Roberts Theatre, NMU. nmu.edu/tickets

05 SUNDAY

sunrise 8:17 a.m.; sunset 5:03 p.m.

Caspian

• Christmas Tree Galleria. Sign up to decorate a tree or donate a gift basket with a theme of Christmas Around the World.

Special programs include family night, volunteer awards, a cultural Christmas concert, Santa Lucia and a cribbage tournament. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Iron County

December 2021

Marquette Monthly

71

art galleries Calumet

• Calumet Art Center. Works by local artists.

Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 57055 Fifth St. (906) 934-2228.

• 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. Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 205 Fifth St. (906) 337-1252 or ccaartists.org • Gallery on 5th. Works by local and regional artists. Days and hours vary. 109 Fifth St. (906) 369-0094.

Copper Harbor

• EarthWorks Gallery. Featuring Lake Superior-inspired photography

by Steve Brimm. Daily, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 216 First St. (910) 319-1650.

Escanaba

• East Ludington Art Gallery. Works by local artists. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 1007 Ludington St. (906) 786-0300 or eastludingtongallery.com • William Bonifas Fine Arts Gallery.

- Northern Exposure XXVIII, an annual exhibit featuring contemporary artwork created by U.P. artists, will be on display through December 30.

Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3p.m. 700 First Avenue South.

(906) 786-3833 or bonifasarts.org

Hancock

• Finlandia University Gallery.

- INTERSTICE: a small, intervening space, featuring works by Natalie Salminen Rude, will be on display December 4 through February 4, 2022.

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays, noon to 4 p.m.

435 Quincy St. (906) 487-7500.

• Kerredge Gallery.

- 6x6 Fundraiser Exhibition, featuring works by local and regional artists will be on display and available for purchase, through December 11.

Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Community Arts Center, 126 Quincy St. (906) 482-2333 or coppercountryarts.com

Houghton

• A-Space Gallery.

72

Marquette Monthly

December 2021

Carol Papaleo | Merry Christmas Deer | Art—U.P. Style, Marquette

- Big Bean Burrito Exhibition, featuring works by MTU sculpture, installation and design students, will be on display December 10 through 14.

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturdays, 1 to 8 p.m. Rozsa Center, 1400 Townsend Dr. mtu.edu/rozsa

Marquette • Art—U.P. Style. Art by Carol Papaleo, works by local artists, gifts, classes and more. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. 130 W. Washington St. (906) 225-1993.

• DeVos Art Museum.

- Regional Perspectives by Women Artists, featuring works in various media from the dawn of the 20th century to present, will be on display.

- Still, an installation of drawings and objects by Cynthia Cote, will be on display through December 11.

- Senior Exhibition: Fall 2021, featuring works by graduating NMU students, will be on display through December 10, with a closing reception at 7 p.m. on the 10th.

Monday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m.

Corner of Seventh and Tracy streets.

NMU. (906) 227-1481 or nmu.edu/devos • Graci Gallery. Works by regional and national artists. Featuring fine craft, contemporary art, and jewelry. Thursday and Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, by appointment or chance.

555 E Michigan Street. gracigallery.com • Huron Mountain Club Gallery.

Winter Wonderland Walk, featuring a variety of lights, trees and holiday cheer, will be on display, December 6 through 31.

Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 228-0472.

• Lake Superior Photo and Gallery. The studio features landscape photographic art by Shawn Malone, including naturescapes of the Lake Superior region. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 211 S. Front St. (906) 228-3686 or lakesuperiorphoto.com (continued on page 81) 73)

art galleries • Lake Superior Art Association Deo Gallery. Works by local and regional artists. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 228-0472.

• Peter White Public Library Reception Area Gallery.

Winter Wonderland Walk, featuring a variety of lights, trees and holiday cheer, will be on display, December 6 through 31.

Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 228-0472.

• The Gallery: A Marquette Artist Collective Project. Works by local and regional artists. Monday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 1 to 4 p.m. Suite U7, 130 W. Washington St. mqtartistcollective@.org • The Studio Gallery at Presque Isle.

Works by local and internationally acclaimed artists. Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. 2905 Lakeshore Blvd. (906) 360-4453.

• Wintergreen Hill Gallery and Gifts.

Featuring works by local and regional artists. Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 810 N. Third St. (906) 273-1374.

• Zero Degrees Artist Gallery.

-Woodturned works by Joe Rosten, will be on display, with a public reception at 1 p.m. December 4.

Welcoming new artists with works in oils, watercolors, mixed media, jewelry, photography, metals, woods, recycled and fiber arts and much more. Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 525 N, Third St. (906) 228-3058 or zerodegreesgallery.org

Munising • U.P.-Scale Art. Featuring works by local and regional artists. Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

109 W. Superior Ave. (906) 387-3300 or upscaleart.org

Rapid River

• The adhocWORKshop. Owner Ritch Branstrom creates sculptures with found objects inspired by the land in which the objects were found.

By appointment or chance. 10495 South Main Street. (906) 339-1572 or adhocworkshop.com MM

(continued from page 72) Museum, 100 Brady Ave. (906) 265-2617 or ironcountymuseum.org/galleria

Houghton

• The Nutcracker. The Minnesota Ballet will perform this holiday classic with music by the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra, and local dancers from the Superior School of Dance. Prices vary. 2 p.m. Rozsa Center, MTU, 1400 Townsend Dr. (906) 487-2073 or rozsa@mtu.edu

Little Lake

• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This drive-thru light show features more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.

Marquette

• Santa’s Pop-Up Shop Craft and Vendor Show. Shop for gifts from local crafters and vendors. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Hiawathaland Snowmobile Club. 398 M-553.

• TV6 Christmas Craft Show. Youth 12 and younger, free; 13 and older, $2. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Superior Dome, NMU. • TubaChristmas. This annual event will feature tuba and euphonium players from the U.P. and beyond playing familiar Christmas carols. Masks required. 1:30 p.m. Marquette Regional History Center, 145 W. Spring St. (906) 226-3571 or marquettehistory.org

Skandia

• Lions Pancake Breakfast. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, eggs, coffee and juice. Youth 4 and younger, free; ages 5 to 12, $5; age 13 and older, $7. 9 a.m. to

1 p.m. Skandia Township Hall, 224 Kreiger Dr.

06 MONDAY

sunrise 8:18 a.m.; sunset 5:03 p.m.

Little Lake

• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This drive-thru light show features more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.

Marquette

• Holiday Family Storytime. Holiday and winter-themed stories will be read.

Masks required. 9:45 a.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323.

• Marquette Poets Circle Workshop and Open Mic. Bring copies of a poem, short prose or lyrics to share. Workshop, 6:30 p.m. Open Mic, 7 p.m. Shiras Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (517) 410-3368.

• An Alcott Christmas: Christmas Carol Livestream Concert. A concert of Christmas carols will be livestreamed from Saint John the Evangelist Church in Ishpeming. 7 p.m. Visit pwpl.info for Zoom link.

07 TUESDAY

sunrise 8:19 a.m.; sunset 5:02 p.m.

Little Lake

• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This drive-thru light show features more than 100 separate circuits of lights with

December 2021

Marquette Monthly

73

museums

Marquette Regional History Center, Marquette

Big Bay

• Big Bay Lighthouse. The grounds of the 1896 lighthouse are open yearround. 3 Lighthouse Rd. (906) 345-9957.

Calumet

• International Frisbee 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, Red Jacket Rd. (906) 281-7625.

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, days and hours vary. (906) 482-3101 or quincymine.com

Houghton

• A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum.

View the largest collection of minerals from the Great Lakes region and the world’s finest collection of Michigan minerals. Exhibits educate visitors on how minerals are formed, fluorescent minerals and minerals from around the world. Prices vary. Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1404 E. Sharon Ave. (906) 487-2572 or museum.mtu.edu • Carnegie Museum. Features rotating displays of local history, natural science and culture. The Science Center is dedicated to interactive exhibits about science for kids. Thursdays, noon to 5 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

74

Marquette Monthly

December 2021

J.R. Van Pelt Library, MTU. (906) 4873209.

Ishpeming

• Ishpeming Area Historical Society Museum. New exhibits include a military exhibit and artifacts from the Elson Estate. Donations appreciated.

Days and hours vary.

Gossard Building, Suite 303, 308 Cleveland Ave. ishpeminghistory.org • U.S. National Ski Hall & Snowboard Hall of Fame & 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. By appointment only. US-41 and Third St. (906) 485-6323 skihall.com

K.I. Sawyer

• K.I. Sawyer Heritage Air Museum.

The museum promotes and preserves the aviation history the air base brought to the area. Air Force-related materials are on display, including photographs, flags, medals and more. Donations appreciated. Wednesday through Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. 402 Third St. (906) 362-3531 or kishamuseum.org

Marquette

• Beaumier Upper Peninsula Heritage Center.

- The Seventh Fire: A Decolonizing Experience, a multimedia exhibit, will be on display through April 9.

Three separate collections focus on cultural artifacts relating to ethnic, religious and social diversity in the U.P. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. NMU, corner of Seventh Street and Tracy Avenue.

(906) 227-3212 or nmu.edu/beaumier • Marquette Regional History Center.

- The Story Behind Their Clothes, featuring clothing from Yoopers from the last 170 years, including handmade deerskin gloves, a hand-woven linen dress, and a silk outfit made from the lining of World War II flight jacket, will be on display through January 8, 2022.

The museum includes interactive displays as well as regional history exhibits. Youth 12 and younger, $2; sudents, $3; seniors, $6; adults, $7. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 145 W. Spring St. (906) 226-3571 or marquettehistory.org • Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum. A variety of interactive exhibits offer learning through investigation and creativity. By appointment. 123 W. Baraga Ave. (906) 226-3911 or upchildrenmuseum.org

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, noon to 4 p.m. 1496 Washington St. (906) 3874308.

Negaunee

• Michigan Iron Industry Museum.

In the forested ravines of the Marquette Iron Range, 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. Daily, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 73 Forge Rd. (906) 475-7857.

MM

corresponding music through your vehicle radio. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.

Marquette

• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club.

Games open to all interested players. 1 p.m. $5 for games. Westwood Mall, 3020 US-41 West. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com or (906) 236-1811.

• Muggles for Potter. Youth in grades 2 and 3 are invited to for holiday-themed crafts. Masks required. 4:30 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323.

• What’s Up? Astronomy Series. Scott Stobbelaar of the Marquette Astronomical Society will discuss what can be seen in the U.P. skies. 7 p.m. via Zoom. Visit pwpl. info for Zoom link

08 WEDNESDAY

sunrise 8:20 a.m.; sunset 5:02 p.m.

Houghton

• Made When It Was Now. Faculty artists Anne Beffel, Terri Jo Frew, Lisa Gordillo and Sue Kilpela will share their creative processes and what they are currently working on. 5:15 p.m. Rozsa Center, MTU, 1400 Townsend Dr. (906) 487-2073 or rozsa@mtu.edu

Little Lake

• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This drive-thru light show features more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.

Marquette

• Under the Winter Sky. Learn to construct glass-fused art. Register by the 1st. NCLL members, $3; non-members, $10. Plus $15.90 for class materials. 2 p.m.

Hot Plate, Suite U6, 130 W. Washington St. (906) 228-8051.

• Junior Teen Advisory Board. Students in grades 5 to 8 are invited to meet new people, plan events and gain volunteer experience. Masks required. 4:15 p.m.

Youth Services, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4321.

• Dibaajimowinan Our Stories. Leora Tadgerson and students from the Native American Student Association will share Anishinaabe legends and welcome winter through traditional stories.

Music will be performed by Morning Thunder. Donations appreciated. 6:30 p.m. Marquette Regional History Center, 145 W. Spring St. (906) 226-3571 or marquettehistory.org • Authors Reading Virtually. T. Marie Bertineau will read holiday selections from her 2021 Michigan Notable Book

Under the Winter Sky | December 8 | Marquette via Zoom

December 2021

Marquette Monthly

75

The Mason House: A Memoir. 7 p.m. via Zoom. Visit pwpl.info for Zoom link • Elf the Musical. Watch as Buddy the Elf travels to New York City to search for his father. NMU students, $5; other students, $10; NMU faculty, senior and military, $12; general public, $17. 8 p.m. Forest Roberts Theatre, NMU. nmu.edu/tickets • Registration Deadline: Climate Resiliency, Ecology and Community in Cuba. See Wednesday the 15th.

09 THURSDAY

sunrise 8:21 a.m.; sunset 5:02 p.m.

Light Display Bus Tour. See Thursday the 16th.

10 FRIDAY

sunrise 8:22 a.m.; sunset 5:02 p.m.

Gwinn

• Story Time. Youth are invited for stories, crafts and snacks. 10:30 a.m.

Forsyth Township Library, 180 W. Flint St. (906) 346-3433.

Houghton

• Virtual Q&A with U.P. Author William Sproule. Author William Sproule will discuss his book Houghton: Birthplace of Professional Hockey. 7 p.m.

EST. Call or email to register. (906) 8753344 or egathu@uproc.lib.mi.us

• Concert: I Have Had Singing. Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Michigan Tech Concert Choir and the legacy of choral singing with performances by the Michigan Tech Concert Choir and conscience: Michigan Tech Chamber Singers. Youth, $5; adults, $15. 7:30 p.m.

Rozsa Center, MTU, 1400 Townsend Dr. (906) 487-2073 or rozsa@mtu.edu

Little Lake

Little Lake

Marquette

Marquette

Crystal Falls

• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This drive-thru light show features more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln. • Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club.

Games open to all interested players. 1 p.m. $5 for games. Westwood Mall, 3020 US-41 West. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com or (906) 360-3056.

• Second Thursday Creativity Series: Holiday Fun! Holiday fun-themed activities and crafts for children will be available. 2:30 to 6 p.m. U.P. Children’s Museum, 123 W. Baraga Ave. (906) 2263911 or upchildrensmuseum.org • Holiday Family Storytime. Holiday and winter-themed stories will be read.

Masks required. 6:15 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323.

• Elf the Musical. Watch as Buddy the Elf travels to New York City to search for his father. NMU students, $5; other students, $10; NMU faculty, senior and military, $12; general public, $17. 8 p.m. Forest Roberts Theatre, NMU. nmu.edu/tickets • Registration Deadline: Christmas

• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This drive-thru light show features more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln. • Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club.

Games open to all interested players. 1 p.m. $5 for games. Westwood Mall, 3020 US-41 West. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com or (906) 485-4844.

• Elf the Musical. Watch as Buddy the Elf travels to New York City to search for his father. NMU students, $5; other students, $10; NMU faculty, senior and military, $12; general public, $17. 8 p.m. Forest Roberts Theatre, NMU. nmu.edu/tickets

11 SATURDAY

sunrise 8:23 a.m.; sunset 5:02 p.m.

Calumet

• Last Minute Shopping Extravaganza Holiday Market. Shop for local art, gifts, ornaments, cards and more. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Calumet Art Center, 57055 Fifth Street. (906) 934-2228.

• CopperDog Kids’ Sled Rides. Kids

Virtual Q&A with Author William Sproule | December 9| Crystal Falls

76

Marquette Monthly

December 2021

Tinseltown: A Holiday Celebration| December 11 | Negaunee

are welcome for free dog sled rides. composition. Noon to 2 p.m. Agassiz Park, corner of 5th and Elm streets.

Houghton

• Concert: Kaleidoscope. Conductor, Joel Neves, will lead the Superior Wind Symphony in a program of colorful band favorites. Youth, $5; adults, $15. 7:30 p.m.

Rozsa Center, MTU, 1400 Townsend Dr. (906) 487-2073 or rozsa@mtu.edu

Little Lake

• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This drive-thru light show features more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.

Marquette

• Late Fall Farmers Market. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Masks required for the indoor market.

Marquette Commons, 112 S. Third St. mqtfarmersmarket.com • Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club.

Games open to all interested players.

Lessons, 10 a.m. Game, 11:30 a.m. $5 for games. Westwood Mall, 3020 US-41 West. superiorland_bridge.tripod.com or (906) 236-3173.

• Winter Wonderland Walk Celebration. Area piano teachers and students will perform holiday music.

Christmas carolers will sing, and hot chocolate and cookies will be provided.

Masks required. Music, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Caroling, 11:30 a.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323.

• Onagomingkway Chapter of NSDAR Christmas Tea. The meeting may be held

via Zoom. Please call ahead. Noon. 529 Harrison St. (906) 226-7836.

• Finland’s Independence Day and Little Christmas Celebration. The afternoon will include music by Tanja Stanaway, Finnish coffee bread, juustoa (Finnish cheese). Coffee and more. 2 p.m.

Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 485-1971.

• Marquette Choral Society Concert: Gloria. The concert will feature Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Mass in G Minor and John Rutter’s Gloria.

Donations appreciated. 7:30 p.m. St. Peter Cathedral, 311 W. Baraga Ave. marquettechoralsociety.org • Elf the Musical. Watch as Buddy the Elf travels to New York City to search for his father. NMU students, $5; other students, $10; NMU faculty, senior and military, $12; general public, $17. 8 p.m. Forest Roberts Theatre, NMU. nmu.edu/tickets

Negaunee

• Tinseltown: A Holiday Celebration.

Celebrate the holidays with the annual parade and tree lighting, Santa, band and chorus performances, sleigh rides and more. 4 to 7 p.m. Downtown.

12 SUNDAY

sunrise 8:24 a.m.; sunset 5:02 p.m.

Little Lake

• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This drive-thru light show features more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.

December 2021

Marquette Monthly

77

Marquette

Games open to all interested players. 1 p.m. $5 for games. Westwood Mall, 3020 US-41 West. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com or (906) 485-4844.

• Marquette Choral Society Concert: Gloria. The concert will feature Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Mass in G Minor and John Rutter’s Gloria.

Donations appreciated. 7:30 p.m. St. Peter Cathedral, 311 W. Baraga Ave. marquettechoralsociety.org

18 SATURDAY

sunrise 8:29 a.m.; sunset 5:03 p.m.

Ishpeming

13 MONDAY

• 4th Annual Cookie Walk. Proceeds from the sale benefit Michigan Elks Major Project Fund. 10 a.m. to noon. Elks Club, 597 Lakeshore Dr.

sunrise 8:25 a.m.; sunset 5:02 p.m.

Hancock

• The Buellwood Weavers and Fiber Arts Guild Monthly Meeting. Those interested fiber artists are invited for a “spin-in”. Bring your wheel, spindle and fiber. Masks are required at the Jutila Center. Noon. Fiber Arts Studio, Jutila Center, 200 Michigan St. jegale@att.net

Little Lake

• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This drive-thru light show features more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.

Little Lake

Marquette

• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This drive-thru light show features more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.

Marquette

• Holiday Family Storytime. Holiday and winter-themed stories will be read.

Masks required. 9:45 a.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323.

• Cool Up Jazz Holiday Concert. Listen to your holiday classics during this jazzy concert. Masks required. 7 p.m.

Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323.

14 TUESDAY

sunrise 8:26 a.m.; sunset 5:02 p.m.

Gwinn

• Literature at the Lodge. The group will discuss Everything Brave is Forgiven by Chris Cleave. 7 p.m. Up North Lodge, 215 S. CR-557. (906) 346-3433.

Little Lake

• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This drive-thru light show features more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.

Marquette

• Tasty Reads Book Group. The group will discuss My Berlin Kitchen by Luisa Weiss. Masks required. Noon. Shiras Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323.

• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club.

Games open to all interested players. 1 p.m. $5 for games. Westwood Mall, 3020 US-41 West. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com or (906) 236-1811.

• Dumbledore’s Army. Students in grades 4 to 6 are invited to celebrate Chirstmas at Hogwarts with holidaythemed crafts. Masks required. 4:30 p.m.

Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323.

• An Alcott Christmas: Susan Bailey Presentation. Susan Bailey will discuss the life and times of acclaimed author Louisa May Alcott. 7 p.m. via Zoom. Visit pwpl.info for Zoom link.

78

Marquette Monthly

Marquette City Orchestra Concert | December 18 | Marquette

15 WEDNESDAY

sunrise 8:27 a.m.; sunset 5:02 p.m.

Gwinn

• RSVP: Operation Great Christmas Community Dinner. See Saturday the 25th.

Little Lake

• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This drive-thru light show features more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.

Marquette

• Climate Resiliency, Ecology and Community in Cuba. NMU professor Dr. Sarah Mittlefehldt will discuss the 2020 study abroad experience in Cuba and the lessons learned. Register by the 8th. NCLL members, $3; nonmembers, $10. 2 p.m.

Shiras Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 228-9953.

• Teen Advisory Board. Students in grade 9 to 12 are invited to meet new people, plan activities and gain volunteer experience. Masks required. 4 p.m. Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323.

16 THURSDAY

sunrise 8:27 a.m.; sunset 5:03 p.m.

Little Lake

• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This drive-thru light show features more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.

December 2021

Marquette • Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club.

Games open to all interested players. 1 p.m. $5 for games. Westwood Mall, 3020 US-41 West. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com or (906) 360-3056.

• Holiday Family Storytime. Holiday and winter-themed stories will be read.

Masks required. 6:15 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323.

• Christmas Light Display Bus Tour.

View Christmas light displays in Marquette during this bus tour. A Dutchtreat pizza party will follow at Aubress.

Register by the 9th. NCLL members, $3; nonmembers, $10. Plus $1 for Marq Tran.

6:25 p.m. East parking lot, Berry Event Center, NMU. (906) 361-5370.

17 FRIDAY

sunrise 8:28 a.m.; sunset 5:03 p.m.

Gwinn

• Story Time. Youth are invited for stories, crafts and snacks. 10:30 a.m.

Forsyth Township Library, 14 W. Flint St. (906) 346-3433.

Little Lake

• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This drive-thru light show features more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.

Marquette

• NCLL Curriculum Committe Spring 2022 Planning. Share ideas, help plan and schedule events for the 2022 term. 10 a.m.

404A, Cohodas, NMU. (906) 227-2979 • Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club.

• Late Fall Farmers Market. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Masks required for the indoor market.

Marquette Commons, 112 S. Third St. mqtfarmersmarket.com • Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club.

Games open to all interested players.

Lessons, 10 a.m. Game, 11:30 a.m. $5 for games. Westwood Mall, 3020 US-41 West. superiorland_bridge.tripod.com or (906) 236-3173.

• 185th Birthday Party.

State Representative Sarah Cambensy and Mark Ruge will speak about the 1839 Frost Bitten Convention. Enjoy cake, coffee and punch as a way to celebrate the birthday of the U.P. 1 p.m. Marquette Regional History Center, 145 W. Spring St. (906) 226-3571 or marquettehistory.org • Marquette Symphony Orchestra: Sounds of the Holidays Concert. The Marquette Symphony Orchestra will perform a variety of traditional and seasonal favorites. Prices vary. 7:30 p.m.

Kaufman Auditorium, 611 N. Front St. (906) 227-1032 or nmu.edu/tickets

19 SUNDAY

sunrise 8:29 a.m.; sunset 5:04 p.m.

Curtis

• Family Movie Matinee: The Polar Express. Advanced tickets, $5; at the door, $6. 2 p.m. Pine Performance Center, N9224 Saw-wa-Quato St. (906) 586-9974 or mynorthtickets.com

Little Lake

• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This drive-thru light show features more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.

Marquette

• A Holiday Brass Choir Concert. Wellknown brass players from the area will play familiar tunes of the season. 4 p.m.

Marquette Commons, 112 S. Third St.

20 MONDAY

sunrise 8:30 a.m.; sunset 5:04 p.m.

Little Lake

• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This drive-thru light show features more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.

Marquette

• Global Geeks Book Club. The group will discuss The Hangman’s Daughter by Oliver Potzsch. 6 p.m. Dandelion Cottage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4312.

• An Alcott Christmas: Little Women Virtual Performance. Area stage actors will perform the classic by Louisa May Alcottt during this one-time performance.

7 p.m. via YouTube livestream. (906) 2264322.

21 TUESDAY

sunrise 8:31 a.m.; sunset 5:04 p.m.

Little Lake

• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This drive-thru light show features more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.

Marquette

• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club.

Games open to all interested players. 1 p.m. $5 for games. Westwood Mall, 3020 US-41 West. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com or (906) 236-1811.

• Artists and Their Art: Edward Hopper. Ellen Longsworth will discuss the life and work of renowned realist painter Edward Hopper. 7 p.m. via Zoom.

Visit pwpl.info for Zoom link.

22 WEDNESDAY

sunrise 8:31 a.m.; sunset 5:05 p.m.

23 THURSDAY

sunrise 8:31 a.m.; sunset 5:06 p.m.

Little Lake

• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This drive-thru light show features more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.

Marquette

• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club.

Games open to all interested players. 1 p.m. $5 for games. Westwood Mall, 3020 US-41 West. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com or (906) 360-3056.

24 FRIDAY

sunrise 8:32 a.m.; sunset 5:07 p.m.

Christmas Eve

Little Lake

• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This drive-thru light show features more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln. • Drive-In Christmas Eve Service. The service will be broadcast on FM 88.7 and on outdoor speakers. 6 p.m. Little Lake Chapel, M-35. (906) 869-4173.

25 SATURDAY

sunrise 8:232 a.m.; sunset 5:07 p.m.

Little Lake

• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This drive-thru light show features more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.

Gwinn

Christmas

• Operation Great Christmas Community Dinner. All are welcome for this free, communiy dinner. Walk in,

carry out and delivery available. RSVP by the 15th for delivery. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Gwinn High School, 50 W. M-35. (906) 360-7069 or gwinnmi.com

Little Lake

• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This drive-thru light show features more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.

26 SUNDAY

sunrise 8:33 a.m.; sunset 5:07 p.m.

Kwanzaa

Little Lake

• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This drive-thru light show features more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.

27 MONDAY

sunrise 8:33 a.m.; sunset 5:08 p.m.

Little Lake

• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This drive-thru light show features more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.

28 TUESDAY

sunrise 8:33 a.m.; sunset 5:09 p.m.

Little Lake

• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This drive-thru light show features more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your

vehicle radio. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.

29 WEDNESDAY

sunrise 8:33 a.m.; sunset 5:10 p.m.

Little Lake

• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This drive-thru light show features more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.

30 THURSDAY

sunrise 8:33 a.m.; sunset 5:10 p.m.

Little Lake

• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This drive-thru light show features more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.

Marquette

• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club.

Games open to all interested players. 1 p.m. $5 for games. Westwood Mall, 3020 US-41 West. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com or (906) 360-3056.

31 FRIDAY

sunrise 8:34 a.m.; sunset 5:11 p.m.

New Year’s Eve

Little Lake

• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This drive-thru light show features more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln. MM

support groups • Alano Club. Twelve-step recovery meetings daily. Monday through Saturday, noon and 8 p.m. Sunday, 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. 1202 S. Front St., Southgate Plaza, Marquette.

• Al-Anon Family Groups.

A fellowship offering strength and hope for friends and families of problem drinkers. al-alon.org or (888) 4252666.

• Alcoholics Anonymous. Meetings throughout Marquette County, open daily, at many locations and times.

Twenty-four-hour answering service, 249-4430 or aa-marquettecounty.org • 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.

• Amputee Social Group. This peer support group is for amputees, friends and families to share resources, life experiences and create relationships.

December 14. 6 p.m. SAIL, 1200 Wright St. (906) 273-2444.

• Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Checks. Cholesterol checks are $5. Call for Marquette County schedule. (906) 225-4545.

• Caregiver Support Group— Marquette.

All caregivers are welcome. December 16. 2 p.m. Mill Creek Community Center, 1600 Mill Creek Court. (906) 225-7760 or lakesuperiorhospice.org • Divorce Care—Ishpeming. This non-denominational group is for people who are separated or divorced. New members are welcome. Tuesdays, 6 p.m.

Northiron Church, 910 Palms Ave. (906) 475-6032 or northiron.church • Grief Share—Ishpeming. This nondenominational group is for people dealing with grief and loss. Mondays, 2:30 p.m. Northiron Church, 910 Palms Ave. (906) 475-6032 or northiron. church • iCanQuit. Smokers are invited to learn more about quitting with the help of a quitting coach. (800) 480-7848.

• Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice Grief Support Group—Gwinn.

People dealing with grief and loss are encouraged to attend. Individual grief

counseling is available. December 8. 2 p.m. Forsyth Senior Center, 165 Maple St. lakesuperiorhospice.org or (906) 2257760.

• Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice Grief Support Group—Marquette.

People dealing with grief and loss are encouraged to attend. Individual grief counseling is available. December 15.

5:30 p.m. Lake Superior Hospice, 914 W. Baraga Ave. (906) 225-7760 or lakesuperiorhospice.org • Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice Grief Support Group— Negaunee. People dealing with grief and loss are encouraged to attend.

Individual grief counseling is available.

December 16. 3 p.m. Negaunee Senior Center, 410 Jackson St. (906) 225-7760 or lakesuperiorhospice.org • Michigan Tobacco Quit Line. This free quit smoking coaching hotline provides callers with a personal health coach. (800) 784-8669.

• Nicotine Anonymous. (415) 7500328 or www.nicotine-anonymous.org • Sexual Health and Addiction Therapy Group. Call Great Lakes Recovery Centers for more details.

December 2021

Dates, times and locations vary. (906) 228-9696.

• SMART Recovery—Calumet. A selfhelp group for alcohol and substance abuse and other addictive behaviors.

Mondays, 7 p.m. Copper Country Mental Health, 56938 Calumet Avenue. smartrecovery.org • SMART Recovery — Hancock.

Thursdays, 7 p.m. Basement Conference Room, Old Main Building, Finlandia University, 601 Quincy St. smartrecovery. org • SMART Recovery — Marquette.

Mondays, Noon. Zoom meeting. Visit smartrecovery.com for Zoom link.

• 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 • 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) 4757846.

MM

Marquette Monthly

79