27 minute read
City notes
U.P. fall colors ranked 2nd in nation
The U.P. took second place in the category of “Best Destinations for Fall Foliage” in the USA Today newspaper’s 10-Best Readers’ Choice Awards for 2021. The first-place destination went to the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Regarding the U.P., the newspaper wrote, “Just about the entire Upper Peninsula puts on a display of fall color that peaks during the last two weeks of September and the first week of October. A favorite fall experience for leaf peepers is the drive along M-26 along the shores of Lake Roland and past the trees of Copper Country State Forest.” Door County, Wisconsin was the only other area close to the U.P. to make the top 10; it was ranked number seven.
Blood Center in critical need of most types
The UP Regional Blood Center is experiencing CRITICAL NEED for A Positive, A Negative, O Negative and B Negative blood types. The U.P. Regional Blood Center has collection sites in Marquette, Hancock and Escanaba and is the primary supplier of blood to 13 U.P. hospitals. Visit the U.P. Regional Blood Center Facebook page at UPRBC906 or the website at www.mgh.org/ blood for center details and blood drive locations. For hours and scheduling, call the Marquette location at 906-449-1450, Hancock at 906-483-1392, and Escanaba at 906-786-8420.
Cannabis Company to expand to Iron River
The Fire Station Cannabis Co. has received local approval for a new retail location in Iron River. The store will be located on North 4th Ave. and will offer recreational cannabis products. The Iron River location is expected to open in the spring of 2022. It will be the seventh storefront for the U.P.-owned cannabis retailer. “There is a deep sense of community and pride in Iron River that stems from its history in mining and logging,” said Logan Stauber, co-owner and co-CEO of TFS. “I am excited to share our company’s sense of community and the pride we have for being the Upper Peninsula’s first licensed recreational cannabis company with the people of Iron River.” In a release from the company, it noted that making a positive impact on the economies of the U.P. is a top priority. The Fire Station presently employs over 100 U.P. residents, and the new Iron River location will create over 20 additional jobs. The Fire Station release said that wages for all positions start at over 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Open positions can be found on the company’s website. “I care deeply about the U.P. and the communities we’re a part of,” said Stosh Wasik, co-owner and co-CEO of TFS. “Our connection and commitment to the Upper Peninsula are what set us apart.”
Naubinway recognized as top of Lake Michigan
The waterfront in the Eastern Upper Peninsula community of Naubinway will soon be home to a marker recognizing the Northernmost Point of Lake Michigan. At 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 2, Top of the Lake Communities Association (TOLCA) will dedicate a sculptural marker to declare the distinction at the Garfield Township Marina in Naubinway. Although the actual point is about two miles west of town, the marina is the most accessible and scenic location for the marker. TOLCA, a non-profit organization of volunteers that strives to enhance the community through events and a variety of other programs in the area, sees this claim to geographical fame as a point of pride and a way to celebrate Naubinway’s long history as a fishing village. Located just off of US-2 about 45 minutes west of St. Ignace, the marker is an easy detour for motorists and bicyclists along the Top of the Lake Scenic Byway and Iron Belle Trail, snowmobilers and visitors to the Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum, as well as a nice stop for paddlers and boaters at the marina. The Michigan map-shaped marker, which stretches about 10 feet from Coldwater to Copper Harbor, was fabricated locally and is supported by grants from Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs, the Graymont Community
An artistic rendering of the large “Northernmost Point of Lake Michigan marker” that will be dedicated at 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 2 at the Garfield Township Marina in Naubinway. (TOLCA image)
and Economic Fund, and donations from Cloverland Electric Cooperative, businesses and individuals. However, additional funds are needed. For more information about the project or about how to support it, visit the organization’s website at topofthelake.org.
New features dedicated on heritage trail
The Iron Ore Heritage Recreation Authority recently opened accessible fishing piers and weather shelters on the Carp River in Negaunee, and a second weather shelter with access steps to the Pine Hill Pond in Negaunee Township. The $234,000 project was paid in part by a $163,000 grant from the Michigan Natural Resource Trust Fund which provides funding for outdoor recreation projects. The project was designed by Sanders-Czapski Associates of Marquette and built by Wuebben Construction of Dollar Bay. Fishermen who have accessibility challenges can now use these fishing piers along an accessible trail to fish for brook trout while trail users can seek shelter from weather events through the covered shelters, as well as view wildlife from the Carp River Platform. “Our goal is to always provide better access to outdoor recreation opportunities for all abilities along the spine of the Iron Ore Heritage Trail ,” commented Don Britton, chair of the Iron Ore Heritage Recreation Authority. Carol Fulsher, administrator of the IOHRA, added, “Some spots along the trail are just natural stopping points because of their beauty. The Pine Hill Pond in Negaunee Township offers stunning views of a greenstone bluff along with the pond and our ledge way that skirts along the pond’s side. We wanted to provide more accessible access to the pond and provide a shelter from sun, rain, wind, lightning along a remote section of trail...”
Instagram scavenger hunt Oct. 9
Copper Country Community Arts Center will hold an “Art is” Instagram outdoor scavenger hunt on Saturday, Oct. 9, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is described as a family-friendly event and team members can be located anywhere in the world. A list of 30 art activity clues, geared to get teams outside and thinking creatively, will be distributed by email to the registered team captain on Friday, Oct. 8, at 5 p.m. In order to participate, one open Instagram account is required during the event. The event will be moderated through the Copper Country Community Instagram account @coppercountryarts. Teams of 1-6 people may begin posting photos of their art activity clue answers to Instagram at 10 a.m. on Oct. 9; submissions close at 5 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams on the basis of completion and creativity. “Art is” is a CCCAC fundraiser. For complete information, visit www.coppercountryarts.com/artis. The Copper Country Community Arts Center is a non-profit organization located at 126 Quincy Street in Hancock, MI. The CCCAC is dedicated to “Fostering an Environment where the Arts and People Grow Together.”
Benefit party will support lake protectors
The public is invited to a benefit party to support two organizations that exist to protect and restore the Great Lakes. The organizations include the
Children examine a bear skull at the Marquette Regional History Center. The history center will host an archaeology fair on Saturday, October 16. (MRHC photo)
KNAraffle@yahoo.com or by phone at (906) 370-9022.
Scouting popcorn sales kickoff
Marquette area Cub Scout packs, scouts, and BSA troops are selling popcorn to help support their scouting adventures for the coming year. Popcorn is the top fundraiser for most scouting packs and troops. Scouts began offering booth sales at select weekend dates and times starting Sept. 18 at Super One Foods and Econo Foods in Marquette, Snyder Drug in Harvey and Negaunee, Tractor Supply in Negaunee Township and more. Contact Hiawathaland District Director Patrick O’Brien for more information, including locations and dates where sales will be held, at patrick.obrien@scouting.org or 920-419-8401.
Fall Phantasm offers seasonal fun
Travel Marquette announces that its first-ever Fall Phantasm event will be held on Saturday, Oct. 2, from 6 to 11 p.m. The event, presented by Marquette Fringe, is at Lakenenland Sculpture Park (2800 M-28 East, Marquette) and will offer music, dance and performers in an illusionary, fantasy-themed atmosphere. The event will feature all kinds of fantastical creatures throughout the grounds to engage with attendees (witches, dwellers, a goat man, etc.), a bazaar where guests can make their own masks and costumes to join in with the performances, fantasy games and activities, an elixir bar with feature drinks, and themed stories read by actors at different fire pits throughout the grounds. The Fall Phantasm promises a fantastical night to remember and is the perfect event to get in the spirit as Halloween draws near.
History center to host archeology fair
Saturday, Oct. 16, is International Archaeology Day and the Marquette Regional History Center will celebrate with an archaeology fair. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and MRHC invites the public to have fun learning about local and global archaeology through activities, demonstrations, artifacts and displays at a wide variety of interactive booths throughout the museum. The Marquette Regional History Center is among 45 world-wide, Long-Term Collaborators listed by the Archaeological Institute of America. For 2021, the history center will feature an update on an excavation in Marquette County. The archaeology fair is included with the cost of general admission. Prices are adults, $7; seniors, $6; students, $3; youth 12 and under, $2. The Marquette Regional History Center is located at 145 W. Spring Street in Marquette MI 49855. Call (906) 226-3571 or marquettehistory.org for information.
Free online Tai Chi training offered
Michigan State University Extension Program is offering “Online Standing/Seated Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention” on Mondays and Wednesdays from Oct. 11 to Dec. 15. The online class will be conducted via Zoom beginning at 2:30 p.m. (ET). The program aims to help increase strength, improve balance and posture, prevent falls, improve mind, body and spirit, reduce stress and increase relaxation. Modifications will be provided for those who want to attend seated or standing. The program is targeted to help older adults and older adults with disabilities at risk for falls stay active. Those new to Zoom video conferencing should contact Anita Carter for help setting up and becoming familiar with the Zoom platform. There are 21 position openings available. Registration will close at 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 7. To register, visit https://events.anr.msu.edu/standingseatedtaichi2021/.
Mass for health care workers at cathedral Oct. 19
Bishop John Doerfler of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Marquette will host a Mass of Thanksgiving, Tuesday, Oct. 19, at 5:15 p.m. at St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette. The Mass is open to the public. Physicians, healthcare workers and their spouses are invited to attend a light meal and reception in the parish hall following the Mass. Father Robb Jurkovich, chaplain at OSF St. Francis Hospital, will offer a brief reflection. To register for the reception, visit www.dioceseofmarquette.org/calendar/10/2021. For more in-
mea culpa!
In the September issue of the Marquette Monthly, it was accidentally stated that in addition to the top three prizes for the Keweenaw Nature Areas fundraising raffle, there were four additional prizes of $5,000. The correct value of the four additional prizes is $500 apiece. We apologize for the error.
formation, contact the Office of the Bishop at (906) 2279115 or by email at mbernier@dioceseofmarquette.org Public invited to voting machine tests
The public is invited to attend public accuracy tests of the computer programs that will be used to record and count the votes cast at the Tuesday, Nov. 2, general election. The tests will be held according to the following: Monday, Oct. 11, at 10 a.m. at Ishpeming City Hall; Wednesday, Oct. 13 at 10 a.m. at Ishpeming City Hall; Tuesday, Oct. 19, at 2.p.m at the Baraga Gymnasium, Marquette; Thursday, Oct. 21, at Negaunee City Hall. Anyone in the public may attend.
New provider joins health center
Cassandra Dix, LMSW, has joined the team of Behavioral Health providers at Upper Great Lakes Marquette Family Health Center (UGL). Cassandra was born and raised in the Upper Peninsula and attended Northern Michigan University where she received her Bachelor of Science in psychology degree with minors in sociology and philosophy. She then went on to earn her Master of Social Work degree from Michigan State University in East Lansing. During her time at MSU, Cassandra had the opportunity to study social policy abroad in Finland. Following graduation, Cassandra began working as a therapist in the Lower Peninsula and then moved to Ann Arbor where she and her husband, Kyle, were married. The best part of being an LMSW for Cassandra is having the privilege to hold a safe space for each person’s unique journey. “Every day I learn from the people that I work with and it is a humbling experience to be able to connect with so many different people,” says Cassandra, “Social work is often very challenging, but can be equally as rewarding. Every day is different, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be able to give back to the community that I was raised in.” UGL’s Marquette Family Health Center is located at 1414 W. Fair Avenue, Suite 242, Marquette, MI. For more information about Cassandra’s services, please call 906-449-2900.
Cassandra Dix, LMSW
Student can enter LIVE Art/Word contest
The LIVE Art & Word Contest has begun and will run through Monday, Nov. 15. The contest is a way
Middle school students enjoy ‘fruits’ of their labor
Father Marquette Catholic Academy middle schoolers started the year off by seeing the fruits of their labor from the spring school year. Fifth through 8th-grade students spent their science classes Sept. 9 harvesting, preparing, and eating the potatoes they planted before leaving last spring for summer break.
Last June, the 5th-grade science/STEM students planted $3 worth of seed potatoes in Father Marquette’s new garden beds, purchased from an Excellence in Education grant received last year. That grant money allowed FMCA to purchase the three raised beds that were planted with potatoes, tomatoes, parsley, carrots, swiss chard, kale, onions, cucumbers, zucchini, squash, dill, cilantro, and basil.
As part of the science curriculum and the Laudato Si Club, which is Latin for “take care of our common home,” students learn horticulture and botany skills, such as crop rotation and organic insect and pest control. Over the summer, families volunteered their time and tended
Father Marquette Catholic Academy middle schoolers William Niemi, Easton Lefebvre, Liam Connors, Jack Pozega, Logan Curran and 8th-grade science teacher Laura Ricklard are shown washing the potatoes the students grew in the school garden.
to the raised beds that housed the potatoes, in addition to other veggies and flowers planted on FMCA’s grounds.
Middle school students harvested three bushels of potatoes, washed, cut, and boiled them, made homemade butter from cream, and prepped the basil, parsley, onion, and tomatoes to go with. They enjoyed their hardearned meal!
Bradford Veley is a freelance cartoonist, illustrator and farmer in the U.P. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram and at www.bradveley.com.
to help break the stigma surrounding mental health concerns and suicide, as well as showcase the talents of high school students from across the U.P. It is open to all U.P. high school students, whether they are doing in-person school, taking part in virtual classroom or home schooling. Students may submit poetry, paintings, photography, song, graphic arts, quilting, or any other art form that addresses the theme of Mental Health Awareness. The grand prize winner will receive $500. First place and second place prizes will be awarded in each of three categories: Visual Arts, Word and Song. Each piece of artwork will be judged by West End Suicide Prevention, as well as an Expert Panel. There will also be a chance for community members to vote for their favorite piece via Facebook. West End Suicide Prevention is a dedicated group of individuals who are committed to reducing suicide. Their efforts are facilitated by Great Lakes Recovery Centers. They introduced the LIVE campaign, a positive mental health campaign, on the west end of Marquette County in the fall of 2019. LIVE, which rhymes with ‘give,’ stands for LOVE (yourself), INCLUDE (others), VALUE (life), ENGAGE (community). For more information on the LIVE Art & Word Contest and to find the official rules and entry forms, go to www.glrc.org/LIVE. If you have a background in art, music or english and would like to be a part of the expert panel, please contact Amy Poirier at apoirier@greatlakesrecovery.org. If you would like to sponsor this contest or other programs of West End Suicide Prevention contact Amy Poirier at apoirier@greatlakesrecovery.org.
Marquette County CROP Walk Oct. 10
ACROP Walk to raise funds to feed the hungry in Marquette County will be held on Sunday, Oct. 10, at the Marquette Hope Connection, 927 W. Fair Ave., in Marquette with registration beginning at 1:30 p.m.; the walk will begin at 2 p.m. To participate, walkers can pick up donation collection packets ahead of time at First Presbyterian Church, 120 N. Front St. in Marquette. The packets are available at the church office Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please call at (906) 226-6587. The Marquette County CROP Hunger Walk has set a goal of 100 Walkers and hopes to raise $8,000 to help end hunger and poverty through long-term sustainable approaches to significantly reduce or eliminate hunger. Twenty-five percent of
the funds raised will be split between St. Vincent DePaul and the NMU Food Bank. Last year, Marquette County Walkers raised more than $6,200.00 through this CROP Hunger Walk. This year Marquette County and some 1,000 other communities nationwide are joining together in interfaith CROP Hunger Walks around the theme, “Raising Animals; Growing Communities.” Many of the walkers will be wearing t-shirts proclaiming their solidarity with the millions of neighbors around the world who have to walk to live -- as well as with the millions served by local food pantries, food banks and meal sites here in the U.S. These local ministries share in the funds raised by CROP Hunger Walks. For more information, visit www.crophungerwalk.org/marquettemi
Public invited to meet U.P. authors
The Fourth U.P. Author’s Day which will be held at the Campfire Coworks in Downtown Marquette on Saturday, Oct. 9. This collection of Upper Peninsula authors and poets will be displaying and selling their creative wares from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Twenty of the U.P.’s finest writers and poets will be on hand for this free admission event, which is open to the public. The event, presented by the Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Association and the Campfire Coworks, will bring authors of all types of genres and styles from across the U.P. They will have their books available for sale and signing. Many of these authors are award-winning and will talk about their books and their experiences “This will be a gathering of authors and poets that represent the finest in the Upper Peninsula. With 20 authors represented, many of them award winners, there is no doubt there will be something for everyone’s reading tastes,” said Mikel B. Classen, one of the authors slated to attend. Over the last few years, many U.P. authors have found their way to the mainstream. Visit www.uppaa.org for more information and a complete list of authors who will attend.
Community forum will help MARESA map future
Educators, school staff members, employers, community leaders and any resident of Marquette or Alger counties are invited to a community forum with the theme, “Redefining the Marquette-Alger RESA: Prioritizing Regional Educational Services and Support.” The three-part event begins on Thursday, Oct. 21, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Munising High School; it continues Friday, Oct. 22, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Ramada Inn in Marquette, and concludes Saturday, Oct. 23, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., also at the Ramada Inn in Marquette. The goal of the forum is to identify this region’s educational priorities for the future. The Marquette-Alger Regional Educational Service Agency (MARESA) strives to improve the outcomes for all children, educators, and local school districts within the two-county boundary. This event will be professionally facilitated, and the feedback gathered will be used by MARESA to create a new strategic plan that reflects the collective values of our schools and community members. Participants should plan to attend all three sessions and should register in advance by calling (906) 226-5100 or visit www.maresa.org. Check the website for transportation and lodging options.
Revolve CC conference promotes creative, diverse collaboration
Organizers of Marquette’s Revolve Creative Collaboration Conference (RevolveCC) will hold a conference on diversity and collaboration on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 5 and Nov. 6. Tickets are on sale now at revolvecc.net/ registration. RevolveCC is a creative collaboration conference hosted yearly in Marquette with a mission to promote the creative class in the Midwest and support collaboration, cross-discipline works and creative business. Keith Ellis, executive director of RevolveCC said, “The Revolve
To help ensure Michigan students and educators are as safe as possible in the classroom and keep students in school for in-person learning, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued updated quarantine guidance. (MDHHS infographic, provide on September 8, 2021)
U.P. Home Health & Hospice honored
U.P. Home Health & Hospice has been named a 2020 HHCAHPS Honors recipient by HEALTHCAREfirst. This prestigious annual review recognizes agencies that continuously provide a positive patient experience and high-quality care as measured from the patient’s point of view. It acknowledges the highest performing agencies by analyzing the performance of the Home Health Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HHCAHPS) survey satisfaction measures. “HHCAHPS Honors recipients are industry leaders in providing quality care and constantly seeking ways to improve,” said Ronda Howard, vice president revenue cycle management and CAHPS at HEALTHCAREfirst. “We are honored to be aligned with such high performing agencies like U.P. Home Health & Hospice, and we congratulate them on their success.” U.P. Home Health & Hospice Executive Director, Jennie Garrett-Bureau credits the agency’s longstanding leadership and clinical expertise for being named a 2020 Home Health Honors recipient. She said, “We have an amazing team here that always puts the patient first. We look to provide the best continuity of care for our patients. These people are our friends and neighbors, and we take care of them like they are.”
Online class offered for caregivers
Powerful Tools for Caregivers, a six-week online workshop, designed for the non-professional, informal family caregiver, will be held on Wednesdays, beginning Oct. 6, through Nov. 10 from 2-3:30 pm ET, with an optional Zoom orientation on Wednesday, Sept. 29 at 2 pm. Research studies find high rates of depression and anxiety among caregivers and increased vulnerability to health problems. The Powerful Tools for Caregivers online program will provide caregivers tools to help reduce stress and increase relaxation, make tough decisions, reduce guilt, anger and depression, communicate effectively, set goals and problem solve, and take better care of themselves while caring for a relative or friend. Caregivers will benefit from the class whether they are helping a parent, spouse, or friend living at home, in longterm care or across the country. The workshop focuses on self-care for the caregiver, not on specific diseases or hands-on caregiving. Powerful Tools for Caregivers is offered by U.P. Commission for Area Progress (UPCAP) in partnership with Tri-County Office on Aging. There is no charge for this online workshop, but registration is required. Participants must also have a computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet connection and email address to participate. To register, visit www.upcap.org or call 2-1-1 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, for assistance.
Individual immunization records now available online
To help Michiganders ages 18 and older more easily access their immunization records, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently launched the Michigan Immunization Portal. Michigan adults with immunization records posted in the Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR), including COVID-19 vaccination, will be able to locate their own record online and download, save or print this information. The portal was funded through CDC grant dollars and was officially launched in mid-August. “We want to make sure Michiganders are able to access their vaccination records as easily as possible as this is important health information,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “The Michigan Immunization Portal allows them to find their record from their computer or smartphone and save a copy for their records. This will also allow anyone who has misplaced their COVID-19 vaccination card to print a record of their vaccination.” To ensure privacy and that individuals are the only ones able to access their own immunization records, Michiganders must create a MILogin account at Michigan.gov/MiImmsportal and upload a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license, state ID or passport. There is no cost to access the portal.
Conversational French meetings resume at NMU
After an absence of several semesters, La Table Française, an informal French converation/discussion group at NMU, has recently re-emerged and meets on Wednesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. at the NMU library room 311. The weekly event involves informal conversation and discussion on topics such as film, gastronomy, literature, art, and travel. The topic is selected in advance and presented by advanced students of French. Community members are warmly invited to attend to participate or just to listen. For additional information contact Nell Kupper at nkupper@nmu.edu or (906)227-2648.
Conference to focus on youth development, virtual communication
The Great Lakes Center for Youth Development will host the U.P. Nonprofit Conference on Thursday, Oct. 21, at the Northern Center at Northern Michigan University from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The keynote speaker will be Brad Gingras, a professional trainer, Nicole facilitator, generaFende tional strategist and consultant. Gingras has given professional development workshops, presentations and strategic planning facilitation to thousands of youth and professionals. He has expertise in generational training and strategies, leadership development, team building, career preparation and counseling, and motivational guidance. In addition to the keynote address, he will give a workshop titled Communication in a Virtual World. It is designed to provide insight into the evolution of communication along with effective strategies for engaging co-workers and colleagues, and for strengthening personal relationships. The event’s closing speaker will
October 2021 Marquette Monthly 15
be Nicole Fende. Also known as “The Numbers Whisperer,” she helps coaches and creative entrepreneurs achieve prosperity. She is a credentialed actuary with experience as an investment banker who attained chief financial officer status before age 30. Nicole is the author of two books, designer of Body Be Gone card game, and the Ringmaster of Creatopia. Her secret weapon – a highly contagious laugh with no known antidote. When she’s not teaching The Prosperity Solution, Nicole can be found spending time with her daughter, playing board games, or exploring the wilds of Minnesota. The event will include a breakfast buffet and lunch. For more information and to register visit www.glcyd.org
COVID-19 Community response fund grant provides support for PPE needs in Marquette County schools
Through a collaborative effort with local school districts, the Community Foundation of Marquette County and United Way of Marquette County recently announced a grant to Marquette-Alger Regional Education Service Agency (MARESA) to support the purchase of personal protective equipment, including masks, for Marquette County schools. The $7,400 grant was made possible by the COVID-19 Community Response Fund, which is administered by the Community Foundation in partnership with United Way of Marquette County. “These types of collaborative efforts have a meaningful impact in our community,” says Andrew Rickauer, Executive Director of United Way of Marquette County. “I am really pleased to be part of helping our local youth so that they are safe and can return to in-person learning.” The grant will allow MARESA to coordinate a bulk order of PPE, including masks, after the schools expressed a need as they prepare for the school year. “After hearing there was a need for PPE in Marquette County schools, we were able to utilize funds from the COVID-19 Community Response Fund to assist,” says Community Foundation CEO Zosia Eppensteiner. “With much uncertainty going into this school year, our hope is that this grant allows the schools to be prepared if the PPE is needed. Collaborating among organizations to provide a quick response to a community need is exactly what the Community Response Fund was set up to do.” The COVID-19 Community Response fund was established in 2020 to support the needs of the community and nonprofits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since March 2020, over $178,000 has been raised and over $160,000 in grants have been distributed. Grants have supported the community in a multitude of ways, from purchasing food for senior meal programs, to at-home craft kits for youth, to supplies for organizations assisting homeless populations.
Millions in support for Michigan fire departments announced; Stanton Township receives grant
The Michigan Public Health Institute will receive $1,408,797 to provide smoke detectors and develop online fire prevention tools for Michigan schools. The Fire Department Safety Officers Association will also receive $1,500,000 in federal funding to support community fire prevention education and training. These federal funds come from the Department of Homeland
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Security’s Fire Prevention and Safety Grant (FP&S) Program. “Our firefighters and first responders put their lives on the line to protect our families, homes, and communities,” said Sen. Debbie Stabenow in announcing the funding. “Prevention is so important. These new resources will help save lives and the treasured possessions of families.” “Research shows that a working smoke alarm can cut the risk of dying in a fire almost in half. Far too many people in our country lack this basic level of protection. Along with educating children about fire safety, this new funding from FEMA will allow us to distribute an additional 20,500 alarms, bringing the project total to 78,500 alarms in homes in high-risk communities,” said Meghan Faulkner, MA, associate director of Operations, Center for National Prevention Initiatives at Michigan Public Health Institute. Eligible fire departments and Emergency Medical Services organizations in Michigan and across the country can apply for Fire Prevention and Safety Grants. More information about the grant can be found at www.fema.gov/firegrants. U.S. Sens. Stabenow and Gary Peters also announced that the Stanton Township Volunteer Fire Department will receive $24,642 in federal funding for fire prevention and safety. These federal funds come from the Department of Homeland Security’s Fire Prevention and Safety Grant Program. “Our firefighters put their lives on the line to protect our families, homes, and communities,” said Sen. Stabenow. “These new resources will help keep the public safe and give our first responders the equipment they need to do their jobs more safely and effectively.” “First responders are on the frontlines to respond when emergencies strike. Ensuring that they are protected in the line of duty is vital,” said Sen. Peters, chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. “I’m pleased to announce these grants, which will help improve public safety and better ensure departments in Michigan have the resources to do their jobs safely and effectively.” Eligible fire departments and Emergency Medical Services organizations in Michigan and across the country can apply for Fire Prevention and Safety Grants. More information about the grant can be found at http://www.fema.gov/firegrants.
The Michigamme Moonshine Art Gallery in Michigamme will soon be closing its doors after 20 years of providing a venue for artists and art lovers in the region. Friederike Roach, owner of Michigamme Moonshine, said the business’ last day will be Sunday, Oct. 31. Over the years, the gallery has had more than 10,000 art pieces pass through its doors. Roach said she is proud to have displayed the works of many great artists, local and beyond. “Over these 20 years we have had so many wonderful patrons and artists. It was really a great time,” Roach said. These final weeks will be the first time the gallery has ever offered discounted prices for art. Michigamme Moonshine opened on Aug. 1, 2001. Discounts will vary by artist but are as much as 50 percent off. The gallery will continue its normal operating hours, Wednesday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and by chance, until its final day.
