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City notes
Public Invited to U.P. Authors Day Book Fair in Marquette
More than a dozen Upper Michigan authors from the Upper Peninsula will gather on Saturday, Oct. 9, for the fourth Upper Peninsula Authors Day Book Fair at Campfire Co-Works in the Masonic Building at 132 W. Washington Street in downtown Marquette. Participating authors will gather to greet the public from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is free. According to Victor R. Volkman, president of the U.P. Publishers and Authors Association, the event is intended to raise awareness of the rich tradition of writing about upper Michigan and to introduce readers to local authors. The original U.P. Authors Day was the brainchild of Lon Emerick, award-winning author of “The Superior Peninsula.” Volkman said he believes the event will be the largest single gathering of U.P. authors ever held. Gretchen Preston, author of the Valley Cats children’s book series and one of the organizers of the event, said, “I continue to be amazed by how many authors are writing about upper Michigan and upper Michigan subjects, as well as non-U.P. related subjects who live here. We will have everything from U.P. history books to romance novels, mysteries, children’s books, poetry, and a host of nonfiction titles.” For complete details visit www.uppaa.org/4th-up-authors-day
Pediatrician joins UGL in Hancock
Jared Meyette, MD, has joined the team of pediatric providers at Upper Great Lakes Hancock Family Health Center (UGL). Dr. Meyette is a native of Hancock and attended Michigan Technological University where he earned his bachelor of science in biology and completed his pre-med studies. He earned his doctor of medicine degree from Michigan State University in Grand Rapids, and completed his pediatrics residency at Beaumont Children’s Hospital in downstate Royal Oak. Patient and family relationships are one of Dr. Meyette’s favorite aspects of practicing medicine in Pediatrics. “I enjoy watching children grow up and attain their milestones while assisting in any way so they can achieve their best,” says Meyette, “With young ones – life is fun, simple things are appreciated, and the energy is endless.” Dr. Meyette and his wife, Tawnika, have five children – two girls and three boys. Dr. Meyette appreciates the ease of accessing the outdoors in the U.P. and enjoys activities such as fishing, hiking, and camping. UGL’s Hancock Family Health Center is located at 500 Campus Drive in Hancock.
Two physicians join U.P. Health System
U.P. Health System recently welcomed two new members to its health care network. Cemil Purut, M.D., joins U.P. Health System—Marquette as the newest member of its heart and vascular team. Dr. Purut came from Salem, VA, where he served as medical director of cardiovascular surgery for Lewis-Gale Medical Center. Dr. Purut, a cardiothoracic surgeon, sees patients seeking treatment for heart and lung conditions that may require surgical intervention, including heart bypass surgery, aortic valve replacement, mitral valve repair, carotid artery surgery, and adult congenital heart surgery. Catherine Boomus, MD, MPH, FACOEM, joins U.P. Health System’s occupational medicine team where she will serve as the new medical director overseeing Bell, Escanaba, and Marquette occupational medicine services. Dr. Boomus joins UPHS from St. Joseph in lower Michigan where she served as the occupational medicine director for Spectrum Health Lakeland. Dr. Boomus received a bachelor’s of biomedical engineering from Michigan Technological University before earning her doctorate of medicine from Michigan State University. She completed her occupational and environmental medicine residency and earned a master’s of public health from the University of California Los Angeles. Dr. Boomus is a fellow of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
2021 GINCC Business and Community Award Nominations Open
The Greater Ishpeming-Negaunee Area Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for this year’s GINCC Business and Community Awards. The awards categories include: Business Person of the Year; Volunteer of the Year; Business of the Year; and Organization of the Year. Businesses and organizations must be GINCC members. Volunteer of the Year
can be anyone in the community who has made an impact. Nominations will be accepted until Friday, Sept. 10. Anyone can nominate a local person, business or organization they feel worthy of special recognition. For more information or to submit a nomination visit gincc.org.
UP Beer Festival will play host to dozens of breweries
On Saturday, Sept. 11, 85 members of the Michigan Brewers Guild will gather in Mattson Lower Harbor Park in Marquette for the annual U.P. Fall Beer Festival. Tickets are on sale now at MiBeer.com. General admission is 1 to 6 p.m., with the gates opening at noon for a VIP hour for enthusiast members. Tickets are $50 per person in advance ($55 day of) with designated driver tickets for $10. “We are very happy to be returning to Marquette for our first beer festival in more than a year, and we are excited to share a beer with so many of our friends,” said Scott Graham, guild executive director. Formed in 1997, the Michigan Brewers Guild represents nearly 300 member breweries. The mission of the guild is to promote and protect the Michigan beer industry with an overarching goal to help locally brewed beer attain 20 percent of all beer sales in the state by 2025. Michigan’s brewing industry contributes more than 21,000 full-time jobs and $914 million in labor income, with a total economic impact of over $2.5 billion. In terms of overall number of breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs, Michigan ranks No. 6 in the nation — supporting its title as “The Great Beer State.”
Organizations teaming up to assist seniors with firewood
Three organizations serving senior citizens in Marquette County are teaming up through the a Better Together Initiative funded in part by the West End Health Foundation. Members of the Ishpeming and Negaunee Senior Centers, and Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly, are aware that access to firewood for home heating is a challenge for some seniors. The group is using surveys to gauge the extent of the need and resources available to determine a feasible solution. For more information, contact Ishpeming Senior Center at (906) 485-5527, Negaunee Senior Center (906) 475-6266, or Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly at (906) 273-2575.
Front Street Book Fair coming to Marquette
The American Association of University Women and the Friends of Peter White Public Library have joined together to present the first annual Front Street
Bradford Veley is a freelance cartoonist, illustrator and farmer in the Upper Peninsula. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram and at www.bradveley.com.
Book Fair. The event will be held for three days, Sept. 23, 24 and 25 at venues in the City of Marquette. Thousands of clean used books, CDs and DVDs will be available for purchase at low prices at the First Presbyterian Church, 120 N. Front Street, and at Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front Street. Proceeds from the sales will support AAUW’s mission of advancing gender equity for women and girls and will support PWPL’s programs, materials and equipment. Throughout the fair there will be several community events including: local singer-songwriter Michael Waite performing live Thursday evening at the library; an evening with Marquette author, Tyler Tichelaar on Friday at 7 p.m. at the Women’s Federated Clubhouse at 104 W. Ridge Street; a rare book appraisal session for the public on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the library; author signings throughout the day on Saturday at Snowbound Bookstore, 118 N. Third Street; and more. During the book fair there will be libation and food specials at the Landmark Inn, 230 N. Front Street. Facemasks may be required at certain venues. For more information call Peter White Public Library at (906) 228-9510 or visit www.pwpl.info
KNA holding fundraising raffle
The Keweenaw Natural Areas is holding a fundraising raffle to help preserve Seven Mile Point, shown in this photo by Dennis Hake, and other KNA natural areas. A total of 1,000 tickets are being sold for $100 each, with a drawing to be held October 16. The grand prize winner will receive $20,000. Second, and third and fourth prizes will be $5,000, $1,000 respectively, and a total of four $5000 prizes will also be awarded. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the KNA at KNAraffle@yahoo.com or by phone at (906) 370-9022.
The North Country Trail Hikers, the local chapter of the national North Country Trail Association, will be hosting “Celebrate Walking in Marquette” The event, which is open to the public, will be held Saturday, Sept. 25, from 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Mattson Lower Harbor Park. Participants are invited to simply walk from the park along the North Country Scenic Trail, which is the multi-use pathway that follows the shoreline, as far north or south as they wish and turn around and return to the park. Participants can sign up for free t-shirts and learn about the North Country Trail, a 4,700-mile national trail that extends from Vermont to North Dakota. Organizers describe the event as a fun day where chapter members get to interact with the public to share their passion for the trail. For more information visit Facebook.com/NCTHikers, email nct@northcountrytrail.org, or call (906) 226-6210.
Police remind motorists about school bus rules
With schools returning to session and an increase in school bus traffic, the Michigan State Police are reminding motorists to pay attention to school bus lights and observe the school bus stop law. This law requires motorists to treat school buses like traffic signals: prepare to stop when a slowing bus has its overhead yellow lights flashing; come to a complete stop at least 20 feet away from the bus when its overhead red lights are flashing. Do not proceed until the bus resumes motion or you are signaled to do so by the
West End residents now have a new storage option with the opening of W.I.N. Storage in Negaunee. W.I.N. Storage offers 24-hour access, digital video surveillance, online bill payments, drive-up access and onsite security. W.I.N. Storage is a locally owned business committed to offering great customer service. The Greater Ishpeming-Negaunee Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated the occasion with a Ribbon Cutting on Friday morning. There is currently a waitlist for units; however, owner Ryan Reichel encourages prospective renters to sign up, “as storage units are month-to-month and have frequent turnover.” To find out more and to get on the waitlist, visit winstorageunits.com. Front row (left to right): Ayla, Arya and Nora Reichel. Back row: Kristin Knapp, Tracy Magnuson, Angela Hentkowski, Nate Heffron, Bob Hendrickson, Diana Sundberg, Ryan Reichel, Andrea Jackson, and Tia Rodda. (Photo courtesy of the Greater Ishpeming-Negaunee Chamber of Commerce)
bus driver. Proceed with caution when the hazard warning lights, located near the headlights, are flashing.
National Mine resident named UP Veteran of Year
Former NMU student C. William “Bill” Hager was announced as the 2021 U.P. Veteran of the Year during an Aug. 19 ceremony at the U.P. State Fair. The National Mine resident served more than 20 years in the military, including two tours in Vietnam. He attended Northern before and after serving with the U.S. Navy from 1963-67, and was president of the NMU Vets Club. Hager later served for an extended period (1977-1993) with the 107th Engineers, Active Guard Reserve, retiring as a highly decorated master sergeant. “Bill Hager makes a better place for veterans and the community by opening his home, property and finances to others,” stated the Marquette Veterans Alliance, which nominated him for the honor. “He has been a mentor, counselor and advocate for county veterans. He addresses such issues as PTSD and drug/alcohol addiction through a church group, providing work and therapy for veterans at his hobby farm for rescued miniature horses and donkeys. Bill routinely aids homeless families searching for benefits and housing, and helps veterans enroll in VA services.” After his two tours in Vietnam, Hager wrote a play highlighting the struggles of Vietnam veterans while in service and after their return home, providing hope and promise to veterans and family members. The play was staged for four weeks at the Vista Theatre in Negaunee.
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, facilitator, generational 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 speaking. 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 will include a breakfast buffet and lunch. For more information and to register visit www.glcyd.org
Marquette County economic club resumes meetings
The Economic Club of Marquette County is returning in September with a full schedule of monthly speakers. The season will also include a networking hour along with a full dinner provided
this time it will be presented live. Tickets are $15 and can be obtained in advance at the door. Call (906) 226-3571 for details. This fundraiser is supported in part by the Rotary Club of Marquette.
Bluff Street parking ramp closes for renovations
The Bluff Street Parking Ramp, located between Front and Third Streets in Marquette, is closed to public hourly parking to accommodate a restoration project. Parking access will be maintained for rental parking permit holders, with parking shifts necessary to accommodate partial closures throughout the two-phased project. The east side of both the upper and lower levels of the structure closed August 30 to accommodate phase one repairs. Parking will be maintained on both levels of the west side for parking permit holders only during phase one construction. The electric vehicle charging station will not be available during phase one. Subsequent to completion of phase one, the west side of the structure will be closed during phase two, with rental permit parking only to resume on the east side at that time. Parking permit holders will be contacted directly with more detailed information. Signed, two-way ingress and egress will be provided, and motorists are advised to exercise caution when entering and leaving the parking structure. Public parking will be available on-street or in other public parking lots throughout downtown. Ram Construction Services of Kentwood, Michigan is the general contractor for the project, which is expected to be completed by October 15; however, weather and delays could affect its duration. For further information, contact the Marquette Downtown Development Authority at 906-228-9475 ext. 101.
Marquette Marathon returns Sept. 4
Runners from throughout the region will descend on Marquette County for the 2021 Marquette Marathon on Saturday, Sept. 4. The race counts as a qualifier course for the Boston Marathon. It begins in Ishpeming and follows the Iron Ore Heritage Trail to Marquette finishing inside the Superior Dome. The course has a reputation for being fast, as its vertical elevation drops 814 feet from start to finish. A half marathon and a 5K course are also available to runners. On Friday, Sept. 3, a one-mile fun run will be offered for children as part of the race expo event. The Marquette Marathon is presented by Northern Michigan University. For more information or to register visit marquettemarathon.com
Adeline Gray
American freestyle wrestler Adeline Gray, who trained at what is now Northern Michigan University’s National Training Site while attending Marquette Senior High School, won a silver medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the 76-kilogram final. It was the first Olympics for the five-time world champion. Germany’s Aline Rotter-Focken won the gold with a 7-3 victory. Helen Maroulis won Olympic bronze in the 2020 Tokyo Games after defeating Mongolia’s Khongorzul Boldsaikhan in the women’s freestyle 57kg wrestling event, 11-0. Maroulis trained at the Northern Michigan University National Training Site while attending Marquette Senior High School. In 2016, Maroulis brought home gold, becoming the first U.S. woman to win an Olympic wrestling gold medal. Iron Mountain native Delaney Schnell earned a silver medal in the women’s 10-meter synchronized platform diving at the 2020 Tokyo Games. Schnell, 22, now of Tucson, Ariz., teamed up with Jessica Parratto, 27, and their second-place finish marked the best U.S. performance in the event’s Olympic history. Though she spent her school years in Arizona, she told WJMN-TV earlier this year that she is “still a Yooper at heart.”
Helen Maroulis Delaney Schnell
Photos courtesy of Team USA
Michigan Tech and Bay College team up to support four-year degree programs
Two Upper Peninsula educational institutions — Michigan Tech and Bay College — are working together to encourage higher education and ease the transition from community college to a four-year institution. Through the recently signed agreement, Bay College students pursuing an associate’s degree will gradually prepare for their transition to a bachelor’s degree program at Michigan Tech. Advisors at both institutions will help the students successfully navigate and com-
plete their degrees. The initial agreement focuses on the Department of Applied Computing bachelor of science programs in Electrical Engineering Technology and Mechatronics
Fresh Coast Film Festival returning in October
Fresh Coast Film Festival organizers recently announced that the festival will return to Marquette October 14-17. Festival passes are available now at freshcoastfilm.com. Fresh Coast Film Festival is the first of its kind: a documentary film festival celebrating the outdoor lifestyle, water-rich environment and resilient spirit of the Great Lakes and upper Midwest. Amidst historical buildings and small business venues located throughout the city of Marquette, attendees can draw inspiration from the showcase of worldclass environmental and cultural filmmaking hand-selected by the Fresh Coast committee.“We are ecstatic to bring Fresh Coast back to the community for our 5th annual festival,” states Bugsy Sailor, Fresh Coast co-founder. “We’ve long spoken about the resilient spirit of the Great Lakes region, and bringing the festival back is a perfect example of the resilience in our community … “ A key component of the Fresh Coast experience will be guided outdoor activities to introduce visitors to the outdoor playground of the Marquette area. Rock climbing, yoga, waterfall hikes and mountain bike rides will all be offered as part of the Fresh Coast weekend. This year, Fresh Coast Film Festival is presented by its title sponsor, Make It Marquette, a talent recruitment and retention campaign that was launched by Innovate Marquette SmartZone earlier this year. For more information visit freshcoastfilm. com. and follow the organization on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Public encouraged to purchase from local farmers
In an effort to support local farmers and encourage consumers to purchase local food, the U.P. Food Exchange (UPFE) has revamped its Farm Fresh Food Guides. The handouts, which can be found online at upfoodexchange.com/farmdirectories, contain information on local farms that offer Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), online stores, and other remote purchasing options for every county in the U.P. According to UPFE there are a number of important benefits for buying local: “To start, locally grown fruits and vegetables taste better and are better for you. Food grown in your own community was likely picked just days ago and is fresh, crisp, loaded with flavor and packed with nutrients. Local food supports local farm families. Local farmers who sell direct to consumers or at retailers that support local food systems are compensated much more fairly for their product. When you buy from a local farmer or business, you’re circulating money directly back into the local economy, creating stability within your community,” are some of the advantages cited by UPFE. For more information about UPFE, or to obtain copies of the local food handbills free of charge, visit upfoodexchange.com or contact via email at info@upfoodexchange.com.
MDHHS urges Michiganders to continue routine cancer screenings
Life-saving cancer screenings have experienced a significant decline during the pandemic, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noting an 87 percent drop in breast cancer screenings and an 84 percent decrease in cervical cancer screenings nationally in April 2020 compared to the five previous years. Screening disparities among low-income minority women were already evident prior to COVID-19 and the pandemic has intensified those disparities. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is urging Michigan women to resume these routine screenings. People in need of screenings can call MDHHS at 844-446-8727 to speak with a program specialist.
Chronic Pain PATH program available for free
Afree, online program will be offered to provide education on chronic pain and issues related to chronic pain. “Chronic Pain PATH” is a six-week, self-management online workshop designed for people living with chronic pain. Family members, friends, and caregivers are also encouraged to attend the workshop. The workshop, which is presented by Michigan State University Extension, will offer information on how to work with health care providers; manage symptoms of pain, fatigue, difficult emotions, sleep problems, depression; make lifestyle changes such as healthy eating and physical activity; and set goals and accomplish them. The workshop will be held online via Zoom. An internet or data connection is required as well as a device with a camera and audio. There is also an option to listen over the telephone for those who do not have the computer equipment needed for Zoom. The online address for the workshop is https://events.anr.msu.edu/ chronicpainsept23carter/ For more information contact Anita Carter at carte356@ msu.edu or call (906) 360-9732.
Beaumier Center to host architectural walking tours
Northern Michigan University’s Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center will host a free “Welcome Back” reception in its Gries Hall gallery at 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 2. Attendees will have an opportunity to view the current exhibition, “A Beau-
tiful Location: The Architecture of NMU.” Hors d’oeuvres and light refreshments will be available. Masks are required. The exhibition explores how NMU’s campus transitioned from one building in a remote part of Marquette to modern facilities to accommodate significant growth in the 1960s and to the present high-tech community. Photographs, maps and architectural plans of past and present facilities are showcased. The exhibition also includes a time-lapse map showing how the campus has grown and spread out over the past 122 years, and display cases featuring architectural fragments, signs and artifacts from buildings no longer in existence. Additional architectural walking tours are scheduled at 1 p.m. on two Thursdays: Sept. 9 and Sept. 23. Reserve a spot by calling 227-2549.
Partnership brings freshbrewed coffee to airport
Sawyer International Airport is partnering with the Velodrome Coffee Company to offer specialty coffee in the security checkpoint for passengers waiting to board their flights. Passengers will be able to purchase fresh-brewed cups of coffee with the convenience of simple self-service at the press of a button. The newly installed Franke Freshbrew coffee machines, the same machines found in every American Airlines Admirals Club, dispense a variety of coffee flavors and offer decaf. The machine accepts cards and other contactless forms of payment and are designed for ease of use. Velodrome Coffee Company is a locally owned and operated café. Visit www.sawyerairport. com and www.velodromecoffeecompany. com for more information.
UPCAP offering Walk With Ease program
UPCAP) is offering the Arthritis Foundation’s Walk With Ease program. This is a self-guided walking program with online class support to help participants stay motivated and build confidence, while learning to safely increase physical activity. The six-week online course is designed with older adults in mind, but participants of all ages can benefit from walking. If you can be on your feet for 10 minutes without increased pain, you can have success with Walk With Ease. Online classes will be held on Thursdays, 11 am. to noon, September 30 through November 4. Participants also have the option to attend a Webex virtual platform orientation at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 23. The orientation is designed to prepare participants to attend the classes virtually. To register, visit upcap.org or call 211, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, for assistance. There is no charge for this online class. You must have a computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet connection, microphone, webcam and email
Marquette County United Way launches 2021-2022
The United Way of Marquette County recently announced that Melissa Holmquist and Amy Quinn will serve as campaign co-chairs for the 2021-2022 campaign. Melissa Holmquist is the chief executive officer of U.P. Health Plan where she has been employed for over 19 years. A native of Crystal Falls, Holmquist moved to the Marquette area to attend Northern Michigan University where she obtained both a bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She serves on numerous local, state, and national boards including Invest UP and the Marquette County Economics Club. “I am honored to serve as a United Way co-chair for the 2021-2022 season. I believe in the mission of the organization and am excited to lend my voice to help them further their goals and to continue to provide critical funding to a variety of worthy community-based organizations,” Holmquist said. Amy Quinn is the CEO of Grow and Lead, a community-based organization working to create bright futures for youth by strengthening the nonprofit sector. Quinn previously served as the executive director of Four Corners Child Advocacy Center and as a Commodity Trading Advisor with Cargill, Inc. She has eight years of experience in for-profit and 15 years in for-purpose corporations. She holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture business from Colorado State University and a master’s of business administration from Northern Michigan University. “A vibrant nonprofit industry is essential for a thriving community,” Quinn said. “United Way is a credible source to help your neighbors because they believe in the Tanzanian proverb that little by little, a little becomes a lot.” This year’s fundraising campaign began August 30. As part of the campaign, United Way of Marquette County is also offering to schedule15-minute presentations at interested organizations and workplaces about how United Way makes a difference in Marquette County. For more information call (906) 226-8171 or visit www.uwmqt.org.
Nominations sought for pandemic heroes
The Michigan Community Service Commission is launching the Michigan Heroes Campaign virtual recognition website to celebrate individuals and organizations that have made a difference helping others during the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond in Michigan. Nominations are now being accepted in preparation for a campaign launch at the end of September. Anyone can nominate a hero by visiting www.miheroesproject.org. Heroes will have given their time, talent, or
treasures to make Michigan stronger and more resilient. The current focus of the campaign is the response and recovery of the COVID-19 pandemic, but anyone can be nominated for helping others. Nominees will be put through a brief screening to make sure they meet certain criteria, then will be featured on the website. Questions can be directed to LEO-MIHeroesProject@michigan.gov
SAYT holding auditions for musical
Superior Arts Youth Theatre is holding auditions September 8 and 9 for Disney’s Descendents: The Musical. Based on the popular Disney Channel original movies, Disney’s Descendants: The Musical is a brand-new musical comedy featuring the beloved characters and hit songs from the films. Open to youth in preschool through eighth grade. Vocal Auditions are as follows, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on September 8; and from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. on September 9. Dance Auditions for individuals with up to four years of experience (to include those with no experience) will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on September 9. Dance Auditions for individuals with five years or more of experience will take place from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. on September 9. Callbacks will take place September 10, as assigned from 4 to 8 p.m. Rehearsals begin on September 13, with mandatory rehearsals from October 24 to November 3. Performances will take place November 4 to 7.
UPCF provides more than $500,000 in grants
For the first time, the Upper Peninsula Catholic Foundation, Inc. (UPCF) topped $500,000 in its annual grant distributions for various Catholic ministries across the Upper Peninsula. The UPCF connects faith with charitable giving through long-term support for the needs of Catholic ministries in the Diocese of Marquette. Six new endowment funds are providing grant distributions for the first time in 2021, and several others are providing a significant boost in grant amounts due to bequests received and asset growth over the last year. Holy Name High School — A Chesterton Academy in Escanaba — will benefit from two firsttime grants from the UPCF as it opens its doors in the fall of 2021. The school created several endowment funds in the UPCF and continues to actively fundraise to grow those endowments for long-term sustainability of the new school. Due to a significant bequest gift received last year, Catholic Social Services of the U.P. will receive a first-time grant, and the Seminarian Endowment Fund will receive a higher grant this year. The bequest, over $1 million received from the estate of Donald Stanley, created a legacy of care for seminarians and social services in the U.P. The
largest grant at $347,692 is from the Legacy of Faith Endowment Fund, and will provide funding to 76 parishes, Catholic schools, and Catholic Social Services of the U.P. The Legacy of Faith Endowment fund has been providing grants to foster the Catholic faith in the U.P. since 2002.
UP Regional Blood Center in need of all blood types
The UP Regional Blood Center is currently experiencing a critical need for all blood types. The UP Regional Blood Center has collection sites in Marquette, Hancock, Escanaba, and Iron Mountain and is the primary supplier of blood to 13 UP hospitals. Please visit our Facebook page at UPRBC906 or website at http:// www.mgh.org/blood for center details and blood drive locations. For hours and scheduling please call Marquette at 906449-1450, Hancock at 906-483-1392. Iron Mountain at 906-774-1012 and Escanaba at 906-786-8420. Donate Local. Keep your blood in the U.P. donate with the U.P. Regional Blood Center.
MDHHS now recommends masking in schools
In mid-August, the Michigan Department of Health and human Service issued updated health recommendations designed to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 within school buildings, reduce disruptions to in-person learning and help protect vulnerable individuals and individuals who are not fully vaccinated. Because many students have yet to be vaccinated and students under age 12 are not yet eligible, layered prevention measures, including universal masking, must be put in place for consistent in-person learning to keep kids, staff and families safe. According to MDHHS, the guidance was updated to reflect the most current recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on masking and prevention strategies to help operate schools more safely. Mask use has been proven to substantially reduce transmission in school settings. “We are committed to ensuring Michigan students and educators are safe in the classroom, including those who may not yet be vaccinated,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS. “MDHHS is issuing this guidance to help protect Michiganders of all ages. We continue to urge all eligible residents to get the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible, as it is our best defense against the virus and the way we are going to end this pandemic.”
Grant supports sustainable food system effort
The Northern Michigan University Center for Rural Health has received a $194,421 grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund to explore the feasibility of an aggregation, distribution and light food processing facility serving Marquette and Alger Counties. The project will bring together businesses, service agencies, school systems and farmers to plan for a sustainable food system in the region. Research shows the benefits of local food consumption for both human and economic health, the grant proposal stated. The U.P.’s widely dispersed population and lack of food infrastructure require that the majority of food consumed in the region be transported from downstate.
NMU’s SHINE program will offer sustainability support to UP businesses
Northern Michigan University’s Sustainability Hub for Innovation and the Environment (SHINE) recently launched and announced its partnership with Grand Rapids-based nonprofit People First Economy. Together, the entities will deploy technical assistance and sustainability expertise to a cohort of Marquette-area businesses. Funded in part by the MEDC, the “Good for Michigan” program will help businesses implement positive and measurable place-based impacts related to diverse workforces, sustainable supply chains, carbon footprint reduction, environmental stewardship and community impact. The team will recruit 15 to 20 businesses to work with each semester. Michigan Technological University and Bay College sign partnership agreement to encourage four-year degrees in computing, electrical engineering, and mechatronics.
Bart King monument on Sugar Loaf turns 100
Back in the late fall of 1921, a group of community members and Boy Scouts finished a stone monument on the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain. This monument stands today, 100 years later, to recognize a WWI soldier from Marquette, Bart King. The Marquette Regional History Center will commemorate his life and sacrifice during WWI, along with the volunteers who built this monument, including stone mason Harmidas Dupras, and scout leaders such as Perry Hatch, who organized the large effort of hauling stones and supplies. The event will take place at 6 p.m. at top of Sugar Loaf, when a short presentation will be given on the history of this centennial monument. Participants are encouraged to begin their hike at the MRHC information table at the new south parking lot. The event is free and open to the public, with donations optional.
