November 2023 Marquette Monthly by marquettemonthly

Marquette Monthly

November 2023

November 2023 No. 415

Publishers

Jane Hutchens James Larsen II

Managing Editor Michael Murray

Calendar Editors Erin Elliott Bryan Carrie Usher

Graphic Design

contents

City Notes

New York Times Crossword Puzzle

Highlights of important happenings in the area Doing Doughnuts (answers on page 60)

14 On Campus

News from U.P. universities & colleges

18 Then & Now The Quincy Mine

20 Feature

John Smolens USCG Station Marquette safeguards our waters

28 Sporting Life

Eleni Robertson Bruce Closser sets record in cross-country ride

33 Locals

Proofreader

37 The Arts

Circulation

41 The Arts

Chief Photographer

43 Back Then

Dick Armstrong 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 2023 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 marquettemonthly.com

About the Cover Artist Elizabeth Gartner Howe lives and works in Marquette, where it is easy for her to see the beauty of nature. Working in oils and acrylics, she wants the viewer to feel the temperature of the air, the breeze blowing or the wetness of the water as her bold strokes and colors lead them to go deeper into the piece.

Jackie Stark

Nicole Walton is passionate about local news

Jennifer Bell

Kingsley Agassi

Superior View

Erin Elliott Bryan Vista Theater has new life after roof collapse Jennifer Donovan

Project helps Copper Country kids think about peace Larry Chabot Remembering the highlights of 1923

46 In the Outdoors

Scot Stewart Feathers perform many diverse functions

57 Lookout Point

Lily Venable

59 In the Outdoors

Kathy Ihde

Gratitude-based practices offer health benefits Keweenaw coalition works to secure land for public use

64 Lookout Point

Alex Lehto-Clark No simple solutions in Powell spaceport debate

68 The Arts

Brad Gischia

71 Locals

Pam Christensen

Matt Maki

Comedy festival returns to Marquette

George LaBlonde Jr. served those who served

Poetry To Cope

73 Superior Reads

Victor R. Volkman Another volume of North of Nelson

Coloring Page

75 Out & About

Erin Elliott Bryan & Carrie Usher

November events and music, art and museum guides

November 2023

Marquette Monthly

November 2023

city notes Wiese appointed judge in 25th Circuit Court

Orchard Trail opens in Copper Harbor

ov. Gretchen Whitmer on Oct. 26 announced her appointment of Matthew J. Wiese as a judge in the 25th Circuit Court. Wiese, the current Marquette County prosecuting attorney, will fill a partial term following the resignation of Judge Jennifer Mazzuchi. Wiese, who has served in the prosecutor’s office for more than 30 years, will take his place on the bench on Nov. 27. His term expires on Jan. 1, 2025.

UPHS announces Atchison’s resignation

P Health System announced on Oct. 26 that Gar Atchison, market president of UPHS and chief executive officer of UPHS–Marquette, will step down from his role in late November. Atchison, who has been with UPHS since 2019, has accepted a position in his hometown of Petoskey. Tonya Darner, current chief operating officer of UPHS–Marquette, has been appointed interim CEO.

Marquette winter parking ban takes effect Nov. 1

ith winter approaching, Marquette’s citywide winter parking ban will be in place Nov. 1 through April 1, 2024. The parking ban ordinance makes it a violation to park a vehicle on city streets and in city parking lots between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. The fine for violation is $75. Any questions can be directed to the Marquette City Police at 906-228-0400.

League of Women Voters to meet on Nov. 1

he League of Women Voters of Marquette County will hold its next membership meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 1. Social time will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by the meeting from 6:45 to 8:15 in Studio 1 in the lower level of the Peter White Public Library. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. All community members are welcome to attend. Write to lwvmqtco@ gmail.com for more information.

The Copper Harbor Trails Club and Visit Keweenaw have announced the completion of the Orchard Trail. This newly improved crushed gravel mountain bike route completes a six-mile loop from the Trails End Campground to Fort Wilkins State Park. The Orchard Trail is the latest chapter in the growth of the crushed gravel network in Copper Harbor, which includes several other easily accessible scenic sites. (Photo courtesy of Visit Keweenaw)

Film festival returns to Rozsa Center in Houghton

he 41 North Film Festival returns Nov. 2 to 5 to the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts in Houghton. The event, which is free and open to the public, features more than 20 films, panels, special guests, music and more. Visit 41northfilmfest.org for details.

Calumet Public Library plans November events

here’s a lot happening at the Calumet Public Library this fall, and all events are open to everyone. The monthly Friends of the Library meeting will take place on the second Tuesday of the month, Nov. 14, at 5:30 p.m. in the Community Room. On Nov. 15, the Red Jacket Readers book club will discuss Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley at 6:30 p.m. Boulley, the bestselling author of Firekeeper’s Daughter, has written a follow-up that introduces readers to the next generation of the Firekeeper family. Also set on Sugar Island (near Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario), the book is a thriller about the power of discovering your stolen history. Missing Indigenous women, grave robbing and Anishinaabe culture are all a part of the story. The Friends of the Calumet Public Library will sponsor a used book sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 18 in the Community Room; this event is open to the public. It will feature a wide variety of books, CDs and DVDs,

and proceeds support library services and programs not provided for by the general library budget. The library hosts its weekly preschool story time at 10:15 a.m. on Thursdays, and there is an ongoing puzzle exchange. For information, email libraryfriends@pasty.net, call 906-337-0311 or visit facebook.com/CalumetLibrary.

Hiawatha Music Co-op awarded grant; meeting set

he Michigan Arts and Culture Council recently announced its 2024 operational support grants; among its recipients was the Hiawatha Music Co-op (HMC). HMC was awarded $16,500 with a grant score of 96 percent. HMC will host its annual meeting on Friday, Nov. 3. The meeting, which is free for members, will include dinner at 6 p.m. at Barrel + Beam, followed by live music by Adam Sawfox. It is open to the public after 8 p.m. Visit hiawathamusic.org for information.

Eagle Mine to host community forums

agle Mine will host its annual fall community forums throughout Marquette County in early November. The forums are designed as a dialogue between Eagle Mine and the community to learn more about the status of the mine and receive updates on its operations.

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Marquette Monthly

Three forums are on the schedule: 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 7 at the Powell Township Hall in Big Bay; noon to 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 8 at the Michigamme Township Hall; and 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Humboldt Township Hall.

Marquette Farmers Market moves indoors

he Downtown Marquette Farmers Market will transition indoors for the months of November and December, making it easy to stock up on Thanksgiving and holiday needs at the Marquette Commons. Shopping hours in November will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, with no market on Nov. 25. The Holiday Market in December will feature festive delicacies, unique gifts and all the trimmings needed for a sensational celebration. Extended hours will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays through Dec. 16. Follow @mqtfarmersmarket on social media or subscribe to the newsletter for the latest updates.

U.P. authors to appear at holiday events this month

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

he Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Association has complied a holiday shopping guide to help readers meet their favorite local authors. Many of these events are also charity fundraisers for the local community. Deborah Frontiera, author of middle-grade books like Living on SISU: The 1913 Union Copper Strike Tragedy and Superior Tapestry: Weaving the Threads of Upper Michigan History, will be at the Big Holiday Craft Show on Nov. 4 at Kingsford Middle School. Fiction writer and memoirist Jan Kellis, author of Tales from the Jan Van: Lessons on Life and Camping and others, will appear at the Pickford craft show on Nov. 10 and 11 at the Pickford Township Hall and at Sault Ste. Marie High School on Nov. 18. Frontiera will join Terri Martin, author of the award-winning The Home Wind middle-grade book and humorous U.P. fiction books like Moose Willow, at Keweenaw Art Affair on Nov. 11 at Houghton High School. Carol Schulz, author of The Adventures of Charlie the Chihuahua, The Story of Journey, the Great Horned Owl and other children’s books, will appear at the Holy Spirit Catholic High School holiday craft show in Norway on Nov. 18 and 19. The TV6 Craft Show at the Ruth Butler Building at the U.P. State Fairgrounds in Escanaba on Nov. 24 and 25 will include Michael Carrier, au-

Marquette Monthly

thor of 16 Jack Handler U.P. mysteries; Dorothy Paad, author of Dorothy is Moving Mountains and Dance Your Dance Sing Your Song; and Mikel B. Classen, historian and author of True Tales: The Forgotten History of the U.P. and Faces, Places & Days Gone By, a Pictorial History of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Terri Martin and Carol Besonnen, a former L’Anse Sentinel journalist and author of Off the Hook: Off-Beat Reporter’s Tales from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, will appear at the Baraga American Legion craft sale on Nov. 25. The TV6 Craft Show at the Superior Dome in Marquette from Dec. 1 to 3 will feature Carrier and Classen as well as Larry Buege, author of the Chogan series, and Tyler Tichelaar, author of Marquette-themed books and Kawbawgam: The Chief, The Legend, The Man. For information on the UPPAA, visit uppaa.org.

Library offers Food for Fines to support Canathon

he Peter White Public Library in Marquette will partner with the TV6 Canathon to help feed our hungry neighbors. From Nov. 6 through Dec. 1, the library will serve as a collection point for food items to help stock local food pantries.

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As an incentive to donate, the library is offering Food for Fines, a program that allows library users to resolve overdue fines with the donation of nonperishable food items to the TV6 Canathon. Bring in one nonperishable food item to the library’s circulation desk in exchange for $1 in overdue fines. There is no limit to the dollar amount of fines that can be waived through Food for Fines. The program applies only to overdue fines; it cannot be used to resolve fees for lost or damaged materials. For information about the Food for Fines program, call 906-226-4310.

Superior Arts Youth Theater to stage Annie Jr.

uperior Arts Youth Theater’s production of Annie Jr. will feature more than 60 local youth in eighth grade and younger beginning on Nov. 9 at NMU’s Forest Roberts Theatre. This production is directed by Caitlin Palomaki, music directed by Sara Parks, choreographed by Skylar Taavola and stage managed by Molly Luty. With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie (Addi Perry) charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. Annie is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years before on the doorstep of an or-

phanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan (Olivia Niemi). Annie foils Miss Hannigan’s evil machinations with the help of her fellow orphans Molly (Madeline Rowe), Tessie (Geenlea Oja), Pepper (Armina Weinrick), July (Zuri Ghiardi), Duffy (Eliana Sullivan) and Kate (Rorie Johnson). Eventually, Annie finds a new home and family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks (Lukas Barron), his personal secretary, Grace Farrell (Ellia Marquardson), and a lovable mutt named Sandy (Sammy Doppelt/Jake Ludwig). In addition to the large, talented youth ensemble, this production includes favorite characters such as the scheming duo Rooster Hannigan (Jack Johnson) and Lily St. Regis (Avery DeAndra); radio announcer Bert Healey (Caleb Rayhorn) and his sound effects man (Chooch Leonard); Bundles McCloskey (Grant Ottaway); and President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (Pablo Krebs). Performances of Annie Jr. are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Nov. 9, 10 and 11; with 1 p.m. shows on Nov. 11 (a Theatre for All performance) and Nov. 12. Tickets are $15 for adults, $9 for seniors and students; they are available online at nmu.universitytickets.com.

Notable Book Club presents Q&A with Larry Jorgensen

he Crystal Falls Community District Library in partnership with the U.P. Publishers and Authors Association has scheduled author events with winners of the U.P. Notable Book List. The 32nd event is with historian Larry Jorgensen, author of Shipwrecked and Rescued: The City of Bangor. Jorgensen will take participants through the rescue of The City of Bangor, which crashed near Eagle Harbor at the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula in 1926. He calls it a “double rescue” because the lifesaving crew from Eagle Harbor was on its way to save another ship and crew when it accidentally spotted The City of Bangor caught up on the ice. The talk will be held at 7 p.m. on Nov. 9 via Zoom. Contact Evelyn Gathu in advance at egathu@crystalfallslibrary.org or 906-875-3344. It is recommended to borrow a copy of the book from your local library or purchase one from a local bookseller in advance to get the most out of these events.

MSHS to present Beauty and the Beast

he Marquette Senior High School drama and music departments

will present Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at 7 p.m. on Nov. 10 and at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Nov. 11 at Kaufman Auditorium. This production is directed by Amber Christunas with musical direction and production by Sheila Grazulis and choreography by Jill Grundstrom. The pit conductor is Eric Marta. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and are available at NMU ticket outlets.

Annual holiday art sale scheduled for Nov. 11

Did You Know ... there were three U.S. Army posts in the Upper Peninsula?

he oldest was Fort Mackinac (1796 to 1895), first established by the French and British at the Straits of Mackinac. It was followed by Fort Brady (1822 to 1944) at Sault Ste. Marie to guard the northern frontier at the canal, especially during World War II. Finally, there was the short-lived Fort Wilkins at Copper Harbor (1844 to 1846), intended to keep law and order during the copper rush.

he Marquette Regional History Center and City of Marquette Arts and Culture Center will host the 23rd annual holiday art sale on Saturday, Nov. 11. The following artists will be selling their work: Penny Mellen, Ann Golden, Judy Parlato, Jenny Frein Hamel, Candace Prill, Mary Ann Theis, Mavis Farr, JoAnn Shelby, Alec Dawn Lindenberger, Kristi Leigh Difulvio, Abby Petersen, Sarah Reynolds, Molly Wallen, Monica Zehnder, Chrysande Levesque Hendrick, Neil Harrison, Karen Tembreull, Susan Estler, Jason Limberg, Heather Lindquist, Cindy Engle, Julie Highlen, Shantina Hatfield, Marlene Wood, Sandy Weber, Samara Floral and Rock River Farms. In addition to the sale, the museum will hold an old-fashioned bake sale, its annual Dollhouse Days and a membership drive; the History Center gift shop will be open for the event. The sale will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Marquette Regional History Center. There will be a $2 admission fee, which includes entrance to the sale, MRHC exhibits and all other activities. Proceeds support the MRHC.

Marquette DDA announces Ladies Day Out on Nov. 16

adies Night Out has changed to Ladies Day Out so that more people can take advantage of the specials that downtown Marquette businesses will provide to kick off the holiday shopping season. This year, there will be more than 60 participating businesses ranging from boutique stores, art galleries and restaurants. Ladies Day Out will take place on Thursday, Nov. 16. Passports will make a return as will the traditional drawings for gift baskets containing a collection of items donated from participating businesses. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Women’s Center, and donated items will also be collected for the Women’s Center Harbor House. For

Submitted by Dr. Russell M. Magnaghi, history professor emeritus of NMU and author, including Classic Food and Restaurants of the Upper Peninsula.

information, quette.org.

visit

downtownmar-

Dementia caregiving workshops offered

ementia Caregiving Series, a three-part online program designed for caregivers of people with dementia, will be held on Nov. 30, Dec. 7 and Dec. 14 via Zoom. During the three online sessions, participants will learn basic information about dementia and its impact on brain function, how to communicate more effectively with someone who has dementia, recognize stages of dementia, how to provide meaningful daily activities based on the interests and abilities of the person with dementia, how to better understand and address dementia-related behaviors, learn strategies and benefits of selfcare and how to build a support network. Each session is an hour long. There is no charge for this program, but registration is required. To register by Nov. 26, visit upcap.org or call 2-1-1.

Iron County Museum hosts Galleria fundraiser

he Iron County Museum will host its 2023 Christmas Tree Galleria, the museum’s biggest fundraiser, Nov. 25 through Dec. 10. The old-fashioned Christmas event will feature more than 30 decorated trees, a gift basket raffle with more than 40 baskets and special programs, including Family Night, Business After Hours, a Santa Lucia Celebration and more. Guests can also stop by daily to purchase raffle tickets, enjoy coffee and sweets and hear Christmas music. All events are free and take place at the museum in Caspian. For information, call 906-265-2617 or visit ironcountymuseum.org.

Rozsa Center’s holiday gift market is Nov. 25

he 25th annual Home for the Holidays Gift Market at the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts at Michigan Tech, which historically draws more than 1,000 holiday shoppers, will be held on Nov. 25. The annual event is a juried show, guaranteeing shoppers an excellent and varied assortment of quality artisan and unique items. The market will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Rozsa Center’s lobby.

Choral Society to present Transcendence in December

he Marquette Choral Society will present two concerts in December. The theme of the programs is “Transcendence: Celebrating the Transcendence of Life over Death and Peace over Strife.” The group will perform Tarik O’Regan’s “Martyr,” written in 2008; and Joseph Haydn’s “Paukenmesse,” or “Mass in the Time of War,” written in 1796. O’Regan is a London-born composer based in San Francisco whose recent work investigates and has been influenced by his dual Arab and Irish heritages. His setting of the “Agnus Dei” was performed at the coronation service of King Charles III. “Martyr,” the piece to be performed by MCS, celebrates the life of St. Alban, the first known British Christian martyr. It was written as a counterpart to Haydn’s “Missa in Angustiis” (Nelson’s Mass) using the same orchestration. Haydn’s “Mass in the Time of War” is one of the most popular of the composer’s 14 settings of the Mass. Haydn composed this Mass during Austria’s mobilization into the European war that followed the French Revolution.

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Marquette Monthly

The concerts will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 16 and 3 p.m. on Dec. 17 at Kaufman Auditorium. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students and can be purchased online at nmu. edu/tickets. The Marquette Choral Society is a mixed-voice, nonauditioned, adult choir of about 100 singers from a four-county region in the Upper Peninsula. It is currently led by musical director Erin Colwitz. For information, visit marquettechoralsociety.org.

Appreciating fiber arts

GPS phones help Keweenaw first responders

NMU theatre and dance hosts alumni awards

he Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Office is making use of a $5,144 Destination Development Award from Visit Keweenaw. The office purchased eight GPS satellite phones to be used by officers and members of Keweenaw County Search and Rescue. Due to the geographical layout and elevation differences across the peninsula, phone signal can be difficult to find. Keweenaw County Sheriff Curt Pennala said these GPS phones can acquire a longitude and latitude on 911 calls and use them to locate people in distress. Pennala said these new devices operate without a cell phone signal and can be used to increase the efficiency of search and rescue operations. The Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Office serves more than 3.8 million acres of wilderness in Keweenaw County.

orthern Michigan University’s theatre and dance department hosted its 60th anniversary reception and inaugural alumni awards celebration on Oct. 27 and 28 to honor exceptional achievements in the entertainment arts. NMU Theatre and Dance Circle of Champions, an honor bestowed upon an individual who has made significant contributions to the enduring success and legacy of the theatre and dance program at NMU, was presented to James Rapport (professor, director of theatre and department head of speech, 1958-1998), James Panowski (professor, director of theatre, 1978-2009), Shelley Russell (professor, theatre, 1983-2021) and Victor Holliday (associate professor, head of design, 1982-2020). NMU Theatre and Dance Outstanding Alumni Hall of Fame, an honor bestowed upon NMU theatre and dance alumni who have developed a sustained and significant career in the industry of entertainment arts, was presented to Michael Detroit (executive producer, Playhouse in the Square, UPTA creator), Leah Hocking (Broadway performer, 10 shows), Janel Cooke Rayome (administrative director, Ballet Tech, New York City) and Porter Kelly (actor). NMU Theatre and Dance Outstanding Young Alumni — for those 40 and younger who have distinguished themselves with significant success in a professional theatre or dance production; educational or community theater and dance; or an arts-related industry — was presented to Kelly Moscinski (owner/head of casting at The Voicecaster, Burbank, Calif.), Travis Moscinski (actor/voice actor) and Jalina McClain (arts administration and management). NMU Theatre and Dance Rising Stars, for alumni no more than 10 years removed from their NMU graduation, who have achieved significant early success in the industry

Marquette Monthly

March 31, the Michigan DNR reminds everyone to consider wearing blaze orange (often referred to as “hunter orange”) when out on the trails, especially during archery and regular firearm deer seasons. While hunters do look out for hikers, bikers, horseback riders, runners and others outdoors, they are especially in tune with this highly visible color. Don’t forget a hunter orange bandana, leash or harness for pets, too.

Quilts, knits, weaving, spinning and other fiber arts were on full display at the Marquette Regional History Center during the 2023 Lake Superior Fiber Festival on Sept. 16. In addition to displays of handcrafted works, there were educational demonstrations, a fashion show, door prizes and free take-home arts and crafts activities. Mary Ann Theis, who advises the Lake Superior Knitters, first approached MRHC in 2015 about a fiber arts festival “to highlight work traditionally done by women,” and the inaugural event took place in 2016. A second festival took place in 2018, but this was the return following the pandemic. Theis said the original idea for the festival was to explore various fiber arts and link them to items in the History Center to understand how the art has evolved. “Like all art,” she said, “there is the element of self-expression and how we see and define beauty.” Those interested in learning or studying the fiber arts are invited to write to LkSuperiorFiber@gmail.com. (Photo courtesy of Mary Ann Theis)

of entertainment arts, was presented to Sophie Sam (director), Abbey Schneck (management) and Alicia Reynolds (dance).

DNR shortens lodging reservation window

o help streamline camping and overnight lodging reservations in Michigan state parks and recreation areas, the DNR is shortening the overnight lodging reservation window from 12 months to six. The DNR says that moving to the six-month window will help make

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things more consistent for everyone and better plan for maintenance. To introduce the new six-month window with as little disruption as possible, a “shrinking” booking window will begin on Nov. 1 and will be fully implemented on May 1, 2024. Visit michigan.gov/dnr for information.

DNR offers reminder to wear ‘hunter orange’

ith open hunting season occurring on public and private lands at all times from Aug. 1 through

Blood donations needed across Upper Peninsula

he U.P. Regional Blood Center is experiencing a need for all blood types. The center has collection sites in Marquette, Hancock and Escanaba and is the primary supplier of blood products to 13 Upper Peninsula hospitals. Additionally, it partners with community organizations to host drives in various locations across our region. This blood supply allows health care providers to treat patients with a wide variety of conditions. All blood donations stay in the Upper Peninsula. A single donation could save up to three lives and typically only takes an hour to complete. To schedule an appointment or find a blood drive, visit uphealthsystem. com/regional-blood-center or call 906-449-1450.

UPHP sponsors Artists in Excellence

pper Peninsula Health Plan, a managed care and provider service organization based in Marquette, has announced its sponsorship of the

Artists in Excellence program. This sponsorship reflects UPHP’s commitment to advancing the health and well-being of the communities it serves, including supporting initiatives that nurture creativity and personal growth among local youth. The Artists in Excellence program, a cross-district initiative, collaborates with Negaunee, Marquette, Gwinn, NorthStar Academy and Ishpeming high schools to provide unique artsbased extracurricular experiences to upperclassmen who have demonstrated a high level of commitment to their artistic studies. Under the sponsorship of UPHP, students participating in the AIE program will have the opportunity to meet for field trips and interactive experiences that go beyond traditional classroom boundaries. AIE students will also identify and lead a community art project, further contributing to the artistic vibrancy of the region.

UPHP in need of volunteer drivers throughout U.P.

pper Peninsula Health Plan is recruiting volunteer drivers to join its network in the Upper Peninsula. UPHP’s volunteer drivers play a crucial role in ensuring that its members receive vital medical care by providing pick-up and drop-off services for local and long-distance transports, based on the drivers’ availability. To become a volunteer driver, contact UPHP Transportation at 800-8352556 and follow the transportation volunteer driver prompts. More information about this opportunity can also be found on the transportation page at uphp.com/transportation/volunteer-drivers.

DeVos Art Museum showcases Fred Brian

red Brian: Lake Gogebic Memories and Myths is on display at NMU’s DeVos Art Museum. Fred B. Brian was a World War I pilot, fisherman, artist, printmaker and educator — roles that relied on keen observation. He was born in Normal, Ill., in 1924, but he found creative inspiration in the Upper Peninsula. Summers at the family’s cabin in the Ottawa Forest on Lake Gogebic feature prominently in his work. Brian translates childhood observations into narrative artwork. Stories swapped at the kitchen table and surreal memories of his father placing a fishing boat into the living room for winter storage are the basis of personal myths in his black and white woodcut prints. The exhibit will be displayed through March 1. The DeVos Art Mu-

Holman Fund supports local groups

The Holman Family Fund, a donor advised fund administered by the Community Foundation of Marquette County, recently granted $20,000 to three different organizations: $5,000 to Bay Cliff Health Camp, above, in memory of Dr. Tom Huffman; $5,000 to the Michigamme-Spurr EMS/Fire Department, to help with the purchase of a search and rescue boat; and $10,000 to Superior Connections, a recovery community organization to assist with the creation of a new sober living house. (Photo courtesy of the Community Foundation of Marquette County)

seum is free and open to the public Monday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. and Thursday from noon to 8 p.m.

State police communications center opens in Negaunee

he Michigan State Police unveiled the new Negaunee Regional Communication Center in a special ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 11. This upgraded facility is designed to accommodate up to 16 emergency dispatch console positions. Additional features include a modern conference room for real-time coordination during emergencies, a resiliency room to support dispatcher stress management and improved office spaces. The Negaunee center is responsible for dispatch operations for the MSP Eighth District as well as full emergency services dispatch operations for Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Keweenaw, Ontonagon and Schoolcraft counties.

U.P. native Ellen Lord publishes poetry chapbook

llen Lord recently released her first poetry chapbook, Relative Sanity, published by Modern History Press of Ann Arbor. The collection includes 35 of her original poems. Lord grew up in the western part of the U.P., attended the University of Michigan and eventually settled in Charlevoix County, where she works as a behavioral health therapist. Her poems in Relative Sanity reflect her own troubled gaze through the jour-

ney of her personal relationships. The poetry includes multigenerational themes of love, loss, grief and recovery, as well as longing and redemption. Her poetry has been described as “full flight into the realms of imagination,” “deceptively fragile” and “a graceful glow to her spare, rich images.” Lord is an active member of the Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Association, Michigan Writers, Haiku Society of America, Charlevoices and Fresh Water Poets. Relative Sanity is available at several independent bookstores, Amazon. com, BarnesandNoble.com, Bookshop.org in Michigan and distributed by Ingram.

First Michigan detection of hydrilla triggers response

ydrilla, considered one of the world’s most invasive aquatic plants, has been detected for the first time in Michigan. The Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy confirmed two small populations of the plant in adjacent private ponds on residential properties in Berrien Springs in southwest Michigan. A response plan will focus on preventing the spread of hydrilla beyond its current location, with the longterm goal of eradication. Hydrilla was introduced into Florida in the 1950s and has spread across the southeast. A separate strain was first detected in Delaware in 1976 and has since made its way through

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the Atlantic states and several Great Lakes states. Because it outcompetes native plants, it can quickly fill a lake or pond, choking off recreational access. Michigan’s Invasive Species Program relies on reports from the public to help in early detection and response efforts. More information on identifying and reporting invasive aquatic plants can be found at michigan.gov/ invasives.

Plaidurday gathering draws more than 1,700

Community Foundation honors award recipients

he Community Foundation of Marquette County hosted its annual celebration on Sept. 6, marking 35 years of impact. The organization also recognized its 2023 Catalyst Award Recipients, those individuals, businesses and service organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to the Marquette County community through their gifts of time, talents and treasure to help make life better for other people. This year’s recipients were Allyana Grochowski (youth category), Eagle Mine (business category), Don Mourand (individual category), Superior Watershed Partnership (service organization) and Jerry Maynard (posthumous award).

Paul F. Blewett Legacy Funds distribute grants

ore than $102,000 was distributed this year from the Paul F. Blewett Legacy Funds, which were established at the Community Foundation of Marquette County in 2010 to support local and regional organizations that Paul Blewett, an educator, cared most about. Following the wishes of the donor, the Paul F. Blewett Legacy Funds supported 19 organizations: Bethany Lutheran Church of Ishpeming; Michigan Education Association; National Education Association Foundation; National Planned Parenthood; Ishpeming High School; Ishpeming Skiers Training Facilities, Inc.; City of Ishpeming Independence Day; Bark River-Harris School District; the American Civil Liberties Union; WNMU-FM Public Radio 90; National Public Radio; American Cancer Society; National Alzheimer’s Association; American Heart Association; American Diabetes Association; American Lung Association; Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp; Salvation Army, Escanaba; Salvation Army, Ishpeming; and the American Red Cross. Blewett was born in Ishpeming in 1940 and studied at Michigan Tech-

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More than 1,700 people flooded the Houghton High School football field on Oct. 6 for the Keweenaw Plaidurday Celebration in hopes of being part of a record-setting gathering. The goal was to beat the 2019 record of 1,359 people wearing plaid in a photo. Keweenaw Plaidurday drew many from the local community, surrounding counties and even some out-of-state folks. The Michigan Tech Pep Band provided entertainment. Visit Keweenaw is working to verify its world-record attempt. (Photo courtesy of Visit Keweenaw)

nological University and Northern Michigan University, where he received a master’s degree in mathematics. He enjoyed a long career as a math teacher at Bark River-Harris High School, teaching there for nearly 43 years. He also gave back as a volunteer and officer in many different education associations, most notably as a member of the board of directors for the Michigan Education Association for 24 years. Blewett was a lifetime member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Ishpeming, where he enjoyed taking photographs for weddings and church functions. He died in 2009. For information about the Paul F. Blewett Legacy Funds, call 906-226-7666 or visit cfofmc.org.

Organizations secure funds for housing specialist

he Marquette County Land Bank Authority, working alongside InvestUP and the Lake Superior Community Partnership, secured $50,000 from the Michigan Office of Rural Development to support hiring a housing specialist, bolstering efforts to increase housing in Marquette County and the surrounding region. This allocation is from the inaugural round of Rural Readiness Grants, a new program aimed at helping rural communities build long-term capacity. In addition to the $50,000 Rural Readiness Grant, the Community Foundation of Marquette County has awarded a $25,000 grant from the Rod and Holly Aldrich Donor Advised Fund to the Land Bank Authority to help address community housing needs.

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Plans for the specialist’s recruitment are under way, targeting an early 2024 appointment. The current grant ensures the role’s sustainability for about 15 months.

Great Lakes and its waterways against its threats and address problems that affect public health and safety.

Houghton County receives public recreation grant

• Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has appointed Robert Mercure of Marquette, a retired teacher and school administrator, to the Michigan Iron Industry Museum Advisory Board. Mercure is appointed to represent the City of Marquette for a term commencing Sept. 29 and expiring in 2026. The Michigan Iron Industry Museum Advisory Board advises the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment on policies, plans and programs concerning the Michigan Iron Industry Museum. The board supports education programs and public use of the facility. • Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation in announcing approval of $99.2 million in grant funding for projects across Michigan’s 10 prosperity regions through the Revitalization and Placemaking Program on Oct 5. The grants were allocated in three categories: public space place-based infrastructure for public facility enhancements, downtown improvements and more; real estate development projects; and subgrant programs for community development projects. Among the infrastructure projects that were awarded was $330,000 to the City of Escanaba for the East Ludington Streetscape project and $583,750 to the City of Marquette. Among the real estate development awards that received funding were $4,586,000 for Marquette Vault LLC.

oughton County has been awarded $495,000 to renovate Chassell Centennial Park in Chassell Township through the addition of accessible restrooms, pathways and a boardwalk as part of the recently announced Michigan Spark Grants. Nearly $22 million was awarded to benefit 31 of the state’s communities hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding is intended to pave the way for the creation, renovation and redevelopment of public recreation opportunities for residents and visitors. Program dollars stem from an infusion of American Rescue Plan Act funding.

Stabenow recognized with lifetime achievement award

en. Debbie Stabenow received the Michigan League of Conservation Voters’ Lifetime Achievement Award on Oct. 13 for her commitment to protecting the Great Lakes, combatting the climate crisis and leading Michigan into the clean energy future. This award is presented to a leader who is defending Michigan’s water and representing the interests of all Michiganders. In 2010, Stabenow authored the bipartisan Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, a flagship public-private program. The initiative has provided more than $3.7 billion to protect the

From the desk of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

Local business news in brief

• Kall Morris Inc., an orbital debris remediation company founded by three NMU alumni, is strengthening its partnership with the United States Space Force through Phase II awards of the Orbital Prime program and with the United States Air Force through a Direct to Phase II project. Kall Morris’ projects are “set to revolutionize space debris management and contribute to a clearer and safer orbital environment,” according to a press release. The Space Force Phase II initiatives consist of two projects: REACCH for advanced agnostic in-space grappling and Asteria for secondary payload attachments. Among the partners for the Asteria effort will be Orbion Space Technology of Houghton. • UP Health System–Marquette has welcomed critical care pulmonologist Sara Meehan, M.D., to its respiratory medicine team. Meehan provides comprehensive consultation, diagnoses and treatment of diseases of the lungs and respiratory system, such as asthma and COPD, and offers pulmonary function testing and chest imaging interpretation, among other services. Prior to joining UP Health System, Meehan worked as an intensivist at UNC Rex Hospital in Raleigh, N.C. She has family ties to the Upper Peninsula and enjoys hiking and winter activities. • The UP Health System–Marquette Specialty Clinic has welcomed Jenna Racine, M.D., to its team of providers in partnership with Michigan Medicine. Board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology and maternal-fetal medicine, Racine offers specialized consultation and care for individuals and families experiencing high-risk pregnancy. A native of Ishpeming, Racine is thrilled to be back living and providing care to families in the community that raised her. Patients interested in learning more about scheduling an appointment with Racine can call 906449-4880. A referral from a primary care or OB/GYN provider is required. • Hidden Gem Restorative, a boutique healing practice located at 327 Iron St., Negaunee, held its official grand opening on Oct. 13. Led by Soulful Proprietor Kim Nixon Hainstock, a seasoned healer with more than two decades of experience, Hidden Gem offers healing arts by appointment, complemented by a popup shop on select days. Nixon Hainstock studied at the Institute of Natural Therapies in Paavola, Mich., holds a writing degree from NMU and is a trained yoga instructor.

• Tadych’s Marketplace, located at 1401 O’Dovero Drive in Marquette, celebrated its grand reopening with a ribbon cutting on Oct. 5. Tadych’s recently completed significant updates to the grocery store offering guests a fresher and larger product selection and an enhanced shopping experience. The remodel includes a new Caribou Coffee with seating and a drivethrough, a dedicated sushi space, plus updates to the store’s flooring, décor and bathrooms. New lighting was installed allowing the location to operate with greater energy efficiency. • The Third Street Marketplace welcomed its newest tenant, Pizza@ Marquette, to its location at 1034 N. Third St. in Marquette. The locally owned Marquette location, managed by Brandon Wicks, marks the company’s first store in Michigan. The Marketplace also houses Kognisjon Bryggeri and Fish Express. • Renovare Development LLC plans to build a new development that will address the shortage of middle-income housing in Marquette County. The proposed site is just south of the Goodwill store in Marquette Township at the corner of Brookton Road and County Road 492. Planning and Zoning Administrator Jason McCarthy said Phase One environmental assessments are happening now at the site. The development will bring up to 47 new homes to the township. The cost of the Renovare development is estimated at around $15 million with plans to start construction next year. Renovare is also behind two developments in Munising, including a remodeling of the old fire hall and the Munising Marketplace. • NMU President Brock Tessman recently announced a new partnership that will guarantee university employees and students priority access to high-quality child care at a reduced rate. The Ann Arbor-based provider Gretchen’s House, which operates 10 centers in the state, will open a facility with 35 to 40 available slots a few blocks from campus early in 2024. NMU will invest $250,000 annually to subsidize child care costs at Gretchen’s House for NMU employees and students. MM How to submit to City Notes The deadline for event and press release submissions for City Notes is the 10th day of the month prior to publication. Email your press release to editor@marquettemonthly.com.

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Marquette Monthly

DOING DOUGHNUTS

No. 1022

Reprinted from the New York Times

By Jeff Chen and Juliana Tringali Golden / Edited By Will Shortz

A C R OSS 1 Pieces of praise 5 Host 8 D-lister’s quest 15 Anjou alternative 19 Hot sauce with a reduplicative name 21 About whom an early critic said: ‘‘Can’t act, can’t sing. Balding. Can dance a little’’ 22 Opposite of baja 23 Case study? 24 ‘‘Definitely, leave it to me! 25 Japanese noodle dish 26 ‘‘I declare this doughnut to be a truly tasty treat!’’ 28 Blends 30 Egg ____ yung 31 Final opponent in many a video game 32 Source of division at a wedding 36 Download in progress? 38 Cube’s 12 41 Items of apparel in the song ‘‘My Favorite Things’’ 43 Blows past 44 Turn into a puddle, maybe 45 ‘‘Here’s one way to eat a doughnut without getting icing on your nose . . . ’’ 48 2006 Amy Winehouse hit 49 La Perla purchases 50 ____ Day, nickname for Billie Holiday 51 Dawson of ‘‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay’’ 53 Work (up) 54 Alternative to Betsy 55 Stew 56 Mark in a shell game 59 Sign of a sellout 60 One way to have something down

Answer key To check your answers, see Page 60.

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61 Night before 62 Pulls rank on, in a way 65 Character asked to ‘‘shine down,’’ in a children’s song 67 ____ student 68 ‘‘Let’s raise a glass to this outstanding doughnut!’’ 70 Tolkien’s Treebeard, for one 73 Mideast rulers 75 Interrupts when it’s not one’s place to do so 76 It ‘‘shines with a mournful light, like its own tear,’’ in an Andrew Marvell poem 77 Prix ____ menu 79 ‘‘Lemme think . . . ’’ 81 Originally named 82 Natural leaders, it’s said 83 Corsica, par exemple 84 Likely to offend, for short 85 Telenovela, e.g. 87 ‘‘____ everybody?’’ 88 Inventory: Abbr. 89 D.E.A. agent 91 ‘‘It is an undeniable fact that this doughnut is awesome!’’ 95 Long span of time 96 Massages 98 Downtempo electronica genre 99 Like those celebrating a day of visibility on March 31 100 Heading on a certain neighborhood poster 102 Lure in the ‘‘Odyssey’’ 103 Foofaraws 105 Certain filler words 106 Like a baseball shutout 108 ‘‘This doughnut is the talk of the town!’’ 113 Pass quickly (through) 115 Small houses in the Southwest 119 Movie featuring Mickey Mouse in a wizard’s cap 120 ‘‘Me as well!’’ 121 Magazine ‘‘real estate’’

122 Frozen treat named for a playful animal 123 Little copper? 124 Keep going 125 ‘‘Get it?’’ 126 Their first five parts are often disguised, for short D OW N 1 Oil-industry acronym 2 Megacelebrity, maybe 3 ‘‘Red’’ leader 4 Some blackjack wagers 5 Makes, as money 6 Pod cast? 7 Response to ‘‘Cómo estás?’’ 8 ‘‘Come to think of it . . . ’’ 9 When doubled, a fly 10 Symbols in social media handles 11 Clothing 12 ‘‘Bones’’ 13 Sonicare competitor 14 Civil rights activist Sylvia who was awarded a Presidential Medal of Freedom 15 German lead-in to haus 16 ‘‘This doughnut would be great dipped in milk!’’ 17 Game popular in Brooklyn streets 18 What has good coverage for retirement? 20 Mazatlán moola 27 Symbol of freshness 29 Foofaraw 33 TV ‘‘Cousin’’ 34 Chateau ____ Michelle (Washington winery) 35 Headed up 37 Pithy review 38 Symbol 39 Get 40 ‘‘I’ll bet you dollars to doughnuts . . .’’ 41 Up-to-date 42 Doesn’t move 45 An annual vaccination can limit its spread 46 Japanese noodle joint

47 Fixed completely 52 Indeed, quaintly 55 Two inside an ellipse 56 Garfunkel’s partner in song 57 Treasure 58 Trattoria bowlful 63 Cheer squad’s cry 64 Numbered things in N.Y.C. 66 Subway stops: Abbr. 69 Gets ready for a Ms. Olympia contest, perhaps 71 Civil rights icon Mandela 72 Many fans of the ‘‘Enola Holmes’’ franchise 74 Hotbeds of tourist activity 77 Genre for George Clinton or Earth, Wind & Fire 78 Like rocks or clocks, but not a fox or an ox 80 Pull up 86 They’re called ‘‘white carrots’’ in Scotland 87 Gets something straight? 88 Snickers alternatives 90 One-eyed god 92 Kid often nicknamed ‘‘Trey’’ 93 ‘‘Rough Translation’’ podcaster 94 Not just ‘‘a’’ 97 Bit of movie-theater candy 99 Dense cake 101 A, B, C or D, but rarely E 103 Banded gemstone 104 Author of ‘‘De vulgari eloquentia’’ 107 Former governor of Georgia? 109 Popular tabloid subjects 110 Org. with ‘‘Informed Delivery’’ emails 111 The Promised Land 112 Nukes 114 Great deal 116 Mai ____ 117 Coolers, for short 118 Word with ‘‘to work’’ or ‘‘to stun’’

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on campus NMU super fan continues 24-year streak

Green and gold grandma

athy Andel of Marquette has not missed a Northern Michigan University home football game in 24 years. She is also a hockey regular and routinely attends other Wildcat athletic events. Her unwavering loyalty could easily be tested at times, but she remains a fixture in her front-row seat on the 50-yard line. Even health conditions that now require her to use a walker and portable oxygen, or have thinned her hair to the point she no longer spray-paints it with team colors, have not diminished Andel’s spirit. She still wears Wildcat apparel accented by a feathery boa and other bling while cheering on the players. She’s also there to support her son, Hans, the equipment supervisor for all NMU varsity sports except hockey. “The players call me Mama Hans or Grandma,” Kathy said. “Football is my favorite NMU sport. I’m a big Packer fan, too, so green and gold is basically my wardrobe other than church on Sunday, when I dress up. I figure I’ll keep going to the games as long as I can and the good Lord allows me to. I don’t want to break my streak. And I’ve just enjoyed it so much with the guys. Years ago, I’d attend every single practice. If I missed one, guys would come up and ask if I was all right; they noticed. I also drove to many away games until I needed oxygen. Parents can’t always come to watch from long distances, so they thank me for supporting their sons. It’s a good feeling. Someone’s got to be there for them.” “She started out this journey as a team mom, and it has evolved over years to the team grandma,” added Hans, a 2007 NMU alumnus. “The players really do appreciate all that she does and especially the incoming freshmen, as it feels like a little bit of home having someone else watch out for them when they are away from home for the first time. She has made an impact on so many young men through the years, and they still come back to visit and always love seeing her to this day. Her support for both me and NMU athletics over the years has been such a great source of pride,

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Kathy Andel is a fixture at NMU football games, where she supports the Wildcats and her son, Hans, the team’s equipment supervisor. (Photo courtesy of Northern Michigan University)

confidence and inspiration, especially with seeing her health decline. She still makes an effort to still come to every single practice. She really is the heart of this NMU football team and has been since 1999. I can’t even begin to say how happy it makes me to see how much everyone enjoys and loves her.” Kathy’s dedication was rewarded when she was named the 2020 Lindsay Griffith and Todd “Stix” Honch Fan of the Year by Wildcat athletics. While she appreciated the plaque and recognition, she clearly isn’t immersed in NMU sports for the accolades, and her involvement with the team has extended beyond the bleachers. For years, Kathy would devote Friday evenings to baking cookies — at least 10 different varieties and hundreds total — to put in the locker room for after-game consumption. They could either serve as comfort food to ease the sting of a disappointing loss

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or a celebratory treat to complement a sweet victory. Her email handle appropriately includes an “NMU Cookie Lady” reference. Now Kathy prepares festively decorated bags of prepackaged treats for the players to celebrate holidays such as Halloween and Valentine’s Day. Her grandson, Karsten, who attended his first game at six weeks and still accompanies his grandma at 11 — often sporting a green mohawk — used to deliver Easter baskets in a bunny suit that Kathy and other relatives once wore. Unlike Ralphie in A Christmas Story, Karsten loved the suit and was disappointed when he outgrew it, Kathy said with a chuckle. She also makes annual fall trips to King Orchard in Central Lake, Mich., to pick up “tons of apples” to distribute to the football and soccer players and coaches. “The NMU Marching Band was practicing at the Superior Dome recently, and I was talking to [Director]

Steve Grugin about bringing them some apples from downstate as well,” Kathy said. “Something memorable came out of that conversation. Steve had heard that I’ve had a longtime dream of being able to crash the cymbals at the end of the national anthem. So he said to me, ‘Let’s do it at the Wayne State game on Oct. 28.’ I’m beyond excited! When I was in grade school, I played flute in the band, but I always wanted to crash the cymbals, and now it looks like I’ll get my wish 65 years later.” Her ascent to NMU super fan status actually began at Marquette Senior High School, where Kathy sold 50/50 tickets at football games while Hans was playing on the field. She said she received a call from someone who heard that she loved hawking the tickets and asked if she would do the same thing for the Lions Club at NMU football and hockey games. Kathy would linger afterward to watch the remainder of the action, particularly after Hans was hired as a student equipment manager for the Wildcat football team in 1999. “My mom has always been a great supporter of her kids,” said Hans, who was promoted to equipment supervisor in 2011. “When I got hired as a student equipment manager, she was so proud and wanted to continue to show support for me as she had in everything I have done. She started coming to all the practices and the games, both home and away. She traveled to all road games up until the last couple years, when her health got worse. She would meet us at the buses every morning before we would leave for away games, and for the first 15 or so years, always made homemade cinnamon rolls from scratch for the whole team and staff for the road.” International student-athletes on the men’s soccer team call Kathy their “American grandma.” She has invited them to barbecues and to Karsten’s birthday at a bowling alley. Kathy and a player from the Czech Republic, whose birthdays are a day apart, held a joint celebration dinner at a local restaurant. MM

MTU nursing degree approved by accreditor

he accreditation and approval process required to fully implement Michigan Technological University’s new bachelor of science in nursing program is complete. The program, created to give a home to Finlandia University’s nursing program after the institution’s closure in May, cleared the final hurdle — approval by Michigan Tech’s institutional accreditor, the Higher Learning Commission — on Oct. 9. The effort to establish the program and continue nursing education in the Copper Country received rapid and widespread support across the community, including Tech’s clinical partners in the region. Finlandia faculty, staff and students who made the transition to Tech for the fall 2023 semester have been warmly welcomed, said Andrew Storer, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “We are delighted that all of the approvals for the nursing program are now in place,” Storer said. “I have enjoyed seeing our new nursing faculty get involved in the academic life of the university as they bring their perspectives to different committees and working groups that work to help keep Michigan Tech moving forward.” Storer’s support — and the diligent work of faculty, staff and key members of Tech’s University Senate — was pivotal to ensuring a quick and successful transition. Storer noted that approvals from the Michigan

Michigan Tech’s new bachelor of science in nursing program has been approved by the Higher Learning Commission. (Photo courtesy of Michigan Technological University)

Board of Nursing and the program’s professional accreditor were secured this past summer. The nursing program is housed in the department of biological sciences within Michigan Tech’s College of Sciences and Arts. Program Director Lori Sullivan also stressed the importance of the program’s continuation and MTU’s partnerships with local clinical partners and regional employers. “As the only baccalaureate nursing program in the western Upper Peninsula, it was important to keep it in

the community,” Sullivan said. “Rural communities struggle to attract nurses, especially during a nursing shortage. Educating nurses locally helps to combat that issue, leading to healthier communities.” While the bachelor’s in nursing is new to MTU, nursing education is not. Michigan Tech previously offered an associate degree in nursing from 1973 to 1982. As a history of the program published by the Michigan Tech Archives in 2019 noted, many of the graduates chose to remain in the Upper Peninsula. “Graduates,

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who number a little over 300 in total, continue to faithfully care for patients in hospitals across Michigan and throughout the country, earning professional accolades and successfully pursuing further education in their chosen field,” it read. “Meanwhile, majors allowing Huskies to contribute to the ever-changing field of health professions continue to flourish: biological sciences, kinesiology, bioinformatics and other programs remain popular, groundbreaking choices on campus today.” MM

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William Bowerman, left, and his son, John, visit the Kon-Tiki Museum in Oslo, Norway, where Bowerman received the Lowell Thomas Award from The Explorers Club. (Photo courtesy of Northern Michigan University)

Munising native, NMU grad receives prestigious award

orthern Michigan University alumnus and renowned eagle researcher William Bowerman was among three innovators to receive the 2023 Lowell Thomas Award from The Explorers Club, an international professional society dedicated to the advancement of field research, scientific exploration and resource conservation. The ceremony was held last month in Oslo, Norway. The Munising native joins an impressive list of past recipients including Carl Sagan, Sir David Attenborough, Isaac Asimov, Sir Edmund Hillary, Buzz Aldrin and Louise Leakey. Bowerman, who earned a master’s degree from NMU in 1991, was recognized for his groundbreaking approach and relentless dedication to preserving eagle populations around the world, and for his contribution to understanding the impacts of human activity on complex ecological systems. “It’s surreal. I don’t think anything in my life has been more prestigious than winning this award,” Bowerman said. “How does a kid from Munising who admired Jacques Cousteau and other great explorers end up being honored at this level? Last spring, I was in the Upper Peninsula banding eagles and someone reached out to me for information on my work so he could nominate me for this award. I sent him some material, but figured it was highly unlikely I’d get it. He later called to report that I was selected. I was genuinely shocked.” Bowerman is a professor of wildlife ecology and toxicology and former chair of the department of environmental science and technology at the University of Maryland. Next year will mark his fourth decade studying bald eagle ecology. He began exploring the effects of environ-

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mental pollutants in the Great Lakes region in 1984 and has since become a world-renowned champion of eagle conservation through environmental monitoring programs on every continent except Antarctica. As the leader of SEA EAGLE, Bowerman guides a consortium of scientists and other experts monitoring environmental pollution by studying indigenous eagle species in 19 countries spread across four continents. Bowerman and his colleagues have trained more than 500 individuals on his monitoring techniques, which blend toxicology sampling methods with biological measures, assessment of disease and population ecology. Passionate about sharing his expertise, he also mentors graduate and undergraduate students — including some from NMU — in many research projects. Bowerman earned a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan before entering grad school at NMU, where he was mentored by Dr. Bill Robinson. “Throughout my collegiate education, I had the right people to guide me,” said Bowerman, who went on to complete a doctorate at Michigan State. “I may have more resources at my disposal in my current position, but there’s a ‘can do’ spirit at Northern that, combined with its size, makes that kind of teaching and personalized attention possible. Now there’s a whole new generation of great faculty who teach many skill sets. There’s also a bigger emphasis on research and a really wonderful science facility. The educational experience students get at Northern is equivalent to an Ivy League school. Students in the U.P. and at Northern need to understand it’s possible to go on from there to achieve amazing things.” MM

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Marquette Monthly

then & now

The Quincy Mine near Hancock operated between 1846 and 1945. It was the nation’s leading copper-producing mine from 1863 to 1867, when it was surpassed by the Calumet and Hecla.

Photos provided by Superior View Studios, located in Art of Framing, 149 W. Washington St. Marquette viewsofthepast.com

The Quincy’s Shaft House No. 2, left, remains one of the most iconic sites in the Copper Country and a reminder of the region’s place in U.S. history. The mine is open for tours and special events.

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Marquette Monthly

feature

The men and women of Station Marquette safeguard our beautiful yet dangerous waters

United States Coast Guard Response Boat Medium 45655, a 45-foot vessel, enters Presque Isle harbor with the freighter Michipicoten in the background. USCG Station Marquette also operates a 29-foot Response Boat Small. (Photo by Tom Buchkoe)

Superior keepers Story by John Smolens Photos by Tom Buchkoe

hen you walk through the front door of Cleary Hall, the Marquette station built in 2009 on the northeast shore of the Lower Harbor, you are immediately

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confronted with the Coast Guard’s long history of safeguarding our waters — a vast segment of Lake Superior, as well as our rivers, streams and smaller lakes. On the west wall of the lobby is an enormous black-and-white photo of a group of men in Sou’westers and hats labeled L.S.S. Marquette.

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The photo was taken in the 1890s, and their stares are reassuring if a bit unsettling: Though they are long gone, their faces would not be out of place if encountered today on the streets of Marquette. Most of the men are young and look strong, capable, ready at a moment’s notice to push a rescue

boat off into the waves and handle an oar. Something in their collective gaze confirms that they are ready to respond, even under the worst conditions. They are gathered on a set of porch stairs around an older man: Capt. Henry L. Cleary, Station Marquette’s first station keeper. He wears

a captain’s hat, a captain’s stare, and his mouth is protected by a flawless chevron mustache. On the opposite lobby wall, a bronze plaque honors Cleary as a “legend of the Service.” His portrait — the same expression, cap and mustache as in the facing photograph — is presented in a frieze above a description of his contribution to Marquette’s maritime history. At the age of 19, he entered the United States Life Saving Service, the USLSS, as a surfman, eventually becoming a “superb trainer of life-saving service crews,” who live by the motto, “Regulations say we have to go out but say nothing about coming back.” In 1899, Keeper Cleary and his crew collaborated with Marquette’s Lakeshore Engine Works to produce the first lifeboat powered by a combustion engine. The USLSS gave way to the United States Coast Guard in 1915, and Cleary served until his death a year later.

“

REGULATIONS SAY WE HAVE TO GO OUT BUT SAY NOTHING ABOUT COMING BACK.

rom the Coast Guard’s perspective, Lake Superior has but two seasons — “hard water” and “soft water” — and both require constant preparation and vigilance. Today, Station Marquette operates two boats, both of steel construction and clearly recognizable by the Coast Guard’s bold red trim. The smaller of the two is a 29-foot Response Boat Small, or RBS. The larger vessel is a

Response Boat Medium, or RBM, a 45-foot boat powered by twin 825-horsepower engines, which can propel the hull to speeds in excess of 40 knots. The engines in both boats are the primary responsibility of Petty Officer First Class Brandon Goss,

a native of Whitehall, Michigan, who joined the Coast Guard 17 years ago. While providing a tour of the RBM, Goss raised a deck hatch, revealing one of the enormous engines. This correspondent is not qualified to provide a technical description of the engine, except to say that it appeared capable of launching a rocket to the moon and was as clean as Mom’s dinner table. Maintenance of all the engines, Goss noted as he closed the hatch, is a daily, year-round job. We were also accompanied on our tour of Station Marquette by Fireman Cheyenne Basurto, who is in her early 20s and two years into her first tour of duty. She grew up in Los Angeles and, needless to say, has found the climate in the Upper Peninsula invigorating. She is currently awaiting orders to leave for Fort Meade, near Baltimore, where she will take a six-month course in search and rescue and law enforcement procedures. Since childhood, she has wanted to serve in the United States military, believing it is a “righteous mission,” and plans to serve in the Coast Guard for at least the next two decades. A tour of duty at a given post is four years, so she anticipates working in stations throughout the United States. Station Marquette never shuts down. There are currently 14 crew members serving under the station’s officer-in-charge, Senior Chief James

The United States Coast Guard station on the northeast shore of Marquette’s Lower Harbor was built in 2009. (Photo by Tom Buchkoe)

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Marquette Monthly

Fireman Cheyenne Basurto of Station Marquette tells the story of Capt. Henry L. Cleary and the U.S. Life Saving Service. Below, Station Marquette mascots Thor and Loki entertain themselves. (Photos by Tom Buchkoe)

Hassinger. Crew live off-base but bivouac at the station during their 48hour shifts. A crew of five will be on duty during the day, along with three command members. Nights, a smaller crew will remain on duty. In most cases, a crewmate will work a two-dayson, two-days-off schedule. Every other weekend, a crewmate will be on duty at the station for 72 hours. They monitor marine communications in the comms room 24/7. What is most striking about the new station is its proximity to water. The large common room, which has a bank of south-facing windows, accommodates a large central table and a spectacular, unobstructed view of the Lower Harbor and Mount Marquette. The new station is a vast improvement over the old facility, which consisted of two houses with a limited view of the Lower Harbor, nestled in the woods on the lighthouse peninsula. Though there is periodic turnover of the personnel at Station Marquette,

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Fireman Cheyenne Basurto checks the oil of a response boat with Petty Officer First Class Brandon Goss. (Photo by Tom Buchkoe)

two permanent residents provide continuity within the gated compound: Thor and Loki, brown male canines, brothers-in-paws who proudly escorted us throughout the tour.

tation Marquette is part of the Sault Ste. Marie sector; its surveillance range (or AOR, area of responsibility) is considerable, to say the least: from Big Bay to Grand Marais and 50 miles out on Lake Superior. They monitor marine radio traffic constantly (channel 16 is the “open marine channel” designated as an international distress frequency) and are in regular communication with the region’s municipal police and fire departments, as well as Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources. The Coast Guard often provides search and rescue training to local police and fire departments. In a given year, Station Marquette fields approximately 200 calls, many of which prove to be false alarms. This year, Station Marquette has conducted at least 40 search and rescue missions, mostly swimming and boat-

ing incidents, but during the hard water season there have also been calls to assist in accidents related to ice,

either someone falling through ice or, in at least one case, an ice climbing mishap.

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The vast area Station Marquette has to surveil is daunting. When the 45-foot response boat is called to the

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Station Marquette is home to 29- and 45-foot response boats that cover a surveillance range from Big Bay to Grand Marais. Below, crew members install new outboard motors on the 29-foot boat. (Photos by Tom Buchkoe)

scene of a reported incident, the vessel works the area in an elaborate grid pattern, searching the water for a capsized boat or swimmers, a procedure that may take hours. In most cases, the result is that the reported sighting was faulty, but in some cases their search leads to dire results. If air surveillance is required, then the nearest helicopter is sent north from Traverse City, arriving at the search site three hours later. I’ve been sailing twice on Lake Superior when the Coast Guard was conducting a search and rescue operation, once off McCarty’s Cove and once in waters north of Partridge Island. In both instances, the response boat wove the area in a grid configuration and, fortunately, there were negative results. From a considerable distance — at least a half-mile — I observed their work with binoculars. It was a lesson in how difficult their task can be. The conditions both times were reasonably calm: summer afternoons with plenty of sunlight; wind gusting no higher than 12 knots, creating chop

Marquette Monthly

November 2023

that did not exceed waves greater than one or two feet. Yet, surveying an expanse of lake surface, even under the most ideal conditions, is extremely challenging. The water is constantly moving, causing reflected light to dance on the waves. If you are looking for a person, his or her head may be concealed in the mildest wave pattern. Even a boat, say the overturned hull of an aluminum fishing skiff, can be hard to detect. When we refer to a needle in a haystack, we aren’t even close to the difficulty of finding a body in the waters off Marquette’s shore. This year, there have been several tragic events on Lake Superior that required Coast Guard assistance. They have involved kayak fatalities and one ice climbing accident at Pictured Rocks. One cannot help but think that Providence and pure luck sometimes lead to the survival of a person or persons in distress. Both Coast Guard vessels patrol the shoreline primarily in the Marquette area, but at times they will venture into other regions. This year, the 29-foot response boat was cruising between Munising Bay and Pictured Rocks, approximately 40 miles east of Station Marquette, when it encountered a boat that was foundering. As the Coast Guard vessel approached, the distressed boat suddenly caught fire. There were five people aboard, none wearing personal flotation devices, and they could not get to them because of the fire. All five were rescued by the Coast Guard, which learned that three of the five survivors did not know how to swim. One cannot calcu-

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STATION MARQUETTE’S VESSELS PATROL THE SHORELINE FROM BIG BAY TO GRAND MARAIS.

late the odds of the Coast Guard boat cruising off Munising at that moment.

very spring Station Marquette stages an exercise in the Lower Harbor designed to impress upon the crew the need for urgency when responding to a distress call. Crewmates are required to be immersed in the frigid lake water for 15 minutes. Though they are wearing protective drysuits and personal flotation devic-

Station Marquette’s facilities include an exercise room where Fireman Cheyenne Basurto and other crew members can maintain their physical fitness. (Photo by Tom Buchkoe)

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Marquette Monthly

Senior Chief James Hassinger, left, and Petty Officer First Class Brandon Goss discuss station business. (Photo by Tom Buchkoe)

es, and they are treading water right next to the Coast Guard vessel, this is still a difficult and valuable lesson. At that time of the year, most people can barely get in the lake up to their ankles, and if they do it’s only for a matter of seconds. The Coast Guard has to react swiftly and efficiently to distress calls, knowing that hypothermia is always a threat. Station Marquette’s crew receives invaluable assistance from the local Coast Guard Auxiliary. Perry Laing, who has been a volunteer since 1976, said the group, referred to as a Flotilla, is the last of its kind on Lake Superior. Currently, 16 men and women are active members of Marquette’s auxiliary; they assist with boat inspections, conduct marine safety courses and augment first aid classes. They meet with the Coast Guard at Station Marquette on a monthly basis, assisting in many of the regular duties. Several members of the auxiliary are currently being trained to serve in the comms room, which monitors marine activity in the Marquette sector. Members of the Flotilla receive the same operations program training as active Coast Guard crew, except in areas of law enforcement. Laing said the auxiliary conducts patrols in their own boats and compared their role to being “like volunteer firemen, except you bring your own fire truck.”

arquette’s waterfront looked quite different in USLSS Keeper Cleary’s day, some 130 years ago, when the Lower Harbor could be clogged with dozens of tall ships, square riggers and working schooners. Numerous docks and piers jutted into the harbor, and Mattson Park

Marquette Monthly

November 2023

was filled with pyramids of coal and limestone, while the sky was often blackened with the smoke from engines towing cars loaded with taconite along wooden trestles. Ships coming to and from Marquette didn’t have electronic equipment to guide them safely on their route. If a vessel foundered in a storm or struck rocks or a hidden sandbar, Station Marquette’s surfmen only had the strength in their backs and arms to pull them through the waves as they attempted to rescue stranded crew. Capt. Henry Cleary’s commitment and vision are central to the Coast Guard’s ability to protect our shores. Today’s Station Marquette presides over a more open waterfront: fewer boats and, for the most part, smaller boats. In some ways, it must be more difficult, keeping track of fishing boats, sailboats, swimmers and even the occasional Sea-Doo or windsurfer. Despite electronic advancements such as radar and GPS, not to mention marine radio communications, Station Marquette’s area of responsibility may seem bigger than in Henry Cleary’s time. For those of us who go abroad on the lake, and those who swim in waters that are jokingly referred to as brisk, it is reassuring to know that the Coast Guard is here. Hard water, soft water, our lakes and rivers are as dangerous as they are beautiful. MM John Smolens’ 12th novel, A Cold, Hard Prayer, was published by Michigan State University Press in October. Tom Buchkoe, chief photographer for Marquette Monthly, is a member of the local Coast Guard Auxiliary.

November 2023

Marquette Monthly

sporting life

Closser reflects on his record-setting ride across America

From coast to coast

By Eleni Robertson

our thousand two hundred five miles. That’s how far cyclist Bruce Closser of Marquette rode this summer from Yorktown, Virginia, to Astoria, Oregon, in 109 days. At 78 years old, he is the oldest man on record to have completed this cross-country trek. But while this accomplishment gives him well-earned bragging rights, Closser speaks of his journey with humility and thoughtfulness. “A lot of it is a head game,” he said. “If you think of it as a 4,000-mile ride, it sounds like a lot. But you’re not doing that all at once; it’s just 45 or 50 miles at a time. I remember getting to the Mississippi River and feeling stunned, like, ‘How did I get here?’” The most frequent question Closser receives is why he decided to bike across the country. Asked many times both before the trip and during, he said, “It took me until Colorado to come up with an answer. People do this trip when they have life transitions, like when they retire, graduate or quit a job. My wife, Sally, died a year ago, and I think that that was my transition time.” He had entertained the idea before this summer, but it wasn’t until this year that it finally felt right. While Closser has been a mountain biker for quite a while, he only recently took up road biking on a serious level. He used to be a runner, but, he said, “I had to quit running due to stress injuries.” After that, road biking became much more appealing. Coincidentally, while skiing in Colorado last winter, Closser happened to see an article about a 75-year-old man who had just biked across the country and become the new record holder for the oldest person to complete the trek. While it wasn’t a reason to do the trip, the knowledge of this ahead of time allowed him to document his journey in ways that would allow him to subFor his cross-country ride, Bruce Closser selected the Surly Disc Trucker from Love and Bicycles in Negaunee. (Photo courtesy of Bruce Closser)

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November 2023

Before heading into the Blue Ridge Mountains, Bruce Closser paused to take in the vista. (Photo courtesy of Bruce Closser)

mit his application to Guinness World Records. Once the decision took form, the planning began. The Adventure Cycling Association is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to plan a trip like this. The ACA has mapped out many routes all over the country and sells series of paper maps for each route that fit into a protective sleeve mounted on the handlebars of a bike. Closser chose the TransAmerica Trail, which is said to be the most popular route for cross-country cyclists. It was the first route finished by the ACA in 1976. Starting in historic Virginia, the route takes riders through the Appalachians, across the Mississippi River, through the prairies of Kansas, up to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons, and finally to the Oregon coast. As for the bike, Closser went to Love and Bicycles in Negaunee, a shop known for its custom builds. After plenty of research, he chose the Surly Disc Trucker. “He chose the frame, and we all sat and discussed all the other components,” said Blake Becker, owner of Love and Bicycles. “We appreciated working with Bruce very much. He came in prepared, he was very goal-oriented, yet also allowed us to add our expertise.” The Surly Disc Trucker is a touring bike with a steel frame set up to accept racks and fenders. “However,” Closser said, “the distributor could not guarantee that we could get a complete bike before I was scheduled to leave but we could get a frame and fork. So we acquired that, and Love and Bicycles built the rest of the bike around it. By the time the racks came and were installed, I only had time for

one brief ride with the bike in its loaded condition.” Loaded means two panniers on the front, two on the back and a handlebar bag. They are filled with camping gear, electronics, toiletries, medications, rain gear and two sets of riding clothes. After some time on the road and seeing what was and wasn’t necessary, Closser sent a few items home. He kept track of his travels and updated friends back home with journal-like entries posted on his Facebook page called “Notes from America.” His first entry from the road, departing Yorktown on May 5, reads, “I rode 52 miles today on my

fully loaded bike. It was a very good ride, but the last 20 miles were hard (the last 10 were very hard). A week or two of riding, eating and sleeping (along with a couple of rest days to recuperate) should yield some good results. I feel so good about starting. It was a good day and a good start. I’m happy!” A typical day on the road would start fairly early in an attempt to beat the heat and wind that often came later in the day. Closser normally ate breakfast, something simple like cereal and milk (often picked up the night before at a convenience store). After a couple of hours of biking, he hoped

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to find a cafe for what he liked to call “second breakfast.” In fact, many of his meals were eaten at restaurants. While backpacking on foot, it’s necessary to carefully plan ahead in order to have all the food you need while traversing areas that usually have no food available. While on a bikepacking trip like this one, riders frequently pass by restaurants, grocery stores and gas stations, so it takes away some of the stress of planning and the weight of food and cooking supplies. Closser had originally brought a small camp stove with him but found that he didn’t use it because of the

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constant availability of food. After a couple of weeks, he sent the stove home. In a pinch, he could make an alcohol-burning stove from a beer or soda can in 15 minutes. For sleep, there were a few options. Closser was in a motel about 45 percent of the time and camped only about 20 percent of the nights. Other than that, there were hostels, AirBnBs, the Warm Showers community, which is intended specifically for touring bicyclists, and even some churches that host cyclists. Although he mostly traveled alone, he did occasionally bike with other people. “You meet people along the way,” Closser said. Because the route is fairly popular, there are other bicyclists working toward the same goal. “You tend to end up in the same towns. … I met people from England, Australia; I rode with someone from Switzerland for a week.” Closser stressed how wonderful it was to meet so many people along the way. Especially in small towns, “the people are so nice and pleased to see you,” he said. “The best thing about the trip was the people. … I never had a negative interaction and was the beneficiary of so many acts of kindness. If given the chance, people want to be kind.” When asked if he had a favorite area along the route, Closser replied, “Not really, but the western states were more unfamiliar to me. There were incredible vistas. … When they laid the route out, they did it choosing the most beautiful route they could.” As far as the most unpleasant area, he said, “I thought that was going to be Kansas, but it was really interesting. There was a lot more going on there than I thought; it was really beautiful. … You see things differently from the seat of a bicycle than from a car. You’re traveling at the ideal speed to see detail and nuance, and you can stop anywhere much more easily.” When asked about his experience sharing the road with cars, he recalled biking up the mountains in Appalachia. He described strenuous uphills on narrow roads, with traffic on one side and a steep cliff on the other, and cars waiting to pass stacked up behind him. “A lot of the time you’re riding in the traffic lane,” Closser said. And while it can be nerve-wracking, he reminded himself, “I signed up for this ride. I can drive myself crazy and worry about every car that’s out of my control, or I can just ride.” Fortunately, he never had a single issue with a car. As if all of this isn’t impressive

Marquette Monthly

Bruce Closser followed the Adventure Cycling Association’s TransAmerica trail, which led him from Virginia to Oregon, left. (Photos courtesy of Bruce Closser)

enough, Closser has Parkinson’s disease. He describes Parkinson’s as causing motion and balance problems and slowing muscle response, but he also said there’s something about biking that’s good for it. In fact, Closser said that as long as he was caught up with medication, Parkinson’s didn’t really affect him much since he often feels his best on his bike. The hardest part about Parkinson’s on this trip was not any physical issue but the logistics of getting his medication. Another logistical challenge was getting the documentation needed to

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submit his record to Guinness World Records. “Trying to set the record requires electronic surveillance, tons of evidence I have to submit,” Closser said. “They want a log book, witnesses that will attest to my location and video of 10 minutes every day.” For witnesses, Closser decided to use post offices. He stopped at post offices now and then, explained what he was doing and asked them to sign something to affirm he was there. It ended up being a convenient, official way to document his progress. All along the way, Closser was

careful to not get tunnel vision. He said, “I tried not to focus on the destination. … When you get close to the end, it’s easy to think about the end, but I really tried not to.” He wanted to enjoy every day for what it was. He described the freedom and lack of stress and explained that out on the road, “You don’t have to worry about anything; you just get up every day and ride your bike.” As he approached the Oregon coast, Closser thought he would be able to see the Pacific Ocean in the distance from the mountains, but he never did. He got closer and closer, with still no glimpse of it. Finally, almost at the shore, he had to climb over a sand dune to see it, and there it was. “That was an emotional moment,” he said. But that was not the true finish line. The route ends farther up the coast, so he still had more time to ride and reflect. Closser’s last “Notes from America” update was posted on Aug. 23, the day after his last ride. “So many emotions and feelings swirled through my mind,” he wrote. “On the one hand, I was excited for the finish, but on the other hand I didn’t want it to end. I thought of Sally, my wife of

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SMALL STEPS APPLIED CONSISTENTLY LEAD TO HUGE RESULTS.

54 years, who died just a year ago on August 25th, of my family and of the friends at home I will soon see again and of the new friends I have made on the journey who I may never see again.” As he approached the end, family and friends were already waiting, some on bikes to finish the final stretch with him and others who cheered and photographed him as he arrived. “A bottle of Willamette Valley sparkling wine appeared, and we celebrated the end of my journey,” Closser wrote. “New friends and old, an ending and a new beginning.” While writing “Notes from Amer-

ica,” Closser said he was constantly as surprised as his readers were about his steady progress, amazed that he had made it so far. He believes there’s a life lesson in that. “It was so powerfully demonstrated to me that small steps applied consistently lead to huge results,” he said. He believes we are all capable of enormous things, if only we are willing to take it one step at a time, and keep moving. MM Eleni Robertson lives in the heart of the Hiawatha National Forest and spends her time outdoors, writing, and playing music.

Bruce Closser finished his 109-day journey on the Oregon Coast. (Photo courtesy of Bruce Closser)

November 2023

Marquette Monthly

November 2023

locals

Nicole Walton, news director for WNMU-FM, is on the air at 6 a.m. every weekday for “Morning Edition.” She prioritizes news that affects the lives of her listeners. (Photo by Tom Buchkoe)

Voice of the morning

Public Radio 90’s Nicole Walton has built her career on a passion for local news, a commitment to growth and a smooth on-air delivery By Jackie Stark

hen Nicole Walton pulled into the parking lot near Harden Hall on Northern Michigan University’s campus one morning this summer, it was still early enough to watch a doe munching on a small patch of grass near the empty lot. It was a calm, serene moment, necessarily interrupted by Walton’s car door closing, forcing the doe to saunter off to finish her meal elsewhere. After all, the news waits for no man, let alone a deer, and Walton had to be on air at 6 a.m. in the WNMU-FM studio. Being the local host of the nationally syndicated radio program “Morning Edition” is just one of Walton’s

many duties as Public Radio 90’s longtime news director. One might think with more than two decades of experience as the local host, there wouldn’t be much Walton could do better, but “better” is always an option for her. “Every single morning, I think of ways I can improve,” Walton said. “Of course, I’m a perfectionist, which probably isn’t a good thing to be. It should be progress, not perfection.” The PR 90 studio is small, a long wall of glass on one side and a sea of machines on the other. Computer screens tell Walton what’s happening on the national portion of the broadcast, so she can run through her long list of daily tasks while she’s off the air. Between reading through the

morning’s press releases, checking the day’s weather and nautical reports, preparing teasers for upcoming programming and organizing the day sponsors, Walton is live on the air, reading news either she has written or other articles from public radio professionals that come across the wire. “I want to look and see if it will affect somebody’s life who lives here,” Walton said of deciding how to choose what makes the on-air cut. Her schedule is split, with her weekday morning shift on air and a break during mid-day before she’s back at her desk, gathering news for the next morning’s broadcast. Station Manager Tammy Wixtrom Johnson said the hours can be tough. “She has a very difficult work schedule because she is a one-person newsroom, so she has to split her day up,” Wixtrom Johnson said. “She comes in in the morning; she writes news sometimes late into the evening. Her dedication level, it really is amazing.”

November 2023

Marquette Monthly

Though Walton has been at PR 90 continuously since 2000, she got her start in radio as an NMU student in 1989. “I was in university choir, and Floyd Slotterback was the director then,” she said. “He said that public radio was looking for students, and I was like, ‘I can do that.’ Then I came here, and I was like, ‘Oh my God, I can’t do this.’” That fear eventually worked its way out of her system, though, as she found herself drawn to work in public radio. The desire had her working off and on for PR 90 throughout the ’90s and eventually called her back to Marquette after living in Ohio for grad school. “I love the lake. I’m a Scorpio, so I’m a water sign,” she said with a laugh. “I’m a big tree hugger, man. I really am.” Humor is a big part of who Walton is, with jokes peppered throughout our interviews. “The quickest way to get to know somebody is to make them laugh,” she said. That attitude can help when you find yourself tongue-tied on the air at 6:30 in the morning. “If I make a mistake that makes people laugh, I’m all for it,” Walton said, recalling a particularly memorable on-air flub. “I said the snow was going to be het and weavy, and a friend of mine … now, every time I say it’s going to snow, it’s like, ‘Yes, Nicole, but will it be het and weavy?’ “One of the words that gets me consistently is ‘community.’ It gets lost on the roof of my mouth. Sometimes I find it in almost every single dang story I read,” she added. Mispronunciations can be comical at times, but when you’re live on the air, the margin for error is incredibly thin, because, well, once you’ve said it out loud, there’s not really any going back. “I was told when I first started that there’s no mistake you can make here that hasn’t been made already,” Walton said. A comforting thought for sure, but Walton said she’s always striving to keep her news program accurate and mistake-free, especially given today’s often negative climate surrounding the media and journalism in general. “Getting something wrong is probably the thing that would wake me up or keep me awake,” she said. “Nobody’s perfect, obviously, but I really do want to get things right. There’s so much mistrust of the media today that it boggles the mind, and I want to be the antithesis of that mistrust.” Walton does her part to combat it with a consistent effort to deliver the news every morning — accurately

Marquette Monthly

November 2023

Nicole Walton got her start in radio as a student at Northern Michigan University. (Photo by Tom Buchkoe)

and with stories that have an impact on the people in her listening area. Wixtrom Johnson credits Walton for being the rock of PR 90’s news efforts. “Because of her longevity here, she brings a lot of stability to not just our daily efforts in keeping the station moving forward, but stability to our listeners as well,” Wixtrom Johnson said. “When you’re on air, you develop a rapport with your listeners, even though you don’t get to talk with them one-on-one. She opens up that mic — she’s talking to people individually. … I really do think WNMU and Northern Michigan University is very lucky to have somebody of her talent and caliber working here.” Many listeners would seem to agree with Wixtrom Johnson’s assessment, often calling the station on days when Walton isn’t broadcasting during “Morning Edition.” “She’s very modest, but she is excellent at what she does,” Wixtrom Johnson said. “That’s just not only my opinion. I’ve heard that from many of our donors. They totally rely on her every morning. They wake up, they want to hear Nicole. When she’s not on the air, it’s like, ‘What is wrong with Nicole? Where is Nicole?’” That’s what more than two decades of providing the morning news will do for a community. It’s not just the consistency factor, either; it’s also the way she does it. Anyone listening to PR 90 from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. on any given weekday in the Upper Peninsula has almost certainly heard Walton’s instantly recognizable on-air voice. Cultivated over the years, her professional voice is a culmination of her own style and that of other on-air professionals she’s admired over the years — plus a touch

of family genes. “My mom had a really nice voice, and I would make fun of her. … She would pronounce book like book,” Walton said, hitting the “k” at the end of the word with an added emphasis. “She would really pronounce the consonants. Then when I started here, she was like, ‘Ha!’ “I got my voice from her,” Walton said, but she also acknowledged the effort she’s put into honing her craft. “It’s from listening to other radio people and listening to TV anchors and absorbing all of that kind of stuff. You want people to be able to understand what you’re saying.” Part of that effort takes place at Host Con, a favorite event for Walton, spearheaded by public radio colleague Ariel Van Cleave. There, Walton can rub elbows with other hosts to discuss their delivery and how they write and to listen to speakers from other NPR programs such as former “Morning Edition” host David Greene. “He’s got the best voice ever,” Walton said, adding the ability to hobnob with other growth-oriented professionals has always been beneficial. “When I went to my first Host Con, I knew very little, even though I’d been doing it for years. You can always improve. You can’t just be the status quo. You can’t be OK with that. That translates to life. Always be learning something new. Bring yourself to the next level. There is always improvement.” Professional development is always top-of-mind for Walton, as she has navigated the technological im-

WNMU-FM station manager Tammy Wixtrom Johnson, right, said Nicole Walton is “very modest, but she is excellent at what she does.” (Photo by Tom Buchkoe)

provements that have vastly changed the way she does her job. “It doesn’t seem like it’s been 33 years since I started. But when I look back and we would use carts and reel decks and the pace at which technology has seeped into and taken over in broadcasting just boggles my mind,” Walton said. “It’ll change. It’ll change again. It’ll be something different in the next decade. I just hope that public radio can keep up with all the changes and remain part of the American experience.” Wixtrom Johnson acknowledged that Walton had plenty of opportunities over the years to leave the station, either for commercial opportunities or for positions at other public stations in bigger markets. Commercial radio, however, never really appealed to Walton. “It’s just not me,” she said. And leaving Marquette again just

wasn’t an option for her, unless it was to travel. Walton has been “across the pond” many times, visiting Ireland, England, Scotland, France, Germany and Italy, to name a few places. She also has a passion for animal welfare and has two cats — a fun-loving tabby named Toby (if you ever meet Walton you’ll have to ask about Toby’s nickname) and newly adopted Phinn, a kitten recently rescued from the Delta County Animal Shelter. “He just came up to me, like, ‘Hey, I’m your cat now,’” Walton said. There are some hazards to smalltown journalism. Sometimes you have to write about your friends. Such was the case for Walton when John Kivela, a state representative from Marquette, died in 2017. The pair had been friends for years, sharing an inside joke about a long-ago $5 bet on a game of pool that was never paid out.

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“He called me, which he had never, ever done before. He called me from the House floor and he said, ‘You know, I’ve been calculating the interest over the past 30 years, and I think you owe me $32.17,’” she said. “I said, ‘John, shouldn’t you be working right now?’ He said, ‘I am. I’m on the House floor.’ That was the last time I talked to him.” A fellow NPR reporter called her to let her know about Kivela’s death so she wouldn’t read about it first in a news release. “I sat down and I opened up my laptop and I wrote the story. I was numb, like everybody else was. I wrote the story and I hit send and then I burst into tears,” she said. “That is the part I don’t like. I have had to write a few stories about friends or people I’ve known who have died. That’s when you really have to compartmentalize; and when you’re done, then you can feel, you can react.” The good, though, definitely outweighs the bad for Nicole Walton. After all, no one is getting rich working in public radio. And for someone with decades in the business, it has to be a passion. For Walton, bringing the news to thousands of listeners every day is a privilege she truly enjoys. “I can’t believe they let me do this,” she said with a smile. MM Jackie Stark is the general manager of a local marketing agency that specializes in the trades. She is a former Marquette Monthly editor.

Marquette Monthly

November 2023

the arts

A clogged drain atop Negaunee’s historic Vista Theater led to a roof collapse in August 2020. Grants from the county and state will be used to renovate the structure and secure its future. (Photo courtesy of Thomas Gerdom)

Saving the Vista

Three years after roof collapse, theater is on verge of new life By Erin Elliott Bryan

n July 2020 in Negaunee, it rained. It rained in August, too. This was during the first months of the coronavirus pandemic, when the state’s stay-at-home orders required theaters, including Negaunee’s Vista Theater, to remain shuttered for safety. During that time, as the rains came down, one of the two drains on the

Vista’s roof had clogged, but no one knew because the theater was closed. “For three months, no one was allowed in the theater,” said Rusty Bowers, president of the Peninsula Arts Appreciation Council, which owned the Vista Theater at the time. “And the roof collapsed at the end of August.” It’s now been three years since the collapse, and some significant steps have been taken to save the building,

repair the roof and plan for a sustainable future for the Vista as a fixture in downtown Negaunee. First, in May of this year, the Negaunee City Council and PAAC approved a purchase agreement to transfer ownership of the Vista to the city for $1 pending the receipt of a competitive grant from the Marquette County Land Bank Authority. That grant was awarded in August in the amount of $435,424. Funds

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will be used for the replacement of the roof, the “abatement of debris,” some of which may include asbestos and lead, and other general cleanup required because the interior of the theater was exposed to the elements for three years, according to David Nelson, Negaunee’s planning and zoning administrator, who wrote the grant proposal. He said work should begin next spring. “It means there isn’t going to

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be a big hole in Iron Street,” Nelson said. “It will be great. It will be a draw for people to come to Negaunee.” “We are very fortunate to have great partners such as the Marquette County Land Bank Authority,” City Manager Nate Heffron said in a press release when the grant was awarded. “Together with our city staff, we will now be able to save this historic building in downtown Negaunee.” Additionally, on Aug. 16, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer visited Negaunee to present a check for $3 million from the state’s budget to be used for the Vista Theater’s renovation. The funding was secured with help from state Rep. Jenn Hill of Marquette. “I loved going to the movies,” Hill said, adding that she saw North by Northwest at the Vista several years ago. “So, for a place that was vaudeville and a movie theater and did live stage shows, I really wanted to help make that happen.” Hill said the direct expenditure from the state is intended for projects that don’t fit into other special grant categories and are part of bigger plans to invest in communities. “It’s an exciting time to help the reinvestment and growth in Negaunee,” Hill said. “PAAC and city staff … have put their shoulders to the grindstone to make this happen. But whatever happens, it’s up to the community.” ‘A good theater’ he Vista Theater was conceived by Negaunee theater owner Jafet Rytkonen, who had already found success with the Star and Liberty theaters that operated on opposite ends of Iron Street. Rytkonen visited theaters around the country and engaged with architect David E. Anderson of Iron Mountain to “erect a modern playhouse,” according to a March 18, 1925, article in The Mining Journal. Initially, Rytkonen partnered with Delft Theatres Inc. for the project, but by March 1926 the “arrangement proved unsatisfactory” and Rytkonen took over full ownership of the new theater, according to the newspaper. In May 1926, Negaunee resident Mae Duchane was awarded $25 in gold for proposing the winning name in a contest. “The new theater being erected on Iron street [sic] by Jafet Rytkonen will hereafter be known as ‘The Vista,’” The Mining Journal reported. The total cost to build the theater was $75,000 at the time, or about $1.3 million adjusted for inflation. In the opening night program, on Sept. 20, 1926, Rytkonen wrote in

The collapse of the Vista Theater’s roof heavily damaged the building’s interior, including its balcony, seats and electrical and heating systems. The walls have remained upright, reinforced by metal bracing, left. (Photos courtesy of Thomas Gerdom)

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part: “A good theater is more than a well-built playhouse. It is a place where good people go to have a good time together, enjoying good entertainment. … Theater is an indispensable factor in the social and business life of the modern community, providing inspiration, incentive and stimulus to the people. A good theater is a good neighbor for any kind of business institution. It brings people out in the crowds from far and near, and sends them away from its doors pleased.”

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On April 17, 1938, the Vista made history as the first theater in the nation to screen a Finnish-language film, Kuin Uni Ja Varjo (As Dream and Shadow). The theater continued to screen Finnish films throughout the 1940s. During World War II, the Vista was active in its support of the war effort, showing a screening of Negaunee at War in September 1942, hosting a scrap metal drive and providing space for a canning demonstration for ex-

cess food grown in local Victory Gardens. Rytkonen retired in 1950, and ownership of the theater transferred to his son, William, and son-in-law, Peter Ghiardi. A major renovation took place in the 1950s that included a new Cinemascope screen, new lens adaptors and 600 new seats on the main floor. William Rytkonen and Ghiardi ran the theater until William’s death in December 1972. The theater was then closed for a year until it was purchased by PAAC in 1973. ‘Revitalizing Rytkonen’s vision’ rior to the Vista’s roof collapse in August 2020, PAAC had commissioned a feasibility study to restore the building and create a business plan for the organization’s long-term success. “We had cleaned up a lot of stuff,” Bowers said of the theater’s physical disrepair, such as mold, plumbing and electrical problems, and also its finances and administrative issues.

Toward the end of 2018, with support from the City of Negaunee, the Ishpeming-Negaunee Chamber of Commerce and the Community Foundation of Marquette County, PAAC hired Thomas Gerdom of GMG Theatre Consultancy, who drafted a 268page plan titled “Revitalizing Rytkonen’s Vision on Iron Street,” which he first presented to the PAAC board in November 2019. Gerdom proposed building modifications and updates to the theater as well as the adjacent Field Building, or Annex Building, such as making it ADA-compliant, as well as expanded programming that would keep the theater open at least six days a week. His proposal would cost $5 million. Additionally, Gerdom did extensive historical research and looked at PAAC’s past management and previous business decisions. He wanted to ensure PAAC could become financially sustainable. Regarding past theatrical productions, around the 1979-1980 season as an example, Gerdom’s report noted, “With missing or misfiled records, and, generally, poor record keeping overall, it’s hard to judge how everything worked, especially in this period. … The theatrical productions seemed to have been well received based on anecdotal evidence, but at what cost?” A May 31, 1986, article in The Mining Journal noted that PAAC could not afford to keep the theater open during the winter months. The newspaper further noted, on Dec. 31, 1986: “PAAC purchased the Vista after incorporating in 1973, but lacking sufficient funds for extensive repairs, the building was allowed to steadily deteriorate.” In 1987, however, PAAC received a $25,000 Michigan Equity grant to make plumbing and roof repairs, though it was only a portion of a $62,000 plan that also included heating and interior upgrades. In 2002, a $1 million, multi-year fundraising campaign was announced; enough funds had been raised by 2005 for a new roof over the auditorium as well as the restoration of all doors and windows. In 2005, the Vista Theater was accepted onto the National Register of Historic Places. Around that time, the Vista opened a thrift shop as another means of income; it eventually moved into the Field Building in July 2008. Unfortunately, Gerdom’s report noted, the shop drained valuable staff and volunteer time and did not bring in significant revenue. It closed in 2016 and

two years later was being converted into a rehearsal and meeting space. Gerdom noted that this time period — particularly 2000 to 2015 — was a “mixed bag” of successes and struggles for the Vista, “culminating in the loss of their 501(c)(3) status on May 15 of [2015] due to a failure to file tax returns for three consecutive years.” After a new executive director was named, the PAAC board reapplied for its nonprofit status later that year and it was retroactively restored. When Bowers joined the PAAC board around 2017, he was encouraged by the direction it was taking. The board had even invested a significant amount of money in 2018-19 to replace the roof on the Field Building and over the theater’s stage. And he was feeling especially optimistic as 2020 began. “We had paid off the debt, we put together a full season and we were ready to go,” he said. “We were a week into our first show, and then COVID hit.” Roof collapse t was estimated that 20,000 pounds of water had accumulated on the roof, according to Bowers. “There was no deterioration on the trusses; it was just the weight of the water,” he said. When the roof fell, it also brought down a portion of the electrical system, destroyed the interior of the auditorium and fell through the floor, heavily damaging the heating system. The walls have remained upright, though they are reinforced by metal bracing. There are separate roofs over the stage and lobby areas; they were able to be walled off and protected. Bowers said the community was incredibly generous and stepped forward right away to help, whether it was through donations to a GoFundMe campaign or a can drive. “Everyone in the area donated, anywhere from $5 to $500,” he said. He noted that it would cost the same amount of money to demolish the building as it would to put on a new roof. Gerdom has stayed connected to the project even after the roof collapse, though he hasn’t been paid since 2020. He has revised his report to incorporate the repair work that needs to be done. “The Vista has hope,” he said. “I never thought it was not possible to put the roof back. You can’t build [theaters] again for nearly what it takes to put it back together, and it wouldn’t be nearly as interesting. It will be $5

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Jafet Rytkonen, who already owned the Star and Liberty theaters on opposite ends of Iron Street, opened the Vista in 1926. State Rep. Jenn Hill, left, was instrumental in securing state funds for the Vista’s restoration. She appears with Rusty Bowers, president of the Peninsula Arts Appreciation Council. (Photos courtesy of Thomas Gerdom, above, and Rusty Bowers)

million to put everything back together. There’s been debate with the city already as to how to do it, but we’ll see.” Looking ahead n April of this year, WNMU-TV broadcast the television premiere of Negaunee native Dan Korhonen’s new film, Saving Our Theatre. It later had its theatrical premiere (with free admission) at Thomas Theatre in Marquette and was also featured at the Soo Film Festival in September and the Fresh Coast Film Festival in October. One of the theaters featured in the documentary is Korhonen’s hometown Vista. “I wanted to raise awareness of theater groups and the passionate people behind these theaters,” he said. “And with the Vista, what it means to the community. They didn’t want to see it go away.” Korhonen’s film also highlights the struggles these groups face, as many are run by volunteers. “In almost every community, there’s a group of people that are trying to either bring it back or build it, and they all need to be supported,” Ryan Engle, executive director of Masonic Arts, Theatre and Innovation Co., says in the film. “Theater ... especially community theater, is not something that brings in lots and lots of money to keep facilities running. It’s a passion. It’s community effort. And it really needs to be driven by the local people that love theater.” (Korhonen serves on MÄTI’s board of directors.)

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Korhonen, whose father, John Korhonen, previously served as Negaunee’s city manager, said he shared a copy of the film with the city council as they were deciding whether to move forward with purchasing the theater from PAAC. “I hope that the film had an impact on things,” he said. Nelson, Negaunee’s planning and zoning administrator, said the city will work with the $3 million it received from the state to move forward with renovation plans for the theater. Though it’s $2 million short of Gerdom’s $5 million plan, the city will prioritize bringing the theater up to modern building codes, ADA com-

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pliance and interior work. But he also said its history will be honored. “We are exploring any and all options to provide more amenities to exist as a theater, a community gathering space, a musical venue, a performance space,” Nelson said. “But we’re not limited to community theater. It could be used for music, lectures, pageants. We want to keep that theater activated.” Nelson also said there’s a possibility the Vista could become a rentable venue. He said the city will have discussions with PAAC and solicit input from the community to get the plans to “where it’s not $5 million” to ensure the city is “spending wisely.” “We welcome anyone who would

like to help,” Nelson said. “We really want to keep the community involved.” For Bowers, he is content knowing that PAAC will always be a part of the Vista’s history and the legacy of downtown Negaunee. “Our goal was to save the building. We have done our goal. We’ve saved the building,” he said. “If we can help the downtown economy, it helps everybody. We wanted to be part of that.” He also looks forward to the grand reopening of a fully renovated Vista Theater, perhaps in September 2026, to mark its 100th anniversary. “I want to see another 100 years for the Vista Theater,” Bowers said. “I envision big spotlights, a red carpet, limos. I want to stop begging for money and just invite people down and celebrate.” MM Erin Elliott Bryan grew up in Ishpeming and had her first stage experience at the Vista Theater at age 9 in a production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. She is a freelance writer and a Marquette Monthly calendar editor.

the arts

Drawn to peace Copper Country children turn their thoughts to Ukraine By Jennifer Donovan

s the war in Ukraine rages on, children in the Copper Country are thinking about peace. Last summer, during an Art for Peace project sponsored by Keweenaw Faiths United, hundreds of children picked up pencils, crayons and paints to turn their thoughts and feelings about peace into visual images. On Sept. 21, the International Day of Peace, they displayed their artwork at an exhibition at the Copper Country Community Arts Center in Hancock. Most of their drawings and paintings were then sent to the children at a new school in Chernihiv, a province in northern Ukraine, to let children in that war-torn country know that peace is something children around the world are thinking about. The Chernihiv school was rebuilt with help from a Houghton-based group called Yoopers for Ukraine and their supporters. “My son drew himself and a friend holding hands and then continued to draw around it an entire city and scene of cool things that he likes to see,” said Ana Dyreson, a Hancock resident whose 5-year-old son participated in Art for Peace. “I think he learned what different people think of when they think of peace.” Since helping Houghton and Hancock become International Cities of Peace in 2021, Keweenaw Faiths United has marked the International Day of Peace every year. In September 2022, they sponsored a celebration at the Peace Poles at the Hancock Labyrinth and Bridgeview Park in Houghton. This year came the Art for Peace project.

Art for Peace opportunities adija Packauskas, one of the founders of the Yoopers for Ukraine initiative, led a program where children learned about what it feels like to live in a country that’s at war. They talked about what helps them to feel safe. After the discussion, the children were given paper, crayons and markers to draw what peace meant to them. Some children drew pictures of what makes them happy, like a snazzy car. Others produced pictures of happy families, fishing with Dad, a safe house and a sleeping child in a bed. There were also lots of rainbows and flower gardens. “Exploring expression through art and giving kids a voice! How fabulous to give value to soul like that!” said Packauskas, a community activist in Houghton. In August, Packauskas took the Art for Peace project to Art in the Park, an art fair in Copper Harbor. Her organization, Yoopers for Ukraine, had a booth at the fair dedicated to the Art for Peace program, with drawing materials and paper to use. Many children participated with their parents, who read them books and poems, had thoughtful family conversations about peace and drew their visions of peace. One parent said that the night before, the family had a discussion about how to offset nightmares with happy

Hundreds of Copper Country children participated in an Art for Peace project sponsored by Keweenaw Faiths United. (Photo by Nadija Packauskas)

thoughts. Participating in the Art for Peace project gave their 4-year-old child the opportunity to expand that conversation into a colorful drawing about how to stop nightmares in the world through peace. The children were excited to have their pictures added to the collection for the Sept. 21 display, but even more excited that their pictures will be sent around the globe to

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Ukraine to add a moment of peace to someone’s troubled life. Also in August, the Rev. Sarah Diener-Schlitt, pastor of Trinity Episcopal Church in Houghton, sponsored an Art for Peace exploration after a monthly community meal. After sharing pizza and a tour of the Gothic Revival-style church, the minister led a discussion on the meaning of peace. Then children and adults alike created art depicting their views about peace. Their works were displayed at the Community Arts Center exhibition. “Trinity has been offering monthly makers or game nights, and the Art for Peace project aligned with our hope and mission to bring people together by creating something together,” Diener-Schlitt said. “What stood out to me was the seemingly simple answers they gave: Peace is when I have time to myself to breathe when I am upset, or it is the feeling I get when I spend time with people who care about me, or the feeling when you and a friend make up after an argument,” she said. “After years of working with children before my call to the priesthood, particularly in creative spaces, I still often underestimate children’s wisdom and curiosity. It is a gift to us and has the ability to teach us more than we expect.” Diener-Schlitt added, “Art for Peace gave children a chance to voice things in a way that I hope adults, who often get stuck in the day-to-day troubles of the world, can pay attention to.” Ana Dyreson, who participated in Trinity’s Art for Peace event with her 5-year-old son and her mother, said: “I’m excited to see the Art for Peace results that various folks in the community have contributed. I think it’s a nice project because it makes a quiet space for art and a contemplative space for thinking about peace. I was really struck by how everyone who was there, including kids, parents and grandparents, was excited to sit quietly for a few minutes and draw or color.” Later in August, Yoopers for Ukraine also sponsored an Art for Peace opportunity at their Ukraine Independence Day picnic. A bookstore in Houghton, The Well Read Raccoon, displayed hand-drawn pictures from children in Ukraine, depicting their lives and their cry for hope and peace. Children in the Keweenaw were able to participate in the Art for Peace project while viewing the children’s art from Ukraine. Children also had the opportunity to make tie-dyed T-shirts with peace symbols on them at a Keweenaw Unitarian Universalist Fellowship ser-

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Most of the artwork produced by children at the Art in the Park event, above and top left, was sent to a school in Ukraine. Children also created necklaces, left. (Photos by Miriam Pickens, bottom left, and Nadija Packauskas)

vice. Many of them wore those shirts to the event on Sept. 21. The Community Alliance for Progressive Education helped support the Art for Peace project and plans to continue the work with monthly events. Ana Hanson, a 9-year-old third grader from Hancock, was visiting her grandmother when she got the idea to do a drawing about peace. Her grandmother, Kathleen Carlton Johnson, told her about the Art for Peace project and suggested that she submit her drawing. “I learned that sometimes you have worries, but peace can take them away,” Ana said. She’s excited about her artwork being sent to the children in Ukraine, and she has a message for those children: “Don’t be afraid. Peace is coming.”

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Why does it matter? ohnson, who is a hospice chaplain, said that her granddaughter and the other children learned valuable lessons about the ideas, concepts and values that human beings cherish. “Life is not all about cartoon cuteness,” she said. “Life is complex, as is the human person. Fads and social media are for many children their presenter of concepts that run counter to human values. Children are often taught via the media that they are consumers. Concepts and values are not often seen in childhood culture today.” Miriam Pickens, a Hancock resident who helped organize the Art for Peace project, added: “To have children here know that their efforts on this side of the world will bring a

moment of joy and connectivity to a child on the other side of the world is the foundation of teaching how to live a life of peace and teaching the most important lesson imaginable: that we are not here alone and that humanity is always connected. “If I learned anything during this project, it is that peace is really important to Copper Country children. They think about peace and violence and seek out ways to create peaceful spaces in their lives. And given the challenge, they will stretch to talk about peace on a larger scale.” She recalled one 7-year-old deep in conversation about Star Wars and the idea of intergalactic peace, who said: “Honestly, there can’t be real peace until everyone is at peace.” His comment earned a proud hug from his dad. MM Jennifer Donovan is a freelance writer based in Houghton. She has decades of experience as a newspaper reporter, magazine writer and university communications specialist, most recently as director of news and information at Michigan Technological University.

back then Revisiting the highlights of 1923

Not so long ago

By Larry Chabot

hey called it the storm of the century. Although it blew through 100 years ago, the tempest is still known as the Great Michigan Blizzard of 1923. On the eighth day in May, temperatures dropped 30 degrees in a few hours. The effect of unusually high snow totals falling on warmer ground layered city streets with slush, causing gridlock. Where was this? Calumet? Copper Harbor? No, seriously, this was way downstate, where all of four inches of snow tied up the city of Kalamazoo. Detroit struggled with six inches from a front that raged across the southern tier of counties, but not enough to postpone the Detroit Tigers baseball game with Washington (they lost). All was serene the next day as temps returned to the 60s. Marquette County had a snow event, too, a few weeks earlier, but much more of it. On April 7, a county 10-ton tractor needed 11 hours to plow a channel through enormous drifts from Marquette to Ishpeming. The U.P. was clobbered by melting snow and river ice, which flooded the lakeshore town of Ontonagon. Ice slabs freed by warm weather came roaring down the Ontonagon River to slam into a low bridge, diverting river water into the village. Ten blocks were flooded as deep as 16 inches. No basements were spared, either, until the rushing river water punched a hole in the ice barricade piled against the bridge. The town was flooded again in 1942 and 1963; the pesky bridge has since been removed. On the 1923 economic front, automaker Henry Ford and his son, Edsel, toured Ford plants in Iron Mountain and Marquette County. The auto magnate announced plans to process wood chips from a Kingsford mill into commercial charcoal. Ford also decided to buy his own fleet of ore boats (one of which sailed into Keweenaw Bay to drop Ford off at his cottage in Pequaming). The Marquette County mine in-

spector tallied nine fatal mine accidents in 1923, six of which were caused by underground rock falls. He counted 21 mines and six quarries employing 3,861 workers. Because the major iron mines were getting an extra 50 cents per ton for ore, all mine employees got 10 percent raises. Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Co. was rewarding workers who had the best home gardens and neatest houses and yards. To satisfy all of its sweet-tooth customers, Bureau’s store on Marquette’s Third Street, upon finally receiving the 5,000 pounds of candy that failed to arrive by Christmas, offered the whole batch at their cost of 20 cents a pound. Come and get it.

Hey, thanks for the money n September, a robber waving his father’s pistol stole $10,200 (more than $180,000 in today’s money) from the Republic Bank. After shopping with his loot in Iron Mountain, he penned a sarcastic thank-you note to the people of Marquette for all that nice money. The bandit was later arrested in Ohio, prompting a police official to discredit him for his “lack of brains.” Maybe he got the urge from the thief who broke through a rear window of the Ishpeming A&P and stole $250 earlier that year. In lesser offenses, several area chiropractors were jailed for practicing without a state license; they paid fines and went right back to the back business. In Ishpeming, police issued a stern reminder to parents who let their young kids drive a car before age 14. Prohibition was the law of the land in 1923, banning the making, selling or transporting of alcoholic beverages (but not the drinking thereof). Booze makers and sellers across the U.P. were popping in and out of jails with regularity. In one crowded Marquette courtroom, 66 moonshiners were fined and jailed in a single day. Many a retail shop, with a hidden bar in the back room, was temporarily shuttered; most reopened as soon as the proprietor got out of the slammer.

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Prohibition still had 10 years to run, and it would only get worse. Great new stuff o the immense relief of diabetes sufferers, Eli Lilly and Co. began marketing insulin, which earned the Nobel Prize in medicine for its developers. Previously, diabetes patients controlled the disease by stringent, no-carb dieting. The Walt Disney Co. was born in 1923, as was the Warner Bros. movie studio; both are still around. Clarence Birdseye perfected freezing fresh food, leading later to the popular TV dinner. Garrett Morgan invented the three-light traffic sign, among other things. Ever heard of Vladimir Zworykin? His invention of the iconoscope led to the dawn of television, in front of which people ate their Birds Eye TV dinners. In sports, the New York Yankees won the first of their 27 World Series championships. The Green Bay Packers finished second to the Canton Bulldogs in pro football; their 7-2-1 record included a loss to the Chicago Bears and a split with the Racine Legion (the Detroit Lions weren’t around yet), and undefeated Michigan was the national college football champion. The Iron Ore newspaper in Ishpeming reported the grim news that the high school Hematites suffered “the worst drubbing ever” from the Negaunee Miners. Air races and speed trials were very popular events, drawing thousands of spectators; Army pilot Lowell Maughan set a record of 236.5 miles per hour at Wright Field in Dayton, Ohio, home of the famous aviation pioneers the Wright brothers. Radio began to intrude on newspapers’ news and entertainment monopoly as the first stations came on the air in 1923 in Marquette, Laurium, Houghton, Menominee and Escanaba. Most quickly faded. Radio sets appeared in store windows like Windsand and Co. The U.P. population was 323,000; Houghton was the most populous county with 71,830 people. With a $1 bill, one could mail 50 Christmas cards or buy seven gallons of gas. The most popular baby names were John and Mary; Leona and Virgil were in 100th place.

Shocking news resident Warren Harding went on a 15,000-mile trip to the West Coast and never came back, passing out in a San Francisco hotel room as his wife read a news story about him. The first person to reach his side was Herbert Hoover, the future president.

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Illustration by Mike McKinney

(President Harding’s immediate successor, Calvin Coolidge, was dubbed Silent Cal for his reputation as a man of few words. During Coolidge’s tenure as president, a White House guest at a dinner party told him that she had bet someone that she could get Coolidge to say more than two words. His reply: “You lose.”)

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At year-end, there was open skating at Marquette’s Palestra rink with music by the Marquette City Band and dancing to the Cloverland Five Orchestra. As 1924 dawned, forecasters predicted a good financial year, lots of jobs, and easy credit. The Great Depression was five years away. MM

Larry Chabot, an Ontonagon native, worked his way through Georgetown University and was then employed at White Pine Copper Co. for 32 years, before moving to Marquette with his wife, Betty. He is a freelance writer who has written for several publications, including nearly 200 articles for Marquette Monthly.

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in the outdoors Feathers are critical in birds’ mate selection, temperature control and mobility

‘A feather is a miraculous thing’ Story and photos by Scot Stewart “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul — and sings the tunes without the words — and never stops at all.” —Emily Dickinson

hen anyone mentions feathers, the discussion almost immediately turns to bids. The two just go together. Grace, color, beauty, flight — feathers are what make birds go and what make birds such an irresistible part of life. In spring and summer, birdsong might be the first sign of a bird, but attention will quickly turn to finding the identity of the performer. Grace, color, marking and sleekness are all attrac-

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tions sought out, studied and admired. Nowadays birds can also bring up a conversation about dinosaurs. In the amazing world of paleontology, new fossils are continually being found to help the understanding of the evolution of birds. Intact, complete fossils of dinosaurs and early bird species with feathers — parts of ancient dinosaurs embedded in amber, sometimes 99 million years old — and other new discoveries continue to paint a picture of how these changes occurred. It has been a slow process because the delicate nature The red markings on the sides of their heads distinguish the male pileated woodpecker from the female. (Photo by Scot Stewart)

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The northern flicker is a member of the woodpecker family. (Photo by Scot Stewart)

of feathers, the hollow bones of birds and the ways birds disperse all make it difficult to find high-quality fossils. Unlike slower-moving dinosaurs, schooling fish and other less-mobile colonial organisms, birds are rarely found fossilized in groups. Feathers are a crucial part of these studies as they helped new species move to new areas with less competition; adapt to more challenging weather and climate; and exploit new foods. They help new species with mate selection, flight, heat maintenance, camouflage and much more. As with humans, feathers dress up the bird so it can get sized up by potential mates, impressing with its beauty, color and configuration of

patterns. Those feathers can be put on display, too. Peacocks are renowned for their brilliantly patterned arrays as they raise up their tails, full of iridescent greens and blues, then rattle those long tail feathers. Male ruffed grouse lift their tails briefly after drumming to show off their tightly arranged feathers, called rectrices, and strut around females with their tails fanned out. Sage and sharp-tailed grouse have finer, stiffer tail feathers and raise them up as they boom or dance; these feathers become a huge part of their displays as well. Sexes of many species are quite different in appearance. Males frequently sport bright colors to help them attract their mates. Bright colors

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The back of the Bohemian waxwing has distinctive white, red and yellow markings. (Photo by Scot Stewart)

and neat, well-cared-for, healthy feathers are good signs that birds are fit and able to take care of their mates and father strong offspring. Females more often have subtle colors, which help with concealment as they incubate eggs and must sit quietly, often for two or three weeks until their brood hatches. There are exceptions of all sorts, though. Belted kingfishers nest in burrows in sandbanks often at the top of a river edge out of sight. Females have a rusty bar across their chests and are the more colorful of the two sexes. Wilson’s phalaropes switch much of their family responsibilities, with females more colorful and males doing all the incubating; females move on and sometimes find another mate to start another brood, which the male will also tend. Ducks run the gamut from somewhat drab, mesmerizing patterns of browns to blend into amazingly colorful wood and mandarin ducks. In between are many with some flashes, like mallards, scaup, goldeneyes, buffleheads and northern shovelers with iridescent heads and brownish

bodies. Some add just a touch more with colorful wing patches. Teals, mallards, black ducks and others have flashy blue or green wing markings. Colors are also connected to song.

Many cryptically marked birds had brown, white and tan patterns to blend into the bushes and trees where they live. Brown thrashers, wrens and thrushes may be almost impossible

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to find, even when they are singing some of the most amazingly beautiful melodic songs. Most woodpeckers have subtle differences between males and

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females. When examining the common downy and hairy woodpeckers found across most of North America, the sole difference is a bright red patch on the back of the males’ heads. Northern flickers and pileated woodpeckers have different markings on the sides of their heads near their beaks, with red ones on the males and black ones on the females. Red-bellied woodpeckers have red stripes across the tops of their heads, but the ones on females are incomplete. For a fair number of birds like blue jays, crows, ravens, thrashers, swans, hawks and eagles, marking is the same.

“I am a feather for each wind that blows.” —William Shakespeare

eathers are not just for show — they do serve a number of utilitarian needs, too. Not only are they important factors in mate selection, but they are also critical in temperature control and mobility. Most birds must maintain daytime temperatures well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Keeping them warm enough, especially during winter months when temperatures in some areas may drop well below minus 30 degrees, is a crucial task. Birds

The emerging wing feather of a peregrine falcon shows its papilla covering. (Photo by Scot Stewart)

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November 2023

The scarlet tanager is classified as a member of the cardinal family. (Photo by Scot Stewart)

wear out or are lost. One tangle with a predator can create a huge loss of critical coverage, and damage to just a few flight feathers can make flight much more challenging. “Feather by feather, bird by bird, the sky becomes alive with beauty.” —Unknown

can fluff out their feathers to add more space between feathers to trap heat — essentially adding another layer of in-

sulation. For chickadees and common redpolls, they can step up their feather coverage by adding 30 percent more

feathers in winter for added warmth. Feathers are extremely durable but do need to be replaced as they

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he molting process of feather replacement varies to some degree for different groups of birds right from the time they hatch. For ruffed grouse, females lay one egg on average every day and a half. Because mothers wait until the last egg is laid to begin incubation, the clutch of eggs hatches usually near the same day. Precocial birds, like grouse, ducks and chickens, hatch out covered in a wet layer of downy feathers. As soon as these downy coverings dry, the chicks can begin wandering around their mothers, picking at insects. Within three or four days, they may be a quarter-mile from the nest already and after 10 days can be three or four miles away. Those downy feathers will keep the chicks warm on cooler spring days,

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November 2023

but on mornings and days with colder temperatures, the young will retreat to the warmth of the mother when they chill. In a little over a month, their down feathers are lost and are replaced by stronger, more conventional ones called pennaceous or contour feathers. In just 17 weeks, they will have a complete set of feathers and the weight of an adult grouse. For most hatchling birds, though, the start of their new life is quite different. Born without feathers, they require continued warmth from a parent. For robins, a few quills begin to emerge around the third day. By day five, several rows of feathers are visible; by day 10, they are fully feathered. Four to six days later, amazingly, they can fly. “A feather is a miraculous thing. So commonplace and everyday, we barely even notice them poking out of our pillows, or caught on a gentle breeze, or bobbing along the surface of a lazy river, caught in the eddies, and rushing vortexes as it’s

A black-capped chickadee, above, is fluffed out in extreme cold. This herring gull wing feather, right, was found on a beach at the Dead River. (Photos by Scot Stewart)

swept downstream. But a feather is a feat of engineering. And this feather, the one that must have been slipped beneath my bedroom door, is a beautiful one to be sure.” —Callie Hart, Riot House

he emergence of feathers is a miracle in itself. Made of a protein called beta-keratin, most feathers have four parts. The part known commonly as the quill is called the calamus. When the feather first emerges through a bird’s skin, it is wrapped in a separate bit of skin called the papilla. It is obviously much easier to get a small tube through the skin than a fluffy feather. As the feather emerges, the papilla breaks away and the feather can unfold. The center vein of a feather, the shaft, is called a rachis. Branching from the rachis are barbs,

and attached to them are barbules. In downy feathers, the barbules are flexible to help provide space to trap air and help keep the bird warm. In larger, more rigid feathers of the wings, tail and body, the barbules are interlocking, acting somewhat like strips of Velcro to lock the feathers together.

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This can serve several roles — holding in heat and keeping out water better and providing a more rigid, seamless plane for feathers used in flight. These minuscule barbules require a tremendous amount of time to maintain for optimum performance. Many birds pause at least once an

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hour while resting to adjust alignment, clean, remove parasites and straighten their feathers. Some studies have indicated birds may spend 8 percent of their day preening. A stop at the mouth of the Dead River may find preening gulls there spending up to 15 percent of their day taking care of their plumage. Since many have just returned from dining at the local landfill, they may understandably bathe upon returning to the beach and need time to smooth and adjust those feathers. Common loons at Seney National Wildlife Refuge and the Sylvania Wilderness near Watersmeet in Gogebic County may spend up to a quarter of their days preening. On the other hand, flightless birds like ostriches may devote hardly any time at all to feather maintenance. Parasites, like mites and lice, as might be expected, can plague birds tremendously, leading to some unusual behavior. Birds sometimes bathe in dusty dirt to help drive parasites off the skin and out of the feathers. Dirt can also blend with excess oil in the feathers and be shaken out to help feathers from becoming matted together. Sunbathing can also help drive parasites out as feathers heat up. Birds may flop on the ground, spread out their wings and look like they are dying. It just helps to remove pests.

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A trumpeter swan, above, preens on the Dead River above Tourist Park. A sandhill crane, left, preens mud-stained feathers. (Photos by Scot Stewart)

Michigan and parrots, don’t have oil glands and rely on special feathers to deal with parasites. They have small, brittle structures called powder feathers that grow continuously and break apart. As they break down, these particles are worked into the main feathers and help with waterproofing and removing soil from the feathers. “Feathers fall; soft as a song, light as morning dreams.” —Eirene Evripidou Perhaps the most intriguing behavior to help with parasites comes from an unusual partner. Birds may sit near anthills, and agitated ants may climb onto the birds and release formic acid onto them. The ants themselves don’t seem to bother the birds, but their chemical attack does seem to drive lice and mites out. Feathers are similar to mammalian hair — both become brittle over time and require natural substances like oils to remain flexible. Many birds have preen or uropygial glands at the base of their tails that produce a

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variety of chemicals, water, oils and waxes they apply to feathers to reduce brittleness, waterproof them and protect them from bacteria and fungi. Larger glands are found in waterbirds to help more with waterproofing. The oils are collected on the bills and applied to their feathers. Not only do they reduce bacteria on their feathers, but they also play a role in better internal health, too, protecting them to some degree from diseases like avian malaria. Some birds, like great blue and green herons found in northern

olting is another part of bird behavior that varies widely with different birding families. Many songbirds molt twice a year. A spring molt usually leads to brighter colors in males, as they attempt to prove they are the fittest and healthiest. Females and year-old birds also undergo a molt. Some species molt only once per year. Northern cardinals are one of the more interesting species to molt in late summer. Males may lose all their head feathers around the same time, leaving them looking bald with mostly black faces and no crowns. The males’

fall feathers have brownish tips and leave them a darker shade of crimson. When they turn away, it leaves them blending in surprisingly well with the bark of many trees during winter. As the months pass through the winter to spring, these brownish tips wear down, leaving the males looking much brighter, redder and more desirable for mates. Many ducks and geese molt most of their primary wing feathers in a short period in mid- to late-summer, leaving them flightless for a two-week period. During this time, males are in a stage called eclipse. They may have more basic, less colorful plumage as they slide in and out of thicker aquatic cover in cattails, rushes, reeds and other vegetation. The new, brighter feathers that emerge are then back for the new year. Larger birds like gulls, eagles and swans may take two to five years to attain their complete adult plumage. As a result, bald eagles may not attain a full white head and tail until the age of four or five and may be mistaken for golden eagles, simply because they lack the white heads. Hawks and swans take two years to get their complete adult plumage, but sandhill cranes and herons get theirs during their second summer. Feathers are also a critical anatomical part of bird flight. But they are just part of an amazing balance existing between a bird’s weight, muscle and wing size. The

heavier the birds, the larger the wings must be and the greater the mass of muscle. Like the pilot throwing extra gear out of a plane to get enough lift for takeoff, birds reduce their mass with hollow bones, strong breast muscles filled with blood vessels for the necessary oxygen, and by using very light feathers to provide the lift needed to leave the ground and stay in the air. Feathers are strong and flexible. The shaft of each feather is hollow to reduce its weight. Birds are not completely covered in contour feathers. These feathers grow in tracts, but between these lines of feathers are down feathers to cover their skin and help with temperature control at a lower cost in weight. Birds are surprisingly light for their size. The largest owl, the snowy owl, tops out at 4.5 pounds. Female golden eagles, able to knock small mountain sheep off mountainsides, are larger than bald eagles and weigh up to 15 pounds; and whooping cranes are almost 5 feet tall but only make it up to 19 pounds. Trumpeter swans, the heaviest birds in the Upper Peninsula, can reach 30 pounds. Across the Atlantic, kori bustard of Africa is the heaviest flying bird with males weighing up to 45 pounds. Flightless birds don’t need to worry about how heavy they are, they just run away and have powerful legs for mobility and protection. Ostriches can weigh up to 300 pounds.

“Imagine if birds were tickled by feathers. You’d see a flock of birds come by, laughing hysterically!” —Steven Wright

learly, feathers are needed for flight. Most birds have three different types of feathers, called remiges, on their wings to make that possible. The feathers do create an airfoil shape needed to provide lift. They are probably the strongest of the feathers and incredibly flexible. Some wing color pigment, melanin, is tougher than white. American white pelicans, gulls, snow buntings, whooping cranes, snow geese and terns all have white or nearly white feathers that are tipped in white to help the primary wing feathers last longer. Genes also play a part in feather color. Mutations can leave birds without their true colors. Leucistic birds have some portion of their feathers, a wing, tail or back all white. Albino birds can be all white with red eyes, lacking the gene for any pigmentation. Their lives are usually shorter because they stand out more, usually have weaker wings and cannot see as well because of the lack of eye pigments — but an allwhite hummingbird is a sight to see. There are three groups of wing feathers. Primaries are the longest and strongest, usually 10 to a wing. Secondaries are in the middle and usually help with control in flight. Tertiaries are the smallest and closest

This killdeer is three days old. (Photo by Scot Stewart)

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to the body. Wing and tail feathers are covered with more feathers, the coverts. They help smooth the shape of the wings and reduce drag. “Birds of a feather flock together.” —Proverb

eather numbers also vary considerably from bird to bird and usually have a direct relationship to body size. Ruby-throated hummingbirds, the U.P.’s smallest residents, have only 940 feathers. Robins have 2,900. Anyone raising chickens can attest to their bounty of 8,000 feathers. Snowy owls have close to 10,000, including feathers all the way down to their toes, and in total weigh about four pounds, helping them endure extremely cold temperatures on the open country of the treeless tundra. They, like many birds, are dimorphic — males and females have different colors to their feathers. Adult males can be almost entirely white; with few predators they cannot fend off, they need little to conceal them. Young owlets and females have brownish-black spots or lines of feathers to help break up their outlines and conceal them as they rest on the ground or in nests. Without that tree cover across most of the tundra, they must stay low to the ground and avoid foxes, wolves and other predators. Trumpeter swans have around 35,000 feathers and spend most of their lives on the water, dabbling in shallow water for vegetation and some invertebrates. Because of the amount of time in and on the water, keeping so many feathers well-oiled takes a fair amount of time. Occasionally a pair of trumpeter swans stops on the Dead River in Marquette and works their way into a stretch of the river above Tourist Park. Because this pair seems really tame, it is possible to get a close-up look at them feeding, resting and preening. Closer examination also provides a chance to see how the mud in the areas where they feed can stain their neck and head feathers. Sandhill cranes’ feathers also get stains, but they intentionally take mud, often with large amounts of reddish iron, to darken their light gray feathers. It may be part of courtship but definitely helps cranes blend into their surroundings better, especially during nesting season. The winner for most feathers, though, is the king penguin with up to 100 per square inch. Total: 80,000! With that density of feathers, they can easily endure temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit and water temperatures up to 4 degrees

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Contour feathers are displayed above, from left: northern flicker, mourning dove, hairy woodpecker, blue jay, common loon, unknown duck and mallard. At left, a northern pintail wing can be seen in detail. (Photos by Scot Stewart)

below freezing. Water in Antarctica freezes at a lower temperature because of the amount of salt in it. The feathers for some penguins are aligned in four different layers and cover a layer of fat — blubber — to maintain a temperature just slightly over 100 degrees. “In the foliage / A kind token from a bird / Feather in Fall’s grass” —Marie Helen Abramyan

uring early spring or late summer, it only takes a short walk to find a feather, especially one of color from a blue jay or a cardinal. They provide a chance to examine those inner work-

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ings. Recently lost down feathers are particularly marvelous in the way each tiny branch waves in the slightest of breezes, still wishing to be in the air. What will become of that feather? It is best left where it is found. The feathers of game birds, like ducks, geese and grouse, and introduced species like rock pigeons can be kept, but the Migratory Bird Treaty Act makes it illegal to keep others without permits. Schools, scientists and museums are able to obtain these permits. This protects songbirds from being killed for their feathers and brings reminders of the days when herons and egrets were killed so their feathers could be used to trim hats. Those lost feathers

may become the lining for bird nests, like those of swallows in Michigan and redpolls, snow buntings and other species living in the northern edges of the continent in springtime. Other animals like rodents may scoop them at any time they turn up to line their living areas. There are even some insects that will consume the feathers as food. The shoreline of Lake Superior and other Great Lakes is a wonderful place to look for loons, ducks, geese and migratory songbirds through the warmer months. After a rain, the tops of feathers may be dotted with shiny, crystalline droplets magnifying the tiniest of connections between barbs and barbules for any beach walker passing by able to go slow enough to examine these small gifts and the delights they provide. MM Scot Stewart has lived in Marquette long enough to be considered a true Yooper even though he was born in Illinois. He loves to be outdoors photographing and enjoying nature.

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Many nature lovers in the Upper Peninsula find ways to express their gratitude for our physical surroundings. (Photo by Michael Murray)

Expressing thankfulness can lead to emotional, physical and relational benefits

The power of gratitude By Lily Venable

n our fast-paced, often stressful lives, it’s easy to overlook the simple act of gratitude. Yet, Michelle Seguin, M.D., a board-certified family medicine and lifestyle medicine physician with Parsley Health, points out that gratitude-based practices are some of the most effective and well-studied interventions within the field of positive psychology. Positive psychology, to put it simply, is the study of what makes life worth living. It’s a way of looking at and maximizing productive, prosocial, loving and joyful thoughts and actions through a scientific lens rather than a more traditional spiritual or common knowledge-based approach. Leading gratitude researcher Robert Emmons, Ph.D., emphasizes that “gratitude empowers us to take charge of our emotional lives and, as a consequence, our bodies reap the benefits.”

More and more research is showing evidence of a mind-body connection. Recognizing and expressing gratitude can have a remarkable transformative effect. Michelle Seguin, M.D. These benefits encompass a wide range of improvements, including lowered blood pressure, enhanced sleep quality, strengthened immune systems and reduced stress levels. Research indicates that when we focus on the positive aspects of our lives, it becomes easier to cope with challenging situations and reduce the harmful effects of chronic stress. In fact, as the scientific community begins to uncover the potential mental

and bodily health benefits of affirmative thinking, it suggests that these practices could have enormous benefits not only to those who are struggling with depression and anxiety, but to anyone interested in a longer, healthier, happier life. Seguin, who is based in Hancock, observes that gratitude isn’t just a feelgood exercise; it’s a powerful tool for resilience. Life throws its fair share of challenges our way, and while we may not always be able to change our circumstances, we can always control our response to them. People who incorporate gratitude practices into their lives may find that they are more resilient in times of adversity. Working on creating these habits and behaviors during times of relative calm is like investing in ourselves; it helps us build beneficial tools that we can continue to turn to in times of instability and crisis. When we acknowledge the blessings amidst dif-

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ficulties, we find strength and hope, which can be vital during tough times. Furthermore, Seguin highlights the transformative potential of gratitude in inspiring positive lifestyle changes. She has observed firsthand how when individuals adopt gratitude practices, they often experience a shift in their outlook on life. This change in perspective can serve as a catalyst for success in other areas, such as nutrition, exercise and sleep. When we cultivate gratitude, we become more motivated to make choices that support our overall health and well-being. The period of time around Thanksgiving Day is one of the points on our calendar when thoughts turn to gratitude and thankfulness, and some take this opportunity to begin incorporating gratitude into their daily lives. This often begins with small, intentional actions. For many, it can start by simply taking a moment each morning to reflect on one thing they’re thankful for. Over time, this can evolve into deeper reflections and more significant expressions of gratitude, like writing thank-you notes, or verbally expressing appreciation to loved ones, or taking a running inventory throughout the day of positives and blessings. This conscious shift in mindset, from focusing on what’s lacking or stressful to recognizing the good in our lives, can significantly alter how we approach obstacles and routines. It can make us more patient, understanding and kinder to both ourselves and others. The key to making a lifestyle change is to stick to it, and as we

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GRATITUDE HAS THE POWER TO TRANSFORM OUR LIVES, ONE THANKFUL MOMENT AT A TIME.

make it a habit to see the good around us we build new neural pathways. Before long, seeing the world from this perspective will become second nature, changing not only our outlook but also our actions. Slowly, the world becomes a place filled with countless opportunities to give and receive gratitude, ultimately enriching our overall life experience. Seguin suggests several practical ways to incorporate gratitude into our daily routines: 1. Start a gratitude journal: Dedicate a few minutes each day to jot down what you are grateful for. This practice helps you focus on the positive aspects of your life. 2. Listen to a gratitude-focused guided meditation: Apps like Insight Timer or Headspace offer guided meditations focused on gratitude, helping you develop a mindful appreciation for the present moment. 3. Use a daily gratitude affirma-

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tion calendar: Consider investing in a “Year of Gratitude” page-a-day calendar or a similar resource that provides daily prompts to express gratitude. Another important angle to consider is the influence of gratitude on interpersonal relationships. Just as our internal well-being benefits from the practice of gratitude, so do our external interactions. Expressing gratitude can create a positive feedback loop in relationships. A study from the Greater Good Science Center by gratitude research fellow Sara Algoe found that expressing gratitude to a partner could even trigger the release of oxytocin, a neuropeptide associated with strengthening bonds, feelings of affection and other prosocial behaviors. By acknowledging and appreciating the efforts and kindness of others, we foster deeper connections, which in turn strengthens trust and mutual understanding. Moreover, this authentic

expression of appreciation can lead to increased feelings of self-worth and happiness for the receiver, too. It becomes a virtuous cycle: The more gratitude we express, the stronger and more positive our relationships become, further enriching our social environment. In a society where people often feel disconnected, practicing gratitude can serve as a bridge, mending and fortifying personal bonds. It underscores the simple yet profound truth that genuine appreciation and acknowledgment can significantly enrich our shared human experience. In a world that often emphasizes what we lack, the practice of gratitude reminds us of the abundance in our lives. Seguin’s insights, coupled with scientific evidence, underscore the profound impact of gratitude on mental health. Incorporating gratitude into our daily lives not only shifts our emotional well-being positively but also enhances our physical health, resilience and motivation for positive change. As Willie Nelson aptly put it, “When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” Gratitude has the power to transform our lives, one thankful moment at a time. MM Lily Venable is a cook, mother, veggie enthusiast, ghost hunter and community-oriented creative in the Keweenaw Peninsula. For more from Lily, visit lilyvenable.com.

in the outdoors Coalition works to preserve and expand outdoor recreation opportunities in the Keweenaw

The Keweenaw Outdoor Recreation Coalition is working to protect thousands of acres for public use by mountain bikers, birdwatchers, campers, skiers, snowmobilers and other outdoors enthusiasts. (Photo by Chris Schmidt/Studio 13)

‘Do you see where we are?’ By Kathy Ihde

eg and Don Kauppi have their fingers on the pulse of the beautiful landscape surrounding Copper Harbor and Keweenaw Point. Land that has been loved and abused by generations of humans has now become an outdoor recreation mecca for mountain bikers, birdwatchers, ORV riders, campers, foragers, hunters, fishermen,

paddlers, skiers, snowshoers and snowmobilers. Tens of thousands of acres at the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula are now secured for public use. In the early 2000s, The Nature Conservancy brokered a deal for some of the land, which was eventually purchased by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Then late last year, TNC announced that it had reached an agreement to protect an additional 32,541 acres.

“That’s a critical piece of property at the end of the Keweenaw,” Peg Kauppi said. “TNC was finally able to take it off the market. They saved the contiguous trail from being broken into small parcels. It’s in their portfolio; they’re looking for buyers.” In the interest of developing a plan for the best use of Keweenaw lands, citizens, civic groups and business owners started meeting several years ago to share their ideas. One result of these conversa-

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Dozens of members of the Keweenaw Outdoor Recreation Coalition participated in the organization’s spring cleanup. (Photo courtesy of Gina Nicholas)

tions was the Keweenaw Outdoor Recreation Coalition, or KORC, which formed in the fourth quarter of 2019. Key figures in the establishment of the coalition were the Kauppis, who are restaurateurs in Copper Harbor, Aaron Rogers of Rock Solid Trail Contracting and Gina Nicholas, president and chairperson of the Keweenaw Community Forest Co., KORC’s parent company. Nicholas said KORC’s voluntary steering committee has more than 30 people representing ATV clubs; snowmobile clubs; Copper Harbor Trails Club; Keweenaw Land Trust; Eagle Harbor Township; and Grant Township. It also includes Rogers and some of his employees. “Since KCFC’s inception — 20 years ago — one of our goals was to prevent Keweenaw County from being fragmented,” Nicholas said. Don Kauppi added, “The Keweenaw Community Forest Co. started with a group of people who wanted to buy the land. … I represented the recreation partners. At the time, people were buying up land. I’d have to move the snowmobile trails every year. It was thousands of dollars and thousands of man hours.” Kauppi has been promoting snowmobiling and snowmobile trails for decades. In order to get permission for land easements and keep the trails open on private property, he would sit down with landowners, telling them, “You’ll have insurance; you’ll be covered. Nothing bad can happen. We’ll take care of it.” He did that for 35 years. “We’d been working on conservation,” Nicholas said. “For people to care about conserving land, they need to have a relationship with it. People have relationships with the Keweenaw because of its outdoor recreation opportunities.” One thing that makes Keweenaw County unique is the legacy of the Calumet and Hecla Mining Co., which at its height purchased enormous tracts of land, keeping the landmass together since the 1930s. “We grew up enjoying this land,” Nicholas said. “The key is no fragmentation, no development. Our slogan is ‘Access for Everyone Forever.’ … We want to keep the Keweenaw in its natural state. … We need to keep our giant landmass intact and our mo-

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saic of natural ecosystems in place.” KORC was formed to reach people in a larger way. “It’s the biggest tent for people to find common ground in,” Nicholas said. “Because — together — we can do more. Through discussions with the Copper Harbor Trails Club, we saw people embrace the land, enjoying the bike and hiking trails throughout the wilderness. “Every year, we have a letter-writing campaign to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. We’re asking them to purchase all of the Keweenaw Point land. They’re the best candidates for ownership, and KORC is the best to manage it. It’s our home; we need to protect it. … We’re pushing the State of Michigan to purchase 10,000 acres, but we think it’s best if they purchase at least 25,000 acres of land.” Don Kauppi said, “We have a mutual enemy. It’s fragmentation. We’ve seen it happening in places like Door County [in Wisconsin]. People buying up farms, getting rid of the cows. We saw that happening around us and realized we had to protect our land. So, we organized. … We were getting nervous. We were about to lose a segment of our trail system. The biggest profit for landowners is piecing up and selling off the land. It’s the enemy of conservancies, the enemy of motorized trails and tourism. “We asked the state to do more. The DNR didn’t want more work. We told them, ‘You help us out with the land,

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and we’ll manage it.’” In one example of the coalition’s work, they put toilets and bear-proof garbage cans at High Rock Bay. Nicholas said KORC maintains roads in partnership with the DNR. “We can move faster,” she said. “They’ll ask if we want to do 50/50

projects, and we say, ‘Yes!’ They provide the materials; we hire the contractors. We were able to repair West Schlatter Lake Road. … We’re proving ourselves. We’re doing the work. It’s not just talk.” Don Kauppi said, “We’re enhancing our value. We’ve proven to our

Answers for the New York Times crossword puzzle, located on Page 12.

donors, the State of Michigan and the politicians that we mean what we say. We did a study of room registration cards here [at The Mariner North] for the last three years. We had visitors from 41 states in Copper Harbor. … If all goes well, the State of Michigan will buy this land, buy out TNC. That’s best for everyone.” Peg Kauppi added, “We have the largest snowmobile trail system in the State of Michigan, with almost 250 miles and five groomers. We have great destinations like Brockway Mountain and High Rock Bay. We have the largest ATV trail system in Michigan on private land, including land from logging companies. That doesn’t happen anywhere else.” KORC sees logging as a potential threat to recreation in the Keweenaw. “It’s really been hammered up here,” Nicholas said. “I saw a new logging trail on my ride up here.” Peg Kauppi said, “We were scared a couple of years ago. Logging was going on; it was going to block the trail into Copper Harbor. That’s why it’s so important to our small community. This land belongs to everyone.” Don Kauppi addressed the collaborative nature of the group: “When we leave our projects, we try to get the best users for them. We’re working with mountain bikers and hikers. We’re hurting for hiking trails. A couple of miles, here and there, speaks for the entire recreation picture.” KORC, he added, has given monetary grants to the county and undertaken road projects with the DNR.

The public land that the Keweenaw Outdoor Recreation Coalition has helped to acquire and manage is used year-round. (Photo by Chris Schmidt/Studio 13)

Now in its fourth year, KORC has more than 1,000 members and continues to grow. Its collective grassroots coalition brings together individuals, clubs, businesses, conservationists,

local governments and NGOs, all sharing the common goal of protecting the Keweenaw. KORC is helping the DNR acquire public land, improving amenities and

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collaborating with clubs and local governments on a variety of outdoor recreation and land stewardship projects. The group continues to fulfill its

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The mountain biking trails in the Keweenaw are open to recreational and competitive riders alike. (Photo by Chris Schmidt/Studio 13)

mission of preventing fragmentation by protecting the critical north woods and freshwater habitats, establishing permanent trail systems, developing and maintaining the outdoor recreation economy and supporting local clubs. KORC works with the DNR, partnering on projects to steward public land and improve amenities. “The terrain is our product,” Don Kauppi said. “We have to be stewards of our terrain.” Peg Kauppi added, “Every group has their passion. There are equestrian groups in Michigan, the horse riders, saying, ‘What about us?’ We tell them, ‘Keep your representation at the table. We’re not going to build horse trails for you. You need to stay in it, too. There could be horse trails along with hiking trails. There could be anything going on out there, it just needs to be organized.’ “I see word pictures. They say, ‘We’re going to the Keweenaw Peninsula!’ We’d be the country’s playground. We have the aurora borealis, dark skies and bright stars; birdwatch-

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November 2023

ing; rock hunting; flowers and berry picking. We’d also have ATVs, snowmobiles, mountain bikes … and horses. “Don and I were born and raised here. We never knew what we had. We’d swim in Lake Superior all summer long and pick berries. We thought that was how people grew up 60-plus years ago. When [our daughter] Lydia was 5, she brought me a globe and said, ‘Do you see us on here? Do you see where we are?’ She’d noticed how the Keweenaw Peninsula stuck out into Lake Superior. ‘Look how we are on here.’ “I couldn’t imagine if my daughter or granddaughter came to me one day and said, ‘So, there was a choice. We could have kept this property, saved this property, and you guys didn’t do anything to stop it.’ It’s a frightening thought.” MM Copper Harbor writer Kathy Ihde would love to spend time at the end of Keweenaw Point. She just needs to find transportation to get there.

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Spaceport proposal leaves Powell Township with big questions and no easy answers

Up in the air

By Alex Lehto-Clark

he Powell Township Hall, a metal building near Perkins Park in Big Bay, is small. The township is large, 162 square miles, most of it remote wilderness. Seven hundred fifty residents live in the area year-round. It doesn’t feel like a place where a story of the new space race is unfolding. Big Bay itself seems a little set back in time — not exactly the backdrop one would expect for names like SpaceX, Amazon and even the U.S. Space Force to be thrown around as potential investors. The proposed Powell Township spaceport has been covered nationally by CNN, The New Yorker and other media outlets. The argument is a tale as old as time, with new words and industry to replace the old. A stateof-the-art spaceport, built on a landscape that’s been there for millennia. Concerned citizens raising the alarm, either protecting their home for future generations or being resistant to unavoidable change, depending on

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who is telling the story. The location was picked specifically so the detritus would land in Lake Superior’s waters. The environmental factors of this, like the project itself, are up for debate. At the September meeting of the Powell Township Planning Commission, the spaceport was listed as topic 8a, a continued discussion on a recently introduced petition that would amend the township zoning ordinance, banning spaceports in Powell Township. The Bakken proposal, which was introduced by community member Phil Bakken, is supported by the Citizens for a Clean and Safe Lake Superior, CCSLS, a nonprofit that was created in direct response to the announcement in 2020 that the Michigan Aerospace Manufacturers Association, MAMA, had selected the township as a launch site. On the premises of the spaceport, a vertical rocket launch site would send low-orbiting satellites into the sky, potentially for companies like Amazon or SpaceX. Initially, MAMA released plans for the proposed launch

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Tom Baldwin, owner of Granot Loma, speaks during a meeting of the Powell Township Planning Commission. (Photo by Danielle Pemble)

site with enthusiasm, citing not only economic gains but also a chance for the Upper Peninsula to be part of the new “space race.” However, information on the project from MAMA has slowed to a trickle. Details have been scant over the three years since the initial announcement. “How can you vote on something you know nothing about?” That’s what Tom Baldwin, a bond trader and investor turned property holder of one of the most valuable pieces of property in Marquette County, asked at the beginning of a lengthy public comment.

Baldwin has perhaps been the most vocal resident defender of the spaceport project. He does have a lot to gain, but he strongly rebuffs the notion that money is his only motivation. He is the owner of the property where the proposed rocket launch may someday be built. That property is Granot Loma, site of a 20,000-square-foot log cabin that is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, as significant in history as it is in hubris, and thousands of acres of pristine wilderness, including a large chunk of Lake Superior shoreline. Business execu-

tive Louis Graveraet Kaufman began building Granot Loma in 1919; Baldwin has owned the estate since 1987. “Fifteen years ago, when none of you were even here, I remember we had a similar group of people fighting the mine,” Baldwin said, referring to the Eagle Mine near Big Bay. “And the mine was willing to do anything to gain the community’s support. We had a meeting with the township supervisor at that time with the representatives with the mine. The proposal on the table was free electricity for all of you. Forever.” He went on to explain that Powell Township had the opportunity to opt in to free energy via wind turbines, which would be built by a mining company and, once paid off, given to the township, free of charge. The trade: The mining operation could set up in town. At that time, Baldwin said board members decided to not take the deal. “Now when you see that turbine out there on my property, you can think about how you could have all had that,” he said. “We don’t know about [the spaceport] because no one has told us anything,” said Phil Moran, chairman of the Planning Commission; other Planning Commission members nodded in agreement. According to many Planning Commission members, there has been no communication from MAMA about the spaceport since the initial announcement and selection of the Granot Loma site. Moran said it is difficult to develop any grounded opinions on the spaceport because of this lack of communication. Marquette Monthly requested comment from MAMA but received no response. Baldwin said MAMA is still working on what the spaceport will look like and who will be involved. He said that one of his frustrations is that local officials have been pushed to vote on something that is not yet complete. “None of you even know what a rocket launch is,” he said. CCSLS, on the other hand, has been pushing hard to get the word out about the danger they believe a spaceport poses to Marquette County. “We’ve taken advantage of the stall that MAMA seems to be in by proposing this legislation and supporting citizens who want to ban spaceports in Powell Township,” said Jane Fitkin, the spokesperson for CCSLS. Despite the presence and perceived popularity of CCSLS — their “Stop the Rocket” yard signs and bumper stickers are a common sight countywide, and there’s a prominent bill-

Jane Fitkin is the spokesperson for the Citizens for a Clean and Safe Lake Superior. (Photo by Danielle Pemble)

board on U.S. 41 — there seems to be no winning side here, at least not yet. Prior to the Planning Commission meeting, Powell Township’s lawyer advised the township to turn down the zoning ordinance amendment presented by the Bakken petition on the grounds that he believed it was not legally sound enough for a public hearing. “After considering the overwhelming support shown for this petition by the citizens and taxpayers of Powell Township, we respectfully reject any suggestion that the petition be withdrawn,” said Dennis Ferraro, president of CCSLS, during his public comment, reading from an email he had sent to Moran. A meeting was set between the lawyers for mid-October, but the Planning Commission voted in favor of returning the petition’s application fee, citing their attorney’s advice. Essentially, that decision made it clear that they are not interested in voting on adding this iteration of the amendment to the township zoning ordinance. At its Oct. 16 meeting, the Powell Township Board voted against a public hearing. It’s a decision that CCSLS vehemently disagrees with. Fitkin said, “The [Michigan] Zoning Enabling Act in Powell Township requires them to schedule a public hearing.” Fitkin and Ferraro both referenced a 2021 feasibility study required by the State of Michigan to research the impact of the project from a holistic perspective. The 148-page study, according to Fitkin, does not give a promising outlook for the project’s impact on the area, and not only for the environmental danger it may pose.

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Marquette Monthly

“Basically it includes many different reasons that this spaceport would have a negligent economic impact,” Fitkin said. “There’s a spaceport in Alaska that operates on Kodiak Island. And it operates at the same size as the Powell Township spaceport [would]. And it employs 28 people.” Fitkin added that the spaceport would create a dynamic that Upper Michigan residents are all too familiar with: The money made from local resources will not go into the pockets of people who call the place home. “They’ll bring in their engineers, they’ll be there for the launch and they’ll leave. These are low-paying maintenance jobs,” Fitkin said. “If the spaceport did 50 launches a year, it would have the economic impact of two fast food restaurants. Trading our lake ecosystem for a McDonald’s and a Burger King is clearly not a good deal.” Fitkin also said there are many safety issues that have not been addressed by MAMA. “County Road 550 would be blocked off during these rocket launches, and that is the evacuation zone,” she said. Baldwin said organizations like CCSLS are not looking at the big picture and are basing their opinions on irrelevant data. “All these people are following misinformation or disinformation,” Baldwin said in an interview after the Planning Commission meeting. “They’ve done this before,” he added, citing another example of a township voting against an interest proposed by a business. He said, “And now we have 100 mining trucks a day going down County Road 550 … . They could’ve been off the highway. And there couldn’t be any more noise pollution than that.” Fitkin said the reason there is no new information regarding the rocket launch is tied to the data. “Since that report came out, MAMA has been quiet. It seems like even they know that it’s not worth it,” she said. “They knew it wasn’t economically feasible, and so they went behind the backs of citizens and legislators.” Baldwin believes the environmental risks justify the means: a way for the Upper Peninsula to put its stamp on the rocket industry. “It’s a tremendous idea and opportunity,” he said. “And it could provide income. But you can’t get any of that if you don’t grab yourself a seat at the table.” Tensions climbed throughout the September meeting, and the Planning Commission ended discussion on the topic as both parties heatedly shared their opposing perspectives.

Marquette Monthly

November 2023

And with the dust settled, there was quiet again, and the discussion turned to less contentious topics, at least on that night. So this leaves the spaceport exactly where it was before the petition. It’s a contentious topic, a large one for a small public board to handle. The decision, at least as far as the township is concerned, is put off again until there’s another petition or a new plan introduced. Fitkin said CCSLS is far from having exhausted its resources and it will continue to push for the petition to have a public hearing. When asked whether the nonprofit will branch off into other work, she said that there has been some discussion, but the rocket launch takes precedence because the issue is so much bigger than Powell Township, Granot Loma or even the surrounding properties that will be affected. “The body of water not only affects the citizens of Marquette County, it’s international waters, it’s between states. That’s why it can never be as simple as a private property issue,” Fitkin said. As for the Planning Commission, Township Supervisor Darlene Turner ended the meeting by offering both advice and perspective. “Any decisions ever made have tried to be in the best interest of the township,” she said. “The spaceport is a very hot topic. But it will be weighed out in the best interest of the township. Not everyone will be happy, however it turns out. “When Mr. Baldwin talked about wind turbines and we all could have free electric service — the board decided at that time that it was not feasible. That was their decision, what they thought was best for the township. And I know you’re all trying to do what’s best for the township. We’ve got to work together.” It will be Powell Township residents who decide what happens with this project — neighbors who have a real stake in the debate, neighbors who must live with one another, community members who will take on the difficult tasks of shaping the present and trying to get a glimpse at the future, which is as impossible as taming the cold, cold waters that shape this landscape. MM Alex Lehto-Clark is a poet and essayist who lives in Ishpeming. He has called the Upper Peninsula home for 12 years and graduated from Northern Michigan University with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English.

November 2023

Marquette Monthly

the arts

Something to laugh about

Second annual stand-up comedy festival runs Nov. 1-4 By Brad Gischia

arquette has long been a hub for arts and culture. There are art studios and record shows and pottery studios and gift shops that specialize in all manner of Upper Peninsula-made products. There are coffee shops and craft breweries. In the community’s robust civic calendar, however, Rick Rhoades saw a void. “Marquette embraces arts culture. We have a food fest, a blues fest, Art on the Rocks, Harborfest,” Rhoades said. “What we don’t have is a comedy festival.” To fill this gap, Rhoades reached out to some of the comics he knew in the area — the founders of Breakwall Comedy — and pitched the idea of a festival. “As it turns out,” Rhoades said, “they were already thinking along those lines.” So Rhoades and Breakwall Comedy got together and began to plan. The result was the inaugural Stand U.P. Comedy Festival, which launched in 2022 at the Ore Dock Brewing Co. “It was a lot of work,” said Vincent Schultz, one of the show organizers and a member of Breakwall Comedy. “We had to build it from the ground up. We did everything from booking people to finding a venue to lining up insurance.” That work paid off. Five of the festival’s six shows sold out. “I think that the first show didn’t sell out because it was the late show on Thursday night,” Schultz said. “Once people started hearing about the caliber of the comics that we had brought in, it seemed like the rest of the shows sold out overnight.” Rhoades said, “That first show still had 100 people in it. On the last night, there was standing room only at the Ore Dock.”

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Within a couple of weeks of the 2022 festival, organizers started working on this year’s event, which will take place at the Ore Dock (Nov. 1 to 4) and Barrel + Beam (Nov. 4). Tickets are available through the NMU ticketing outlet at nmu.universitytickets.com. Schultz and his Breakwall Comedy partner Bryan Sromalski have been working together to advance U.P. comedy for a long time. Schultz said, “We were both working at Super One Foods, and Bryan saw me writing in my notebook and asked what I was doing.” As it turned out, Schultz was writing stand-up jokes — something that Sromalski had already been doing. “We went down to the Comedy Quarter in Neenah, Wisconsin, for my first performance,” Schultz said. “Comics often say once you get that first laugh, you get the ‘itis.’ You just have to keep chasing that laugh. I’ve been doing it ever since.” The pair ran shows in the Marquette area for nearly a decade before the festival was planned and executed. The contacts they made in those years were essential in pulling off the 2022 event. “The Breakwall guys have got a pretty deep Rolodex when it comes to comics,” Rhoades said. “We chose the best of the best from the shows we’d run,” Schultz said. “Part of our process for this year was to pick people that weren’t available last year.” Three of the comics in the lineup are Matt Conn, Camila Ballario and Zach Martina. Matt Conn att Conn is a stand-up comedian from Detroit who will be making his Marquette debut during the Stand U.P. Festival. He’s been doing comedy since 2009 when he got a crash course in stage work.

November 2023

Matt Conn of Detroit will make his Marquette debut during the Stand U.P. Festival. (Photo courtesy of Matt Conn)

“I was living in Los Angeles and took a community class in comedy,” Conn said. “The graduation ceremony was time on the Belly [Room] stage at the Comedy Store. The graduation took place over three weeks, and mine was the third week. None of my classmates or friends showed up, so it was just me and the instructor and the camera guy.” Instead of making Conn perform for just two people, the instructor arranged a few minutes for him on the main stage at the Comedy Store. “It was a paying Sunday night crowd,” he said. “There was a bachelorette party going on. It was crazy, and I did pretty well and got a few laughs.” Since then, Conn has pursued his comedy career while raising a family and writing a book, Trade Show, which was released this year. The book is a semi-autobiographical look at growing up in the ’90s and cornering the rookie trading card market. “It seemed like every time we had a kid, I took a year and a half off,” Conn

said. “But for the last five years, I’ve been hitting it pretty hard.” Book writing and comedy writing occupy a little of the same space. “Story structure is important,” Conn said. “I use a lot of callbacks, and the setups and buildup of the story, dropping hints, then a misdirect. It’s very similar.” Conn is scheduled to perform twice during the festival, on Nov. 2 and 3. His book and comedy can be found at mattconncomedy.com. Camila Ballario he headliner on Thursday night, Nov. 2, will be Ann Arbor native Camila Ballario. She has been doing stand-up for seven years and mixes music with her jokes. “I trained as a musician,” Ballario said. “About eight years ago, I found that I had all of these joke premises lying around and decided that it was better to do something with them than to let them go to waste.” Ballario went to the Comedy Castle

in Metro Detroit and worked with comedian Bill Bushart. After developing several small sets, she found herself traveling to perform at comedy shows and festivals. “It’s turned into a larger career than I imagined,” she said. Ballario has recorded a comedy special that is slated to be released independently this year. Though she often gets lumped in with the “guitar comics,” she said her show is organized a little bit differently. “Some comics have the guitar in their hands the whole time,” she said. “I style my sets a little bit more like musical theater. There’s dialogue with songs interspersed between. … Sometimes I have a song that better describes an idea than the spoken word. I bet music is 25 percent of my overall material.” Even so, music is an essential part of who she is as a performer. “This is me,” Ballario said. “There are judgments about music comedy. I’ve certainly seen it done poorly. This is the best representation of myself. I’m a singer, a writer, a performer and a songwriter. I don’t ever foresee a time when I won’t be performing in some manner.” She has noticed changes in the comedy scene since she started in the business. “There are so many more people, especially since the pandemic, and you often see comedy classes full of women,” she said. “Like many professions, comedy was once dominated by men but that’s changing.” Ballario said that comedy in Michigan and in the Midwest in general has a specific feeling. “When I travel the country, I meet people who do comedy. The Michigan comedy scene is very welcoming and warm,” she said. “A lot of the comics are friends, and there’s a lot of encouragement to see the people around you do well. It’s our Midwest and Michigan culture to want your neighbors to succeed.” Her headlining slot on Nov. 2 will be her first time performing in Marquette. “I’ve heard good things,” she said, “and am looking forward to it.” A sampling of Ballario’s comedy is available at camilaballario.com. Zach Martina ach Martina has been doing comedy for about 12 years and also hails from the Ann Arbor area. “I grew up at a time when Comedy Central was half-hour comedy specials and ‘Saturday Night Live’ reruns,” he said. “I just devoured that stuff.” He was encouraged to try it by another comedian. “He said, ‘Don’t tell anyone. Just go up and try it. If it goes well, you’ll be hooked. If it goes poor-

Camila Ballario, a native of Ann Arbor, is the headliner on the stand-up festival’s second night. (Photo courtesy of Camila Ballario)

ly, you’ll never have to wonder what if.’ It didn’t go too terribly,” Martina said. He describes his comedy as “high energy.” One of his friends introduced him at a show calling his humor “the darkest kind of jokes delivered in the most delightful kind of manner.” Martina said, “That was the nicest thing I’d ever heard.” Martina has released two albums, Skunkman and Not the Worst Dad, which are available on several streaming services. For more of his work, visit zachwithaz.com or search for @ zachmartina on various social media sites. Martina splits his time between comedy and family, a separation he thinks is important. “I don’t really subscribe to working with comedy trends,” Martina said. “I do what I think is fun. I do my show. I find that if I’m having a good time, then the crowd is having a good time. It’s not

tied to a topic. At the end of it all, other comics aren’t going to decide whether I go to a home or not, my daughters are. Time has to be spent with them.” Martina has performed in Marquette before. “I played the Ore Dock right before the pandemic,” he said. “I loved it. The people were great. I was elated coming off stage.” The Ore Dock has a good setup for a comedy show. Martina said that with the low ceilings and full house, it is ideal for stand-up. “Everyone is packed in there really tight,” he said. “I can be faster because of that, because I know the sound is getting to them more quickly. … You’re the maestro, and the laughs are the percussion. You have to show them you know what you’re doing or they won’t follow you.” The art of comedy he idea that comedy is an art form is growing gradually. “Histori-

November 2023

cally, [comedy] probably doesn’t get the respect it deserves,” Ballario said. “For better or worse, social media has given comedy a much larger platform. There’s a lot of short-form content out there, and a much larger audience can see your work.” Along with that audience comes responsibility. “I do think we’re in a really interesting time,” Ballario said. “People want you to speak your mind as a comedian, but they don’t want you to make them uncomfortable or to offend them. It’s a difficult line that comics have to tread. “This is a free art form, and there are different ways you can bring an audience in or repel them. It’s exciting and what makes this art. I like to be naive and think there’s not a greater power trying to censor populations, but audiences are definitely more hyper-aware. At the same time, people are more inclusive overall, whether that’s forced upon them or not. I don’t ever want someone to feel singled out at my show. I want to make them laugh and have a good time.” Martina said, “I think that some comics are just out there to be offensive, and some actually have interesting viewpoints on it, but I don’t ever try to be offensive. Some of the things I say are shocking, but not shocking for the sake of it.” Schultz added, “Comedians are known to push boundaries, maybe even divide a room on a topic. I’ve been to a show where a couple will break up by the end of the night because of something the comedian said on stage. “Comedy is about making people laugh, but some comics definitely have an obscure way of doing it. It might not be for everyone, and it doesn’t have to be. Maybe comedy doesn’t even need to be on the forefront of anything. The ones who love to laugh will seek us out.” Schultz said that stand-up is an art form that must be worked on in front of a crowd. “An artist or a musician can sit at home and practice and practice until they have a perfect piece of art. A comedian can’t do that,” he said. “You won’t ever know what’s going to happen until you try it. It’s hard to perform, because when we have a show I’m trying material in front of the same crowd over and over again. You’re doing the same jokes over and over again. They often don’t catch the nuances, the word order being changed; it’s all happening where they don’t see it.” Ballario added, “It’s never been about the end game; it’s about getting better at writing jokes. Trying new

Marquette Monthly

Zach Martina has performed in Marquette before. “I played the Ore Dock right before the pandemic,” he said. “I loved it. The people were great. I was elated coming off stage.” (Photo courtesy of Zach Martina)

jokes and potentially bombing. I’m totally happy improving my writing and making people happy. People want to be famous. People want the end game. You have to find a way to enjoy the rough parts. This is who I am.” These are deep questions about an art form that is seen as not taking itself too seriously. “I think some people just don’t understand it, but that’s true of all arts,” Martina said. “It’s the craft of language and misdirection and performance. Georgia O’Keeffe is not for everybody. Frank Lloyd Wright is not for everybody, but there are people who understand that art in a different way and it speaks to them. The people who are into comedy give it the appreciation it deserves.” Conn might have the answer, though: “What does it all mean? Some days it feels like I really do have the answer, usually when I’m plugged in to comedy, doing something I love. It all seems to fall into place then.” Perhaps that’s the key — doing something you love for the sake of doing it. If so, these comics, as well as Rhoades and the Breakwall Comedy guys, are on the right track. “Comedy has grown in Marquette,” Schultz said. “It’s more widely known now than it ever has been. Things had

Marquette Monthly

November 2023

to spread by word of mouth when I started, and definitely people in the city know that there’s comedy happening here. It’s grown on people.” And it will continue to grow if the organizers of the Stand U.P. Comedy Festival have anything to say about it. The festival features nine shows and 15 stand-up comics, including Ryan Niemiller, a finalist on America’s Got Talent. A family-friendly improv show is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Nov. 4 at Barrel + Beam. The full schedule is available at nmu.universitytickets.com. Plans for future events are already in the works. “The vision is that this thing is going to be a growing, evolving festival,” Rhoades said. “The goal would be to make it a regional festival where we’re running shows in Escanaba, Iron Mountain, Houghton and Marquette. We’re quite a ways from that, but we’re looking to grow and bring in bigger talent names, more national headliners. … We’re excited to see how the community is responding to this.” MM Brad Gischia is a writer and artist native to Upper Michigan. He has published two children’s books and done illustrations for both comic books and novels.

locals

Serving those who served

George LaBlonde Jr. devoted his life to helping veterans By Pam Christensen

ne of George LaBlonde Jr.’s favorite sayings grew out of a lifetime of service: “Take care of soldiers, and they will take care of you.” Even after LaBlonde’s death on Oct. 29, 2021, his legacy and words of wisdom live on. The Marquette County Department of Veterans Affairs facility in Ishpeming was officially named for him last December. Many Marquette residents will remember LaBlonde’s service to Marquette Township as treasurer and township manager, not realizing his long service with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. A product of Ironwood, George Thomas LaBlonde Jr. was born on Oct. 17, 1938, to the late George T. and Florine D. (Taglienti) LaBlonde Sr. He graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1956 and attended Michigan College of Mining and Technology, now Michigan Technological University. He graduated in 1960 with a bachelor’s degree in mining engineering. During his college years, he served in the Reserve Officer Training Corps and upon graduation was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Despite a 30-year military career that sent him all over the world, LaBlonde’s love of Ironwood and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula stayed strong. He and his wife, Sharon, who was his high school sweetheart, moved to Marquette upon his retirement from the military in 1990, after he had attained the rank of colonel. “Dad looked forward to retiring to Marquette following his military service, but he never really did retire,” said George LaBlonde III, his son. “All those years of active duty and the variety of assignments and projects he worked on were hard to leave behind. He just redirected his energies to civilian pursuits.” Many of those pursuits were connected to the military. Following retirement, LaBlonde was a licensed health and life insurance agent and was credentialed as a registered investment representative. “Dad initially got into the insurance and investment fields as a way

George LaBlonde Jr., left, participated in a U.P. Honor Flight accompanied by his son, George III. (Photo courtesy of George LaBlonde III)

to help military families plan for their future,” LaBlonde III said. “He wanted to help soldiers map out a secure future whether that included a lifetime career in the military or a start on their life. He spent five years doing that and helping soldiers with their finances. He wanted to make sure the military personnel he worked with had a good future.” In 1992, LaBlonde was elected treasurer of Marquette Township. In April 1993, he resigned as treasurer and was hired as the township manager. He continued to serve the township until 1997, when he accepted a position with the newly incorporated Superior Extrusion Inc. He served in many capacities at SEI before retiring from full-time employment in 2003. “Most people think of Dad in connection with the military, Marquette Township, SEI, Marquette Rotary or his many other civic endeavors, but what really was most important to him was his family,” his son said. “Returning to the U.P. allowed Dad to be more involved in the lives of his daughter, Margo Carli, and her children and grandchildren. When I returned to Marquette, he was closer to me and my family, too.” LaBlonde III added, “He considered the military and its personnel his family, too. He took great pride in helping veterans.” LaBlonde was a member of the White Bear VFW Post, a past member of the Hancock Amer-

ican Legion Post and a member of the Marquette American Legion Post 44. He was a life member of the Marquette County Veterans Alliance, a life member of the Marquette Chapter 22, Disabled American Veterans and a life member of the Military Officers Association of America. He also was active as a volunteer at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans. “He really enjoyed helping out at Jacobetti, and he saw that as an extension of his goal to take care of veterans,” LaBlonde III said. “He also realized a need for the various veterans’ groups in Marquette County to work together to better serve our vets.” LaBlonde III was part of a group of people who approached Marquette County about establishing a department solely to serve veterans. A 1953 state law allowed counties to establish a department of veterans affairs, and Marquette County was one of the last to do so, in 2015. LaBlonde Jr. never served on the department’s board, but his political connections, experience, networking with veterans organizations and managerial skills were dedicated to assisting those who worked to make the department a reality. The Ishpeming facility bearing his name was dedicated after his death, but his family knows he would have been honored by the fact that his name signifies a helping hand for those who served our country. “The dedication of the office in honor of George LaBlonde Jr. was

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very emotional and special,” said Rachel Woody, manager of the department. “George was an integral part of establishing the MCDVA and in getting the office established. He knew how important it was to have an agency that could connect vets with the services and help that they need.” Woody said there are about 6,000 veterans in Marquette County. The office assists about 100 vets per month in person, in addition to the phone calls, outreach and other services the organization offers to veterans. LaBlonde’s military training left him well-versed in a variety of fields. He earned a master’s degree in engineering, with an emphasis on construction, from Purdue University. He also attended the Department of Defense Language Institute and studied Vietnamese, which served him well during two tours of duty in Vietnam. His Army career also featured stops in Minnesota (as deputy district engineer for the St. Paul District, North Central Division); Tehran, Iran (as an adviser to the Imperial Iranian Armed Forces); and Washington D.C. (including time at the Pentagon). As his military career wound down, his postings included Fort Carson, Colorado; the U.S. Army War College in Pennsylvania; and Fort Belvoir, Virginia, where he was responsible for the care and maintenance of six diverse battalions consisting of 5,600 soldiers and their equipment. LaBlonde’s last tour of duty was as the deputy division commander/chief of staff and division engineer for civil works, Missouri River Division, in Omaha, Nebraska. An unassuming building on Hematite Street in Ishpeming is named for George LaBlonde Jr. There is no more fitting tribute to a man who served his community, country and family well. MM Pam Christensen loves to write and do research about the people, places and events that make the U.P. a special place. When she doesn’t have a pen in hand or her nose in a book, she enjoys traveling with her husband, Ralph, and spending time with her three grandchildren.

Marquette Monthly

poetry To Cope Ukraine, 5 April 2022, 8th year & 41st day of war By Matt Maki

To cope, I imagine I am a pet left behind, lying in front of what was once our building waiting for it to be home again, or picking among the rubble to find where there was some kitchen, because that’s about all I can handle now, the raw fear and confusion and loneliness. Please don’t ask me to solve all this somehow. I won’t inventory my complaints here since they can’t compare to the horrors of even my neighbors. I try to help how I can but I can barely even help myself. About all the energy I have is enough to emit a pitiable sound, turn around three times, lie down here, and wait.

Matt Maki studied at Northern Michigan University and the University of Alabama; has served on the editorial boards of Passages North, Black Warrior Review, and greatest lakes review; founded the Marquette Poets Circle; and currently lives in Kyiv, Ukraine.

This poem is from the 10-year anthology, Superior Voyage, which is available for purchase. All proceeds benefit Peter White Public Library. Superior Voyage was selected as a 2023 U.P. Notable Book by the Upper Peninsula Publishers & Authors Association.

Marquette Monthly

November 2023

superior reads

Moore takes fans back to the Nelsonverse Review by Victor R. Volkman

suppose we might call this month’s installment “Superior Listens” instead of “Superior Reads” since I reviewed Hilton Everett Moore’s second book in the North of Nelson series on audiobook format courtesy of Audible.com (also available on iTunes audiobooks). Canadian voice actor Rory Young reprises his role as narrator in Volume 2. His understated, gravelly voice reminds me of the late, great CBC broadcaster Gordon Sinclair. Of course, both volumes of North of Nelson can be experienced in print as paperback or hardcover as well as on the Amazon Kindle e-reader. Either way, the rest of the review will adhere to the story itself, which is the same on all platforms. Volume 2 brings us five new stories in what I have christened the Nelsonverse, that cluster of people and eras topologically centered in the mythical village of Nelson. The town is somewhere deep in Baraga County, far away from the Lake Superior shoreline or, as Moore puts it, “in the center of the U.P.” Volume 1 ends somewhere around the mid-1950s. In Volume 2, these stories will take us from roughly the mid-1960s to the present day, although the stories are not in chronological order. There is no one archetype you could call the typical Nelsonverse protagonist, although by and large they tend to be male misanthropes or outsiders with fairly poor luck in love. In the vein of a good James A. Michener saga, the Nelson stories follow the ups and downs of the men of the Martin family, a few of whom in the earliest generation are preachers. Readers of North of Nelson, Volume 1 will remember there are dark undertones to many of the stories, which broach serious subjects such as attempted suicide. In Volume 2, there are a few stories that make me recommend the book for mature adults only, including the first story, “Cell Tower,” which includes a theme of consensual incest, and “Lust and Lightning,” which has a daterape scene that may be triggering for some readers. “Cell Tower” revolves around a disgruntled exNSA contractor in his mid-20s who sees the titular cell tower as a threat to his quiet existence. He takes his vengeance on the blinking red and white lights

How to submit a book

Send Upper Peninsula-related book review suggestions to victor@LHPress.com. Books submitted for review can be sent to: MM Book Reviews, 5145 Pontiac Trail, Ann Arbor, MI 48105.

of this “heinous, metal interloper” intruding into his personal off-the-grid sanctuary: “… the crack of the weapon a second time exploded the light and sent shards of glass like winter’s jagged ice crystals raining down around him onto the frozen ground.” As always, Moore’s plangent prose packs a punch when you least expect it. The story twists and turns as it reveals pieces of the damaged and dysfunctional brother-sister relationship at its core and culminates in a violent standoff with the town’s deputy. In “Ode to a Lone Wolf,” Moore presents us with the ongoing dilemma of wolves in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and what to do about them. Here, through the opposing voices of the protagonists, he weaves in a balanced ecological message. Hank Martin Jr., a farmer in Nelson, has added donkeys to his cattle herd to give them a fighting chance against wolf predation. The donkeys become his enforcers: “… they will set upon a pack [of wolves] without the rigid moral scruples that prevent me from shoot-

ing them. Several donkeys can mess up a pack of wolves pretty good.” Hank and his 7-year-old son are the only denizens of the ranch thanks to an acrimonious divorce. His ex-wife appears, seemingly to make sport of tormenting him during custody exchanges. However, Hank has recently begun a relationship with a “lady friend,” one tough-asnails DNR officer named Laura Kingsley. Hank is losing his patience with the wolves as his cattle still suffer from the nervous exhaustion of the never-ending antics of these wily predators. He witnesses the death of a young calf and nearly loses his dog in the same fight by moonlight. Moore conveys the confusion and pain of the melee in terse and powerful language as Jack, his donkey, then turns on him: “I sprinted toward the fence as Jack pursued me, hooves flashing. I was too frightened by the reaction of the donkey to stop the wolf attack on the calf. Reaching the pasture fence, I heaved [my dog] over just as Jack kicked me with a glancing hoof that struck my back. I crumpled in pain.” Hank schemes to take the law into his own hands and to get his vengeance, no matter the cost, and the reader’s sympathies must surely be swayed. But at what cost will Hank pay for his insolence? That I will not spoil for you, dear reader. For this review, I can barely scratch the surface of the five new Nelson stories in Volume 2 of the saga. Subsequent stories will touch on subjects such as how the 1960s sexual revolution plays out in the fictional Blue Harbor resort on Grand Traverse Bay (in “Lust and Lightning”) and the fine distinction between hunting wild pheasants and a farmer’s cultivated pheasant flock in far-off South Dakota, a 12-hour drive from Nelson (in “The Ditch Dog”). The politics of land ownership and right-of-way easements come to a head in the most humorous story of the lot, “A Beast Called Fate.” Regardless, I recommend North of Nelson, Volume 2 to anyone who appreciates the harsh and unforgiving landscape of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and how the land carves out the psyche of its denizens to the same degree that they try to conquer nature itself. The setting and landscape of Hilton Everett Moore’s universe in these books will be instantly recognizable to anyone who has lived in or loved the region. MM Victor R. Volkman is a graduate of Michigan Tech (Class of ’86) and is current president of the U.P. Publishers & Authors Association. He is senior editor at Modern History Press and publisher of the U.P. Reader.

November 2023

Marquette Monthly

coloring page

Marquette Monthly

November 2023

out & about Out & About is a free listing of Upper Peninsula events. Events included must cost $25 or less (except fundraisers). All events are free and in Eastern time unless noted. We print information sent to us by a wide variety of people and organizations. It pays to double check the date, time, place and cost before heading out.

E-mail your December events by Monday, November 6 to: calendar@marquettemonthly.com Index on the town ……………………………………………………………… 78 art galleries …………………………………………………………… 84-85 museums ………………………………………………………………….. 87

Stand Up Comedy Festival | November 1 to 4 | Marquette

november events 01 WEDNESDAY

sunrise 8:30 a.m.; sunset 6:36 p.m.

Escanaba

• Toddler Time. Intended for ages two to four. 10:30 a.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. To register, (906) 789-7328 or escanabalibrary.org

Ishpeming

• Introduction to Bird Watching. Guests from the Laughing Whitefish Audubon Society will discuss bird identification, migration patterns, and

Michel Grolet via unsplash

support groups…………………………………………………………….94

the importance of bird awareness. 5:30 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. (906) 4864381 or ishpeminglibrary.info

Marquette

• Toddler Storytime. Stories, songs and sensory play activities will be offered for children ages 18 to 36 months. Siblings are welcome. 10:45 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 2264323 or pwpl.info • Congregate Meals for Seniors–Dine in or Curbside Pickup. Meals available to those age 60 and older. Call to reserve a meal. $3.50 suggested donation. Noon to 1 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. (906) 228-0456.

November 2023

Marquette Monthly

• Senior Visual Art Classes. Diane Kribs-Mays will provide instructions to make a holiday ribbon tree for those ages 55 and older. Supplies will be provided. City of Marquette and neighboring township residents, free; non-residents, $5 suggested donation. 1 p.m. City of Marquette Arts and Culture Center, lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 225-8655. • Teens Game On! Students in Grades 6-12 can drop in for a selection of video games, board games, and more. 3 to 6 p.m. Teen Zone, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 2264321 or pwpl.info • Read-Aloud Book Club. Beginning readers in kindergarten through second grade will explore the easy reader section, read aloud a book, and participate in an activity. 4:30 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323 or pwpl.info • Marquette County Quilters Association Monthly Meeting. All skill levels are invited for socialization, program events and show and tell. Yearly membership fee, $20. 6:30 p.m. Lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. marquettequilters.org • League of Women Voters of Marquette County Meeting. All interested community members are welcome. Social time at 6:30 p.m., meeting begins at 6:45 p.m. Lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. lwvmqt.org • Stand U.P. Comedy Festival Comedy Showcase. The opening night will be free to attend and feature comedians Eric Laksonen, Jim Berry, Kash Money Karl, Raegan Nielela, Trevor Clumpner, followed by headliner Sean Patrick Moore. 7 p.m. Ore Dock Brewing Co., 114 W. Spring St. nmu.universitytickets.com

Negaunee

• Knitting Group. Those interested in crocheting, knitting and other fiber arts are welcome to bring their projects and share with others. Coffee provided. 1:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. (906) 475-7700, ext. 18. • Wings of Fire Interest Group. Youth ages eight and older are invited to discuss the series, write fanfiction, make crafts and other activities. 3 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. (906) 475-7700, ext. 18. • Caregiver-Child Book Club. This month’s selection will be Princess in Black (Book 1 of Princess in Black), by Shannon Hale. Snacks and a craft will be provided. 5:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. (906) 475-7700, ext. 18.

02 THURSDAY

sunrise 8:32 a.m.; sunset 6:35 p.m.

Marquette Monthly

November 2023

Calumet

• Preschool Story Time. 10:15 a.m. Calumet Public Library. (906) 337-0311.

Escanaba

• School-Age Art. Students ages five to 12 will learn a variety of painting techniques, upcycling tricks, holiday-themed crafts, fiber art styles, and more. $10 per child. 4:15 p.m. Studio, Bonifas Arts Center, 700 First Ave. S. (906) 786-3833 or bonifasarts.org

Houghton

• 41 North Film Festival. The festival showcases award-winning independent films and filmmakers from around the region, country, and world. Screenings begin at 5 p.m. Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts, 1400 Townsend Dr. ersmith@mtu.edu or 41northfilmfest. mtu.edu

Ishpeming

• Feeding America Food Distribution Drive-Thru Site. 8:30 to 10 a.m. North Iron Church, 910 Palms Ave. feedwm.org • Book Club. This month’s selection will be The Lost Ticket by Freya Sampson. 11 a.m. Ishpeming Senior Center, 121 Greenwood St. (906) 4864381 or ishpeminglibrary.info • Grief Support Group. U.P. Home Health and Hospice will offer support for those caring for a loved one with a life-limiting diagnosis or who recently experienced the loss of a loved one. The group will meet for seven sessions and explore different aspects of grief. 2 p.m. Ray Leverton Room, Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. (906) 225-4545. • Popcorn and a Movie. The selection will be The Hunger Games (Rated PG-13). Popcorn will be provided; guests can bring their own beverage. 4 p.m. Ray Leverton Community Room, Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. (906) 486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info

Marquette

• Book Babies. Songs, rhymes, stories and finger-plays are offered for children up to 17 months old. Older siblings are welcome. 9:45 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323 or pwpl.info • Toddler Storytime. Stories, songs and sensory play activities will be offered for children ages 18 to 36 months. Siblings are welcome. 10:45 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 2264323 or pwpl.info • Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com • Fandom Fun: Pusheen. Kids of all ages who love the Pusheen cat from the popular graphic novel series can

participate in themed crafts and activities. 4:30 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323 or pwpl.info • MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Meeting. Discussion includes the ups and downs of motherhood and everything in between. Open to moms of children of any age. Childcare typically provided. 5:30 p.m. Messiah Lutheran Church, 305 W. Magnetic St. renee.n. jewett@gmail.com • “Ask The Doctor.” This educational event will be an opportunity to have questions answered. 6 p.m. U.P. Holistic Medicine, 6044 U.S. 41 S., Suite 3. (906) 249-3600 or upholisticmedicine.com • NCLL: Stop The Bleed. Ann Clancy Klemme and the UPHS Trauma Team will lead a presentation of Stop the Bleed, a nationally recognized program on how to help those who are bleeding. 6 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 361-5370 or jhigbie@nmu.edu • Stand U.P. Comedy Festival. The 7 p.m. show will feature Louis D. Michael followed by headliner Zach Martina. The 9:30 p.m. show will feature Matt Conn followed by headliner Camila Ballario. $20. Ore Dock Brewing Co., 114 W. Spring St. nmu. universitytickets.com • Clybourne Park. NMU Theatre and Dance will present this two-act play by Bruce Norris that explores racism and gentrification 50 years apart. Intended for mature audiences. NMU students, $5; students, $12; NMU faculty/staff, seniors and military, $15; and general public, $20. 7:30 p.m. Panowski Black Box Theatre. nmu.universitytickets. com

Negaunee

• Music, Movement and More. This parent-led storytime is for children of all ages and their caregivers. 10:30 a.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. (906) 475-7700, ext. 18. • Building Club. Youth ages five and older will discuss a topic that will be the focus of their creations and then have time to build with blocks such as LEGO bricks. Participants can have their creations displayed in the library until the following meeting. 4:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. (906) 475-7700, ext. 18.

03 FRIDAY

sunrise 8:33 a.m.; sunset 6:33 p.m.

Gwinn

• Story Time. Preschool age children with a caregiver are invited for stories, crafts and light snacks. 10:30 a.m. Forsyth Township Public Library, 180 W. Flint St. (906) 346-3433.

Houghton

• 41 North Film Festival. The festival showcases award-winning independent films and filmmakers from around the

region, country, and world. Screenings begin at 3:45 p.m. Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts, 1400 Townsend Dr. ersmith@mtu.edu or 41northfilmfest. mtu.edu

Ishpeming

• Homeschool Hangout. Homeschooling families are invited to hang out with other homeschooling friends, network with library staff, and learn about library resources. 10 a.m. to noon. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. (906) 4864381 or ishpeminglibrary.info

Marquette

• Preschool Storytime. Stories, songs, finger-plays, crafts and other school-readiness activities are offered for preschool-age children. Siblings are welcome. 10:45 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323 or pwpl.info • Docu Cinema: N. Scott Momaday: Words from a Bear. In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, this documentary will highlight the life and work of author N. Scott Momaday, the first Indigenous writer to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. Noon. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 2264322 or pwpl.info • Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com • LEGO Club. Participants can meet other LEGO enthusiasts and build with the library’s LEGO blocks. 4 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 2264323 or pwpl.info • Hiawatha Music Co-op Annual Meeting. Members are invited for dinner and the annual meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. The public is invited for music and dancing with entertainment from Adam Sawfox from 8 to 10 p.m. Barrel + Beam, 260 Northwoods Rd. (906) 226-8575. • Stand U.P. Comedy Festival. The 7 p.m. show will feature Adam Degi followed by headliner Mary Santora. The 9:30 p.m. show will feature Thick Skin with Mike Stanley and Matt Cobos. $20. Ore Dock Brewing Co., 114 W. Spring St. nmu.universitytickets.com • Clybourne Park. NMU Theatre and Dance will present this two-act play by Bruce Norris that explores racism and gentrification 50 years apart. Intended for mature audiences. NMU students, $5; students, $12; NMU faculty/staff, seniors and military, $15; and general public, $20. 7:30 p.m. Panowski Black Box Theatre. nmu.universitytickets. com

Negaunee

• “Come Write In.” The Negaunee Public Library is a meeting location for National Novel Writing Month in November. Aspiring authors are invited

November 2023

Marquette Monthly

on the town Gwinn

• Hideaway Bar. - Mondays: The Hideaway All-Stars. 7 p.m. 741 M-35. (906) 346-3178.

Marquette

• 906 Sports Bar and Grill. - Wednesdays: Trivia. 6:30 p.m.145 W. Washington St. (906) 273-0706 or 906barandgrill.com • Blackrocks Brewery. - Thursday, Nov. 2: Jim and Ray. 6 to 9 p.m. - Thursday, the 16th: Jim and Ray. 6 to 9 p.m. - Mondays: Open Mic. 6 to 9 p.m. - Tuesdays: Trivia. 7 to 9 p.m. - Wednesdays: Open mic. 6 to 9 p.m. 424 N. Third St. (906) 273-1333 or blackrocksbrewery.com. • Drifa Brewing Company. - Mondays: Musicians’ Open Mic. 6 to 8 p.m. - Thursdays: Trivia. 7 p.m. 501 S. Lake St. (90273-1300. • Flanigan’s. - Tuesday through Thursday: Karaoke. 9:30 p.m. Cover charge on weekends only. 429 W. Washington St. (906) 228-8865. • Kognisjon Bryggeri. - Saturday, Nov. 4: Fridge Buzz and Ladoga. 8 to 11 p.m. - Saturday, the 11th: Squatch. 8 to 11 p.m. - Saturday, the 25th: Luke Hendrickson. 7 to 10 p.m. - Sundays: Open Mic. 6 to 10 p.m. 1034 N. Third St. (906) 273-2727. • Lake Superior Smokehouse. - Saturday, Nov. 4: Delta Duo. 6 to 9 p.m. - Friday, the 10th: Make Believe Spurs. 6 to 9 p.m. - Saturday, the 11th: Jim and Ray. 6 to 9 p.m. - Friday, the 17th: The Daydreamers. 6 to 9 p.m. - Saturday, the 18th: Chris Valenti. 6 to 9 p.m.

Marquette Monthly

200 W. Main St. (906) 273-0952. • Marquette Mountain Resort. - Sundays: Live music. 1 to 4 p.m. 4501 M-553. (906) 225-1155 or marquettemountain.com • Ore Dock Brewing Company. - Friday, Nov. 10: King Lemon. 8 p.m. - Saturday, the 11th: Chirp. 8 p.m. (21 and older). $5. - Sunday, the 12th: Westerly Winds Big Band Swing Dance. 2 to 4 p.m. Students, $5; general admission, $10 (cash only). - Friday, the 17th: Distant Stars. 9 p.m. (21 and older). Students, $5; general admission, $8. - Saturday, the 18th: Joshua Davis. 7 p.m. Advance, $15; Day of show, $20. - Friday, the 24th: Charlie Millard Band. 8 p.m. $10. All shows are free unless noted. 114 W. Spring St. (906) 228-8888. • Rippling River Resort. - Thursday, Nov. 2: Adam Carpenter. 6 to 9 p.m. - Friday, the 3rd: Keith Janofski. 6 to 9 p.m. - Saturday, the 4th: Jan Arnold. 6 to 9 p.m. - Sunday, the 5th: Noah Bauer. 5 to 8 p.m. - Thursday, the 9th: Make Believe Spurs. 6 to 9 p.m. - Friday, the 10th: Chris Valenti. 6 to 9 p.m. - Saturday, the 11th: Jan Arnold. 6 to 9 p.m. - Sunday, the 12th: Noah Bauer. 5 to 8 p.m. - Thursday, the 16th: Adam Carpenter. 6 to 9 p.m. - Saturday, the 18th: Jan Arnold. 6 to 9 p.m. - Sunday, the 19th: Troy Graham. 5 to 8 p.m. - Thursday, the 23rd: Noah Bauer. 6 to 9 p.m. - Friday, the 24th: Chris Valenti. 6 to 9 p.m. - Saturday, the 25th: Jan Arnold. 6 to 9 p.m.

November 2023

Luke Hendrickson | November 25 | Kognisjon Bryggeri, Marquette

- Thursday, the 30th: Adam Carpenter. 6 to 9 p.m. 4321 M-553. (906) 273-2259 or ripplingriverresort.com • Superior Culture. - Tuesdays: Open Mic night. 8 to 10 p.m. 717 Third Street. (906) 273-0927.

Republic

• Pine Grove Bar. - Friday, Nov. 3: Money Shot Acoustic. 8 to 11 p.m. - Saturday, the 4th: The Palestras. 8 p.m. to midnight. - Friday, the 10th: DSP. 7 to 10 p.m. - Saturday, the 11th: Noah Bauer. 3

to 6 p.m. - Saturday, the 11th: 141 North. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. - Friday, the 17th: Seth Brown Duo. 7 to 10 p.m. - Saturday, the 18th: Troy Graham and Nate Reid. 1 to 4 p.m. - Saturday, the 18th: Diversion. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. - Friday, the 24th: Troy Graham. 8 to 11 p.m. - Saturday, the 25th: Toni Saari. 3 to 6 p.m. - Saturday, the 25th: Under the Radar. 8 p.m. to midnight 286 Front St. (906) 376-2234. MM

for snacks, goodies, and writing assistance. 10 a.m. to noon. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. (906) 475-7700, ext. 18, facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary, or nanowrimo.org

04 SATURDAY

sunrise 8:35 a.m.; sunset 6:32 p.m.

Calumet

• Orphan Art Sale. Includes paintings, photography, crafts, and garden and home items. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Calumet Art Center, 57055 Fifth St. (906) 9342228 or calumetartcenter.com

Escanaba

• BAY-CON Presents: Pop-Culture Show. This inaugural event will feature vendors of vintage and modern toys, video games, vinyl records, comic books, movies, artwork, and other pop-culture related treasures. Sponsored by Bay College’s Campus Activities Board student organization, the show is a fundraiser for the larger BAY-CON event that will take place in April. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Room 952, Joseph Heirman University Center, Bay College Campus, 2001 N. Lincoln Rd. • Holiday Art and Craft Fair. There will be a variety of local artists and crafters selling their works along with a bake sale. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bonifas Art Center, 700 First Ave. S. (906) 7863833 or bonifasarts.org • Ink Society Local Writers’ Group. Free for ages 16 and older. 10:30 a.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. (906) 789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org • Student Book Club. Free for ages 10 to 13. 1:30 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. To register, (906) 789-7328. escanabalibrary.org

Houghton

• 41 North Film Festival. The festival showcases award-winning independent films and filmmakers from around the region, country, and world. Screenings begin at noon. Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts, 1400 Townsend Dr. ersmith@mtu.edu or 41northfilmfest. mtu.edu

Ishpeming

• Teen Writing Club. Intended for ages 13-18. 11 a.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. (906) 486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info • The Delian Tomb-Teen RPG Campaign. Teens ages 14 to 17 are invited to play a one-off Dungeons and Dragons to celebrate National Game Month. All are welcome, but attendance at both sessions is required. Noon. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. (906) 4864381 or ishpeminglibrary.info

Marquette

• Farmers Market Indoor Market.

Includes farmers, growers, food producers, and artisans. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Marquette Commons, 112 South Third St. mqtfarmersmarket.com • Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. Lessons, 10 a.m. Games, 11:30 a.m. Citizens Forum, Lakeview Arena, 401 E. Fair St. superiorland_bridge.tripod.com • Saturday Storytime. Songs, rhymes, stories, and finger-plays will be geared towards babies and toddlers. Older siblings and older children are welcome. 10:30 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323 or pwpl.info • Prince of Peace Fall Bazaar. Features white elephant items, pies, baked goods, crafts, and tea table. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 555 Riverside Rd., Harvey. (906) 249-3122. • NMU Percussion Ensemble Concert. 3 p.m. Reynolds Recital Hall. nmu.edu/music • Stand U.P. Comedy Festival. Comedy City Improv will perform two shows, the first of which will be family-friendly. $20. 6 and 8 p.m. Barrel + Beam, 260 Northwoods Rd. nmu. universitytickets.com • Stand U.P. Comedy Festival. Both shows will feature Dave Yates followed by headliner Ryan Niemiller, a former contestant on America’s Got Talent. $25. 7 and 9:30 p.m. Ore Dock Brewing Co., 114 W. Spring St. nmu. universitytickets.com • Clybourne Park. NMU Theatre and Dance will present this two-act play by Bruce Norris that explores racism and gentrification 50 years apart. Intended for mature audiences. NMU students, $5; students, $12; NMU faculty/staff, seniors and military, $15; and general public, $20. 1 p.m. Theatre for All sensory-friendly matinee and 7:30 p.m. Panowski Black Box Theatre. nmu. universitytickets.com

Michigamme

• Holiday Market. Features wares from local artisans that are handcrafted, homemade, and home baked. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Community Building Gym, 202 W. Main St.

Dr. ersmith@mtu.edu or 41northfilmfest.mtu.edu

Ishpeming

• Bingo. Noon. Ishpeming VFW, 310 Bank St. (906) 486-4856.

06 MONDAY

sunrise 7:38 a.m.; sunset 5:29 p.m.

Marquette

• Wiggle Worms Storytime. Stories are intermixed with hands-on, interactive activities. 9:45 a.m. Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323 or pwpl.info • NCLL: Medicare Explained. Kevin Dorr, of Mapping Medicare, will answer questions about Medicare options. 10 a.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 361-1919 or lisajstasiuk@gmail.com • NCLL: Forensic Anthropology. Carley Leanes, program coordinator for the NMU Center for Forensic Anthropology’s Body Donation Program and Educational Programs, will discuss research and educational opportunities. 6 p.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 249-1273 or camfixer@ pasty.net • Craft Magic Series: Origami Magic. Origami fiber artist Lydia Taylor will lead this beginner workshop and participants will leave with their own origami project. Starter kits will be provided. 6:30 p.m. Shiras Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. Registration required. (906) 226-4322 or pwpl.info • Lisa Fosmo Book Launch and Reading. Poet Lisa Fosmo will read from her new poetry collection, Mercy Is a Bright Darkness, which touches on the wonders of living in the wilds of Upper Michigan. 6:30 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4322 or pwpl. info

Negaunee

05 SUNDAY

• All-Ages Online Storytime. Miss Jessica will lead stories, songs and rhymes on Facebook Live. 11 a.m. facebook.com/NegauneePublicLibrary. (906) 475-7700.

Daylight Saving Time Ends

sunrise 7:39 a.m.; sunset 5:27 p.m.

sunrise 7:36 a.m.; sunset 5:30 p.m.

Calumet

• Art Junkies. An arts and craft social group. Noon to 2 p.m. Calumet Art Center, 57055 Fifth St. (906) 231-0448.

Houghton

• 41 North Film Festival. The festival showcases award-winning independent films and filmmakers from around the region, country, and world. Screenings begin at 12:30 p.m. Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts, 1400 Townsend

07 TUESDAY

Escanaba

• Toddler Art. Experience arts and crafts at a variety of stations followed by time to dance, sing, play instruments, and learn movement stories. $5 per student. 9:30 a.m. Studio, Bonifas Arts Center, 700 First Ave. S. (906) 786-3833 or bonifasarts.org

Ishpeming

• Tot Tuesday Storytime. Stories,

November 2023

Marquette Monthly

songs, and movement activities will be followed by an optional craft and playtime for toddlers and preschoolers. 11 a.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. (906) 4864381 or ishpeminglibrary.info • St. Joseph’s Guild Meeting. 6:30 p.m. St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 1889 Prairie Ave.

Marquette

• Book Babies. Songs, rhymes, stories and finger-plays are offered for children up to 17 months old. Older siblings are welcome. 9:45 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323 or pwpl.info • Preschool Storytime. Stories, songs, finger-plays, crafts and other school-readiness activities are offered for preschool-age children. Siblings are welcome. 10:45 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323 or pwpl.info • Tech Coaching for Seniors. Learn how to make your electronic devices work the way you want with the help of retired teacher and librarian Christine Ault. Ensure your device is charged and bring passwords with you. Sessions will be offered in 30-minute time slots between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4311. • Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com • Oil Painting, Pastels and Drawing Classes with Marlene Wood. Bring your own supplies. $20. 1 to 3 p.m. Marquette Arts and Culture Center, Lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 225-8655. • Dumbledore’s Army. Students in fourth through sixth grade can take part in Harry Potter trivia and cupcake decorating. 4:30 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323 or pwpl.info • Maritime History on Tap. Intended for all ages. Admission by suggested donation. 6 p.m. Ore Dock Brewing Company, 114 W. Spring St. (906) 373-6183. • La Table Française. The French Program at NMU offers this informal conversation and discussion group. The topic is selected prior to the meeting and presented by advanced students of French. Community members are welcome. 7 p.m. Room 311, Lydia M. Olson Library, NMU. (906) 227-2940 or llis@nmu.edu • What’s Up? (via Zoom). Scott Stobbelaar, of the Marquette Astronomical Society, will provide a virtual monthly guide to what can be seen in the skies of the Upper Peninsula. 7 p.m. Via Zoom. (906) 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or pwpl.info

Marquette Monthly

November 2023

08 WEDNESDAY

sunrise 7:41 a.m.; sunset 5:26 p.m.

Escanaba

• Toddler Time. Intended for ages two to four. 10:30 a.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. To register, (906) 789-7328. escanabalibrary.org

Marquette

• Toddler Storytime. Stories, songs and sensory play activities will be offered for children ages 18 to 36 months. Siblings are welcome. 10:45 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 2264323 or pwpl.info • School’s Out, Library’s In. Youth of all ages can drop by the library for a superhero-themed day. There will be superhero crafts and a screening of DC League of Super-Pets will begin at 12:45 p.m. Noon to 5 p.m. Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323 or pwpl.info • un“TITLE”d Teens. Students in Grades six to 12 can deconstruct books and create different pieces of art from them. 3 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4321 or pwpl.info • NCLL: Meister’s Christmas Tree Farm and Wreath Making Demo. George and Katelyn Meister will discuss the history and year-round work involved in this fourth-generation Christmas tree farm, and demonstrate wreath making. 2 p.m. Marquette Arts and Culture Center, lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 475-4252 or bbraden@consultant.com • Community Knit/Crochet Club. 5:30 p.m. Alley Kat’s Quilt Shop, 1010 W. Washington St. (906) 315-0050. • PT for Pets: Helping Our Fur Friend Remain Active. Licensed pet physical therapist Laura Chosa, of U.P. Paws Rehab, will discuss how to help pets remain active even when facing physical challenges. She will also provide actual demonstrations of exercises. 7 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4322 or pwpl.info

Negaunee

• Knitting Group. Those interested in crocheting, knitting and other fiber arts are welcome to bring their projects and share with others. Coffee provided. 1:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. (906) 475-7700, ext. 18. • Wings of Fire Interest Group. Youth ages eight and older are invited to discuss the series, write fanfiction, make crafts and other activities. 3 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. (906) 475-7700, ext. 18. • Noah Bauer Performance. Local singer and songwriter Noah Bauer will perform his eclectic musical repertoire featuring everything from Nat King Cole to Nirvana. 5:30 p.m. Negaunee

Public Library, 319 W. Case St. (906) 475-7700, ext. 18.

09 THURSDAY

sunrise 7:42 a.m.; sunset 5:25 p.m.

Calumet

• Preschool Story Time. 10:15 a.m. Calumet Public Library. (906) 337-0311.

Crystal Falls

• Q&A with Author Larry Jorgensen (via Zoom). The Crystal Falls Community District Library in partnership with the U.P. Publishers and Authors Association (UPPAA) will host an online discussion with Larry Jorgensen, author of Shipwrecked and Rescued: The City of Bangor. The book details the rescue of the ship, which crashed near Eagle Harbor at the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula in 1926. 7 p.m. Eastern (via Zoom). egathu@crystalfallslibrary.org or (906) 875-3344.

Ishpeming

• VFW Auxiliary Meeting. 1:30 p.m. Ishpeming VFW, 310 Bank St. (906) 486-4856. • Crochet Club. This is a time to gather with fellow crafters to socialize. Supplies and instruction will be provided for those who are interested in learning how to crochet. 2 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. (906) 486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info • Great Lakes Great Books Club. Students in fourth and fifth grade will share their thoughts on The Real Dada Mother Goose: A Treasury of Complete Nonsense, a collection of silly, scrambled nursery rhymes written by Jon Scieszka and illustrated by Julia Rothman. 6 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. (906) 486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info

Marquette

• Book Babies. Songs, rhymes, stories and finger-plays are offered for children up to 17 months old. Older siblings are welcome. 9:45 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323 or pwpl.info • NCLL: Leather Bracelets. Lisa Stasiuk will demonstrate how to make simple leather bracelets, one for yourself and one to give away. 10 a.m. Marquette Arts and Culture Center, lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 3611919 or lisajstasiuk@gmail.com • Toddler Storytime. Stories, songs and sensory play activities will be offered for children ages 18 to 36 months. Siblings are welcome. 10:45 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 2264323 or pwpl.info • Tech Coaching for Seniors. Learn how to make your electronic devices work the way you want with the help of retired teacher and librarian

Christine Ault. Ensure your device is charged and bring passwords with you. Sessions will be offered in 30-minute time slots between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4311. • School’s Out, Library’s In. Youth of all ages can drop by the library for this special schools’ out day. Students can make apple pie slime and a screening of Frozen will begin at 12:45 p.m. Noon to 5 p.m. Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 2264323 or pwpl.info • Geoff and Jon’s Record Show. New and used vinyl records, CDs, posters, cassettes, books, T-shirts, stickers and more. Presented by the NMU Vinyl Record Club. Noon to 11 p.m. Secondfloor community room, Ore Dock Brewing Company, 114 W. Spring St. (906) 373-6183. • Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com • Grief Support Group. U.P. Home Health and Hospice will offer support for those caring for a loved one with a life-limiting diagnosis or who recently experienced the loss of a loved one. The group will meet for seven sessions and explore different aspects of grief. 3 p.m. Dandelion Cottage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 225-4545. • Second Thursday Creativity Series. This month’s theme will be “Thank You Turkey Dance” featuring hands-on craft activities and free Culver’s frozen custard. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum, 123 W. Baraga Ave. (906) 226-3911 or upchildrensmuseum.org • “Ask The Doctor.” This educational event will be an opportunity to have questions answered. 6 p.m. U.P. Holistic Medicine, 6044 U.S. 41 S., Suite 3. (906) 249-3600 or upholisticmedicine.com • Yarn Winders Fiber Guild of Marquette. 6 p.m. City of Marquette Arts and Culture Center, lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. • NCLL: Snowshoe Expedition to the Arctic Ocean. Michael Neiger, of Backcountry Search and Rescue, will present a slide program of his snowshoe adventure through Moose Country First Nations Country to Lower Hudson Bay on the Arctic Ocean in 2015. 6:30 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 4585408 or csteinha@nmu.edu • Marquette Poets Circle. Local poets, writers, and poetry enthusiasts gather to workshop their current work, followed by an open mic. New and experienced poets are welcome for either or both events. 6:30 p.m. Shiras Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4322 or pwpl.info • AAUW Meeting: “Unhoused in

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Marquette Monthly

Marquette.” The Marquette Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) will host a discussion on homelessness featuring leaders from Marquette-Alger Community Action. 7 p.m. Marquette Area Federation of Women’s Clubs Clubhouse, 104 W. Ridge St. (920) 716-6544. • Annie JR. With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone in 1930s New York City. Presented by Superior Arts Youth Theater and featuring more than 60 local youth, the production includes favorite characters such as Miss Hannigan, Oliver Warbucks, Grace Farrell, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Annie’s fellow orphans, and a lovable mutt named Sandy. Seniors and students, $9; adults, $15. 7 p.m. Forest Roberts Theatre, NMU. nmu. universitytickets.com • Clybourne Park. NMU Theatre and Dance will present this two-act play by Bruce Norris that explores racism and gentrification 50 years apart. Intended for mature audiences. NMU students, $5; students, $12; NMU faculty/staff, seniors and military, $15; and general public, $20. 7:30 p.m. Panowski Black Box Theatre. nmu.universitytickets. com

Negaunee

10 FRIDAY

sunrise 7:43 a.m.; sunset 5:23 p.m.

Escanaba

Gwinn

• Story Time. Preschool age children with a caregiver are invited for stories, crafts and light snacks. 10:30 a.m. Forsyth Township Public Library, 180 W. Flint St. (906) 346-3433.

Houghton

• Charlie Berens: Good Old Fashioned Tour. Pay As You’re Able ticket pricing. 7:30 and 10 p.m. Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts, 1400 Townsend Dr. rozsa@mtu.edu or (906) 487-1906.

Ishpeming

• Game Day. In celebration of International Games Month, students can enjoy a selection of board games, card games, Wii games, and more. 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. (906) 486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info

Marquette

• Sonderegger Symposium 23: Perspectives on 1820 and Beyond. Learn about Upper Peninsula historical, cultural, economic and scientific topics. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Northern Center Ballrooms, NMU.nmu.edu

Courtesy of MTU

St. (906) 475-7700, ext. 18.

Charlie Berens | November 10 | Houghton

Marquette Monthly

November 2023

• Geoff and Jon’s Record Show. New and used vinyl records, CDs, posters, cassettes, books, T-shirts, stickers and more. Presented by the NMU Vinyl Record Club. Noon to 11 p.m. Secondfloor community room, Ore Dock Brewing Company, 114 W. Spring St. (906) 373-6183. • Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com • Annie JR. With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone in 1930s New York City. Presented by Superior Arts Youth Theater and featuring more than 60 local youth, the production includes favorite characters such as Miss Hannigan, Oliver Warbucks, Grace Farrell, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Annie’s fellow orphans, and a lovable mutt named Sandy. Seniors and students, $9; adults, $15. 7 p.m. Forest Roberts Theatre, NMU. nmu. universitytickets.com • Beauty and the Beast. Members of the Marquette Senior High School Drama and Music departments will perform the Disney musical. Students, $10; adults, $15. 7 p.m. Kaufman Auditorium, 611 N. Front St. nmu.universitytickets.com • Clybourne Park. NMU Theatre and Dance will present this two-act play by Bruce Norris that explores racism and gentrification 50 years apart. Intended for mature audiences. NMU students, $5; students, $12; NMU faculty/staff, seniors and military, $15; and general public, $20. 7:30 p.m. Panowski Black Box Theatre. nmu.universitytickets. com • Marquette Male Chorus Concert. The Marquette Male Chorus will present “A Little Bit of This and a Little Bit of That,” featuring four American songs, a selection of spirituals, and a medley of TV theme songs. $10 suggested donation. 7:30 p.m. Messiah Lutheran Church, 305 W. Magnetic St. (906) 249-9867.

Negaunee

• “Come Write In.” The Negaunee Public Library is a meeting location for National Novel Writing Month in November. Aspiring authors are invited for snacks, goodies, and writing assistance. 10 a.m. to noon. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. (906) 475-7700, ext. 18, facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary, or nanowrimo.org

11 SATURDAY

sunrise 7:45 a.m.; sunset 5:22 p.m.

Calumet

• Second Saturday Market. Featuring

local handcrafted items. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Calumet Art Center, 57055 Fifth St. (906) 934-2228 or calumetartcenter.

com • Orphan Art Sale. Includes paintings, photography, crafts, and garden and home items. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Calumet Art Center, 57055 Fifth St. (906) 9342228 or calumetartcenter.com

Escanaba

• Lego Club. This month’s theme is “Things We Are Thankful For.” 1 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. (906) 789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org

Houghton

• Keweenaw Art Affair. More than 40 vendors will offer art and fine crafts for sale. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Houghton High School Gym, 1603 Gundlach Rd.

Ishpeming

• The Delian Tomb-Teen RPG Campaign. Teens ages 14 to 17 are invited to play a one-off Dungeons and Dragons to celebrate National Game Month. All are welcome, but attendance at both sessions is required. Noon. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. (906) 4864381 or ishpeminglibrary.info • Adult Fantasy Book Club. This month’s selection is The Fox Glove King by Hannah Whitten. 2 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. (906) 486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info

Marquette

• Farmers Market Indoor Market. Includes farmers, growers, food producers, and artisans. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Marquette Commons, 112 South Third St. mqtfarmersmarket.com • Harvey Christmas Open Houses. Visit Michigan Made, Interiors by Design and Lake Superior Smoekhouse Brewpub for holiday discounts, prizes refreshments and more. Times and locations vary per business. • Holiday Art Sale. The sale will include work from a variety of local artists. There will also be a bake sale and the History Center’s annual Dollhouse Days. Co-sponsored with the Marquette Arts and Culture Center. $2. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Marquette Regional History Center, 145 W. Spring St. (906) 226-3571 or (906) 228-0472, or marquettehistory.org • Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. Lessons, 10 a.m. Games, 11:30 a.m. Citizens Forum, Lakeview Arena, 401 E. Fair St. superiorland_bridge.tripod.com • Saturday Storytime. Songs, rhymes, stories, and finger-plays will be geared towards babies and toddlers. Older siblings and older children are welcome. 10:30 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323 or pwpl.info • Plant Swap. Those looking to find new homes for plant cuttings or a thinned-out plant can drop them off at the table and find a new plant to take home. Noon to 2 p.m. Teen Zone, Peter

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Marquette Monthly

art galleries Calumet

• Calumet Art Center. Works by local and regional artists. Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 57055 Fifth St. (906) 934-2228. calumetartcenter.com • Copper Country Associated Artist. Works by members and workshop participants in watercolor and oil, drawings, photography, sculpture, quilting, wood, textile, clay, glass and other media. Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 205 Fifth St. (906) 337-1252 or ccaartists.org • Gallery on 5th. Works by local and regional artists. Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 109 Fifth St. (906) 299-0118 or galleryon5th. com

Curtis

• Erickson Center for the Arts– Waterfront Gallery. Works by local and regional artists Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 9224 SawWa-Quato St. (906) 586-9974 or ericksoncenter.org

Copper Harbor

• EarthWorks Gallery. Featuring Lake Superior-inspired photography by Steve Brimm. Daily, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 216 First St. (906) 231-6318.

Escanaba

• Besse Gallery. - Grids and Pixelation: Visual Poetry by artists Carol Irving and Michael Friend is on display through Nov. 30. Days and hours vary. Bay College, 2001 N. Lincoln Rd. baycollege.edu • 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 • Hartwig Gallery. Featuring works by local, regional and national artists. Days and hours vary. 2001 N. Lincoln Rd. baycollege.edu • William Bonifas Fine Arts Gallery. - More Than a Uniform will be on display through Nov. 2. - Northern Exposure XXX, the annual competition to encourage U.P. artists to create new works and to showcase the contemporary artwork being created in the U.P., will be on display Nov. 9 through December 28 with an opening reception at 6 p.m. on the 9th. - The 100dayproject: New Beginnings, showing artworks made by participating artists during the 100dayproject that launched in January, will be on display Nov. 9 through December 28. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3p.m.

Marquette Monthly

November 2023

John French | Golden Oak On Top of a Cliff | Zero Degrees Gallery

700 First Avenue South. (906) 7863833 or bonifasarts.org

Hancock

• The Finandia Gallery. - Marjo Levlin: Heading West, Coming Back, an exhibit by Finnish artist Marjo Levlin, is on display through January 31, 2024. The installation of mixed media tells the story of late 19th-century migration from Finland to the United States. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Located in the Finnish American Heritage Center, 435 Quincy St. (906) 487-7500 or gallery@finlandia.edu • Kerredge Gallery. - The Shaft: How Nature Reclaims, an annual community exhibition of art inspired by mining history in the Copper Country, will be on display Nov. 7 through December 1 with an opening reception 6 p.m. on the 9th. Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Copper Country Community Arts Center, 126 Quincy St. (906)

482-2333 or coppercountryarts.com • Youth Gallery. Featuring works by local students. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Community Arts Center, 126 Quincy St. (906) 4822333 or coppercountryarts.com

Houghton

• The Rozsa Galleries. - Layered In Between, prints by Erin Hoffman, is on display through Nov. 4. 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. (continued on page 85)

art galleries

(continued from page 84)

- True Likeness, featuring contemporary portraits from diverse makers in various media, is on display through Nov. 3. - Fred Brian: Lake Gogebic Memories and Myths, which translates Brian’s childhood observations into narrative artwork, is on display through March 1, 2024. - By Design: Looking at Living, an exhibition that considers our relationship to design using objects from the gallery’s permanent collection, is on display through June 1, 2024. Monday through Wednesday and Friday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.; Thursday, noon to 8 p.m. Corner of Seventh and Tracy streets. NMU. (906) 227-1481 or nmu.edu/ devos • Graci Gallery. Works by regional and national artists. Featuring fine craft, contemporary art, and jewelry. Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, by appointment or chance. 110 N. Third St. gracigallery.com • Huron Mountain Club Gallery. - Artful Yoga, paintings by Steven Leuthold, is on display through Nov. 30. Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 228-0472. • Lake Superior Photo and Gallery. The studio features landscape photographic art by Shawn Malone, including naturescapes of the Lake Superior region. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 211 S. Front St. (906) 228-3686 or lakesuperiorphoto.com • Marquette Arts and Culture Center Deo Gallery. - Inside/Out, acrylics by Carol Phillips and David Schmitt, will be on display through Nov. 30. Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 228-0472. • Peter White Public Library. - Keep. Me. Posted., photography by Cade Musich, will be on display through Nov. 30. Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Lower Level Reception Gallery, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 228-0472. • Presque Isle Station. This working pottery studio features pottery by Michael Horton and Terry Gilfoy, along with works by local artists.

Days and times vary. 2901 Lakeshore Blvd. (906) 225-1695. • 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.com • 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. Artworks by Chelsea Monaghan will be on display through Nov. 30 with an opening reception at 5 p.m. on the 9th. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m, 810 N. Third St. (906) 273-1374 or at wintergreenhill.com • Zero Degrees Gallery. - Works by John French will be on display, with an opening reception from 1 to 4 p.m. on the 11th. - Ladies day celebration from 4 to 8 p.m. on the 16th. - An art sale will begin on the 16th and continue through the end of the year. The gallery features works in oils, watercolors, mixed media, jewelry, photography, metals, woods, recycled and fiber arts and much more. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 525 N. Third St. (906) 228-3058 or zerodegreesgallery.org

Munising

• UP-Scale Art. Featuring works by local and regional artists. Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday and Monday, by appointment. 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) 399-1572 or adhocworkshop.com

Sand River

• Aurelia Studio Pottery. Featuring high fire stoneware, along with functional and sculptural pieces inspired by nature, created by potter and owner Paula Neville. Open by appointment or chance. 3050 E. M-28. (906) 343-6592. MM

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Marquette Monthly

White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4321 or pwpl.info • Geoff and Jon’s Record Show. New and used vinyl records, CDs, posters, cassettes, books, T-shirts, stickers and more. Presented by the NMU Vinyl Record Club. Noon to 11 p.m. Secondfloor community room, Ore Dock Brewing Company, 114 W. Spring St. (906) 373-6183. • Annie JR. With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone in 1930s New York City. Presented by Superior Arts Youth Theater and featuring more than 60 local youth, the production includes favorite characters such as Miss Hannigan, Oliver Warbucks, Grace Farrell, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Annie’s fellow orphans, and a lovable mutt named Sandy. Seniors and students, $9; adults, $15. 1 p.m. (Theatre for All Sensory-Friendly Performance) and 7 p.m. Forest Roberts Theatre, NMU. nmu.universitytickets.com • Beauty and the Beast. Members of the Marquette Senior High School Drama and Music departments will perform the Disney musical. Students, $10; adults, $15. 1 and 7 p.m. Kaufman Auditorium, 611 N. Front St. nmu.universitytickets.com • Clybourne Park. NMU Theatre and Dance will present this two-act play by Bruce Norris that explores racism and gentrification 50 years apart. Intended for mature audiences. NMU students, $5; students, $12; NMU faculty/staff, seniors and military, $15; and general public, $20. 7:30 p.m. Panowski Black Box Theatre. nmu.universitytickets. com

Negaunee

• Author Carrie Pearson Visit. Local author Carrie Pearson will read from her new book, Virginia Wouldn’t Slow Down: The Unstoppable Dr. Apgar and Her Life-Saving Invention, followed by a doctor’s clinic for children and their baby dolls or stuffed animals. 10:30 a.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. (906) 475-7700, ext. 18

12 SUNDAY

sunrise 7:46 a.m.; sunset 5:21 p.m.

Calumet

• Art Junkies. An arts and craft social

group. Noon to 2 p.m. Calumet Art Center, 57055 Fifth St. (906) 231-0448.

Ishpeming

• Bingo. Noon. Ishpeming VFW, 310 Bank St. (906) 486-4856.

Marquette

Marquette Monthly

November 2023

Brewing Company, 114 W. Spring St. (906) 373-6183. • Annie JR. With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone in 1930s New York City. Presented by Superior Arts Youth Theater and featuring more than 60 local youth, the production includes favorite characters such as Miss Hannigan, Oliver Warbucks, Grace Farrell, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Annie’s fellow orphans, and a lovable mutt named Sandy. Seniors and students, $9; adults, $15. 1 p.m. Forest Roberts Theatre, NMU. nmu. universitytickets.com

13 MONDAY

sunrise 7:48 a.m.; sunset 5:20 p.m.

Marquette

• Wiggle Worms Storytime. Stories are intermixed with hands-on, interactive activities. 9:45 a.m. Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323 or pwpl.info • NCLL: Diving the Reefs and Wrecks of Solomon Islands. John Frick will share his adventures and experiences on a 10-day diving trip to the Solomon Islands in the far southern Western Pacific Ocean. 4 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 4585408 or csteinha@nmu.edu • Senior Theatre Experience: Monthly Theatre Workshop and Discussion. Intended for ages 55 and older. Free for City of Marquette and neighboring township residents. 4 p.m. City of Marquette Arts and Culture Center, lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 225-8655. • Comic Creators. Youth in second through sixth grades can get together with other graphic novel and comic book fans, talk about favorite books, and do graphic novel crafts. 4:30 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 2264323 or pwpl.info • Storytellers and Songsters: A Concert of Songs and Stories. Join Troy Graham, the 2022 Marquette Performance Artist of the Year, Nate Reid, and the band Addicus for an evening of music, songs, and stories. 7 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4322 or pwpl.info

Negaunee

• All-Ages Online Storytime. Miss Jessica will lead stories, songs and rhymes on Facebook Live. 11 a.m. facebook.com/NegauneePublicLibrary. (906) 475-7700.

14 TUESDAY

sunrise 7:49 a.m.; sunset 5:19 p.m.

museums Calumet

• International Frisbee/USA Guts Hall of Fame and Museum. Learn about the history of Guts Frisbee. Days and hours vary. Open when events are held. Second floor ballroom, Calumet Colosseum, 110 Red Jacket Rd. (906) 281-7625.

Escanaba

• Upper Peninsula Honor Flight Legacy Museum. The museum chronicles the history of the U.P. Honor Flights with the history of the trips. Donations appreciated. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by request. Inside the Delta County Chamber of Commerce, 1001 N. Lincoln Rd. • Upper Peninsula Military Museum. The museum honors Upper Peninsula veterans, and features exhibits and dioramas portraying the Upper Peninsula’s contribution to U.S. war efforts from the Civil War through the Afghanistan wars. Donations appreciated. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by request. Inside the Delta County Chamber of Commerce, 1001 N. Lincoln Rd.

Houghton

• A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum. New exhibit on Yooperlites, sodalite-bearing syenites that possess fluorescent properties. View the largest collection of minerals from the Great Lakes region and the world’s finest collection of Michigan minerals. Prices vary. Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1404 E. Sharon Ave. museum.mtu.edu or (906) 487-2572. • Carnegie Museum of the Keweenaw. New exhibits are Message in a Bottle, featuring artifacts long buried beneath Houghton’s streets that were found during excavations in 2021; and Celebrate the Lift Bridge, which includes building activities and the 1960s-era video about building the Lift Bridge. Tuesday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. 105 Huron St. (906) 482-7140 or carnegiekeweenaw.org • MTU Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections. Features a variety of historical memorabilia, highlighting life in the Copper Country. Open by appointment. Lower level of the J.R. Van Pelt Library, MTU. (906) 487-3209.

Ishpeming

• Ishpeming Area Historical Society Museum. Displays include a military exhibit and artifacts from the Elson Estate. Donations appreciated. Open

K.I. Sawyer Heritage Air Museum

by appointment. Gossard Building, Suite 303, 308 Cleveland Ave. ishpeminghistory.org • U.S. National Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum. The museum features more than 300 Hall of Fame inductees, presented in photographs and biographies, and displays and exhibits of skiing history and equipment, an extensive library, video show, gift shop, special events and more. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. US-41 and Third Street. (906) 485-6323 or 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) 2363502 or kishamuseum.org

Marquette

• Baraga Educational Center and Museum. View artifacts and tools used by Venerable Bishop Baraga. Donations appreciated. Monday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m. and by appointment. 615 S. Fourth St. (906) 227-9117. • Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center. - Claiming Michigan: The 1820 Expedition of Lewis Cass, featuring images, journal excerpts, detailedformat maps, explores the long-term impact of the expedition on the region. The exhibit is on display through January 27, 2024. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Corner of Seventh and Tracy streets. NMU. (906) 227-1219 or nmu.edu/beaumier • Marquette Regional History Center.

- Exposing Photography: Anything but a Small Business, featuring the works of U.P. photographers, their studios and equipment, will be on display through January 13, 2024. The museum also includes interactive displays as well as regional history exhibits. Youth 12 and younger, $2; students, $3; seniors, $6; adults, $7. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 145 W. Spring St. (906) 2263571 or marquettehistory.org • Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum. A variety of interactive exhibits offer learning through investigation and creativity. Prices vary. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 123 W. Baraga Ave. (906) 226-3911 or upchildrensmuseum.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, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 1496 Washington St. (906) 387-4308.

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 largescale capital and human investment that made Michigan an industrial leader. The museum is one of 10 museums and historic sites administered by the Michigan Historical Center. Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking. Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 73 Forge Rd. (906) 475-7857. MM

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Marquette Monthly

Calumet

• Friends of the Library Meeting. 5:30 p.m. Community Room, Calumet Public Library. (906) 337-0311.

Escanaba

Houghton

• Anatomy of Gray. Presented by Michigan Tech Theatre, this play explores themes of death, loss, love, and healing through a unique comingof-age story set in Indiana in the late 1800s. Pay As You’re Able ticket pricing. 7:30 p.m. McArdle Theatre, MTU. rozsa@mtu.edu or (906) 487-1906.

Ishpeming

• Tot Tuesday Storytime. Stories, songs, and movement activities will be followed by an optional craft and playtime for toddlers and preschoolers. 11 a.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. (906) 4864381 or ishpeminglibrary.info • Adult Book Club. This month’s selection is All That Is Mine I Carry with Me by William Landay. 2 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. (906) 486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info • St. Joseph’s Church Holiday Tea. This event benefits the Care Clinic. 6:30 p.m. St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 1889 Prairie Ave. (906) 485-4200.

Marquette

Marquette Monthly

November 2023

choice. Noon. Shiras Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4303 or pwpl.info • Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com • Lake Superior Knitters. Open to all ages and skill levels to mentor and share knowledge. If new to knitting, bring a Size 7 circular needle, 16- or 24-inch, and a skein of a worsted weight yarn (avoid dark yarn). Suggested donation of $1 to $5 per session to the MRHC. 1 to 2:30 p.m. Marquette Regional History Center, 145 W. Spring St. beedhive47@yahoo.com • Oil Painting, Pastels and Drawing Classes with Marlene Wood. Bring your own supplies. $20. 1 to 3 p.m. Marquette Arts and Culture Center, Lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 225-8655. • Senior Dance Class. Intended for ages 55 and older. Free for City of Marquette and neighboring township residents. 4 p.m. City of Marquette Arts and Culture Center, lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 225-8655. • Muggles for Potter. Students in second and third grades can take part in Harry Potter trivia and cupcake decorating. 4:30 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323 or pwpl.info • Waa Wi Ye Yaa Concert. In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, tribal progressive band Waa Wi Ye Yaa will perform their original songs and music. 7 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4322 or pwpl. info • La Table Française. The French Program at NMU offers this informal conversation and discussion group. The topic is selected prior to the meeting and presented by advanced students of French. Community members are welcome. 7 p.m. Room 311, Lydia M. Olson Library, NMU. (906) 227-2940 or llis@nmu.edu

Negaunee

• NCLL: Glazed Impressions Demonstration. Artist Miles Stearn will demonstrate his process of glazing decorative pottery at his small shop. Register for one of two sessions. 1 or 3 p.m. 208 Division St. (across from band shell). (906) 475-4252 or bbraden@ consultant.com

15 WEDNESDAY

sunrise 7:51 a.m.; sunset 5:17 p.m.

Calumet

• Red Jacket Readers Book Club. The selection will be Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley. 6:30

p.m. Community Room, Calumet Public Library. (906) 337-0311.

Escanaba

• Toddler Time. Intended for ages two to four. 10:30 a.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. To register, (906) 789-7328 or escanabalibrary.org

Houghton

Ishpeming

• Adult Book Club. This month’s selection is All That Is Mine I Carry with Me by William Landay. 6 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. (906) 486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info

Marquette

• Toddler Storytime. Stories, songs and sensory play activities will be offered for children ages 18 to 36 months. Siblings are welcome. 10:45 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 2264323 or pwpl.info • Congregate Meals for Seniors–Dine in or Curbside Pickup. Meals available to those age 60 and older. Call to reserve a meal. $3.50 suggested donation. Noon to 1 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. (906) 228-0456. • All Booked Up (Online). Join Upper Michigan Today’s Elizabeth Peterson and Tia Trudgeon, along with Peter

White Public Library staff, virtually via the TV6 Facebook page for a discussion of There There by Tommy Orange. 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (906) 226-4322 or pwpl.info • Adult Nonfiction Book Group. This month’s book is The Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery. 1 p.m. Conference Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 2264311 or refdesk@pwpl.info • Senior Visual Art Classes. Diane Kribs-Mays will provide instructions to make a holiday ribbon tree for those ages 55 and older. Supplies will be provided. City of Marquette and neighboring township residents, free; non-residents, $5 suggested donation. 1 p.m. City of Marquette Arts and Culture Center, lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 225-8655. • Ladies Night In. There will be a variety of vendors and crafters, as well as raffle items with proceeds supporting the West End Youth Center in Ishpeming. 4 to 7 p.m. Westwood Mall, 3020 U.S. Hwy. 41. fortyishmom@ yahoo.com • Outword. LGBTQIA students and allies in grades seven to 12 are invited for activities and crafts. 4 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4321 or pwpl. info • Meet the Filmmaker: Jeff Vandezande Short Film Showcase. Author and filmmaker Jeff Vandezande will present his short films and discuss the filmmaking process. 7 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 2264322 or pwpl.info

Negaunee

Courtesy of MTU

Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra | November 16 | Houghton

November 2023

Marquette Monthly

16 THURSDAY

sunrise 7:52 a.m.; sunset 5:16 p.m.

Calumet

• Preschool Story Time. 10:15 a.m. Calumet Public Library. (906) 337-0311.

Houghton

• Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra Community Recital. Presented by Michigan Tech Music. Admission by donation. 7 p.m. Portage Lake United Church, 1400 E. Houghton Ave. rozsa@mtu.edu or (906) 487-1906. • Anatomy of Gray. Presented by Michigan Tech Theatre, this play explores themes of death, loss, love, and healing through a unique comingof-age story set in Indiana in the late 1800s. Pay As You’re Able ticket pricing. 7:30 p.m. McArdle Theatre, MTU. rozsa@mtu.edu or (906) 487-1906.

Ishpeming

• Grief Support Group. U.P. Home Health and Hospice will offer support for those caring for a loved one with a life-limiting diagnosis or who recently experienced the loss of a loved one. The group will meet for seven sessions and explore different aspects of grief. 2 p.m. Ray Leverton Room, Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. (906) 225-4545.

Marquette

• Book Babies. Songs, rhymes, stories and finger-plays are offered for children up to 17 months old. Older siblings are welcome. 9:45 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323 or pwpl.info • Toddler Storytime. Stories, songs and sensory play activities will be offered for children ages 18 to 36 months. Siblings are welcome. 10:45 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 2264323 or pwpl.info • Tech Coaching for Seniors. Learn how to make your electronic devices work the way you want with the help of retired teacher and librarian Christine Ault. Ensure your device is charged and bring passwords with you. Sessions will be offered in 30-minute time slots between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4311.

Marquette Monthly

November 2023

• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com • Fandom Fun: American Girl. This after-school event is for fans of the popular American Girl series. 4:30 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 2264323 or pwpl.info • “Ask The Doctor.” This educational event will be an opportunity to have questions answered. 6 p.m. U.P. Holistic Medicine, 6044 U.S. 41 S., Suite 3. (906) 249-3600 or upholisticmedicine.com • NCLL: Michigan - Carbon Neutral by 2050? Really? Led by John Forslin, representing the Climate Reality Project, there will be a video of Doug Jester, principal at Five Lakes Energy, and a discussion of getting Michigan to carbon neutrality by 2050 with Kate Madigan, director at the Groundworks Center in Traverse City. 6:30 p.m. Room B101, NMU Superior Dome. (906) 869-4791 or mforslin2@charter.net

Negaunee

17 FRIDAY

sunrise 7:53 a.m.; sunset 5:15 p.m.

Gwinn

• Story Time. Preschool age children with a caregiver are invited for stories, crafts and light snacks. 10:30 a.m. Forsyth Township Public Library, 180 W. Flint St. (906) 346-3433.

Houghton

Ishpeming

486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info

Marquette

Negaunee

Public Library, 319 W. Case St. (906) 475-7700, ext. 18, facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary, or nanowrimo.org

18 SATURDAY

sunrise 7:55 a.m.; sunset 5:14 p.m.

Calumet

• Orphan Art Sale. Includes paintings, photography, crafts, and garden and home items. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Calumet Art Center, 57055 Fifth St. (906) 9342228 or calumetartcenter.com • Used Book Sale. Features a wide variety of books, CDs, and DVDs. The sale is sponsored by the Friends of the Calumet Public Library and is the organization’s primary fundraiser. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Community Room, Calumet Public Library. (906) 337-0311.

Escanaba

• Craft Fun. Free for ages six to 12. Materials will be provided. 1:30 p.m. Children’s Story Room, Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. (906) 789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org

Ishpeming

• Permaculture 101. Guests from Partridge Creek Farm will discuss permaculture, the development of agricultural ecosystems intended to be sustainable and self-sufficient. 10:30 a.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public

Library, 317 N. Main St. (906) 4864381 or ishpeminglibrary.info • Graphic Novel Book Club. Students in fourth through eighth grades will discuss Twins by Varian Johnson and Shannon Wright. 11 a.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. (906) 486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info • Young Adult Book Club. This month’s selection is There’s Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins. 3 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. (906) 486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info

Marquette

• Superiorland Ski Swap. Shop for used snow-sports equipment. This annual sale helps benefit youth cross country ski programs. Equipment drop off, 8:45 a.m.; Club member shopping, 10:30 a.m.; Public sale, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Marquette Township Hall, 1000 Commerce Dr. superiorlandskiclub.com • Farmers Market Indoor Market. Includes farmers, growers, food producers, and artisans. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Marquette Commons, 112 South Third St. mqtfarmersmarket.com • St. Louis Fall Bazaar. Features a bake sale, Rada knives, jewelry, handmade local crafts, and a rummage sale. Tickets are $12 for the luncheon that includes an open face turkey sandwich and accompaniments. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. St. Louis the King Catholic Church,

November 2023

264 Silver Creek Rd., Harvey. (906) 249-1438. • Fair Trade Market. Features items from Colombia, Tanzania, Guatemala, Peru, and Haiti. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Messiah Lutheran Church, 305 W. Magnetic St. • Jingle Bell Shop. There will be a variety of vendors and crafters, as well as treats and family photos. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Westwood Mall, 3020 U.S. Hwy. 41. fortyishmom@yahoo.com • Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. Lessons, 10 a.m. Games, 11:30 a.m. Citizens Forum, Lakeview Arena, 401 E. Fair St. superiorland_bridge.tripod.com • Saturday Storytime. Songs, rhymes, stories, and finger-plays will be geared towards babies and toddlers. Older siblings and older children are welcome. 10:30 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323 or pwpl.info

19 SUNDAY

sunrise 7:56 a.m.; sunset 5:13 p.m.

Calumet

• Art Junkies. An arts and craft social group. Noon to 2 p.m. Calumet Art Center, 57055 Fifth St. (906) 231-0448.

Ishpeming

• Bingo. Noon. Ishpeming VFW, 310 Bank St. (906) 486-4856.

Marquette Monthly

20 MONDAY

sunrise 7:58 a.m.; sunset 5:12 p.m.

Marquette

• Wiggle Worms Storytime. Stories are intermixed with hands-on, interactive activities. 9:45 a.m. Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323 or pwpl.info • Quick Fics Book Group. This month’s selection is Winter in the Blood by James Welch. 6 p.m. Dandelion Cottage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 2264323 or pwpl.info • Northwords and Music. Join 2022 Marquette Writer of the Year B.G. Bradley and his friends for an evening of music, stories, poetry, and skits. The show will also feature two-time U.P. Poet Laureate Marty Achatz, musician Linda Smith, violinist Barb Rhyneer, and actress Jacque Love. 7 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4322 or pwpl.info

Negaunee

• All-Ages Online Storytime. Miss Jessica will lead stories, songs and rhymes on Facebook Live. 11 a.m. facebook.com/NegauneePublicLibrary. (906) 475-7700.

21 TUESDAY

sunrise 7:59 a.m.; sunset 5:11 p.m.

Escanaba

players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com • Oil Painting, Pastels and Drawing Classes with Marlene Wood. Bring your own supplies. $20. 1 to 3 p.m. Marquette Arts and Culture Center, Lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 225-8655. • Senior Dance Class. Intended for ages 55 and older. Free for City of Marquette and neighboring township residents. 4 p.m. City of Marquette Arts and Culture Center, lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 225-8655. • Art Sparks. Students in second through sixth grades can try pulled string art to make holiday cards. 4:30 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 2264323 or pwpl.info • Dungeons and Dragons. Jordan from Iron Golem Games will lead students in Grades six through 12 on a quest with this role-playing game. Registration is required. 4 p.m. Teen Zone, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4321 or pwpl.info • Dungeons and Dragons Junior. Library staff member Cat will lead students in fourth and fifth grades on a quest with this role-playing game. Registration required. 4:30 p.m. Conference Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 2264323 or pwpl.info

22 WEDNESDAY

sunrise 8:00 a.m.; sunset 5:11 p.m.

Escanaba

• Toddler Time. Intended for ages two to four. 10:30 a.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. To register, (906) 789-7328. escanabalibrary.org

Ishpeming

• Adult Horror Book Club. This month’s selection is My Heart is a Chainsaw by Stephen Graham Jones. 6 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. (906) 4864381 or ishpeminglibrary.info

Marquette

• Toddler Storytime. Stories, songs and sensory play activities will be offered for children ages 18 to 36 months. Siblings are welcome. 10:45 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 2264323 or pwpl.info • Blockbusting Cinema: Air. Directed by Ben Affleck, this 2023 film follows the true events around the creation of the shoe line Air Jordan. Rated R. Noon. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4322 or pwpl.info

Negaunee

Public Library is a meeting location for National Novel Writing Month in November. Aspiring authors are invited for snacks, goodies, and writing assistance. 4 to 7 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. (906) 475-7700, ext. 18, facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary, or nanowrimo.org

23 THURSDAY

sunrise 8:02 a.m.; sunset 5:10 p.m.

Thanksgiving

Hancock

• Turkey Trot. 9 a.m. U.P. Health System – Portage, 500 Campus Dr. (906) 483-1187 or angela.luskin@ lifepointhealth.net

Marquette

• Holiday Lasers on the Ore Dock. View fun and festive laser displays from holiday, winter and Marquettethemes. 6 to 9 p.m. Marquette Ore Dock, end of East Spring Street. travelmarquette.com

24 FRIDAY

sunrise 8:03 a.m.; sunset 5:09 p.m.

Escanaba

•TV6 Thanksgiving Craft Show. Youth 12 and younger, free; age 13 and older, $3. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ruth Butler Building, U.P. State Fairgrounds, 2401 12th Ave. N.

Marquette

Ishpeming

• Winter Outback. Shop for art by local artists. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. U.P. Masonic Center, 128 W. Washington St. • Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com • Holiday Lasers on the Ore Dock. View fun and festive laser displays from holiday, winter and Marquettethemes. 6 to 9 p.m. Marquette Ore Dock, end of East Spring Street. travelmarquette.com

Marquette

Negaunee

Turkey Trot | November 23 | Hancock

Marquette Monthly

Courtesy of UPHS Portage

November 2023

25 SATURDAY

sunrise 8:04 a.m.; sunset 5:08 p.m.

Calumet

• Orphan Art Sale. Includes paintings, photography, crafts, and garden and home items. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Calumet Art Center, 57055 Fifth St. (906) 9342228 or calumetartcenter.com

Curtis

• Deck the Walls Fundraiser. This holiday gala will feature silent auctions, appetizers, a cash bar and more. Advanced tickets, $20; at the door, $25. 6 p.m. Erickson Center for the Arts, Saw-Wa-Quato St. (906) 586-9974 or mynorthtickets.com

Escanaba

•TV6 Thanksgiving Craft Show. Youth 12 and younger, free; age 13 and older, $3. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ruth Butler Building, U.P. State Fairgrounds, 2401 12th Ave. N.

Houghton

• The Rozsa’s Home for the Holidays Gift Market. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lobby, Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts, 1400 Townsend Ave. rozsa@mtu.edu or (906) 487-2481.

Marquette

• Winter Outback. Shop for art by local artists. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. U.P. Masonic Center, 128 W. Washington St. • Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. Lessons, 10 a.m. Games, 11:30 a.m. Citizens Forum, Lakeview Arena, 401 E. Fair St. superiorland_bridge.tripod.com • Holiday with the Co-ops. Enjoy holiday shopping on Small Business Saturday with an array of area cooperatives and live music. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Fold at the Hiawatha Music Co-op office, 1015 N. Third St. (906) 226-8575. • Holiday Lasers on the Ore Dock. View fun and festive laser displays from holiday, winter and Marquettethemes. 6 to 9 p.m. Marquette Ore Dock, end of East Spring Street. travelmarquette.com

26 SUNDAY

sunrise 8:06 a.m.; sunset 5:07 p.m.

Calumet

• Art Junkies. An arts and craft social group. Noon to 2 p.m. Calumet Art Center, 57055 Fifth St. (906) 231-0448.

27 MONDAY

sunrise 8:07 a.m.; sunset 5:07 p.m.

Marquette

• Wiggle Worms Storytime. Stories are intermixed with hands-on, interactive activities. 9:45 a.m. Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323 or pwpl.info • Senior Theatre Experience: Monthly Theatre Workshop and

Discussion. Intended for ages 55 and older. Free for City of Marquette and neighboring township residents. 4 p.m. City of Marquette Arts and Culture Center, lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 225-8655. • NMU Student Art Gallery Pop-Up. 5 p.m. Ore Dock Brewing Company, 114 W. Spring St. (906) 373-6183.

Negaunee

• All-Ages Online Storytime. Miss Jessica will lead stories, songs and rhymes on Facebook Live. 11 a.m. facebook.com/NegauneePublicLibrary. (906) 475-7700.

28 TUESDAY

sunrise 8:08 a.m.; sunset 5:06 p.m.

Escanaba

Ishpeming

Marquette

(avoid dark yarn). Suggested donation of $1 to $5 per session to the MRHC. 1 to 2:30 p.m. Marquette Regional History Center, 145 W. Spring St. beedhive47@yahoo.com • Oil Painting, Pastels and Drawing Classes with Marlene Wood. Bring your own supplies. $20. 1 to 3 p.m. Marquette Arts and Culture Center, Lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 225-8655. • Senior Dance Class. Intended for ages 55 and older. Free for City of Marquette and neighboring township residents. 4 p.m. City of Marquette Arts and Culture Center, lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 225-8655. • Junior Explorers. Students in kindergarten through third grade will learn about birds. 4:30 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323 or pwpl.info • PWPL Board of Trustees Meeting. The meeting is open to all. 5 p.m. Shiras Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. pwpl.info • NCLL: Ice Climbing. Bill Thomson, co-owner of Downwind Sports and an experienced instructor and participant in regional and national ice climbing events, will discuss the sport. 6 p.m. Room B101, NMU Superior Dome. (906) 361-5370 or jhigbie@nmu.edu • Bluesday Tuesday. The Marquette Area Blues Society will present a concert by Phil Lynch. 7 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4322 or pwpl. info • La Table Française. The French Program at NMU offers this informal conversation and discussion group. The topic is selected prior to the meeting and presented by advanced students of French. Community members are welcome. 7 p.m. Room 311, Lydia M. Olson Library, NMU. (906) 227-2940 or llis@nmu.edu

a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 2264323 or pwpl.info • Congregate Meals for Seniors–Dine in or Curbside Pickup. Meals available to those age 60 and older. Call to reserve a meal. $3.50 suggested donation. Noon to 1 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. (906) 228-0456. • Teens Cook! Teens in Grades six to 12 will learn easy-to-prepare recipes. Registration required. 4:30 p.m. Marquette Food Co-Op, 502 W. Washington St. (906) 226-4321 or pwpl.info • NMU Jazz Combos Concert. 7:30 p.m. Reynolds Recital Hall. nmu.edu/ music

29 WEDNESDAY

• Preschool Story Time. 10:15 a.m. Calumet Public Library. (906) 337-0311.

sunrise 8:10 a.m.; sunset 5:06 p.m.

Escanaba

• Toddler Time. Intended for ages two to four. 10:30 a.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. To register, (906) 789-7328 or escanabalibrary.org

Ishpeming

• Crochet Club. This is a time to gather with fellow crafters to socialize. Supplies and instruction will be provided for those who are interested in learning how to crochet. 5:30 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. (906) 486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info

Marquette

• Toddler Storytime. Stories, songs and sensory play activities will be offered for children ages 18 to 36 months. Siblings are welcome. 10:45

November 2023

Negaunee

• Knitting Group. Those interested in crocheting, knitting and other fiber arts are welcome to bring their projects and share with others. Coffee provided. 1:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. (906) 475-7700, ext. 18. • Wings of Fire Interest Group. Youth ages eight and older are invited to discuss the series, write fanfiction, make crafts and other activities. 3 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. (906) 475-7700, ext. 18. • “Come Write In.” The Negaunee Public Library is a meeting location for National Novel Writing Month in November. Aspiring authors are invited for snacks, goodies, and writing assistance. 4 to 7 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. (906) 475-7700, ext. 18, facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary, or nanowrimo.org

30 THURSDAY

sunrise 8:11 a.m.; sunset 5:05 p.m.

Calumet

Escanaba

Ishpeming

• Grief Support Group. U.P. Home Health and Hospice will offer support for those caring for a loved one with a life-limiting diagnosis or who recently experienced the loss of a loved one. This is the final session. 2 p.m. Ray Leverton Room, Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. (906) 225-4545. • Friends of the Library Used Book Sale. In addition to a selection of books, there will be calendars, T-shirts,

Marquette Monthly

tote bags, and more. Proceeds support library programming. 5 to 7 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. (906) 486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info • Food as Medicine. This event is limited to 15 participants. $25. 5:30 p.m. Partridge Creek Farm Office, 112 S. Main St. To register, (906) 376-4171 or partridgecreekfarm.org

Marquette

months. Siblings are welcome. 10:45 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 2264323 or pwpl.info • Tech Coaching for Seniors. Learn how to make your electronic devices work the way you want with the help of retired teacher and librarian Christine Ault. Ensure your device is charged and bring passwords with you. Sessions will be offered in 30-minute time slots between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4311. • Dementia Caregiving Workshop (via Zoom). This is the first of a three-part Dementia Caregiving Series. Participants will learn basic information, such as recognizing the stages of dementia, how to communicate more

effectively with someone who has dementia, strategies of self-care, and how to build a support network. 11 a.m. To register, upcap.org or call 2-1-1. • Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com • Fandom Fun: Pokemon. This after-school event is for youth of all ages who love Pokemon. 4:30 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 2264323 or pwpl.info • “Ask The Doctor.” This educational event will be an opportunity to have questions answered. 6 p.m. U.P. Holistic Medicine, 6044 U.S. 41 S., Suite 3. (906) 249-3600 or

upholisticmedicine.com • NMU Orchestra and Jazz Band Concert. 7:30 p.m. Reynolds Recital Hall. nmu.edu/music

church or (906) 475-6032. • iCanQuit. Smokers are invited to learn more about quitting with the help of a quitting coach. (800) 480-7848. • Internet and Technology Addicts Anonymous. Tuesdays, 12:05 p.m. Upstairs, The Crib Coffee House, 401 N. Third St., Marquette. ITAAMQT@ zohomail.com • Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice Caregiver Support Group—Gwinn. Nov. 14. 1:30 p.m. Forsyth Senior Center, 165 Maple St. (906) 225-7760. • Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice Caregiver Support Group—Marquette. Nov. 15. 2 p.m. Lake Superior Life Care & Hospice, 914 W. Baraga Ave. (906) 225-7760. • 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. Nov. 8. 2 p.m. Forsyth Senior Center, 165 Maple St. (906) 225-7760 or lakesuperiorhospice.org • 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. Nov. 15. 5:30 p.m. Lake Superior Life Care & 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. Nov. 16. 3 p.m. Negaunee Senior Center, 410 Jackson St. lakesuperiorhospice.org or (906) 475-6266. • Marquette Codependents Anonymous Meeting. Mondays, 7 p.m. LoveMarq Church, 728 W. Kaye Ave. coda.org

• Michigan Tobacco Quit Line. This free quit smoking coaching hotline provides callers with a personal health coach. (800) 784-8669. • Motherhood Support Group— Marquette. This free group meets the second Thursday of each month. 6 p.m. Suunta Integrative Health, 1209 N. Third St. (906) 273-0964. • Nar-Anon Meetings—Ishpeming. Family and friends who have addicted loved ones are invited. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. Mission Covenant Church, 1001 N. Second St. (906) 361-9524. • Narcotics Anonymous Meetings— Marquette. Family and friends who have addicted loved ones are invited. Open meetings, Wednesdays and Sundays, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Closed meeting, Fridays, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Use the Ridge Street entrance. Downstairs Social Room, Marquette Hope First Campus, 111 E. Ridge St. • National Alliance on Mental Illness—In-Person Support Group. Individuals living with mental illness and friends or families living with an individual with mental illness are welcome. Nov. 13 and 16. 7 p.m. Superior Alliance for Independent Living, Suite A, 1200 Wright St., Marquette. (906) 360-7107 or namimqt.com • National Alliance on Mental Illness—Zoom Support Group. Individuals living with mental illness and friends or families living with an individual with mental illness are welcome. Nov. 9. 7 p.m. Email ckbertucci58@charter.net or call or text (906) 360-7107 before 6:45 p.m. the day of the meeting to receive the Zoom invitation. namimqt.com • Parkinson’s Support Group. Open to people living with Parkinson’s and their caregivers. Nov. 15. 2 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. (906) 228-0456. • Senior Support Group

—Marquette. Christine Harkness, licensed speech pathologist, will lead the first of a two-part series on the benefits of positive attitudes toward aging. Participants can also sign up for optional cognitive screenings. Nov. 16. 2 p.m. Mill Creek Clubhouse, 1728 Windstone Dr. (906) 225-7760 or lakesuperiorhospice.org • Sexual Health and Addiction Therapy Group. Call Great Lakes Recovery Centers for more details. Dates, times and locations vary. (906) 228-9696. • SMART Recovery—Calumet. A self-help group for alcohol and substance abuse and other addictive behaviors. Mondays, 7 p.m. Copper Country Mental Health, 56938 Calumet Ave. smartrecovery.org • SMART Recovery—Hancock. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 p.m. Conference Room No. 5, U.P. Health System–Portage Hospital, 500 Campus Dr. • 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. • Virtual Caregiver Support Group. U.P. family caregivers are welcome to join. A device with an internet connection, webcam, microphone and an email address are required. Advanced registration required. Second Tuesday of the month. 2 p.m. (906) 217-3019 or caregivers@upcap.org • Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Supplemental Food Program. Clinics include nutritional counseling and coupon pick-up. Appointments required. Call for Marquette County schedule. mqthealth.org or (906) 475-7846. MM

Negaunee

support groups • Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families— Marquette. Sundays, 7 p.m., Use the parking lot entrance. Downstairs meeting room, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 201 E. Ridge St. adultchildren.org/meeting • Alano Club—Marquette. Twelvestep recovery meetings daily. Monday through Saturday, noon and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Westwood Mall, 3000 US-41 (back side of mall). • Al-Anon Family Groups. A fellowship offering strength and hope for friends and families of problem drinkers. al-alon.org or (888) 425-2666. • Alcoholics Anonymous. Meetings throughout Marquette County, open daily, at many locations and times. Twenty-four-hour answering service, aa-marquettecounty.org or (800) 605-5043. • ALZConnected. This is a free, online community for everyone affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other memory loss diseases. alzconnected.org • American Legacy Foundation. Smoking quit line for expectant mothers and cessation information for women. (800) 668-8278. • Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Checks. Cholesterol checks are $5. Call for Marquette County schedule. (906) 225-4545. • 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 non-denominational group is for people dealing with grief and loss. Mondays, 2:30 p.m. Northiron Church, 910 Palms Ave. northiron.

Marquette Monthly

November 2023

Marquette Monthly

November 2023