Marquette Monthly, published by Model Town Publishing, LLC, located at PO Box 109, Gwinn, MI, 49841, is locally and independently owned. Entire contents Copyright 2024 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 $75 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 james@marquettemonthly.com or jane@marquettemonthly.com.
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About the Cover Artist
This month’s cover artist is Carol Papaleo, a full-time artist who works in watercolors, acrylics and mixed media. She is the owner of the Art U.P. Style Gallery in downtown Marquette. See more of her artwork at her shop and on Facebook and Etsy.
5 City notes
HigHligHts of important Happenings in tHe area
13 new york tiMes Crossword Puzzle from start to finisH (answers on page 64)
15 then & now
Superior View tHe Vertin Building in Calumet
16 feature
Jennifer Champagne sears Homes: Blueprints from tHe past
21 the arts
erin elliott Bryan a loCal twist on “tHe nutCraCker”
Jim laJoie daVe Ziegner is more tHan a Bass player
31 the arts
KriSti eVanS steVe HugHes earns aCClaim for His portraits
35 loCals
erin elliott Bryan upper peninsula nurses form an Honor guard
38 in the outdoors
Jennifer Champagne woody ellis walks for wellness
43 the arts andie Balenger HeatHer eVans releases Her tHird alBum
47 the arts
Brad giSChia nmu presents an original, “Home for tHe Holidays”
50 lookout Point pieter CooK marqueTTe Through an immigranT’S eyeS
54 lookout Point
Jennifer donoVan winter Holidays CeleBrated around tHe world
58 suPerior reads ViCtor r. VolKman children’S bookS by u.P. auThorS
60 in the outdoors
SCot Stewart aurora Borealis ligHts up tHe nigHt sky
68 Poetry
ruSSell thorBurn in a gHostly Cat glow of green CHristmas tree ligHts
69 on CaMPus
newS From u.P. univerSiTieS
71 fiCtion elizaBeth fuSt lady on tHe lakesHore
74 the sPirit of water ChuCK thomaS pristine resourCes: a reality CHeCk
77 out & about erin elliott Bryan & Carrie uSher deCemBer eVents, musiC, art, museums and support groups
DNR acquires land around Carp River Falls
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources, with help from the Friends of the Michigan Iron Industry Museum, has purchased 40 acres of land along the Carp River behind the Michigan Iron Industry Museum in Negaunee.
The land, purchased from the Superior Watershed Partnership, is upstream from the museum. It includes a waterfall and portions of the Carp River Forge historic site, the first iron manufactory in the Lake Superior region. The property will be integrated into the museum and allow for extended interpretation of the region’s natural and cultural history. The property must undergo extensive planning and is not currently open to the public.
Winter Light Festival planned in Marquette Travel Marquette has announced the debut of the Winter Light Festival, a series of festivities and immersive light experiences that embody the holiday spirit.
The fourth annual Holiday Lasers on the Ore Dock will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. each Thursday through Saturday until Dec. 28. In partnership with Fresh Coast Light Lab, this artistic light show will be projected onto the north side of Marquette’s Lower Harbor Ore Dock.
“Oscillation,” a public art installation, will be on display Dec. 10 through Jan. 5, 2025, at the Marquette Commons. The City of Marquette Public Art Commission, with support from the Marquette Downtown Development Authority and Travel Marquette, will present this captivating interactive art installation by The Urban Conga. “Oscillation” engages audiences through light, sound and movement, allowing participants to create vibrant visual and auditory displays simply by moving around the structure. The installation is free and open to all.
The annual Downtown Marquette Holiday Parade and City Tree Lighting will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 13. The parade will travel south along Third Street and end at the Marquette Commons for the City Tree Lighting, where visitors can meet Santa and enjoy live music.
The Downtown Holiday Market will take place from 3 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 13 and 14 at the Marquette Commons. Hosted by the Downtown
city notes
Finnish culture to be celebrated Dec. 8
All are welcome to attend a program of music and Finnish foods to mark Finnish Christmas and Independence Day from 2 to 4 p.m. on Dec. 8 in Magnuson Hall at Messiah Lutheran Church in Marquette. The program will be presented by the Lake Superior Chapter of the Finlandia Foundation, and Ron Hill will describe how the Finns have celebrated their independence since 1917. The program will also include music by Oscar Forsman on accordion, Howard Aalto on six-sided harmonica and Tanja Stanaway leading the singing of familiar Finnish carols. There will be kahvi ja pulla (coffee and cardamom bread), kropsua (coffee cake) with lingonberries, juusto (Finnish cheese) and herring, and members are encouraged to bring other favorite Finnish foods and specialties. Membership in the chapter is $10 per year per family. (Photo of Tanja Stanaway and Ken Holster by Margo Rantanen)
Farmers Market, this event features local artisans and producers offering holiday gifts, fresh local food and Christmas trees.
For information, visit travelmarquette.com.
Bay College, Escanaba
City Band offer concert
Bay College and the Escanaba City Band will present a free holiday concert at 7 p.m. on Dec. 3 in the Besse Theater on the Bay College campus in Escanaba. In addition to the Escanaba City Band’s full-length Christmas
its will provide opportunities for the TRIO SSS team to open more events and college transfer trips to the entire student body. For information, email trio@baycollege.edu.
TRIO Student Support Services will also accept nonperishable donations for the Bay College Food Pantry, which helps students who are dealing with food insecurity. For information, email foodpantryesc@baycollege. edu.
Holiday Helpers, supported by the Student Nurses Association and the EMT/Paramedic Club, delivers Christmas gifts to families in need throughout Delta County. Holiday Helpers also helps fulfill holiday wishes for veterans at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette. For information or a list of needed items, contact Jennifer Farnsworth at farnswoj@baycollege.edu.
Warm Coats for Warm Hearts, supported by the Business Professionals of America Association and Lake Superior State University students, will collect gently used or new coats in addition to winter gear such as hats, gloves and snow pants. Donations will be given to the Tri-County Safe Harbor, Salvation Army, Sandhill Low Income Housing and the Child Advocacy Center. For information, email Marcy Dugree at marcy.dugree@baycollege.edu.
Christmas Drive with the Salvation Army, coordinated by advisory board member Joseph Mold, will collect monetary donations, new toys for children up to age 18 or new winter coats of any size to assist the Escanaba area Salvation Army Christmas Drive.
concert, several Bay College student clubs, staff and local organizations will coordinate a variety of charitable efforts to help those in need.
The community can show their support by making a monetary donation or by bringing an item deemed “in need” by the organization itself. Donations are encouraged, but are not required to attend the concert.
The community can bid on items such as artwork, gift baskets, baked goods and more during the Silent Night Auction, coordinated by TRIO Student Support Services. The prof-
Donations to the Bay College Student Emergency Need, coordinated by the Bay College Foundation Office, helps remove financial barriers to student success. For information, visit baycollege.edu/foundation or baycollege.edu/give.
For information about the Night of Giving with the Escanaba City Band, call 906-217-4040 or email events@ baycollege.edu.
League of Women Voters to meet Dec. 4
TheLeague of Women Voters of Marquette County will hold its membership meeting at 6:45 p.m. on Dec. 4 in Studio 1 on the lower level of the Peter White Public Library in Marquette. Social time will begin at 6:30 p.m.
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. For information, email lwvmqtco@gmail.com.
Friends of Finland exhibit on display in Hancock
Friends of Finland, a juried exhibition of contemporary, folk and traditional arts and crafts by Finnish and Finnish-American artists as well as Finnish-loving friends, is on display through Jan. 28, 2025, at Finlandia Foundation National’s Finlandia Art Gallery in the Finnish American Heritage Center in Hancock.
An artist reception will take place on Dec. 5 in conjunction with the Finnish Independence Day celebration. There will be music, dance and other Finnish-American heritage activities from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., followed by the artist reception from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Awards will be presented at 7 p.m., including the Jurors Award, the 25 and Under Art Award and the Audience Choice award.
This inaugural exhibit promotes Finlandia Foundation National’s mission of championing Finnish culture and heritage through art. Fifty artists submitted more than 160 pieces of art to be considered for the exhibit.
Gallery hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For information, call 906-487-7309 or email gallery@finlandiafoundation.org.
Marquette Choral Society to perform winter concerts
The Marquette Choral Society will perform winter-themed concerts at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 7 and at 3 p.m. on Dec. 8 in NMU’s Reynolds Recital Hall.
The featured work will be John Rutter’s “Magnificat,” with soprano soloist Amanda Boundy and chamber orchestra. Other winter-themed works will also be performed. Admission is $5 for children younger than 12 and $10 for adults.
MCS members will also perform the first movement of the Rutter “Magnificat” with the Marquette Symphony Orchestra on Dec. 14 at Kaufman Auditorium in Marquette. MCS will also present its second annual Christmas Carol Sing-along at 5 p.m. on Dec. 20 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Marquette. In addition to Choral Society members, the sing-along will feature choirs and
UPHS–Marquette opens new building
UP Health System–Marquette recently opened its new medical office building at 1400 W. Washington St. in Marquette. This modern facility will house three essential service providers: Outpatient Behavioral Health (906-4491600), the U.P. Regional Blood Center (906-449-1450) and the U.P. Bariatric Institute (906-449-1460). The process of revitalizing the former Office Max retail location, which sat vacant for several years, started in 2022. It included restoring the parking lot and building exterior and a complete interior remodel. (Photo courtesy of UP Health System–Marquette)
handbells from several local churches. Andrew LaCombe will serve as master of ceremonies for the evening. Admission is free; however, monetary and canned food donations will be accepted for St. Vincent de Paul. For information, visit facebook. com/marquettechoralsociety, marquettechoralsociety.org or email choralsociety906@gmail.com.
History center open house scheduled for Dec. 11
Marquette Regional History Center’s annual holiday open house has been cheering the community since 1948. This year’s event is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11. The open house is an opportunity to gather, greet neighbors, listen to music and enjoy light refreshments. This year’s program will feature a local holiday collection of crèches (nativity scenes). The display will be featured along with a short talk by the collector, Carol Margrif. There is no charge for admission, but donations are appreciated. For more information, visit marquettehistory.org.
Visit Keweenaw hosting snow total contest
Visit Keweenaw is inviting the public to guess how much snow will fall this season in the Keweenaw Peninsula. The winner will earn bragging rights and free Visit Keweenaw swag.
The upcoming contest deadline is Jan. 31, 2025. Per the rules, submissions are accepted in two categories: fifth through eighth grades, and ninth through 12th grades. Stories are limited to no more than 4,000 words in length.
The top prize is $250 cash for first place senior division winner and $150 cash for junior division winner. There are no entry fees for student writers.
The top three prize-winning entries from high school writers and fifth through eighth grade groups will appear in Volume No. 9 of the U.P. Reader, an anthology of short stories and poetry from members of the UPPAA. Their stories will also be recorded in audiobook form by Brandy Thomas of Marquette.
Additionally, when released in April 2025, copies of the U.P. Reader will be donated to any interested rural libraries across the Superiorland library district. Winners and their families will be invited to a special award ceremony at the UPPAA Spring Conference in May.
Complete information on the contest is available at dandelioncottage. org.
With high elevation across the rugged peninsula, strong winds off Lake Superior and its northern latitude, the Keweenaw is no stranger to 300-inch winters.
To participate, enter your prediction on the Google Form located at visitkeweenaw.com before 5 p.m. on Dec. 13. Visit Keweenaw uses Keweenaw County’s snowfall reporting to run its contest.
For information, call 906-337-4579 or go to visitkeweenaw.com.
Blues society announces elections for board
The Marquette Area Blues Society announces upcoming elections for its board of directors. For those interested, nominations must be submitted by the Dec. 18 board meeting. The elections will be held at the Jan. 15, 2025, board meeting. Nominations are open to any current MABS members. For more information, visit marquetteareabluessociety.org or call Mark Hamari at 906-235-9690.
Dandelion Cottage Contest accepts student stories
The Dandelion Cottage Short Story Contest, organized by the Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Association, is open for teachers to submit short stories by U.P. students. Now in its eighth iteration, the contest has no limit to the number of students that an educator can sponsor for the contest.
Downtown Marquette announces parking updates
Enforcement of paid parking areas will be suspended after 3 p.m. through Dec. 25, compliments of the Marquette City Police Department and the Marquette Downtown Development Authority.
Additionally, the Winter Parking Ban is now in effect through April 1. The parking ban ordinance makes it a violation to park a vehicle on city streets and in city parking lots between 1 and 6 a.m.
The fine for violation is $75. For information, contact the Marquette City Police at 906-228-0400.
Natural track luge team named for 2024-25 season
The USA Luge natural track luge team has announced its roster for the 2024-2025 season, and several local athletes are included.
Athletes named to the team are co-captains Torrey Cookman and Katie Cookman, both of Marquette. Torrey Cookman has been a member of the national team for the past seven years and is ranked ninth in the world in junior competition. Katie Cookman is returning for her fifth year on the national team and is ranked seventh in World Cup Pursuit/Eliminator and ranked 17th in the world in junior women’s singles.
Among those returning to the na-
tional team for a second year are Thomas Matthews of Marquette and Leonard Pizziola of Ishpeming.
Their coach, Keith Whitman of Escanaba, is a native of L’Anse and was a former national athlete.
The U.S. natural luge team trains at Lucy Hill, the Upper Peninsula Luge Club’s natural track in Negaunee.
The Natural Track Luge World Cup season, which begins in early December, will include racing in Austria, Germany and Italy. Athletes will compete in eight senior and five junior World Cup races. For information, visit usaluge.org.
NBA Cup courts were made in Ishpeming
Thirty new basketball courts for this year’s in-season Emirates NBA Cup were made at Robbins Sports Surfaces in Ishpeming, according to a social media post from plant manager Jeff Adriano.
During last year’s inaugural tournament, the NBA introduced bold new courts to be used specifically during NBA Cup games. The floors featured brash coloring and creative patterns to distinguish them for the in-season tournament games, according to Sports Illustrated.
For the 2024-25 season, the NBA has made new alternate courts to announce the presence of the NBA Cup, which began on Nov. 12. T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas will host the semifinals on Dec. 14 and the championship game on Dec. 17.
DNR reminds trail users to wear blaze orange
To reduce the risk of hunting accidents, the DNR reminds trail users to always wear blaze orange when on the trails during open hunting season occurring on public and private lands. While hunters do look out for people outdoors, they are especially aware of anyone wearing this highly
DID YOU KNOW ...
there is a connection between the Upper Peninsula and the Matanuska Valley in Alaska?
During the Great Depression of the 1930s, the Roosevelt administration sought to relocate poverty-stricken farmers to new free land. In all, 209 families from Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota were sent to the Matanuska Valley in Alaska near Anchorage to start anew. Among the families were 31 Yoopers who took a train to Seattle and then a ship north to Alaska.
Submitted by Dr. Russell M. Magnaghi, history professor emeritus of NMU and author of several books, including Classic Food and Restaurants of the Upper Peninsula.
visible color. People are also encouraged to get a hunter orange bandana, leash or harness for their pet.
MSHS students involved with solar research project Earth and space science students at Marquette Senior High School have been working on a research project in partnership with the University of Michigan and NASA.
Through the MSHS SunRISE Ground RadioLab (GRL), students are playing a direct role in a research project to study solar activity.
As part of the project, an antenna located near the high school’s track is “tuned” to measure electromagnetic radiation in the radio range to detect bursts of radio waves emitted by the sun in what are known as solar flares and coronal mass ejections, or CMEs.
This SunRISE GRL antenna (and others like it across the United States) is a citizen science project organized by the MSHS earth and space science teachers and implemented by MSHS students. Six small satellites, known as “cubesats,” will be launched under a NASA space mission called Sun
Radio Interferometer Space Experiment (SunRISE) to work together as one large dish to measure radio waves emitted by the sun.
The goal is to collect the GRL CME data and share it with the University of Michigan and correlate the GRL data with data collected by NASA from the sun more directly with the cubesats. MSHS teachers and students plan to showcase the lab’s work at various community events in the coming year.
Planetarium group launches public fundraising campaign
Friends of Shiras Planetarium (FOSP) has announced the public phase of its fundraising campaign to transform the planetarium into a leading facility for science education and community engagement.
Having raised more than $765,000 of its $1 million goal, the FOSP team is now reaching out to the community to help complete this goal and secure the planetarium’s future as a top-tier educational and entertainment space.
With the installation of a Zeiss VELVET Duo projection system, Shi-
ras Planetarium will become one of only 30 Zeiss facilities in the United States. It will also offer the highest quality digital star field in the Midwest, positioning it as a premier destination for immersive stargazing and educational programming.
Funds raised will support critical upgrades beyond the projection system, including new seating, lighting and other technology, enabling the planetarium to expand its programming across many subjects — not just astronomy.
Donations are collected through the Marquette Education Foundation and can be made directly through the Friends of Shiras Planetarium website at friendsofshirasplanetarium.org. All contributions will support the planetarium’s renovation and, if the goal is exceeded, establish an endowment for future needs.
MEDC data shows $126.5M Keweenaw visitor economy
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation recently released its annual report on the estimated financial impact of tourism in Michigan. According to the report, both Houghton and Keweenaw counties saw growth in 2023.
The report estimates visitor spending in Houghton County grew from $93 million in 2022 to $101.9 million in 2023 representing a 9.6 percent increase, the third largest by percentage of the 15 U.P. counties.
Visitor spending also grew in Keweenaw County. Visitors spent around $24.6 million in 2023, which is up 6.2 percent from the previous year.
The numbers confirm that visitors invest significantly in the Keweenaw, which directly boosts local businesses, creates jobs and increases crucial tax revenue.
Additionally, the report estimates that the U.P. drew an increase of 7.7 percent in 2023 compared to 2022.
Catalyst Award winners announced
The Community Foundation of Marquette County has named the winners of its 2024 Catalyst Awards.
Community members, businesses and organizations that demonstrate a commitment to the Marquette County community through volunteerism or philanthropy; have a positive impact on the community; demonstrate humility in their efforts to improve the community; and serve to inspire others by their example are nominated and selected as recipients for these awards through CFMC committees.
This year’s Individual Recipient is Laura MacDonald, a lifelong Negaunee Township resident. MacDonald played a critical role in the establishment and growth of the local nonprofit Start the Cycle, a group cycling and mentorship program that introduces youth to success in life through winter fat tire biking and summer mountain biking. She has served as the organization’s volunteer executive director for more than 11 years.
The Business Recipient is Up North Lodge in Gwinn. The restaurant holds weekly bike night events throughout the summer to benefit local charities, providing an opportunity for the community to come together, have fun and support worthy causes. The Up North Lodge has created a space where families, friends and neighbors can connect, all while supporting those in need.
This year’s Organization Recipient is the 906 Adventure Team, which “empowers people to become the best version of themselves through outdoor adventure.” They build resilient youth by getting kids outside and getting their families out riding. 906 Adventure Team has expanded from Marquette County to many other locations in several states and keeps growing.
Youth Recipient Nolan Dixon, the son of Megan and Brian Dixon, is a senior at Marquette Senior High School. He is the president of his class and has been a member of the student council since sixth grade. He was instrumental in creating the Outdoor Recreation Club at MSHS, an all-inclusive group that introduces students to outdoor sports, and volunteers for the Marquette Beautification spring cleanup and as a counselor at Bay Cliff for the fifth grade students. Dixon played a prominent role in reviving the MSHS newspaper and was selected as the student representative from MSHS on MARESA’s Mental Health Outreach Program for the county. He recently attended a business camp at
Indiana University, is a member of the Symphony Orchestra and plays in a ’90s grunge rock band.
This year’s posthumous award recipient is Tom Baldini, one of the first supporters of the Community Foundation. Baldini taught economics and political science at Marquette Senior High School and NMU, served on Gov. James Blanchard’s staff, was appointed chair of the U.S. section of the International Joint Commission for Canada and the United States by President Bill Clinton, and served as district director in Marquette for U.S. Rep. Bart Stupak from 2003 to 2011. He was the mayor of Marquette at the time of his passing in 2017.
For information on the Community Foundation, visit cfofmc.org.
West End Health Foundation awards 2024 grants
The West End Health Foundation recently hosted a Business After Hours to award the 2024 Programmatic Grant recipients. The total funding allocated for the Programmatic Grants was $50,000.
The following awardees were recognized: Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Chapter ($6,500) for West End Marquette County dementia out-
reach and awareness program; Cancer Care of Marquette County ($10,000) for patient care services; Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes ($2,500) for establishing equity in Western Marquette County’s Girl Scout leadership experience; Ishpeming-Negaunee-NICE Community Education Division ($7,500) for Adult Basic Education and Beyond 26; Room at the Inn ($2,000) for scattered site family emergency shelter; Northern Lights Child Advocacy Center ($10,000) for triage response — child abuse; Salvation Army of Marquette County ($5,000) for Bridging the Gap; and U.P. Children’s Therapy ($6,500) for summer speech therapy program.
The board of directors also awarded Marquette County Cares coalition (MC2) $18,423 from the 2024 Annual Golf Classic event partnership, which took place in September.
For information about the Fall Programmatic Grant or the West End Health Foundation, visit westendhf. org or call 906-226-6591, ext. 107.
Chamber announces Dynamo grant recipients
The Baraga County Chamber of Commerce Dynamo committee
Bradford Veley is a freelance cartoonist, illustrator and homesteader in the U.P. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram and at bradveley.com.
has announced the three recipients of this year’s Dynamo grants. The chamber offered the $5,000 grants to help attract new businesses and assist young businesses in Baraga County.
The three winners are: Tot Spot Childcare LLC, owned by Jenna Ballor, to purchase a fence, outdoor playground equipment and additional toys; Delicata LLC, owned by Meghan O’Connell, to expand the inventory of grocery items, expand seating options and add staff; and Keweenaw Custom Rods, owned by Cody Smith, to upgrade tools and equipment, increase inventory and expand production.
Grants awarded to expand lead hazard services
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has awarded more than $7 million in community grants to expand residential lead hazard control services to eligible households with a Medicaid-enrolled resident, making homes and communities safer.
Public Health Delta and Menominee Counties received $700,000 to target all U.P. counties.
Services available for funding under this initiative include, but are not limited to, lead inspection, risk assessment and/or elevated blood lead investigation activities; permanent removal, enclosure or encapsulation of lead-based paint and lead dust hazards; removal or covering of soil lead hazards; minimal rehabilitation to help sustain lead abatement work; removal of pre-2014 faucets and fixtures, plumbing and/or service lines; temporary relocation of residents during lead abatement; and building local capacity to safely and effectively abate lead hazards.
Activities must be completed by Sept. 30, 2025. For information, visit michigan.gov/mileadsafe.
Saving Finland in America
Named Expatriate of the Year
The Finnish Expatriate of the Year Award, established in 1983 by Finland Society (Suomi-Seura), is given to an expatriate Finn who has demonstrated exceptional success in
MEA CULPA
their field. This year, for the first time in the award’s history, the recognition was given to a project rather than an individual or group: Finlandia Foundation National’s Saving Finland in America campaign.
This initiative, which mobilized Finns, Finnish-Americans and friends of Finland, was selected for its innovative approach to preserving Finnish-American heritage, which was put at risk of being lost after the closure of Finlandia University in March 2023.
A task force appointed by Finlandia Foundation National (FFN) led the effort to secure $5.5 million from more than 900 donors — exceeding the initial $3 million goal — ensuring the legacy of Finnish-American history remains intact for future generations.
The collaboration united Finnish and Finnish-American communities across the United States, along with friends of Finland, to safeguard the archives, folk school, art gallery, bookstore and Finnish American Reporter, all part of the Finnish American Heritage Center in Hancock. FFN has since expanded its efforts to digitize archives, highlight the work of the Finnish American Folk School and Finlandia Art Gallery and promote Finnish art, culture and heritage in innovative ways. For more information, visit finlandiafoundation.org.
Protect oak trees by pruning before spring Oak trees across areas of Dickinson, Iron, Marquette and Menominee counties are dying from oak wilt, according to the Michigan DNR. Oak wilt is fatal to oak trees, especially those in the red oak family, which includes black oak, northern red oak and northern pin oak — all identifiable by their pointed leaf tips.
Oak wilt often is first identified when green leaves turn yellow or brown on the edges and begin to drop during the summer. Infected oaks can spread the disease to other oaks through underground root connections or grafts, creating an expanding circle of dead trees.
The high-risk period for oak wilt spread is considered to be April 15
In the November 2024 article “Celebrating a decade,” directors of some of the films were listed incorrectly. “Agent of Happiness” is directed by Arun Bhattarai and Dorottya Zurbo; “Small Town Universe” is directed by Katie Dellamaggiore; “Bad River” is directed by Mary Mazzio; and “Eternal You” is directed by Hans Block and Moritz Riesewieck. We regret the errors.
through July 15. Landscaping and construction projects that can damage oaks also should avoid the high-risk period. The safest time to prune oak trees is during the winter season.
The DNR maintains an online map that can be used to report suspected oak wilt infections. To learn more about oak wilt, visit michigan.gov/ foresthealth or michiganoakwilt.org.
From the desk of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
• Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has appointed Dr. Jacob Daar of Marquette to the state’s Autism Council. Daar is an associate professor of psychology and director of the behavior education assessment and research center (BEAR) at Northern Michigan University. Daar is a board-certified behavior analyst and has previously served as an assistant professor at NMU. Daar received a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and sociology from the University of South Florida, a Master of Arts in applied behavior analysis from the University of South Florida and a Doctor of Philosophy in rehabilitation (behavior analysis and therapy) from Southern Illinois University. Daar is reappointed to represent state universities for a
term commencing Oct. 24, 2024, and expiring Sept. 30, 2028.
Local business news in brief
• Kall Morris Inc. recently participated in a launch to the International Space Station aboard SpaceX CRS31. This continues KMI’s work in sustainable orbital operations from its home base in Marquette. Onboard the mission was KMI’s REACCH prototype, designed for in-space testing of its Relocation As A Service technology for Active Debris Removal.
• The REV Nickel Project, a new partnership between Revex and Eagle Mine, will drive sustainable mineral processing and support clean energy by securing a critical domestic supply of nickel and other minerals vital to electric vehicle batteries. The project is set to receive up to $145 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Energy, plus $50 million from the Make It In Michigan Competitiveness Fund. Revex and Eagle Mine’s joint strategy is to construct and operate three related facilities in Marquette County, which is expected to add approximately 115 new jobs, retain 425 jobs at Eagle Mine and support 360 construction jobs over two years.
• UP Health System–Marquette has
welcomed board-certified physiatrist Andrea Carefoot M.D. to the Brain and Spine Center. Dr. Carefoot, a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation, provides a comprehensive range of treatments to help patients recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions and improve their quality of life. To schedule an appointment with Carefoot, call 906-225-3914 or visit UPHealthSystem.com/Physical-Medicine-Rehabilitation.
• UP Health System–Marquette has announced that Michael Potes D.O. has joined its medical staff at UP Medical Group–Digestive and Liver. Dr. Potes, a board-certified gastroenterologist, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of digestive disorders and diseases. To schedule an appointment, call 906-449-3680. A referral may be required. For information, visit UPHealthSystem.com/ digestive-health-liver.
• College HUNKS Hauling Junk and Moving has opened its first location in the U.P. at 363 US-41 E. in Negaunee. New franchise owners Maxfield and Michelle Dukler will provide donation pickups, general labor assistance and the company’s signature junk removal and moving services for area residents and busi-
nesses. The Marquette County location will also serve clients in Ishpeming, Harvey, Gwinn, Escanaba, Munising, Houghton, Iron Mountain, Gladstone, Republic, Rock River, Au Train and Christmas. For information, visit collegehunkshaulingjunk.com/ marquette.
• Groom Room and Native Nails recently celebrated their new shared location at 113 Cleveland Ave., Ishpeming. Groom Room, a pet grooming business owned by Amanda Ghanavati, has close to 600 clients and a team of four employees. The new location will allow the business to expand its services and introduce a retail area. Native Nails is owned by Sarah Garver and has served the Ishpeming community for more than a decade. For information, contact Groom Room at 906-236-4837 or Native Nails at 906-395-1349.
HOW TO SUBMIT TO CITY NOTES
The deadline for event and press release submissions for City Notes is the 10th day of the month prior to publication. Send your releases to editor@marquettemonthly.com.
1 Like issues covered by The Advocate magazine
5 Guide
10 Display along the inside of a subway car
15 Building access device
18 Poe-esque
20 Aid for an early-morning flight, maybe
21 Response to stunning news
22 Wild card game
23 Six-inch or footlong?
25 Who might tearfully wonder ‘‘Were we just not meant to be . ’’?
27 Made it through Econ 101?
29 Crate & Barrel competitor
30 ‘‘Give ____ try!’’ 31 Museo display
32 Big name in big home appliances
34 Bad sort of roommate
36 Sharp turn
37 One who’s always springing for things, for short?
38 Stirrup’s place
39 It’s attached to covers and sheets
40 Groundhog of renown
42 Buy-in the round before going all in?
49 Kitten’s cry
51 Skin care product
52 Rum, in Spanish
53 Ho-hum reactions
54 Top-notch
57 ____ de Lesseps of the ‘‘Real Housewives’’ franchise
58 Took (down)
60 Meriting an R rating, maybe
61 Figure that’s roughly six times less on the moon
63 ____ Play (hit video game)
64 Concession opposite 71-Down
68 Vessel for cooking jollof rice or injera bread?
70 ‘‘Next time, try reading the clue!’’ or ‘‘Stick to Sudoku!’’?
72 Transcript creator
73 French direction
74 Yellow-green soft drink, per the stylization on its packaging
75 Frolic
76 Daytime annoyance while watching TV
78 Jay-Z’s ‘‘Magna ____ Holy Grail’’
79 Annual river thawing
81 Avian rhyme of ‘‘hawk’’
84 N.Y.C.-based sports channel
85 Tiny pieces
86 Agcy. overseeing reactors
87 Something in a doomscroller’s feed?
91 ‘‘Didn’t mean to do that!’’
94 City on the Nile
95 Hardy follower
96 Shift units: Abbr.
98 Features of two Super Bowls, for short
100 Asia’s so-called ‘‘____ countries’’
101 ‘‘Sure thing, dear’’
105 God who fathered a queen of the Amazons
106 ____ smear
107 Caption describing an online photo that can’t be seen
109 The engine, the steering wheel, the catalytic converter, all of it?
112 Eye doctor?
26 Italian scooter brand
Elevator load limit, often 33 Not supporting, perhaps 35 ‘‘Save the ____’’ (modern conservation slogan)
39 Submitted 41 ‘‘OMG . . that’s hysterical!’’ 43 Each planet’s orbit is one
Milky Way component
Park City resident 46 Pocket detritus
Get there 48 Word with true or soon 50 East Coast convenience store chain
54 Opposite of maigre
55 Flat floater
56 Unit once defined as the area a team of oxen could plow in one day
58 Equus africanus, for one
59 Young disciple of an old Titian
62 Pep
63 Is inadequate
65 Target of a certain ‘‘Eater’’
66 Liu of ‘‘Barbie’’
67 Thunder shower?
69 ____ Domingo, Best Actor nominee for 2023’s ‘‘Rustin’’
70 Throat malady
71 Gloat opposite 64-Across
74 Artist Chagall
114 Someone shouting that maybe YOU try fixing your apartment?
115 Peeve
116 Oktoberfest glass
117 Sports page offering
118 Dimples or freckles, e.g.
119 Last of five rhyming Greek letters
120 Benefits
121 Angrily leave, with ‘‘out’’
122 Mailing info, informally
1 Musical nickname since the 1980s
2 What servers and sleuths each hope to do
3 Kenneth of ‘‘Oppenheimer’’
4 Turner backed by the Ikettes
5 Car roof option
6 Person I used to be
7 Response to ‘‘You were snoring all night again’’
8 Moving day need
9 Blended hair-coloring effect
10 Soak (up)
11 Dance move requiring upper body and core strength
12 Dog park figure
13 Clique
14 Loretta who played ‘‘Hot
77 In which letters are spelled with digits, for short
78 Former French president Jacques
80 Mad to the max
81 Four for a TI-84, for short
82 Above the strike zone, to a baseball announcer
83 Brando’s role in ‘‘A Streetcar Named Desire’’
85 Sharp pain
88 ‘‘Pretty please?’’
89 Alternative to litmus paper
90 When many school days end
92 One might jump out of a window
93 Driver’s license, e.g.
97 No longer on duty: Abbr.
99 Like convertibles
101 Broadway gossip
102 Force out
103 Famous family in atomic theory
104 ‘‘Nice to ____ you!’’ (online salutation)
105 Backdrop for a memorable kiss
108 Nonsense, to Brits
110 Nickname for Francisco
111 Mystique
112 One getting a pass, for short
113 Carry-____ (some luggage)
Masters of the written word?
then & now
According to the National Park Service, Slovenian immigrants John and Joseph Vertin in 1891 built the first two floors of this structure on Sixth Street in Calumet to house the Vertin Brothers Department Store. Business boomed, and two more stories were added in 1899. The building is part of the Calumet National Historic Landmark District.
Photos provided by Superior View Studios, located in Art of Framing, 149 W. Washington St. Marquette viewsofthepast.com
The Vertin Building is now home to, among other entities, Vertin Gallery, which represents more than 130 artists whose works encompass a range of media including painting, sculpture, copper, jewelry, glass and fiber.
The legacy of Sears kit houses in the Upper Peninsula
Blueprints of a bygone era
By Jennifer Champagne
There was a time when you could order an entire house from a catalog. Between 1908 and 1940, Sears, Roebuck & Co. sold mail-order kits that promised everything homeowners needed to build
their dream house. Shipped by rail, these kits contained precut lumber, nails, windows, doors and even stepby-step instructions. Buyers could construct the houses themselves or hire local carpenters to do the work. Over a 32-year run, Sears offered 447 designs, selling an estimated 70,000
to 100,000 homes across North America. Today, catalogs have been replaced by the convenience of the internet and online outlets like Amazon, where you can now order a tiny house with free shipping, priced anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000. Unlike the Sears
catalogs of the past, these modern platforms allow buyers to check ratings, read reviews and compare options with ease. Many of these tiny house kits feature sleek, contemporary designs and, in some cases, arrive partially assembled, requiring only simple tasks like pushing up walls
Among the Sears kit houses built in Marquette County were a No. 215 on Railroad Street in Michigamme, above, and a Sunlight on West Ohio Street in Marquette, below, pictured next to the models’ catalog advertisements. (Photos courtesy of Larry Johnson, above right, and Bethany Vallar, below left)
and ceilings to complete construction. In addition, prefabricated homes have found a place in the market and have proven to retain their value over the years.
Yet, despite the modern conveniences, these tiny houses and modular homes lack the charm, character and historical significance of a Sears kit house. The Sears homes were more than just functional structures; they were embodiments of a bygone era’s spirit of innovation, craftsmanship and community — a legacy that today’s prefab kits simply can’t replicate.
The Upper Peninsula has a unique housing history, shaped by its isolation and resource-based economy. While books like “Marquette: Then and Now” and “Magnificent Mansions & Courtly Cottages” highlight architectural heritage, references to Sears homes are scarce.
The Madigan house at 1130 Presque Isle Ave., for example, is one of the few documented kit homes in the region. Built in 1929 for as little as $2,500, it is a Woodland model featuring five bedrooms, a graceful stairway and cross-ventilated second-floor rooms. It came in 30,000 precut and numbered pieces. Multiple Listing Service notes its value today at around $350,000. The U.P. is dotted with potential Sears homes, but identifying them is challenging because of modifications made by homeowners and a lack of original records.
Sears kit houses weren’t the only mail-order option in the early 20th century. There were companies like Aladdin Homes, the pioneers of the concept in 1906, along with Montgomery Ward, Gordon-Van Tine and Harris Brothers. Their designs were often similar to those from Sears, offering a range of styles and features that catered to the growing middle class.
Sears, however, stood out for its aggressive marketing, extensive catalog reach and a financing program that allowed many families to purchase homes. While Aladdin was first to market, Sears’ branding and innovation ultimately made it the most iconic name in the kit home market.
Dr. Sarah Fayen Scarlett, associate professor of history at Michigan Technological University, focuses on the cultural and architectural significance of historic structures. Scarlett, who earned her doctorate in art history from the Building-Landscapes-Cultures Program at the University of Wisconsin, provides insight into the impact of Sears kit homes.
“In general, the Sears & Roebuck Company built on its existing retailing success with mail-order catalogs to include kits to build small houses,” she said. “They included materials and instructions that were supposed to be easy to follow.” These kits democratized homeownership, making single-family homes more accessible and fueling the broader cultural ideal of homeownership as a cornerstone of the American Dream.
“Kit houses from Sears and other companies were innovative because they did not require professional carpenters or architects to erect,” Scarlett said. “The lumber arrived usually by railroad. It came precut and marked to match an instruction booklet.” This approach allowed homeowners to bypass traditional costs associated with design and labor.
Rebecca Hunter, an architectural historian, has spent years researching mail-order homes across the country, delving into their historical and architectural significance. While her focus has not been on Michigan specifically, she highlighted the state’s critical role in the industry, noting, “Michigan has more mail-order homes than any other state, as the industry started there in
Sears homes are sometimes difficult to authenticate because of modifications made through the years. (Photo courtesy of Jessica Straczowski)
1906 and ended there in 1982.” Michigan’s automotive plants and manufacturing hubs created a high demand for affordable worker housing, much of which came from companies like Sears, Aladdin, Lewis and Sterling.
Hunter is passionate about uncovering the hidden stories of mail-order homes, even when heavily altered from their original designs. “Some of my favorites are those that don’t match the catalog images,” she said.
Identifying a true mail-order home often requires meticulous detective work. “The web is an amazing resource,” Hunter said, “but about 50% of those who claim to have a mail-order home cannot verify its origins.”
Verification can include searching catalog records, consulting libraries and — most definitively — examining boards for part numbers. The presence of part numbers constitutes proof that the house is, in fact, a mail-order kit. Sears homes, for example, featured stamped numbers in ink, typically located near the ends of boards in basements, attics or other unpainted areas. Hunter said collaboration has been key to expanding research.
Lara Solonickne and Judith Chabot are part of a national team dedicated to uncovering and documenting Sears homes across the United States. Solonickne, an architectural historian and adjunct faculty member at the College of DuPage in Illinois, brings her expertise to the architectural significance of mail-order homes and frequently educates the public on Sears houses through presentations in the Chicagoland area. Chabot, a retired high school teacher, maintains the Sears House Seeker blog, where she shares her research on historic kit and plan-book homes, including Sears houses. Their shared mission is to preserve the legacy of Sears homes
by adhering to strict catalog specifications for authentication.
Their work combines archival research, blueprint comparisons and onsite investigations to trace the origins of Sears homes. The team looks for key indicators, such as whether Sears held the mortgage on a property or if the company’s architects are listed on the original building permit. They even use Google Street View to identify homes remotely.
Sometimes it’s small details, such as a chimney’s placement or a unique porch design, that confirm a house’s origin. “Kit houses are actually quite rare,” Chabot said. “They make up less than 2% of the houses built during their era in the U.S. Even in areas with an exciting number of them, they’re just a tiny fraction of the total houses.”
The research team also includes Andrew Mutch, writer of the Kit House Hunters blog, and fellow Michigander Nigel Tate. Their research has uncovered a handful of Sears kit homes across the U.P., including four in Marquette: a Dundee model on Cleveland Avenue, a Willard model on West College Avenue, a Woodland model on Presque Isle Avenue and a recent discovery by Chabot, a Dover model on East College Avenue. Beyond Marquette, the team has also identified Sears kit homes in other Upper Peninsula communities, including Dollar Bay, Escanaba, Iron Mountain, Iron River, Ironwood, Michigamme, Munising, Rudyard and Wakefield.
While researchers have their methods, social media proved invaluable in uncovering other potential Sears homes in the U.P., generating a flood of leads, with homeowners sharing photos and stories about their houses. Each discovery opened a community discussion not only about the history of Sears homes in the region but
Many houses in Marquette resemble the Ridgeland design. (Photo courtesy of Modern Homes Catalog)
of childhood memories — including memories of houses being built. One individual shared that their father had taken a year and a half to build a Sears home.
Lori and Bob Frak have owned their home on Rock Street for 37 years, a house filled with history and mystery. Believed to have been built as a retirement home for a bishop affiliated with St. Peter Cathedral, the house has long been rumored to be a Sears home. However, recent investigations have raised doubts. “We’ve always been told it was a Sears house,” Lori Frak said. “But after searching the attic and basement for stamps and finding nothing, we’re not so sure anymore.”
The Fraks’ home boasts many charming details, including its solid wood construction and unique architectural features, which some have likened to Sears designs. “There aren’t any four-square models in the Sears Modern Homes catalogs with two single windows close together like this has, upstairs in the front,” Chabot said. “The staircase spindles do look like some that Sears carried, but probably other companies had something similar, or perhaps some building supplies came from Sears.”
Despite the uncertainty, the Fraks are deeply connected to their home and its history. “It’s so solid and has served us so well,” Lori Frak said. She recounts stories of former residents visiting to share their memories. “They showed us a broken spindle that we weren’t aware of, where they used to hide notes, and talked about their younger sibling hanging by their fingers from the door moldings as a prank,” she said.
On East College Avenue in Marquette, Diane Botsford Kuhn’s home carries nearly a century of stories within its walls. Built in 1930, the house features Craftsman-style details — including exposed rafters and built-in cabinets — that highlight its charm and historical appeal.
Botsford Kuhn, a single mother when she purchased the home in 1992 for $57,000, was drawn to its manageable size and welcoming neighborhood. “I was coming from a big Victorian house after my divorce, and I needed something smaller and affordable,” Botsford Kuhn said. “This house felt like the perfect fit.”
During renovations, she made a discovery — a wooden board stamped with “Sears,” confirming the home’s origins. “When we remodeled the bathroom,” she said, “I found that board with ‘Sears’ on it.”
One complication in authenticating Sears homes is the fact that the com-
Several Sears models feature this banister. (Photo courtesy of Peter and Annette DePetro)
pany also sold house plans separate from its complete mail-order kits. Customers could purchase the plans from Sears and then acquire the materials themselves — which, of course, did not have a Sears stamp.
Peter and Annette DePetro’s home on West Hewitt Avenue, falling under the Sears Dover model, was built in 1933. The DePetros are only the second owners, having purchased the home in 1989 from the Arenz family, who had originally ordered and built the house. John Arenz, now 91, was born in the same year the house was completed and often visits the DePetros, sharing stories of its history. “John loves to come to our house because of the memories it brings back,” their daughter Mallory said. “His aunts lived here in the 1960s, and everything was pink — the kitchen, the bathroom, the stove, sink and dishwasher. It stayed that way until the early 2000s when my parents remodeled it, finally.”
The DePetros have lovingly preserved many original features, such as the glass doorknobs, the round window above the distinctive curved front door, a telephone nook, broom closet that once held a fold-out ironing board, the unique radiators that heat the home and a skeleton key above each door — keys that Peter remembers teaching his children not to play with. “We still have every skeleton key in its place,” Peter said. “It’s a small detail, but it connects us to the past.”
The family’s love for their home goes beyond its physical features. “This house is a treasure for us,” Peter said. “It’s not just where we live; it’s where stories and lives have unfolded, both ours and John’s family before us.”
Fun fact: John Arenz’s signature is still in the garage from when he was a boy.
The DePetros have worked to preserve the home’s character while making thoughtful updates. Arenz, who often joins the family for meals or holiday gatherings, cherishes his visits. “When he saw the remodeled kitchen and bathroom, he gave us a thumbs up,” Peter said. “He said, ‘You’ve taken good care of it.’” The connection between the past and present makes the house an integral part of their family’s story.
Bethany Vallar’s home on West Ohio Street, built in 1932, is believed to be a Sears Sunlight model. Vallar has lived in the house for more than 45 years, having moved there with her parents when they bought it in 1978. Now, she lives there with her father, who is just shy of 80 years old, and helps take care of him and the house. Even with renovations over the years, the house retains much of its charm.
According to the researcher Chabot, the home “looks to have a Sears Sovereign light fixture” and features a “Sears Stratford design door handle backplate.” For Vallar, it’s not about historical accuracy but about creating a cozy, functional space. “It’s just always been a cozy home,” Vallar said. “In the end, everything comes back to family being the most important thing.”
One of the most celebrated discoveries in the research project was the Anna Paquin house, a Sears No. 215 model located on Railroad Street in Michigamme. According to Solonickne’s Sears Homes of Chicagoland blog, this Queen Anne-style home was offered by Sears from 1909 to 1917, initially listed as No. 306 before being renumbered. As Queen Anne architecture began losing popularity in the early 20th century, Sears discontinued the model, leaving only three Queen Anne options in its 1918 catalog. Built
between 1909 and 1913, the Michigamme house was the embodiment of a Sears home, blending architectural elegance with practicality.
Peter Paquin, a railroad mail clerk, and his wife, Anna, selected this four-bedroom design to accommodate their two sons, Lawrence and George, as well as Anna’s mother. The home played a central role in their family’s life for decades. Peter even wrote to Sears praising the home, and his letter was featured in the 1914 Modern Homes catalog.
While the house underwent some modifications over the years, such as the addition of a vestibule and a rebuilt wraparound porch, much of its original siding and features remained intact. Tragically, on April 29 of this year, the home was destroyed by a fire. It was a complete loss and is now condemned.
The social media experiment may have identified Sears homes beyond Marquette, uncovering leads in Escanaba, Ishpeming, Munising, Trenary, Skandia, Gwinn and Iron Mountain. For homeowners curious about confirming whether their home is a Sears kit house, resources like “Houses That Sears Built” provide valuable insights. Additionally, Chabot and Solonickne and their colleagues offer a preliminary questionnaire at bit. ly/upsearskithouse. By participating, homeowners can contribute to placing the Upper Peninsula firmly within the conversation about Sears kit homes, adding depth to the narrative of design, adaptation and community.
MM
Jennifer Champagne is an accomplished entertainment and visual effects writer with a passion for storytelling. When she’s not crafting articles on industry giants, you’ll find her enjoying life with her family.
Diane Botsford Kuhn discovered a board stamped “Sears” during a bathroom renovation. (Photo courtesy of Diane Botsford Kuhn)
the arts
Local production of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet features an Upper Peninsula twist
‘The Nutcracker’ goes to camp
By Erin Elliott Bryan
This holiday season, more than 115 dancers and choreographers from throughout the community and ranging in age from 3 to 63 will come together to perform a unique variation of a classic Christmas tale.
“The Marquette Community Nutcracker Ballet: Christmas at
Camp” is an original adaptation of Tchaikovsky’s 1892 ballet — with a U.P. twist. It will be presented in two shows, at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., on Dec. 7 at Kaufman Auditorium in Marquette.
This Yooper-themed production features a few of the traditional characters, such as Clara and her Nutcracker, but will include new characters created just for this version, including raccoons, lumberjacks, fish-
ermen, forest animals, Heikki Lunta and Lady Superior.
The dancers come from a variety of studios around the area — or no studio at all — and have been rehearsing since mid-September. “I think everybody’s pretty excited,” local dance teacher Skylar Taavola said. “We wanted to change it up but keep the traditional feel of ‘The Nutcracker.’”
Taavola, who serves as the show’s
director and producer, is also the owner of Northern Sky Dance and Fitness in Marquette. Earlier this year, she was approached by Camilla Mingay of Second Skin Shop and asked to take over this community production. Taavola then reached out to Deborah Choszczyk, founder of Queen City Ballet Company, an adult performing arts group in Marquette, who agreed to choreograph Act I. There
“The Marquette Community Nutcracker Ballet: Christmas at Camp” will be presented in two shows on Dec. 7 at Kaufman Auditorium in Marquette. Ellie Pontius plays Clara, and Blaise Ampe is one of the raccoons. (Photo courtesy of Deborah Choszczyk)
will be lots of flannel and plaid, camp games, cultural dances and traditional Scandinavian and Italian music that will be performed live on stage by Escanaba-based Celtic band Failte.
“She showcases U.P. pride and shows the special things about the U.P.,” Taavola said of Choszczyk’s work. “She sets the scene for everything.”
Act II will take audiences to the Land of the U.P. (in place of the Land of Sweets), which will feature the north woods and snow scenes.
In addition to the work of Taavola and Choszczyk, the show will include choreography from Jamie Armour, Sarah Conklin, Lauren Goodman, Alexandra Riley, Alina Soha, Josie Truckey and Kerry Yost. “It’s a community event,” Taavola said. “A lot of different people worked on this together.”
The show will last about an hour and a half with an intermission.
“I’m excited for the kids and adults to be on stage and show off their talent,” Taavola said. “There is so much locally based talent.”
Ten-year-old Ellie Pontius plays the role of Clara. She has been dancing for six years with Northern Sky as well as Dance It UP in Gladstone. “I like doing a lot of motion and telling a story through dance,” Pontius said.
She said her favorite scenes in “The Nutcracker” are the flower scene and dancing with Clara’s friends and Father Christmas. She also likes the battle scene where she and the Nutcracker defeat the raccoons. “It’s really fun,” she said, adding that it’s also a good opportunity to expand her dance career. “And it’s nice to know the other dancers.”
Sam Cain, 17, has danced for 11 years at Studio Dance Arts. She plays the role of Lady Superior, a character she describes as “spunky, happy and going with the flow,” and will perform the original Sugar Plum Fairy solo. “Dance has always felt like a second home to me,” Cain said. “It’s a way to express myself and something I need to do.”
She said this production has been “really welcoming,” and she has enjoyed working with Taavola and Goodman. “It’s never really about the studio. We all dance, and we dance together,” Cain said, adding that this production “showcases how important dance is in our community.”
She added, “I think a lot of people will like it even if they think they won’t. It’s a warm feeling, the story line of Clara at a Christmas party. It brings magic into the season and makes it warm and inviting.”
Cain intends to continue her dance career after she graduates from high school. She has already been accepted into the dance company at Alma College, which she will attend next year.
Coincidentally, Choszczyk earned her bachelor’s degree in dance and theatre from Alma College, where she had the opportunity to create and choreograph dance pieces.
Choszczyk has taught dance at Northern Michigan University and at Lake Superior State University, where she wrote the first dance minor program in the U.P. While there in 2012, she wrote, choreographed and directed a ballet titled “Les Fees de la Nuit,” or “Fairies of the Night,” which was inspired by her nights of camping in northern Michigan.
She published the book “Faeries of the Night, Good and Evil” in 2022. In October, she was recognized with a Marquette Arts Award as arts educator of the year. “Teaching is my calling,” Choszczyk said. “It’s what I do, teaching and passing it on.”
All of the snow dancers in “The Nutcracker” are adults from Queen City Ballet Company, which Choszczyk started nine years ago. She described the entire show as a “celebration of our community.”
“It’s hard for our culture to connect with the original ‘Nutcracker,’” Choszczyk said. “I wanted something different. I wanted to tell a story. I wanted something fun.”
Choszczyk said the audience will recognize some of the Scandinavian and Italian music and folk dances, including “The Tarantella” and the Finnish polka. She thinks of Clara’s family as a traditional Finnish family spending Christmas at camp.
Choszczyk also acknowledged her supportive husband, Dan, who, among other things, was helping to build the show’s set pieces. “He is my right hand man,” she said. “I can’t do it alone.”
Both the event organizers and dancers encourage community members to purchase tickets before they sell out. “It’s going to be a full house,” Choszczyk said. “The more, the merrier.”
“The Marquette Community Nutcracker Ballet: Christmas at Camp” will be performed at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, at Kaufman Auditorium in Marquette. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door for students and seniors, and $15 in advance or $17 at the door for adults. Visit tickets.nmu.edu.
Erin Elliott Bryan grew up in Ishpeming. She is a freelance writer and an MM calendar editor.
locals
For decades, Tanja Stanaway has taught Yoopers the language and culture of her native country
Finland’s ambassador to the U.P.
By Brad Gischia
Tanja Stanaway waves as her visitor pulls into the drive and waits as he mounts the stairs. She is all smiles on a beautiful autumn U.P. day, 70 degrees with the smell of fallen leaves heavy on the air.
Her house in Ishpeming is neat as a pin and decorated with the traditional blue and white of the Finnish flag. The coffee is dripping, its aroma filling the room.
Finland’s unofficial ambassador to the Upper Peninsula is diminutive in stature. She pours Finnish coffee, bought and shipped from a merchant in Toronto, and sets a plate of korvapuusti — traditional Finnish cinnamon rolls made with cardamom — in the center of the table.
Stanaway was born in Kokkola, Finland, a harbor town of about 45,000 people. She learned at an early age that music was an important part of life.
“I started singing when I was 4 years old,” Stanaway said. “I sang with my dad, who played the banjo and brought his friends over to listen.” These performances were integral to the way Stanaway sees the world now.
When she was 11, she found the guitar and the cello. She was good enough to join the Kokkola Orchestra, where she played second cello. “I liked to perform then, and I still do,” she said.
Early in life, she also discovered a love of languages. “I took five languages in school — Finnish, English, Swedish, German and Latin,” she said. “I didn’t like math, so I took an extra language.” She noted that the school system then was very formal, with a prayer in the morning before classes started. “It’s not like that anymore.”
She said most students take seven years of English while going to school in Finland. “It wasn’t difficult for me because I wanted to learn it,” Stanaway said.
Upon graduation in Finland, students receive a white cap that looks
similar to a captain’s hat. When Stanaway graduated, she received the same hat — and one other gift. “I got a round-trip ticket to America from a
friend of my mother’s,” she said. “My family couldn’t afford something like that. I couldn’t pass it up.” So in 1971, Stanaway spent four
months in the States. After a return to Finland, she came back to the Upper Peninsula for good in 1972, when she married her first husband and began
Tanja Stanaway has a schoolhouse building in her yard. The sign translates to “Tanja’s School.” (Photo by Brad Gischia)
working at Finn Craft, later renamed Touch of Finland.
In 1979, Stanaway approached the Negaunee School District with an idea. “I told them I would like to teach people to speak Finnish,” Stanaway said. “They said they didn’t have anything like that but they would give it a try.”
An ad was placed in the paper. At her first Monday night class, Stanaway said, 63 people showed up. “I was shocked,” she said. “I told them I couldn’t have that many people.” She divided the group in half and started a second class on Thursday. She has been teaching steadily for 45 years.
“There were some people speaking Finnish around here when I came,” Stanaway said, “but they were speaking the old Finnish.” She said this was the language as it had been taught to people by their parents or grandparents who had emigrated from Finland.
Dr. Michael Loukinen, an anthropologist and sociologist who specialized in the study of Finnish immigrants to the Upper Peninsula, said Stanaway connected with these people at a crucial time. “She was a bridge between the old generations and the newer ones,” he said. “There were people here who were first-generation speakers, and she connected with them. Then she connected with their kids as well, and now their grandkids. It’s a crucial piece of culture.”
To keep that linguistic and cultural connection moving forward, though, Stanaway needed teaching material. She wrote to the Finnish government in Helsinki seeking assistance, but in the meantime decided she would write her own books.
“I made them myself,” Stanaway said. “Sentences to translate and stories to read.” When the Finnish government sent her materials free of charge, she handed them out to her students. “They were coming weekly and really wanted to learn. They could
take the books home and learn them there as well.”
Helsinki provided books to Stanaway for five years while she taught classes in the fall, winter and spring. She said there’s still interest. New students keep showing up every year.
“You lose some, too,” she said. “People get boyfriends and girlfriends, or get busy with other things, but some stay the whole time. … One
of the students has been there for 35 years. She says, ‘I’ve been here this long, I can’t quit now.’ I want to keep that heritage going. People are interested. As long as they keep coming, I’ll keep teaching.”
The Finnish language is notoriously difficult to learn. But with students returning, Stanaway must be doing something right. She said there are 11 dialects throughout Finland, each with subtle differences. “I lived in Kokkola
my whole life,” Stanaway said, “and one summer I went to visit my aunt and uncle on their farm.” By the time her parents returned for her, she had also picked up some of that dialect.
Ilia Levi was a student of Stanaway’s when she was young. Now, as a sophomore at Montana State University, she still remembers her Finnish classes. “I think we took lessons for maybe four years,” Levi said. “We would sit around the table and go over flash cards and write out sentences.”
Levi said Stanaway was a good teacher. “She was very patient, especially with the boys, who tended to go crazy and off-topic once in a while. She was just very nice.”
Finnish-American heritage is in danger of going the way of the dodo. According to Loukinen, there are really only two pockets of intense Finnish heritage in the United States: the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and the northern Minnesota Iron Range.
As years pass, immigrants naturalize and the old traditions are lost. Loukinen went to Michigan State and the University of Michigan, and his graduate work focused on the small Baraga County community of Pelkie, and this background resulted in the first of many documentaries on the subject of Finns in the U.P. Loukinen’s family came from the Copper Country, he said. His parents moved to the Detroit area, but he would come to the U.P. in the summers to work on his family’s dairy farm along with a passel of cousins. “I was just a Yooper farm boy in the summer,” he said.
Loukinen said the closing of Finlandia University creates an absence of higher-level scholarship about Finnish-Americans in the Upper Peninsula. “I did that work when I was [teaching] at NMU,” Loukinen said. “Now there’s none anywhere. It’s a big hole.”
Tanja Stanaway wears the white cap she received upon her graduation in Finland — and displays a photo of the occasion. (Photo courtesy of Tanja Stanaway)
He added, “Where Tanja fits in is that she promotes the expressive culture of the Finnish-American community. This isn’t an abstract scholarly interpretation. She is the living, breathing source. … People just gravitate to her. She blends more modern Finnish speech instruction and the old songs that the grandparents listen to.”
Stanaway has no problem keeping in top form. “I read the Finnish papers online,” she said, “and when I’m by myself I talk to myself in Finnish.” She can also keep in touch with her brother in Kokkola through Skype. “If I call him, it’s a dollar a minute. I can’t say anything in a minute. So I use Skype, and that’s free.”
Before the coronavirus pandemic, Stanaway regularly led tour groups to Finland, making sure to stop in her hometown. Since then, she has to make do with keeping the culture alive locally.
That heritage includes performing traditional Finnish music. Stanaway has three CDs of original and traditional music, as well as years of performing. She’s been involved with FinnFest and the Aura Jamboree.
FinnFest has not been held in the U.P. since 2013. Since the pandemic, it has taken place in Duluth, Minnesota. “They couldn’t get performers from Finland this past year,” Stanaway said, “so I didn’t go. That’s an important part of it, having the Finnish performers.”
Some of the Finnish culture we all know will probably never completely go away. The sauna, the concept of Sisu, the food and black coffee — they’ll stick here because they’ve become as much a part of Yooper culture as they are Finnish culture.
“Sauna days are always Wednesdays and Saturdays in Finland,” Stanaway said. “Now the new apartment buildings have got a sauna for every apartment.”
On the topic of saunas, listeners of Elmer Aho’s long-time local radio show “American Country Gold” might remember his regular playing of Stanaway’s rendition of the “sauna song,” “Kuka Sen Sauna Lämmittää.”
Stanaway doesn’t have any plans to slow down. She still knits socks “the Finnish way, with a heavy heel so they don’t wear out fast,” and plays the accordion on her deck. “The deer come in while I play,” she said. “Their ears perk up, and they move around and listen to me.”
Stanaway will continue to teach Finnish classes as long as students are willing to learn. “I never get enough of it,” she said. “They can take me out of here feet-first. That’s when I’ll be done.”
Information about Stanaway’s classes can be found on Facebook by searching for Ishpeming-Negaunee-NICE Community Schools Alternative and Adult Education. The class size is limited to 15 students, as Stanaway said that’s the ideal number. “I want everyone to be able to speak each week,” she said. “If I get too many, sometimes there are people who don’t even get to say one sentence.”
With people like Stanaway still doing this work, there’s a chance that the Finnish culture will continue to thrive in the Upper Peninsula.
Like her ancestors, Stanaway has Sisu, that Finnish determination and grit to get things done. But why did Finland earn this reputation while its neighbors face the same environment? “Finns are tough,” Stanaway said, “because they are doing more than their neighbors. They know they’re just a small country, that they have to do it on their own.”
Stanaway said that sometimes people ask her if she misses her homeland. “I didn’t leave it,” she said. Instead, she’s brought her Finnish heritage here and has been tending it as well as any gardener.
“I feel like it connects me to my roots,” Levi said about studying Finnish. “I remember going to my
great-grandparents’ house, and my great-papa was yelling in Finnish. It would have been nice to know what he was saying.”
Loukinen added, “The threat is that we become sort of watered down, people without ancestral heritage. Through her personality, the mix of language, music and foods, [Stanaway has] kept it alive. She’s the real deal, a true Yooper treasure.”
This Yooper treasure has been spreading the love of Finland and the Finnish language for over four decades, and the impact is not lost.
“The Finnish culture is so rich that it is worth preserving,” Stanaway said. Her work is evident in the impact she has had on her students, even those she hasn’t seen in a long time.
Levi said, “It connects me with the generations that aren’t here anymore.” MM
More information on Loukinen’s films can be found at upnorthfilms.com. To contact Stanaway, write to cudlezbear@aol.com.
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.
Korvapuusti is the traditional roll with cardamom. (Photo by Brad Gischia)
‘The
Dave Ziegner of Marquette is a bassist — and so much more
By Jim LaJoie
It’s a weekend night, and you’re ready to step out onto the music scene.
You arrive at your favorite watering hole, and you instantly become enamored with the svelte, long-haired guy playing the bass guitar.
He’s darting in and out on stage, bobbing his head to the beat, moving and grooving to the delightful music of his band. He’s got that look, the look of an experienced and multitalented musician who for a two-hour gig is living his best life.
That guy is none other than Dave Ziegner of the DayDreamers, a five-piece rock band that has been entertaining the area’s faithful for more than a decade.
A Chicago native who attended Catholic high school at downstate Royal Oak St. Mary’s, Ziegner is considered one of the most talented musicians in the region.
“I got into playing the bass earlier in life when young fusion and progressive rock fusion were huge,” said Ziegner, a modest and soft-spoken 66-year-old who plays like he is 30. “I was going to see all these guys play. I got to see everybody. I was into jazz guitar. I used to rent a bass and an amp. I had no money back then. Eventually, I bought my own bass guitar.”
In his early years, Ziegner and three bandmates squeezed themselves and their modest equipment into a 1974 Chevrolet van and moved to San Francisco. That’s where the music scene was, and Ziegner and his all-original pop band knew they needed to be in a larger metropolitan area to chase their childhood musical dreams.
“I spent 12 years out there trying to get a record deal,” said Ziegner, who, as a teenager, was influenced by the sounds of Steely Dan, Carole King, Todd Rundgren and Stevie Wonder.
“In the meantime, I got involved with the Latin jazz scene out there and had a lot of opportunities to learn. I was paying to play in the pop music scene and then started making money playing Latin jazz. I was learning a lot about salsa and Brazilian music. … Everyone in the band was better than me, and I gained experience. Ironically, I got homesick.”
Ziegner eventually made his way back to Marquette and then, at the age of 43, despite having a family and a sizable mortgage to pay, took a leap of faith.
the arts
whole package’
“My buddy was running the jazz program at NMU and talked me into going to college. It took me five years. It nearly killed me, but I did it,” he said, laughing. “I guess I was a late bloomer.”
For Ziegner, it was better late than never. He took that schooling to heart and for decades has taught private lessons in guitar, piano and, occasionally, Caribbean and Brazilian rhythms for drums.
“I didn’t take up the acoustic bass until I was 40,” said Ziegner, who retired from teaching at NMU after the spring semester. “The next thing I know I was playing Beethoven. When you teach, you learn. That’s a big secret, and I really enjoyed it.”
His powerful, driven bass and his deep love and devotion to playing is apparent whenever he walks up on stage.
Dave Ziegner is a fixture in the Marquette music scene as a performer and a teacher. (Photo by Jim LaJoie)
DayDreamers lead vocalist Jack Bowers said Ziegner brings a fun and adventurous side to the music the band plays.
“Whether he’s playing songs to the record or doing his own spin on a song, he always brings an extra flare that splits him apart from your average bass player,” Bowers said. “His greatest asset is definitely his knowledge of music theory. It’s almost like every time we practice a song, he’s always got something to say about how unique the songs we play are. If not his music theory, his energy is unmatched in the Marquette music community. He really knows how to get you moving and grooving.”
Ziegner’s celebrated music teaching background and experience as a jazz musician bring a level of improvisational skill to the DayDreamers. The band says his ability to help the group develop its own unique sound and style has been invaluable.
For Ziegner, it’s all in a day’s work. He recalls playing in 15 to 20 bands throughout his career and freelancing for more than a hundred.
“I’m a pretty loyal guy,” he said, referring to his time with the DayDreamers. “Being able to play the Latin tunes and that rhythm allowed me to get a lot more opportunities to play [when I was younger].”
And the joy he gets performing, whether it’s in front of a small crowd or a large venue at a wedding recep-
tion? Well, that beaming look on his face shows that he’s in his element.
“There’s a little bit of showbiz there. If you’re out in public playing music and they are paying you to play, you need to look like you’re having fun,” said Ziegner, who was awarded with the City of Marquette’s Community Performing Arts honor in 2005. “When the rhythm is going well, it is one of the best feelings in the world. There is a whole universe inside of a beat. You play the gig like it’s your last one. After going through the pandemic, they are all like that.”
When he’s up on stage, he admits he experiences a spiritual awakening of sorts.
“It only lasts for a few hours, but there is always a great feeling when you get home,” he said. “When it’s going good, I live for that. The reality is I have studied music and many artists. … I can’t let this go to my head. There are geniuses starving on the street corner. I’m really not that good. There are so many great artists. I’m not looking for glory.”
Walt Lindala, a guitarist and vocalist for the Flat Broke Blues Band for more than 25 years, said Ziegner is undoubtedly one of the region’s finest musicians.
“He’s been a fixture on the scene for so many years. … We have crossed paths and played together many, many times,” Lindala said. “I consider him to be one of the best musicians we
Dave Ziegner says, “If you’re out in public playing music and they are paying you to play, you need to look like you’re having fun.” (Photo by Jim LaJoie)
have in the area. He is, of course, a sublime bassist, but he also plays a great guitar and has a mastery and understanding of other instruments that really make him the consummate performer.
“What I really respect about him and his skills is that he is always willing to teach and share his immense knowledge with anyone interested. He’s a pleasant guy who really doesn’t have any ego and approaches every gig and every opportunity to play with joy and an almost childlike wonderment and glee. Making all types of music is truly his happy space.”
In the five decades he has performed, Ziegner has had the honor of playing with a number of great musicians, including versatile drummer Peter Erskine; jazz saxophonist, composer and big band leader Bob Mintzer; and jazz guitarist Mike Stern. He relishes those memories. “I played with a lot of good names,” he said. “Every good band has a chemistry that is undeniable.”
Seeing the younger generation embrace the music legends of earlier decades brings a smile to his face. “Pop music has changed a lot,” he said. “Gone are the days when record company owners had record collections. The Top 40 is very sterile. It’s over-simplified and is not that great.
“Yet, look at what we have now with the internet. It’s a level playing field. There are so many great artists out there who are super creative. And to see high school kids wearing Hendrix, Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin shirts? That’s cool.”
On the doorstep of turning 67 next summer, Ziegner is frankly not sure how much longer he can or will continue playing. For now, he’s totally loving his gigs with the DayDreamers. “I do think about it,” he said in reference to the potential end of his playing career. “A lot of us [musi-
cians] have problems with our hands, like arthritis. Yet, I’m having so much fun, and the young guys don’t mind playing with me.”
Apart from playing, though, he does have an immediate to-do task.
“The big one is doing my own compositions,” he said. “Over the years,
Ziegner has been a member of 15 to 20 bands through the years and freelanced in more than a hundred. (Photo courtesy
I have written a lot of stuff, from the pandemic, and wrote a lot for bands. I have reduced them down to playing them on the piano. I’m really trying to figure out what I want to do. I have a stack of original songs on my piano. I play them in my house for my own enjoyment. There are many Latin and Brazilian flavors.
“My wife says I talk about this all the time. I spend all my free time playing my own music and perfecting the arrangements. I do that every day … spend a lot of time practicing. My immediate goal is to get some of my songs put on my YouTube channel.”
Perhaps Lindala summed up Ziegner’s illustrious music career best: “He’s versatile, immensely skilled and talented, and is the whole package. Dave’s a world-class talent and can play almost everything. Yet, he’s so very unassuming and humble. I want to be Dave when I grow up!” MM
To learn more about the DayDreamers, visit daydreamersband.com. Ziegner’s YouTube channel is at youtube. com/@daveziegner.
Jim LaJoie was a newspaper sports writer and sports editor from 1986 to 1996. He is an award-winning sports columnist for The U.P. Catholic. LaJoie lives with his family in Marquette.
Dave
of Dave Ziegner)
the arts
NMU’s Steve Hughes earns accolades for his portraits
‘The face is full of character’
By Kristi Evans
Northern Michigan University Art and Design Professor
Steve Hughes, whose freelance studio has the appropriate moniker Primary Hughes, has received some notable accolades for his boldly colorful acrylic paintings that meld portraiture with graphic elements and patterns.
Most recently, Hughes was selected as a monthly winner in the Figure & Portrait category of the 14th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition. He will compete for a $15,000 grand prize and a chance to have his work featured on the cover of PleinAir Magazine at a convention and expo in May.
The piece Hughes entered in the
competition, “Tourmaline,” was the first, largest and most complex painting in a series he created for his second solo exhibition at San Francisco’s Modern Eden Gallery last fall. The series gained additional exposure when it was featured as a Chosen Winner in the online American Illustration 43 show earlier this year.
“I really like portraiture and find it endlessly fascinating because the face is full of character,” said Hughes, a past recipient of an NMU reassigned time award and faculty research grant to support his gallery exhibitions.
“I’ve been exploring ways to disrupt
“Regent” is part of the series Steve Hughes created for his solo exhibition at San Francisco’s Modern Eden Gallery. (Courtesy of Steve Hughes)
“Tourmaline”
is another piece in the
the form and play with subtle variations in color and temperature to see how that affects what the actual figure looks like. Ultimately, it seems to add something more inventive. I take it further by playing with photography and floral imagery, as well as some automotive detail shots of car grills and other elements.
“I have one painting from my first show at Modern Eden Gallery that incorporates the Fresnel lens from the Marquette Maritime Museum. And then I weave graphic shapes and patterns into a tapestry to get a surprising interaction of color. That’s what really inspires me. It is a portrait formally, but it’s also very much an abstraction.”
The creative process for Hughes’ portraits begins with photographs he takes of the models, flowers, car details and other graphic shapes. He incorporates technology such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to create repeated, wallpaper-type print patterns and then layer the elements at various transparency levels. The resulting mockup is what he ends up painting.
Over the summer, Hughes’ work
“
WE WANT TO STOP PEOPLE IN THEIR TRACKS AND MAKE THEM PAY ATTENTION.
was showcased in the “Character in Context” exhibition at the A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art in Trinidad, Colorado. Billed as the largest exhibition of original illustration in the western United States, the show included artists’ process works along-
series Steve Hughes created for his solo exhibition at San Francisco’s Modern Eden Gallery. (Courtesy of Steve Hughes)
side the final versions. Hughes said he was honored to be featured alongside some of his artistic heroes, including Greg Manchess, who visited NMU’s School of Art and Design in 2021 to present a couple of lectures and demonstrations.
Hughes’ past achievements include freelance illustrations for clients that have included The New York Times and the U.S. Mint. His painting of actor Daniel Day-Lewis as the character Bill the Butcher from the film “Gangs of New York” was exhibited in a show celebrating the movies of Martin Scorsese, and then acquired by the acclaimed director.
When he is not in an NMU classroom or his studio, Hughes often heads outdoors to complete plein-air paintings at Presque Isle Park or elsewhere along the Lake Superior shoreline.
“It is a nice break from both the precision required of a portrait and being stuck in an artificial environment,” he said. “You feel the breeze on your neck and sun on your face, and there’s a sense of freedom in knowing not everything has to be exactly perfect. It doesn’t matter if a branch is lower than it should be. I’ve probably done close to 200 landscape paintings over
about the last decade, starting with watercolor and then switching to oil a few years ago. Presque Isle Park has been my main focus because there’s good diversity with surface rocks, trees, little grassier areas and then obviously the water. Despite the differences in precision and style, some of my plein-air techniques have carried over to my portrait work and affect how I paint with acrylics.”
Like many artists, Hughes spent much time drawing during his childhood. He went to college originally planning to become a graphic designer but found the required illustration classes more interesting. He earned an MFA in visual communication design with a concentration in illustration from Kent State University.
Hughes approaches his role as an NMU professor with the goal of being open to students’ ideas and supportive of their goals. He doesn’t try to force a specific “look” upon the illustration program or want students to mimic his style. Instead, he guides them loosely in finding their own artistic voice that is consistently reflected in their work.
“I give them problems to solve and certain requirements that would mimic what they might confront in the real world,” he said. “For example,
NMU Art and Design Professor Steve Hughes poses with his portrait painting “Equinox.” (Courtesy of Steve Hughes)
client specs can dictate permissible colors or specific parameters. Those are restrictions they ultimately have to problem-solve around and as much as possible, trying to meet the clients’ goals for the project while satisfying
their own creative interests.
“I would say storytelling with their art is my mantra. If it’s not telling a story, then it literally is just a representation of something that maybe doesn’t capture anyone’s interest long
term. We want to stop people in their tracks and make them pay attention.”
One topic on students’ minds that Hughes did not confront in college is artificial intelligence, or AI. He openly expresses concerns about the ram-
ifications of the pervasive technology for those who work in the creative sphere. He said AI is starting to “cannibalize” some of the early job opportunities that allow students to get paid a little while they learn, grow and refine their skills.
“Clients either don’t see a difference from what AI is producing or actually prefer AI’s slick kind of look, so students are going to have to find other ways to come up with their own projects to demonstrate their voice, make a name for themselves and generate some income. There’s also the capitalistic nature of trying to get more for less. AI can quickly whip up things that people don’t have to pay for.
“Corporations initially espoused the idea they were developing AI for the benefit of society — and it does offer some promise in health care and other important areas — but they’re making a lot of money off of it, and in the process didn’t ask for anyone’s consent to have their imagery, words or other creative work used in this manner. U.S. copyright law didn’t foresee this, either, so there is a lot of unjust, unlicensed use of creative works occurring. I believe art in general has a humanity to it that I’m just not ready to remove from the equation.”
View more of Hughes’ work at primaryhughes.com.
MM
Kristi Evans is a public relations professional, writer and hobby photographer who spends much of her free time outdoors.
Steve Hughes says of plein-air painting, “You feel the breeze on your neck and sun on your face, and there’s a sense of freedom in knowing not everything has to be exactly perfect.” (Courtesy of Steve Hughes)
Upper Peninsula Nurses Honor Guard pays tribute to colleagues locals
A lasting impression
By Erin Elliott Bryan
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
—Maya Angelou
When a nurse passes away, a special group of people can attend the service at the family’s request. Dressed in
white uniforms, white caps and navy blue capes, volunteer members of the Nurses Honor Guard pay tribute to their colleague and officially release them from their earthly nursing duties.
The Upper Peninsula Nurses Honor Guard was formed in 2019 by Escanaba nurse Barbara Van Rooy, who also organized the U.P. Honor Flight. Though the Honor Guard is based in Escanaba, volunteers are spread
throughout the Upper Peninsula and will travel anywhere in the region — from Ironwood to Sault Ste. Marie — to honor registered nurses and licensed practical nurses upon their death at no cost to the family.
“We consider it an honor and a privilege,” said Nancy Scarffe, who joined the Upper Peninsula Nurses Honor Guard in 2022 and serves as its administrator. “If somebody calls us, we will be there.”
Members of the Upper Peninsula Nurses Honor Guard will travel anywhere in the U.P. to honor registered nurses and licensed practical nurses upon their death at no cost to the family. (Photo courtesy of Nancy Scarffe)
The Honor Guard is inspired by the work of Florence Nightingale, considered to be the founder of modern nursing. “Florence Nightingale was a pioneer of nursing. She was known as the ‘Lady with the Lamp’ during the Crimean War,” Scarffe said. “She was a pioneer of cleanliness and checked on soldiers with her lamp each night. The soldiers came to know that if they saw her lamp, they were being taken care of.”
In honor of her work, new nurses recite the Nightingale Pledge, a modified version of the Hippocratic Oath, an oath of ethics taken by physicians. The modern pledge ends this way: “And I pledge myself to do all in my power to raise the standards and prestige of practical nursing. May my life be devoted to service and to the high ideals of the nursing profession.”
And when the end of life has come, the Honor Guard recites the Nightingale Tribute during its part of the funeral or memorial service. Written by Duane Jaeger, RN, MSN, the tribute reads:
When a calming, quiet presence was all that was needed, [name] was there.
In the excitement and miracle of birth or in the mystery and loss of life, [name] was there.
When a silent glance could uplift a patient, family member or friend, [name] was there.
At those times when the unexplainable needed to be explained, [name] was there.
When the situation demanded a swift foot and sharp mind, [name] was there.
When a gentle touch, a firm push or an encouraging word was needed, [name] was there.
In choosing the best one from a family’s “Thank You” box of chocolates, [name] was there.
To witness humanity — its beauty, in good times and bad, without judgment, [name] was there.
To embrace the woes of the world, willingly, and offer hope, [name] was there.
And now that it is time to be at the Greater One’s side, [name] IS there.
“Fellow nurses are asked to stand and recite the Nightingale Tribute together,” said Scarffe, who was a nurse for 47 years. “Even if you don’t know them, you may know someone from their hospital or clinic and you just have that feeling with them. They’re all your friends.”
After the recitation of the tribute, the Honor Guard shares a dedication of the nurse’s career (which is later posted on the organization’s Facebook page), lays a white rose, symbolizing the nurse’s dedication to the profession, and rings a triangle during a roll call for the nurse. A lit Nightingale lamp, which was carried in
Upper Peninsula Nurses Honor Guard, formed in 2019, is based in Escanaba, but volunteers are spread across the U.P. (Photo courtesy of Nancy Scarffe)
at the beginning of the ceremony, is then extinguished and presented to the family.
The ceremony is brief, lasting only about five minutes, but it can be significant and meaningful for the nurse’s family and friends.
“The testament about the nurse’s career often describes how they impacted a patient or a co-worker,” volunteer Anne Truitt said. “Even if you’ve known someone for decades, it’s a definition of character for that specific nurse. And in a small, rural area, most of these nurses are our co-workers, our friends and our own family.”
Truitt was approached to join the Honor Guard shortly after its formation in 2019. Truitt accompanied her father on the 13th U.P. Honor Flight, and Van Rooy asked her about her nursing career.
Truitt was an LPN and later became an RN. She worked in a hospital setting for more than 10 years before transitioning to work as a hospice nurse. She is now the Honor Guard’s southern district coordinator, serving Delta and Menominee counties.
“It’s a wonderful way to remember a nurse,” Truitt said. “For some, it’s a career; for some, it’s a calling; but for all of us, it’s something that affects us every day. It affects our family, our choices. It infiltrates every cell of your being.”
She said the Honor Guard service is a “wonderful way” to honor a loved one’s chosen profession.
“Nurses leave a lasting impression, but sometimes there’s a disconnect between their family and their profession,” Truitt said. “Families don’t always realize the close relationships with fellow nurses.”
Truitt said her work with the Honor Guard has given her a deeper appreciation for veteran nurses and the
wisdom they have passed on, adding that those nurses “paved the way so I have options in my career. … I see that. I see that pattern. There are options I have because women wouldn’t be boxed into a corner. They have knowledge that we continue to build on, and there are things I didn’t have to learn the hard way. I’m really passionate about [the Honor Guard], and I’m very honored to be part of it.”
The Honor Guard is funded through the Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula. Donations are used to purchase supplies, such as the Nightingale lamps. Volunteers are not reimbursed for their travel expenses. Volunteers are also asked to buy their own uniform, nylons and shoes, though the capes are shared among the four to six nurses who attend each service.
Scarffe said there are about 75 volunteers in the U.P., and she is working to identify a coordinator in each county. “We will take as many [volunteers] as we can,” she said. “Most of our nurses are older, but we need young and old, working and retired.”
Scarffe’s voice cracked when reflecting on her work with the Upper Peninsula Nurses Honor Guard, saying it is “very humbling.”
“Nursing is giving of oneself. Nursing is a way of living — it’s a life, a calling,” she said. “Nursing is in your blood, and it stays with you after retirement. … Once a nurse, always a nurse.”
MM
For information on the Upper Peninsula Nurses Honor Guard, find the organization on Facebook or contact Scarffe at nascarffe@yahoo.com.
Erin Elliott Bryan grew up in Ishpeming. She is a freelance writer and an MM calendar editor.
The Honor Guard is inspired by the work of Florence Nightingale, who is considered the founder of modern nursing. (Photo courtesy of Nancy Scarffe)
in the outdoors
Woody Ellis is on a mission to bridge mental health gaps
Walking for hope
By Jennifer Champagne
On Labor Day this year, Woody Ellis stood at the base of the Mackinac Bridge, a well-worn backpack strapped to his shoulders, the weight of his mission heavier than the gear he carried.
He had 2,000 miles ahead of him and an ambitious goal: to raise awareness and funds for mental health advocacy. With every step, Ellis hopes to inspire communities to confront the stigma surrounding mental health, start conversations and support one another.
At 43, Ellis has been following a path that is far from conventional. He has spent the past eight years traveling the globe solo, immersing himself in different cultures and exploring the
depths of human connection.
His travels began in 2016 with a 60-hour train ride from Chicago to Vancouver, where he earned cold-water and open-water scuba certifications while living on a floating wharf on an island north of Vancouver. From there, he jumped to Hawaii, then to Japan and on to various parts of Asia before making his way to Europe.
“I don’t plan much,” said Ellis, a Lansing native with six siblings. “I usually just book a flight and figure it out as I go.” This unstructured approach, marked by spontaneity and adaptability, has shaped a journey rich with experiences and stories. Now, Ellis has transformed his solo travels into a mission with purpose: inspiring communities to rally for mental health awareness and support
Ellis’ trek started with the Mackinac Bridge Walk, a symbolic beginning for a mission that blends physical endurance with emotional vulnerability. He walks to benefit organizations such as the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, Alzheimer’s Disease International and the Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance. His research led him to these charities because of their financial transparency and focus on innovative treatments.
“When I travel, I feel guilty leaving loved ones behind, especially knowing they’re grappling with mental health challenges,” Ellis said. “This walk is my way of reconciling my passions with my need to give back.”
Having walked more than 260 miles so far, Ellis has relied on the generosity of strangers and local busi-
nesses to keep moving. Communities have opened their doors and hearts, providing him with food, shelter and encouragement.
Starting at the Mackinac Bridge on Labor Day, his route has taken him through St. Ignace, Newberry, Munising and Marquette. Each stop has highlighted both the struggles and triumphs of his mission, as Ellis connects with locals, shares his story and encourages open conversations about mental health.
In Munising, Ellis found not just shelter but community. The Falling Rock Cafe & Bookstore, a beloved local hub, became a cornerstone of his experience. Co-owner Justin White immediately recognized the alignment between Ellis’ mission and the cafe’s community-focused ethos. “Falling
Justin White, co-owner of Falling Rock Cafe & Bookstore in Munising, does a backflip off Black Rocks at Presque Isle Park in Marquette. The cliff jump was held in conjunction with Woody Ellis’ 2,000-mile walk to raise awareness for mental health advocacy. (Photo by Denise Niven)
Rock has always been more than a cafe; it’s a place for connection and support,” White said. “We’re proud to host events that bring people together, especially for causes as important as mental health.”
Denise Niven, Falling Rock’s manager, praised Ellis’ ability to engage and inspire communities through his mission. “Woody brings a warmth and authenticity that’s rare,” Niven said. “He connects with people in a way that makes them feel heard and understood. Supporting him and his cause has been an honor for us at Falling Rock.”
The Munising community’s response to Ellis’ mission was overwhelming. Local sponsors like Falling Rock Cafe & Bookstore, Roam Inn and White Pine Lodge donated accommodations and other means of support.
In return, Ellis connected deeply with people in the community, sharing his story and hearing theirs. He visited the local drop-in center, engaging with members in conversations about mental health challenges and the importance of support systems. Amanda Storm, director of The Get Away Drop In Center, reflected on Ellis’ impact: “Woody’s work shows that we don’t
have to do grand things to make a difference. Just showing up and being honest is impactful.”
“Talking with people at Falling Rock, The Get Away Drop In Center or along the walk reminded me why I’m doing this,” Ellis said. “It’s about more than raising funds — it’s about connecting people and fostering understanding.” Through these connections, Ellis’ mission transcends miles walked, building a network of compassion and awareness.
Ellis’ transparency about his ADHD and depression resonates with people he meets along the way. His candor is a reminder that mental health challenges are universal. He often shares moments of struggle from his trek, like a cold, dewy night in Newberry when he questioned his purpose. “I just sat there thinking, ‘What am I doing?’” he said. But his commitment to his cause helped him push through. “The kindness I’ve experienced is what keeps me moving forward.”
Initially hesitant to participate in Ellis’ next big event in Marquette — a cannonball jump into Lake Superior off Black Rocks on Nov. 9 — Niven eventually decided to take the leap. “I wasn’t going to do it,” she said, laughing. “But Matthew, my son, en-
Woody Ellis passed through Marquette last month on his walk for wellness. When he was in town, he met Mayor Sally Davis. (Photo courtesy of Sally Davis)
couraged me. We ended up jumping together, and it was more meaningful than I could have imagined. It’s a memory we’ll carry with us — a symbol of facing fears and supporting something bigger than ourselves.”
The event, inspired by the polar plunge concept, drew locals and visitors eager to support mental health advocacy. Collaborating with sponsors such as Drifa Brewing and Ore Dock Brewing Co., Ellis leveraged Marquette’s vibrant community to amplify his message. The event raised funds and awareness, creating ripples of support that extended beyond the city. “The turnout in Marquette was incredible,” Ellis said. “It felt like the entire community was behind me.”
At Drifa Brewing, Michigan’s first cooperatively owned brewery, Ellis’ presence blended seamlessly into the warm, community-centered atmosphere as part of their lively Cooler Fest, a festival designed to honor Scandinavian traditions and appeal to the snow god, Ullr. “Cooler Fest is about kicking off winter with community spirit,” said Mindey Talus, Drifa’s taproom manager. “Drifa is more than just a brewery — it’s a community hub. It’s a place where people come together to connect and support one another.”
Marquette Mayor Sally Davis joined the gathering at Drifa and embraced the energy of the event. “Woody’s journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health, not just for individuals but for our entire community,” Davis said. “It was full of life and merriment. Such a fun event. When we come together to support open conversations around mental health, we help break down the barriers and stigma that so many face.”
“Everyone has someone affected by mental health,” said Talus, whose daughter, Olivia Jean LeMoine, tragically died by suicide at the age of 18 in 2012. In her honor, Talus established the “LIVStrong” Olivia Jean LeMoine Memorial Scholarship, awarded to a graduating senior from Marquette Area Public Schools who exemplifies motivation, hard work, leadership, goal orientation and the ability to make others feel valued and important.
Considering the importance of breaking the silence around mental health, Talus said, “I just hope more people are open to talking about it. It’s taken me a very long time just to say the words that I did because of the stigma that is around suicide. Mental health and depression are treatable
in many ways, and I wish people wouldn’t hide.”
Ellis embodies this truth as he walks, channeling his own experiences and those of his family into a movement that resonates deeply. “For me, this walk is a way of giving back while doing something that pushes me,” he said. “My family has dealt with mental health challenges, and I wanted to support organizations that help people who struggle as we have.”
At Ore Dock Brewing in Marquette, Ellis found another community eager to support his cause. Kris Wierenga, Ore Dock’s brand manager, recognized the significance of mental health advocacy, particularly in rural areas and service industries, and saw Ellis’ mission as a chance to connect the community with meaningful conversations and resources. “Mental health has a significant impact in our industry, and what we wanted to do was serve as a conduit for connection,” Wierenga said. “We’re happy to be a space where the community can come together and engage in these important discussions.”
Ellis’ visit to Ore Dock Brewing brought together a unique tapestry
planned stops in Escanaba and Green Bay, he’s already thinking about what comes next. His vision includes using his converted school bus — a mobile stage for concerts and art shows — as a hub for mental health initiatives. He dreams of community-focused projects tied to mental health advocacy. “The walk is just the beginning,” Ellis said. “I want to keep finding ways to bring people together and make an impact.”
Ellis’ connection to Marquette has left a lasting impression on him. According to Wierenga, Ellis was deeply moved by the community’s reception. “He was blown away by the reception from the community,” Wierenga said. “He really saw what we all know about Marquette, which is just a very special place.” With plans for expanded collaborations, he envisions the next chapter of his journey as a way to build on these moments and further unite communities.
“He didn’t even want to leave after being here for the few days that he was,” Talus added, reflecting on the meaningful connections Ellis made during his stay.
of connections. Brendan McLaughlin, Ore Dock’s taproom manager, recalled a particularly serendipitous moment during Ellis’ visit. “It was small, but everyone was super stoked,” McLaughlin said. “What’s crazy is the Landmark Inn sponsored him for two nights free, and [Landmark general manager] Mike Mering was here. I said, ‘Hey Mike, that’s the guy you’re sponsoring,’ and he said he didn’t know anything about it. So, I went to talk to Woody, and it turns out Woody worked with Mike’s brother in Chicago. They reunited here!”
Ellis’ advocacy isn’t limited to walking. He’s found creative ways to engage with supporters, from raffling Lego sets he builds as a form of therapy to hosting community events that bring people together. His goal is not only to raise awareness but to inspire others to take action.
“Lego building helps me shut my brain off when it’s overwhelmed,” Ellis said. “It’s a natural high, a way to focus completely in the moment. I wanted to share that joy with others while supporting these important causes.”
As Ellis continues southward, with
For now, his focus remains on the miles ahead. Whether camping on the roadside or staying with hosts, Ellis is determined to continue raising awareness for the organizations that inspired his journey. His website and social media channels provide updates, resources and opportunities for others to join the movement.
Ellis’ walk is an example of the power of individual action. From Munising to Marquette and beyond, his journey is part of a movement that transcends physical distance. For those inspired by his story, the message is clear: Start a conversation, support a local event or simply show up.
As Niven reflected on her experience at Black Rocks, she summed up the essence of Ellis’ mission: “Jumping into that freezing water wasn’t just about the moment. It was about showing my son — and myself — that we can take bold steps for something we believe in. That’s what Ellis’ walk is about: courage, connection and hope.” MM
For more information or to support Woody Ellis’ journey, visit woodywalks.com.
Jennifer Champagne is an accomplished entertainment and visual effects writer with a passion for storytelling. When she’s not crafting articles on industry giants, you’ll find her enjoying life with her family.
Woody Ellis led a community walk during his visit to Munising, where several businesses extended hospitality to him. (Photo by Woody Ellis)
the arts
Songs from the past
Heather Evans’ third album features material from an earlier time in her career
By Andie Balenger
Marquette is an excellent place for music lovers. You are likely to stumble across some form of live music on any given day, whether at a brewery or coffee shop. Through its evolution in time, the vibrant culture of the Marquette music scene has welcomed all those searching for a creative outlet. The possibilities are endless, from bluegrass groups performing live in Mattson Park to college kids hosting basement shows for indie rockers.
Heather Evans is one of those music lovers. The local singer-songwriter has been involved with the music scene since her early teens, playing shows and writing tunes in her free time. Now, 16 years later, she has completed her third album, “Another Time.” The alternative indie rock release debuted in late June and features six tracks written by Evans throughout her career.
“These aren’t songs that I still play every day,” Evans said. “They are just songs I really wanted to get recorded, and I certainly didn’t want to be
Heather Evans’ latest album, “Another Time,” was released in June. (Photo by Marissa Dillon)
50 and worried about getting them recorded. I wrote them for a reason. Even though that reason is now gone, they are fun to listen to.”
Born and raised in Marquette, Evans started playing music in her early teens. She was introduced to the artistry of string instruments after joining her middle school’s orchestra, ultimately choosing to specialize in the viola. Evans developed the fundamental skills of a classical musician, but the freedom to pursue experimental or artistic expression in the orchestral setting felt out of reach.
“It was … ‘Read what is on the page, and play it the way it is supposed to be played,’” Evans said. “They don’t teach you how to improvise or anything like that.”
Evans’ tenure in school orchestras, however, opened doors for her to pursue musical expression elsewhere. While she was playing in a quintet with classmates, Evans’ bass player proposed a jam session outside the classical setting. During this extracurricular hangout, the bassist introduced her to the indie rock band The White Stripes. Feeling inspired, Evans was confident in her ability to translate her skills as a violist to a punk rock guitar.
And so her creative venture began. After spending some time honing her strumming skills, Evans had her first show at age 13. Since then, she
has played at local bars and venues whenever opportunities arise. By the time she was 17 years old, Evans was actively booking gigs around town, playing three nights a week at places like Flanigan’s, the Blue Lounge and the Ramada. She even had a stint as a dinner musician, working six hours a week playing cover songs so she could live in an apartment by herself.
“Solo shows can be weird depending on how the night goes,” Evans said, “whether I am playing a medley in the key of G for a bunch of people who are not necessarily paying attention or there are a bunch of people there who are paying attention. Sometimes you play to nobody, sometimes to people who don’t care and sometimes to a really nice crowd.”
While Evans performed covers of classic tracks by Hank Williams, John Prine and Billie Holiday, she also had several original works to share. She started writing songs shortly after her music career began, which has left her with an extensive catalog of lyrics and melodies to choose from. Before her most recent release, Evans put out two albums: “Possessions,” an 11-track album featuring a variety of instrumentalists that was released in May 2020; and “Songs I Didn’t Think About,” an eight-track release from 2022 that simply features Evans and her guitar.
Evans says she has grown immensely as a musician and song-
Heather Evans’ 2002 Subaru Legacy, affectionately named Rosie, was a focal point of the cover art for “Another Time.” (Photo courtesy of IHRK)
“
I WROTE THEM FOR A REASON. EVEN THOUGH THAT REASON IS NOW GONE, THEY ARE FUN TO LISTEN TO.
writer in the four years since her first album release. However, she admits to being a stickler when it comes to songwriting, preferring to preserve the words how they were written rather than altering phrases after several years have passed.
“Being friends with or dating other songwriters and watching people change their lyrics as their life goes on, it feels like cheating a little bit,” Evans said. “It’s like deleting all your high school photographs from your Facebook. It happened; it was there.”
Evans’ commitment to preserving lyrics is evident in “Another Time.” The tracks featured on the album hearken back to an earlier era of Evans’ singing and songwriting, with songs like “I Did This to Myself” and “Sleep for Dinner” coming from her time in 34C, a two-woman punk band that performed in bras with “34C” written on the cups. Evans describes the tracks from 34C as “fun little joke songs.”
The album’s tone is not entirely upbeat, however, as the lyrics featured on “Rotting Roses” and “Better” are much more serious. Reflecting on past relationships and going separate ways, Evans confesses that these songs are sometimes hard to sing.
“It felt very strange recording them,” she said. “The people that the songs are about all very much changed my life at some point or another. Just because those relationships did not work out does not mean that they weren’t important or that good things didn’t happen, so I am not going to pretend these songs don’t exist. I am happy with them.”
The cover art for “Another Time” also relates to the album’s overarch-
ing artistic theme of preservation. With a cigarette in one hand and a tall can (concealed by a paper bag) in the other, Evans sits atop her 2002 Subaru Legacy. The vehicle, which was recently scrapped, was affectionately named Rosie by the songwriter.
“[The vehicle] was at the end of its days and it was what I toured in, but it was time to get rid of it,” Evans said. “So, I did a little photoshoot with my car with my photography friend, Jeni of IHRK photo. It is a very cheeky photograph.”
The recording process for “Another Time” began almost a year earlier than its June 2024 release date. While she had desired to record the songs for some time, Evans wanted the album to have a small band lineup and was looking for a drummer. She was ultimately put in touch with Ryan Lundin, the drummer for local bands Ladoga and The Chanteymen. While the two had been acquaintances for nearly a decade, this was their first collaborative project.
When working on the album, Lundin aimed to accent Evans’ musical stylings.
ing the album in October 2023. Evans described the recording process as more DIY — do-it-yourself — than her previous works, with lots of troubleshooting among the various cables and amps. Once the equipment was set, Evans recorded the band live as they played back-to-back through the album’s tracks, later overlaying the recording with her vocals, harmonies and lead guitar.
“The core of the album is Chris, Heather and I all performing the songs live,” Lundin said. “So the bass, the drums and the guitars all have to be correct, or at least as close to correct as they can be, in one take. … There is always pressure in a scenario like that, but we got along really well, and it was a low-pressure environment.”
Once professionally mixed and mastered, the album was released on Evans’ Bandcamp page, heatherevans.bandcamp.com, on June 22. The featured musicians later performed the album live as the Heather Evans Trio, a name that gives a nod to the several jazz trios in the Marquette music scene despite being a punk rock band.
“My mentality when playing on the album was to support the songs that Heather already had instead of taking the songs and making them too much of my own through what I was doing on the drums,” Lundin said. “Ultimately, I wanted to stay out of Heather’s way and let the songs speak for themselves.”
With armfuls of instruments and recording equipment, Evans and Lundin began rehearsing the album’s six tracks in August 2023. The equipment was set up in the basement of a Marquette home owned by bassist Chris Moore, a longtime collaborator with Lundin in Ladoga and The Chanteymen.
“The first practice session was a dry run of things to see if we were musically compatible … me drumming and [Evans] playing guitar and singing,” Lundin said. “We did that a couple of times before saying, ‘OK, we need some bass on this.’ Well, Chris was right upstairs, so we said, ‘Why don’t we see if Chris wants to try it out?’”
It was settled. After another month of practicing, the trio began record-
While no future album performances are scheduled, Evans plans to continue creating and recording music on her own terms. She has a fourtrack EP in the works that emulates the style of her first album, “Possessions.” The tracks are a bit louder and more abstract than what listeners will hear on “Another Time.” Evans also has a full-length “pseudo-country” album that predominantly features the G-C-D chord progression — a staple in popular music that Evans fought against as a creative.
As the Marquette music scene continues to expand, Evans has found comfort in the recording process as she steps away from the stage for up-and-coming talent. While she still plans to perform live in the future, she will continue to participate in the scene as a listener and enthusiast.
“Every year, you get a new college student influx or just people who are out of high school and starting to form bands and play in bars,” Evans said. “I definitely feel like I am not part of the scene like I used to be. But it has been nice to take a break from performing live all of the time and just sitting at my house with a microphone and doing some recording.” MM
Andie Balenger, a native of Gladstone, is a graduate student at Northern Michigan University studying the administration of outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism.
Heather Evans has a four-track EP in the works that emulates the style of her first album, “Possessions.” (Photo by Marissa Dillon)
the arts
NMU presents original production, ‘Home for the Holidays’
Invitation to a new tradition
By Brad Gischia
The holidays are a time of tradition. Whether it’s the smell of your grandmother’s freshly baked dinner rolls or the cherished ornaments you hang from the tree, traditions are what make the holidays a time to look forward to.
But traditions have to start somewhere. This year, the Northern Mich-
igan University department of theatre and dance has planned a show that it hopes will find its place among other holiday customs.
The public is invited to create a new tradition by attending a performance this month of “Home for the Holidays,” an original production from the mind of Karina Johnson, head of the dance department.
“It’s been something that’s been on
my mind for a long time,” Johnson said. “Every year since I was 7 until I retired from dancing, I did ‘The Nutcracker’ ballet.” Johnson thought that perhaps another theatrical tradition could happen in the Marquette area.
This is Johnson’s third year fulltime at NMU. She began her career as a professional ballet dancer and worked her way through Colorado, Utah and ended in California with the
Sacramento Ballet. When Covid-19 struck in 2020, many companies were closing. Johnson and her husband, Iver, wanted to start a family and decided to move to Marquette, where Iver’s family is from.
“I basically cold-called the theatre and dance department at NMU,” Johnson said. “It just so happened that they were about to expand their program and begin offering B.A. and
“Home for the Holidays” cast members take a break from rehearsal to pose for a group photo. (Photo courtesy of Karina Johnson)
B.S. programs in dance. They needed a ballet teacher. It worked out wonderfully.”
As an associate professor, Johnson founded CO/LAB, Northern’s dance company. What started as a club for students interested in dance has become an anchor of the dance program. Johnson is also one of the faculty members who sits down to decide what the department’s performance schedule will look like.
“We get together as a faculty, usually around this time of year, to look at the following year’s schedule,” Johnson said. There are many considerations to make when looking at the shows they will put on for the coming year. “We really look at the educational needs of the students and what the community might want to see.”
They also look at past performances and take student suggestions into account. “Each of the faculty members have got their dream play or musical they want to direct,” Johnson said. “It doesn’t always happen, but once we pick the schedule we go through them and consider course loads and comfort, and then assign the plays to each member that way.”
Johnson has directed shows for the CO/LAB Dance Company, which she also runs, but this will be the first show she has directed outside of the dance company. “I’m really excited to do it,” she said.
Her experience as a performer will be invaluable on the other side of the stage. “It gives me a vision for the show,” Johnson said. “I don’t know how I’d do it otherwise. Being in the performer’s shoes for much of my life gives me a better idea of what they’ll need from me as a director.”
She noted that as the rehearsal process continues, she feels like she can relate to the performers better. That collaboration is important to putting on a good show.
“Home for the Holidays” is a showcase show based around a loose narrative. “The idea,” Johnson said, “was that a lot of college students have these traditions with their own families, and I asked our students what their traditions were.”
Johnson said that most of the traditions revolve around returning to their family homes. “It’s all about the excitement that comes with heading home,” she said. “How do we bring those things together that college students can relate to?”
The play will include numbers that deal with students calling their parents, getting excited to go home and getting stuck in a snowstorm — some of the things that can happen around an Upper Peninsula holiday. “Community members who went to college will be able to relate to what happens on the stage,” Johnson said.
Through a series of songs and dances, the students will represent some of the myriad ways people celebrate the holidays. The music will be recognizable. “Most of these songs are ones you hear on the radio during the holiday season,” Johnson said. “Some will be new to people, because we’re trying to represent other cultures, but all of this comes from the students.”
Johnson said one of the students is from the Philippines, and she choreographed the dance that will go along with the traditional songs that are represented there.
Student collaboration is vital. “It makes a huge difference,” Johnson
Students in “Home for the Holidays” commit to a six-week rehearsal schedule, which includes five rehearsals each week. (Photo courtesy of Karina Johnson)
said. “They are much more invested in what’s happening on the stage.” She added that there are four students who are helping to choreograph the dances in the show.
Don’Tae Mitchell is a sophomore musical theatre major, minoring in dance. He has been working in the department since starting school, with credits in “The Rocky Horror Show,” “Spamalot,” “Anything Goes” and CO/LAB showcases. He is choreographing numbers for two songs in “Home for the Holidays.”
“I’m working on dances for ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town’ and ‘Grown-Up Christmas List,’” Mitchell said. The process of putting dances to music comes very naturally to Mitchell, who has been interested in the theater since he was young.
“I first joined theater my junior year of high school, but it’s something that I’ve always known that I wanted to do,” he said.
When given a piece of music to choreograph, Mitchell considers many factors as he’s creating. “I often look at other dance companies if the show has been done before,” he said, “to see what they’ve done and to see how I could do it differently. Sometimes I just go off what I want to do as well, put on the music and freestyle, and play around with the intention of the music.” Mitchell also looks at the meaning behind the music and adjusts the movements with the intensity.
The cast of “Home for the Holidays” began rehearsing in October, and the time commitment for students is high. “Our rehearsal schedule for any production starts six weeks out,” Johnson said. “Our department students are pretty used to it, but those who might come in from outside can be surprised.”
The schedule demands nightly rehearsals — from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday — but it’s that time that makes a great show and builds a sense of community in the cast.
“It’s so fun to see students collaborating together,” Johnson said. “They become so much more involved with the show, not only collaborating with their peers but to be in front of the room, to direct that room versus always being the one that is dancing. They get to figure out how to give direction versus how to take it.”
Johnson said that it also helps to prepare students for jobs once they leave school. “It makes me so proud to see how they progress as we work through a show,” she said. “They’re ready to get into the industry when they leave, and part of that is because
“Home for the Holidays” opens Dec. 5. (Photo courtesy of Karina Johnson)
of what they learned here, working on shows at NMU.”
“Home for the Holidays” opens Dec. 5. Shows will continue on Dec. 6 and 7, and then again the following weekend, Dec. 14 to 16. Shows start at 7:30 p.m. with additional 1 p.m. performances on Saturdays. Tickets are available at nmu.universitytickets.com.
Johnson and Mitchell have their own family traditions to look forward to this coming season. “I’m half-Chinese,” Johnson said, “so all of my Chinese side of the family gets together and has Chinese hot pot. We all sit down around this big table and put different ingredients in. It becomes this big, loud, arguing event that I love every single year.”
Mitchell said, “My family doesn’t all celebrate the holidays the same way, but I always look forward to going home and seeing them and eating a bunch of good food.”
This family-friendly event could become part of your next tradition, as NMU theatre and dance plans to keep it in the rotation every few years.
“It’s not something people recognize like ‘A Christmas Carol’ or ‘Elf,’” Johnson said, “but it could become that. Everyone will leave the theater feeling really good and filled with the holiday spirit.”
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.
A recent arrival to Marquette shares his perspective
Through an immigrant’s eyes
By Pieter Cook
The winding, wooden staircase seemed endless, but the climb wasn’t tiring. Instead, it opened up their viewpoint to see even farther across the sparkling waters of Lake Superior. Wetmore Landing fell behind as they hiked toward Little Pr-
esque Isle. The only thing out of place was a phone used to record the conversation. Perhaps it should have been a walking stick.
As the topography unfolded, Issam recounted how, ages ago, a more massive Lake Superior receded and shaped the rocks and ravines. Then he shifted to something seemingly unre-
lated about the history of Oklahoma and its settlers. His depth of general knowledge is astounding. Pausing to look over another cliff, he said, “I have lived in and traveled through many different places, but for me, it doesn’t get better than this.”
“It’s beautiful,” his hiking partner said. “What was it like where you
grew up? Does this remind you of Lebanon at all?”
“The water does. Whenever you are having a bad day, you can just come to the water. I would not swim in the Mediterranean, though. So many health risks.” Health is one of Issam’s core values, his passion reaching far beyond caring for his patients. He
Issam said the people of his native Lebanon can learn things from the people of his new home, Marquette, and vice versa. (Photo by Pieter Cook)
strives to optimize the health of his family, our community and the preservation of the natural world.
Threading among trees, Issam talked about the city where he was born. “Sidon is an ancient Phoenician Greco-Roman city. Its design brings people together. Cars are not needed because you can walk everywhere. Just like Jesus did. He turned water into wine a few kilometers to the south, in Qana. He walked the streets of Sidon.”
He shifted focus to his education. “It was started by Americans, and it was a Christian school. A very good one. Lebanon was filled with American culture, so when I immigrated, life did not feel unfamiliar.”
“Why did you decide to come to the United States?”
Issam paused for a moment, contemplating how much to share. “Immigrants can be divided into two basic categories: those who leave their country in search of economic opportunities, and those who are seeking the values of their host nation,” he said. “The pursuit of happiness is important to me. Given my profession, I could be making a handsome living in the Middle East, but my daughters would not play on the beach without a care. Likewise, I could still be faculty at an Ivy League university, but the dynamics there are less about making a positive impact. It’s all politics and competition.”
“Were you always planning to leave Lebanon, or did something happen that changed your mind?”
“Lebanon’s civil war started in 1975,” he said. “I grew up hearing gunfire and bombs, but never once was there a school shooting. Children are sacred. One morning, I was gathered with my fiancée and her family. A bomb exploded next door. The decision was simple. We wanted our children to grow up in safety.”
“
IT IS SO BEAUTIFUL HERE. OUR CHILDREN ARE SAFE. THAT MAKES IT WORTH GIVING UP SOME OPPORTUNITIES.
The hikers grasped a worn handrail and started down a flight of steps toward the shimmering water. Issam continued talking about his children: “Because they were born in the U.S., we wanted to show them something of our roots. We went to Italy. Lebanon has more in common with Italy, the south of France and Spain than it does the Middle East. My children did not like the heat and the crowds, so we went to Norway instead and had a wonderful time. That was one clue that Marquette was the right place for us. We are excited to experience many winters filled with snow.”
He is asked, “What are some things that made your transition to Marquette easy? Or difficult?”
“Just look around us,” he said. “It is so beautiful here. That made it easy. We can also walk or bike to most places we need to be instead of sitting in traffic. Our children are safe. That makes it worth giving up some of the
The water of Lake Superior reminds Issam of Lebanon, though he will not swim in the Mediterranean Sea because of health risks. (Photo by Pieter Cook)
opportunities bigger cities can offer.”
Issam loves to compete. He won multiple judo championships in part due to his intensive training with the masters in Japan. Recently, he also ran a half marathon in Marquette. “Marathons are good,” he said, “but triathlons are healthier, so it would be nice to have one in town. Also, judo teaches us many things. I wanted the community to have access to these important lessons, so I started a judo club. You should bring your whole family sometime. It’s for everyone.”
“Sounds like a plan,” his companion said. “Speaking of everyone, what is a question that everyone seems to ask you that tends to get annoying?”
“That’s easy. ‘Where are you from?’ often implies that I don’t belong,” he said. “We have worked hard to become Americans. Marquette is my home, so I am from Marquette now. Some people who ask this question are really just curious about my roots, and I am happy to talk with them about the place where I grew up.”
An opening in the trees revealed a clear view of Little Presque Isle — Issam’s favorite hammock spot. He loves to come here to unwind after experiencing the stress of the office. Guiding entrenched systems and bureaucracies into the direction of collaboration and community health is a challenging task.
“Next question. In the Peace Corps, the third goal was some form of development while the two more important objectives were cultural exchange. Perhaps you can help with that. What could the people of Lebanon learn from the people of Marquette?”
This must have been another easy question, as he jumped right in. “It is very important to get out of the tribal mindset,” he said. “The ongoing violence in Lebanon is fueled by this. Better to believe that we are all in this together. Even if we disagree about some things, we can still support each other in the values we do share. This is evident in Marquette’s community. Also, the people here take better care of the waters. The Mediterranean has become so polluted that it is not safe to swim.”
“And in the other direction?” he is asked. “What could we learn from the people of Lebanon?”
“Marquette is moving in the right direction,” he said, “but I hope it will become a blue zone like we see in some communities around the Mediterranean. Healthy food, active lifestyle, strong social connections and lower stress all lead to longer, happier lives. Also, it would be better to
need a car even less. So many people would benefit from walking and biking to where they need to be instead of driving.”
The conversation drifted in different directions. By the time the hikers wandered back onto the beach, the sun was low over the water. One last question: “Imagine your children and grandchildren are living in Marquette 20 years from now. What are your hopes and fears for them?”
Finally, a difficult one. Issam paused to think. “I hope they will be rooted, good members of the community,” he said. “My fears are that what we were escaping will chase us here.
The problems of the Middle East, dysfunctional American cities or, worse, the destruction of this beautiful land in the name of progress and money and economy and creating jobs, and now they must find their own Marquette. I am hoping this is as far north as we will ever need to go.”
MM
Pieter Cook grew up in Escanaba, served for two years in Mali with the Peace Corps, followed by 12 living in the Netherlands. He wrote a novel based on his experiences called “Timbuktu Frequency Five.” He is also a professional woodworker and teacher.
Issam would like Marquette to become a blue zone, an area with healthy food, active lifestyles, strong social connections and lower stress. (Photo by Pieter Cook)
Winter features a variety of holidays around the world
Time to celebrate
By Jennifer Donovan
In New York City’s Times Square, when the glittering ball drops at midnight on Dec. 31, Americans usher in their next year. But countries and cultures around the world celebrate some very different winter holidays.
Each year in Sweden on Dec. 13, girls in flowing white gowns, wearing crowns of candles, bring St. Lucia’s Day saffron buns called lussekatter to everyone in their families. And on New Year’s Eve in Japan, people eat toshi-koshi (year-crossing) buckwheat noodles in hopes that their lives will stretch out as long as the noodles. Let’s take a trip around the world to see some of the many ways that people celebrate their winter holidays.
Diwali
Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, leads into the winter holidays with its late fall celebration,
which occurred this year on Oct. 31. It marks the spiritual victory of light over darkness and good over evil, according to the Hindu American Foundation. The word diwali refers to rows of diyas — clay lamps — placed all around homes and places of worship.
Around the world, millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains celebrate Diwali. According to National Geographic Kids, southern India celebrates Diwali as the day that Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura.
Northern Indians light rows of clay lamps to celebrate the story of King Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. And in western India, the festival marks the day that Lord Vishnu, the Preserver, one of the main gods of the Hindu trinity, sent the demon King Bali to rule the nether world.
At Michigan Technological University in Houghton, the Indian Students Association sponsors a festive dinner, with traditional food, dress
The Indian Students Association at Michigan Tech presents an annual dinner and program to celebrate Diwali. (Photo courtesy of the Indian Students Association)
and dancing. Students, faculty, staff and the entire community are invited.
Bon Om Touk
Bon Om Touk, the Cambodian Water Festival, is also celebrated in late October or early November. It corresponds with the lunar Mid-Autumn Festival and marks the end of the monsoon season. The festivities are accompanied by dragon boat races, similar to those seen in the Lao Boun Suang Huea festival.
The festival is believed to have originated as a way to celebrate the victory of the Khmer navy over the Champa Kingdom in a boat battle on Tonle Sap Lake. The victory was a significant event in the tumultuous 12th century, when the Khmer Empire often warred with its neighbors.
Eid al-adha
According to Brandeis University’s Center for Spiritual Life, Eid al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice, is a three-day Islamic holiday that celebrates the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.
Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhū al-Ḥijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. The exact date depends on the position of the moon. Muslims celebrate the day with prayer, sacrifice, food and gift-giving. They visit family and friends, wearing new clothes. They greet each other by saying “Eid Mubarak,” Arabic for “Blessed Eid.”
Bodhi
Also known as Rohatsu, this Buddhist tradition honors the day that the Buddha — Siddhartha Gautama — is believed to have achieved enlightenment. Also known as bodhi in Sanskrit and Pali, Bodhi is celebrated
annually on Dec. 8.
According to tradition, Siddhartha had recently forsaken years of extreme ascetic practices and resolved to sit under a peepal tree, also known as a Bodhi tree, and simply meditate until he found the root of suffering and how to liberate oneself from it.
According to the University of Massachusetts, services and traditions vary among Buddhist sects, but they all commemorate the Buddha’s achievement of Nirvana and what it means for Buddhism today.
St. Lucia’s Day
St.
Lucia’s Day is a festival of lights celebrated in Sweden, Norway and the Swedish-speaking parts of Finland on Dec. 13. It honors St. Lucia, one of the earliest Christian martyrs, who was killed by the Romans in A.D. 304 for her religious beliefs.
Although it’s a Scandinavian festival now, it all started in Rome. Legend has it that St. Lucia was a bearer of light and a bringer of food to Christians hiding in the catacombs under Rome. She wore a wreath of candles on her head so her hands were free to carry the food.
Lucia means light. In Sweden and other Scandinavian countries, children dress up in white gowns with red sashes. One girl is chosen to be St. Lucia and lead the procession wearing a wreath of candles.
Las Posadas
Beginning on Dec. 16 and ending nine days later, the Hispanic celebration called Las Posadas commemorates the nine months of the Virgin Mary’s pregnancy. According to St. Anthony’s Messenger magazine, a procession of the faithful takes to the streets, with children dressed as angels and shepherds.
The Diwali celebration at Michigan Tech features food, colorful dress and dancing. Members of the university community and surrounding area are invited to attend. (Photo courtesy of the Indian Students Association)
A group representing the Holy Family stops at houses, singing songs and asking for lodging. They are refused time and again until the group reaches the house where a family has agreed to house them. They are invited in. Prayer and song continue in the home, and festive foods are shared. Finally, a piñata in the shape of a star is shattered.
The tradition continues each evening for the nine days of Las Posadas. A Christmas mass usually highlights the last night, Christmas Eve.
Hanukkah
Jews around the world celebrate Hanukkah, commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. According to Micah Benjamin, president of the Hillel chapter at Northern Michigan University, it is primarily a joyous celebration, a time to remember the resilience of the Jewish people. It celebrates the miracle of the temple’s oil lasting eight days when there was only enough oil for one. “There’s a sense of joy, hope and family celebration, though some may also reflect on the historical struggle for religious freedom, adding a layer of solemnity,” he said.
Hanukkah this year begins on Dec. 25 and ends on Jan. 2, 2025.
In the United States, Hanukkah is often celebrated with family gatherings, lighting the menorah (a candelabra), playing dreidel (a small, spinning top), eating special foods like latkes
(potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled, deep-fried doughnuts) and exchanging small gifts.
In Israel, Hanukkah is still celebrated with menorah lighting, songs and special foods, but it isn’t typically as gift-centered, Benjamin said. Instead, public celebrations focus on lighting large menorahs in public squares, and schools are usually out.
Last year, NMU’s Hillel held a Hanukkah party for its members, where they shared latkes and matzo ball soup.
Christmas
Christmas, with its sparkling, decorated trees, carols, gift giving and church services, celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
There is no mention in the New Testament of the date that Jesus was born. Dec. 25 was first identified as the date of his birth by the Roman emperor Sextus Julius Africanus in A.D. 221. The English term Christmas (“mass on Christ’s day”) is of fairly recent origin.
The festival has also been adopted as a secular family holiday by people of all faiths. It’s marked by an exchange of gifts as well as excitement for the arrival of Santa Claus.
Kwanzaa
Aweek-long holiday celebrated Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, Kwanzaa honors African American heritage. It’s a cultural holiday, not a religious one.
Christmas trees are common in private as well as public spaces, such as this one in the Library of Congress. (Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress)
According to the Los Angeles Times, American black separatist Maulana Karenga created Kwanzaa in 1966 in the aftermath of the Watts race riots. He intended it to recognize the rich cultural history of African Americans.
Lighting seven candles in a candelabra called a kinara honors the seven principles of Kwanzaa: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.
Kwanzaa culminates in a communal feast called karamu.
Yule Wiccans and neo-pagans celebrate the festival of Yule on the winter solstice, Dec. 21. The festival continues until Jan. 1.
The winter solstice marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year. Yule celebrates the re-emergence of the sun.
The holiday was first observed in Sweden as a Norse festival. A common tradition is burning the yule log, which originally was done to cele-
brate the sun’s return. The yule log has since become part of the Christmas tradition as well. Burning the yule log became associated with Christmas in the ninth century.
Boxing Day
Andthen there’s Boxing Day. A British tradition, it is celebrated the day after Christmas. Boxing Day dates back to the 1800s when Queen Victoria sat on the throne. Originally it was a day when upper-class Britons gave servants and workers a day off. The holiday has evolved into a day off for almost everyone and more general gift-giving.
These are just a few of the winter celebrations around the world. Almost every country or culture has one. 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 Tech.
Menorahs, symbols of Hanukkah, are displayed in homes and in public places, such as this one near the White House in the 1970s. (Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress)
superior reads
Children’s books present laughter, beauty and nature
Reviews by Victor R. Volkman
This month, Superior Reads proudly presents a roundup of U.P. children’s books newly published in 2024 just in time for holiday gift giving for that special kid in your life.
Each of the three books I review this month presents a unique viewpoint on the nature or culture of the U.P. Furthermore, each of these authors is a member of the Upper Peninsula Publishers & Authors Association. You can learn about this nonprofit organization whose sole purpose is to further
the goals of U.P. writers at uppaa.org.
Leading off is “Ellie and the Midwest Goodbye,” a cleverly illustrated picture book by Nikki Mitchell of Iron River. Mitchell is one of the most prolific children’s authors in the U.P. with more than a dozen titles under her belt. They are split between her middle-grade fantasy series and picture books for read-aloud and early-reader use.
I first heard the concept of a Midwest goodbye some years ago when someone told me it involves standing in the driveway for 20 minutes of random good wishes and goodbyes. Ellie,
the protagonist and unwitting hostage to a seemingly never-ending goodbye, struggles to be a good girl and bottle up her anxiety at the same time.
“Ellie and the Midwest Goodbye” is a great book to open up your child to a discussion about situational anxiety issues. The illustrations feature Mitchell’s fun caricatures reminiscent of Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s South Park franchise.
As the story opens, Ellie is visiting relatives in the winter when Dad announces, “Look at the time!” — which ought to signify a quick exit. Alas, while Ellie is admonished to
bundle up tight against the cold, random conversations start around her. Poor Ellie is overcome by getting too hot and too anxious. The light verse style of rhyming helps keep this book funny, and anyone under the age of 10 can surely relate to it.
“Beaches, Boats, and Birds: A Lake Michigan Alphabet Book” is the debut children’s book written by Julie Dickerson and illustrated by Rhonda McKinnon. Dickerson currently spends her summers in Manistique, so she undoubtedly gets in a lot of beach time with her grandchildren on the sunny shores of Lake Michigan.
Opening the book, I immediately recognized the sprawling sands and beaches along U.S.-2. Lots of local spots are called out by name including Port Inland, Beaver Island, Rocky Point and Seul Choix Point Lighthouse. Similarly, the unique flora and fauna of this fragile ecosystem, such as the Huron tansy and piping plover, are called out as well.
“Beaches, Boats, and Birds” is a beautiful, full-size hardcover book whose pages are filled with colorful spreads featuring glorious watercol-
or panoramas of McKinnon’s paintings. It certainly brought a tear to my eye when I finished the book, remembering what I thought were endless summers of my youth spent on the shores of the Great Lakes. I had to laugh as the last page talks about crafts you can make with driftwood, and I am still collecting driftwood to this day for someday craft projects.
“Beaches, Boats, and Birds” is a book you’ll want to share often during the interminable wait for azure skies and warm beaches to come.
“The Story of Journey: The Great Horned Owl” written and illustrated by Carol L. Schultz is a unique look at this largest and most fascinating owl indigenous to the U.P. The great horned owl was a childhood favorite of mine, with such a distinctive night call, although I never saw one in the daytime, of course. I found the illustrations quite striking and accurate to the depiction of this magnificent creature.
Journey is the name of the owl that was discovered by the roadside and given to Phyllis Carlson to rehabilitate. The whole story is divided
into four parts and takes place in and around Quinnesec in Dickinson County. The first part describes the normal life cycle of the great horned owl from nesting to incubation to “branchers” (which walk but cannot fly) and then finally being able to leave the nest at about 4 months.
Here begins the actual tale of Journey after surviving a crippling runin with an automobile. Carlson, the wildlife rehabilitator, recovers Journey. After a vet visit confirms the bird’s flying days are over, she has an inspiration. Together, Carlson and Journey will teach a generation of schoolchildren about the role of owls in nature and perhaps nurture a love for conservation. After an astonishing 22-year run of educational programs, both Carlson and Journey are ready to retire from their traveling educational outreach programs.
The third part of the book covers the unique anatomy of the great horned owl in words and pictures. Schultz covers the signature ear tufts, deep facial discs, stealth feathers, powerful talons and other features that make this animal a successful predator.
The fourth and final section covers Carlson’s career and how this unique animal changed her life. “The Story of Journey” is a charming book for any child with an interest in wildlife, a heart-warming example of real-life Sisu and a beacon for the possibilities of how people and nature can co-exist.
Victor R. Volkman is a graduate of Michigan Technological University (Class of ’86) and is the current president of the U.P. Publishers & Authors Association. He is senior editor at Modern History Press and publisher of the U.P. Reader.
HOW TO SUBMIT A BOOK
Send Upper Peninsula-related book review suggestions to victor@LHPress.com. Books submitted for review can be sent to: MM Book Reviews, 5145 Pontiac Trail, Ann Arbor, MI 48105.
in the outdoors
Hunting the aurora: Finding messages from the universe
Story
“O’er all the widespread northern skies, How glows and waves that heavenly light, Where dome, and arch, and column rise Magnificently bright!”
—Stephen Greenleaf Bulfinch
The search begins for a distant glow on the horizon. In the darkness, it is unclear if others are out there on the beach, somewhere, searching too. The light might be a dim haze. It may have already pulled the foggy light into a slender arc, stretching from the Big Dipper to Cassiopeia. The beginnings of its gentle curve suggest there will
be more, maybe spectacularly more, as it develops into the depth of the night.
The emergent light results from activities on the sun, but coming in the darkness as it does seems like a message from deep in the galaxy. With the sun actually a star itself, it seems natural for the energy generating the aurora to be coming from a star. In the darkness, to find the light and its energy, one must go out into the night, away from the lights of civilization to find it, so the message from out in the universe seems all the more personal.
The sun brings light to each day, illuminating sky, land and water. But it is the sun’s wind that brings the lights to the night sky. There are three
principal players in making the aurora happen: the activity of the sun, Earth’s magnetic field and Earth’s atmosphere.
The sun is an incredible ball of hydrogen (about 91%) and helium (about 9%) and some trace metals. At the sun’s core, at extremely high temperatures (27 million degrees) are atomic particles, ions, protons and electrons moving at incredibly fast speeds. The protons have a positive charge, so under normal circumstances they repel each other. The electrons have a negative charge. They are moving incredibly fast in the sun’s core, and some of the protons are able to grab electrons briefly before losing them again, releasing flashes of light. Some
and photos by Scot Stewart
Aurora borealis featured unusual orange rays one night this fall, as viewed from McCarty’s Cove in Marquette. (Photo by Scot Stewart)
of the protons collide and a process called fusion occurs, eventually forming new helium atoms.
The creation of these new atoms releases energy in the form of more of the light and heat that Earth knows. But there is even more going on at the sun’s corona, the outer layer of the sun’s atmosphere, a layer much hotter than the sun’s surface.
Because of its high temperature, protons, electrons and other particles similar to helium atoms called alpha particles escape from the sun and sail into space in what is known as the solar wind. Now there is one more, really big act the sun puts on: coronal mass ejections, CMEs. These are huge explosions of charged material pushed out of the corona and into the solar wind.
To figure out how the sun works to produce these charged particles and send them off to the Earth’s atmosphere requires a major physics course including more than a semester’s worth of terminology. So an effort will be made here to break it down into some (hopefully) simpler language.
CMEs are more common during peaks in the most active part of an 11year solar cycle. This cycle needs an
entire circle of events just to explain. The cycle goes all the way back to the sun’s core.
The heat of the sun’s core, this belly full of hot energy and its 27 million degrees, creates a great deal of move-
This display of the aurora over Lake Superior featured small rays. (Photo by Scot Stewart)
ment of plasma, highly charged protons, electrons and other particles.
Plasma is the fourth state of matter. Earth’s temperatures serve up matter in the three well-known states: solid, liquid and gas. Plasma is a fourth state, where matter is super-heated and the electrons are stripped from the atoms.
In the sun’s center, this movement from the interaction between electrons and protons creates an electric current, the source of a magnetic field. This electric current is not unlike the movement of those little guys running through a copper wire from an electrical outlet to the refrigerator. This current produces a dynamo, the mechanism that produces an electromagnetic field within the sun.
The sun goes through an 11-year cycle as the field changes, creating gaps marked on the surface of the sun called sunspots. As the magnetic field gets tangled on the sun’s surface, heat is blocked from reaching the photosphere and the sun’s surface cools there.
This is where sunspots form and become more common as the sun’s cycle moves toward a solar maximum period. At its conclusion, the polarity of the sun flips; north and south poles
“
THE MESSAGE FROM OUT IN THE UNIVERSE SEEMS ALL THE MORE PERSONAL.
of energy. The energy is in the form of light, X-rays and gamma rays (energy like the kind released from radioactive materials). When solar flares occur, the release of energy travels at the speed of light. The energy from solar flares reaches the Earth in eight minutes.
CMEs are different. They release huge clouds of plasma (remember protons and electrons) and magnetic field in large quantities that take anywhere from 15 hours to several days. These coronal mass ejections are the events responsible for the aurora.
“The northern cheek of the heavens, By a sudden glory kissed, Blushed to the tint of roses, And hid in an amber mist, And through the northern pathway, Trailing her robe of flame, The queenly Borealis In her dazzling beauty came!”
—Mary Riley Smith
day so far. Since May, there have been three truly memorable nights of the aurora borealis in the contiguous 48 states and many additional smaller events.
This past October saw the best aurora in the last 20 years. What has made this year different is the development of many more sources of information available to the public to hear about current CMEs and the chances they will produce the aurora. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, spaceweather. com and a number of aurora chaser sites provide regular updates on current solar activity and predictions of upcoming auroral events.
reverse polarities, and the activity on the sun fades to its solar minimum. It is from these sunspots that several solar events occur. The first are solar flares — brief explosions on the sun’s surface releasing a quick burst
This is where the dazzling sky comes into the picture. Currently there is a huge amount of sunspot activity on the sun. The sun’s activity is near its peak — the solar maximum — and the current year has seen sunspots present on the surface every
The first two also provide maps of each hemisphere showing where the current aurora has a probability of being seen once it gets dark. Like maps of precipitation, the aurora is shown in green, but as its probability increases, the color depiction changes to yellow, orange and then red. On the night of Oct. 11, the map was an intense red for most of our area.
Local news also carried information of the night’s potential. Plenty heard about it, and once it got dark, they headed outside to see what the talk was all about.
“Amid the majesty of night, What splendid vision strikes my eyes, In glory bursting on the sight, Forth from the northern skies?”
—Stephen Greenleaf Bulfinch
Now it’s back to the sun to find out what it is sending to Earth in those CMEs. They are huge explosions on the surface of the sun, but factor in their arrival here in several ways. First, their sunspot source must be aimed in the direction of Earth.
The sun rotates on its axis but differently than Earth does. Because it is full of plasma, it spins faster at its equator (once every 24 days) than at its poles (once every 30 days). It was through observations of sunspots that this discovery was made. So it is possible for any sunspot to potentially deliver the goods to produce an auroral display, given the right time for a CME.
That’s the second part of the formula — timing. Typically it is about three to four days for the contents of the CME to reach Earth’s magne-
tosphere, a protective comet-shaped magnetic field diverting most of the solar wind with its solar radiation away from the planet.
The CME then sends a shock wave
through this protective shield, distorting it and eventually making way for its entry into Earth’s atmosphere.
That’s when the excitement begins (finally!). Those protons and electrons
are not able to actually slip in through the magnetosphere but need to come in through the backdoor, in a geomagnetic storm.
On the backside of Earth (what
This image of the aurora over Partridge Island in 1997 features a glimpse of Comet Hale-Bopp. (Photo by Scot Stewart)
looks like the tail of the comet of the magnetosphere), gaps are created in the electromagnetic field where these subatomic particles reach the ionosphere layer of the atmosphere.
Earth’s magnetic field, created by its own dynamo, the molten core spinning in its deep insides, curves around the Earth, descending into the poles. It looks like the illustration of the magnetic field of a magnet. This field draws the electrons and protons toward the Earth’s poles and is why the best views of the aurora are there.
Protons strike gas molecules in the upper atmosphere but only produce faint light that is difficult to see with the unaided eye. Electrons from the plasma are the primary architects of the northern lights.
In recent research reported by the Department of Energy, electrons entering Earth’s atmosphere are able to “surf” or be carried along by Alfven energy waves created in the Earth’s own plasma.
These electrons pick up extra energy, like a surfer on a wave, and as they strike oxygen and nitrogen molecules in the atmosphere, they temporarily displace other electrons in the molecules. When the molecules regain their electron alignment, light is produced — specifically, where we live, the northern lights.
When lower-energy electrons strike oxygen molecules at higher altitudes, red lights are produced. The most energetic electrons produce green light with their collisions with oxygen at lower levels. Medium-energy elec-
trons hitting oxygen can produce rarer orange light, a mixture of red and green in middle levels of the atmosphere. Purple comes from the effects of electrons striking nitrogen, often at dusk and sunrise when the nitrogen molecules are further excited by early photons (light energy) from the sun.
“The only thing more exciting than experiencing the aurora borealis is to experience it with friends, whooping and hollering.”
—Young Kim
The term aurora borealis was coined by Galileo in 1619. It came from the Roman name Aurora, the goddess of the dawn, and the Greek Boreas, the god of the north. In the Northern Hemisphere, the phenomenon is called the aurora borealis. In the Southern Hemisphere, it’s the aurora australis.
For those in the Upper Peninsula, finding the right place to watch them is always a challenge. With the advances in predictions, it is possible to know what nights might be best to look for them. Knowing when they will start, though, is an immediate challenge. Because their arrival is not set by regularly scheduled CMEs, they can be predicted within a few hours, but actual times are not certain. How long they will last is not a sure thing, either. On strong nights, they can cycle through a number of stages. They usually begin with a faint haze on the northern or northwestern horizon. Slowly that haze seems to condense
Answers for the crossword puzzle on page 13
into an arc and may contain a few rays that eventually turn into a series that can start to ripple across the northern and into the northeastern sky.
This can become a magnificent curtain and on a good night can last several hours. A curtain may have a huge bright spike in it indicating a line in the Earth’s magnetic field. Some of the rays may shoot upward and form a vortex of twisted rays directly overhead.
Eventually the light may begin to fade and can turn into a pulsing pattern dancing all over the sky. On the most spectacular nights, the curtains may run across the entire sky, like a huge blanket, leaving just a strip around the horizon. On those nights, they may fade, then fire up again several hours later, continuing most of the night. For those who can cuddle under a huge blanket on a comfortable lawn chair, it is a night to remember, especially if there is no work to attend to in the morning.
Finding a dark place without street, house or car lights is really helpful for seeing the best of the aurora, especially on nights when the show is not quite so bright.
The Lake Superior shoreline is great because it is dark out over the water. Places out in the woods away from buildings work well, too. And for photographers, finding interesting foregrounds, places with reflective water, trees with interesting tops, islands, hilltops and mountaintops are all good.
Those camping often like to put a light in a tent in the foreground to provide that sense of place. A small flashlight is a big plus for navigating and
making adjustments without needing eyes to make big readjustments to the dark. Dressing warm is good, too, for staying out for longer shows as the night cools off.
“Aurora had but newly chased the night, And purpled o’er the sky with blushing light.”
—John Dryden
Observersare often amazed to see how much brighter the aurora appears on their phone or camera than with their eyes. The aurora may look white at first glance, but it is the eye’s reaction to the dim light. On those nights, usually a pale green will prevail. Digital equipment is more sensitive to both the strength and color wavelengths of the aurora.
For those with phones, it is usually a simple snap of the camera, although some require an adjustment to the settings to be more sensitive to the lower light levels. The exposure is then automatic. A quick click of the camera on a phone can be the first check to see whether the lights are starting at night.
For photographers with digital SLR cameras, it might require a number of adjustments starting with the ISO or light sensitivity. Usually, settings between 2000 and 3200 are a good place to start, but it can be a wide range if the lights are really dim or bright. White balance for some cameras works best at the automatic setting to get the colors closest to the greens, reds and purples. Since most photographers concentrate on the sky, a focus setting at or near infinity works.
This aurora display at dawn one day in 2015 featured appearances by the moon and Venus, at right. (Photo by Scot Stewart)
Shutter speeds should be less than 10 seconds if the photographer wants to keep the stars sharp as pinpoints. For cameras, a tripod or other way to keep the camera still is important to avoid signs of jiggles.
Because patterns, intensities and colors can change quickly, and digital images can be deleted, a steady stream of shots can not only provide a variety of images but also allow for adjustments throughout the evening to follow the best parts of the aurora and get the exposure and colors just right.
“Some believe that whistling and making other sounds at the aurora will either cause it to become more active, use it as a way to speak to their ancestors or even that the aurora will come down and take their heads off, thus making them observe it in silence and awe.”
—Andy Long
Brightgreen shimmering curtains illuminating the nighttime sky have instilled a sense of awe in peoples of the extreme north of Europe, Russia and the northern parts of North America. This fall has provided an opportunity for many more to experience the amazing phenomenon of this solar charge of energy.
In the words of Molly Larkin, “When I look at the northern lights … I see our ancestors dancing around a sacred fire, lighting the way for us when it’s time for us to cross over from this physical world and join them.”
Early peoples had a wide variety of
explanations for the aurora. Stories are described on a great page, space.com/ aurora-northern-lights-myths-legends-misconceptions. They ranged from spirits sent to retrieve fallen warriors, to the breath of fallen warriors. The Cree had the idea that the departed were attempting to communicate with the living, and the Algonquins believed they were the creator’s fire to remind them he was watching over them.
Some ideas involved animals. The people of Nunivak Island believed aurora was the spirits of walruses playing a game with a human skull. A Finnish myth stated the aurora was the result of a fox running so fast across the snow it gave off sparks, setting the sky on fire. The Finnish word for aurora is revontulet, its source being “fire fox.”
Auroras are not limited to Earth. What may come as a bit of a surprise is the presence of aurora displays on other planets. Saturn and Jupiter have bright displays around their poles, but they are bluish-white due to the presence of hydrogen in their atmospheres.
On Mars, the auroras are even more amazing. Because of the limited amount of gas in the atmosphere, the auroras are difficult to detect. On occasion, however, when solar activity is very high, Mars experiences global auroras that cover the entire planet. Rare, three did appear last February as reported on spaceweather.com. What makes these aurora even more difficult to observe is the fact they consist of ultraviolet light. In
Partridge Island in Lake Superior again provides a fitting foreground for a vibrant aurora show. (Photo by Scot Stewart)
Reflective water and objects such as trees and islands provide contrast for photographers attempting to capture aurora displays. (Photo by Scot Stewart)
addition, they were only discovered in 2016, when NASA’s Maven spacecraft, with UV imaging instruments, recorded the phenomena.
The Max Planck Institute reports the auroras on Mercury are produced from X-rays and are not visible to the unaided eye. The spacecraft BepiColombo, a joint effort of the European Space Agency and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, was sent to Mercury to collect data about this, the planet closest to the sun. It made the discovery of its unusual displays.
Venus has the densest atmosphere of all the planets in the solar system but has no magnetic field. Despite this, Venus does have an aurora that wraps around the entire globe and may occur as flashes of light seen on the planet. Uranus and Neptune also have very faint auroras believed to be interactions between the solar wind and their magnetic fields.
“The sight filled the northern sky; the immensity of it was scarcely conceivable. As if from Heaven itself, great curtains of delicate light hung and trembled. Pale green and rose-pink, and as transparent as the most fragile fabric, and at the bottom edge a profound fiery crimson like the fires of Hell, they swung and shimmered loosely with more grace than the most skillful dancer.”
—Philip Pullman
Life in northern latitudes comes with its own challenges — but with no hurricanes, few tornadoes and
no huge earthquakes to rustle feathers. The north offers colder temperatures, snow, blizzards, mosquitoes and black flies, but it comes with much wonder.
The changing seasons, blueberries, bogs, clearer, cleaner (and darker) skies and clean water, fewer people and the aurora borealis are definitely the treasures bestowed on those who tread lightly upon its land. To be blessed with land filled with natural history treasures through all four seasons and day and night is a true gift.
“Oh, it was wild and weird and wan, and ever in camp o’ nights We would watch and watch the silver dance of the mystic Northern Lights. And soft they danced from the Polar sky and swept in primrose haze; And swift they pranced with their silver feet, and pierced with a blinding blaze. They danced a cotillion in the sky; they were rose and silver shod; It was not good for the eyes of man — ’Twas a sight for the eyes of God.”
—Robert Service
May it always be a special experience for humanity as well, especially poles apart in the far north and the far south.
MM
Scot Stewart is an educator, writer and photographer with an inherent love of the natural world. He is active with the MooseWood Nature Center at Presque Isle Park in Marquette.
In a Ghostly Cat Glow of Green Christmas Tree Lights poetry
By Russell Thorburn
The late movie glows in the green from the large console losing control horizontally. A seven-year-old boy occupies floor space near the saddle-shaped feet of a great aunt wearing blue fur like an ancient cat, but is unable to slink away on unsteady legs to her rapt contemplation of the world.
There are powder puffs and jars in my mother’s room, her lonely temple where she keeps a much younger face, and her hair is black in old photographs.
Detroit was where we picked up my grandmother as a hostage on Christmas Eve, and I bided my time before anyone decided the night of cigarettes and smoky reverie was complete. In the cramped kitchen with a small table, not large enough for anything but to sit and drink, my mother holds her highball. I am a stranger all dressed up for the evening, a glance at this boy she barely recognizes, a turn of her delicate Welsh face with the arching Roman nose of her kin— and it’s this beautiful woman in a dress she sewed herself that startles me, her slender figure of a sophisticate, who’s letting herself go among the wild animals of her husband’s relatives. Each lit cigarette expels more smoke; desperate to leave, I pull on my mother’s arm: escape is sleep, and tomorrow morning will come when I wake up or don’t see my father escorting grandmother to his car. His pork pie hat tipped to one side, a parrot’s green feather stuck in its rim and his freshly shaved skin glistening in the night’s glow. My grandmother kisses anyone who moves into view; her warm body wearing a squirrel fur I will have to sit next to in the long car ride home from Detroit.
Russell Thorburn lives in the Upper Peninsula. The first poet laureate for the U.P. in 2013 and a recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship, he has published five books of poetry, including “Let It Be Told in a Single Breath,” Cornerstone Press, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. He is an independent manuscript editor and consultant whose clients have published books in the U.S. and Canada.
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.
on campus
Schultz gives $1 million to NMU
Inspired by his recent visit to Northern Michigan University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in communications in 1975, Starbucks chairman emeritus and former CEO Howard Schultz and his wife, Sheri Kersch-Schultz, have announced a $1 million gift to NMU through their Schultz Family Foundation. The funding will support scholarships for first-generation students and Wildcat athletics initiatives to promote student-athlete success.
Howard was a first-generation student when he enrolled at NMU on a football scholarship. Growing up in a housing project in Brooklyn, New York, and witnessing his parents’ struggles were meaningful motivators for his career achievements following graduation, and for his family’s philanthropic commitment.
The Schultz Family Foundation invests in innovative solutions to create opportunity — accessible to all — so that every young adult, regardless of their upbringing, can realize their full potential.
“Northern Michigan University transformed a young man from humble beginnings into a confident and ambitious entrepreneur,” Schultz said. “The entire NMU community shaped who I am today and inspired me to create a company and global brand that prioritizes its people. These values were instilled in me throughout my life, particularly during my time at Northern. I hope this gift inspires the next generation to achieve remarkable
things while along the way taking care of the people and communities that took care of them.”
NMU President Brock Tessman invited a small group of NMU alumni and friends to campus in October to
learn more about the university’s new strategic plan, Our Compass. During his visit, Schultz hosted a “fireside chat” with students to share his NMU experience, address topics such as leadership and entrepreneurship and
respond to questions.
Schultz also stopped by the Starbucks in Jamrich Hall to meet with employees and customers, and toured residence halls and dining facilities. It was his first time at NMU since 1998, when he received an honorary degree and served as the keynote speaker at spring commencement.
“It was very moving to be with Howard Schultz during his return to campus and to see him connect with NMU students about the challenges and opportunities they face, and reconnect with his own Northern experience,” Tessman said. “I am sure that this gift through the Schultz Family Foundation was a direct result of the personal interactions he had on our campus. It will make a significant and positive impact on our first-generation students and student-athletes and their opportunity to earn success at Northern and after graduation. I know being able to directly support our students in their achievements deeply pleases both Howard and Sheri.”
While addressing students during the fireside chat moderated by Tessman, Schultz summarized the impact of his college experience in Marquette.
Starbucks had 11 stores and 100 employees when Schultz acquired it with local investor support in 1987. When he stepped down as both CEO and member of the board of directors in 2023, the company operated more than 36,000 stores in more than 80 countries.
Northern Quiz Bowl wins Superior Cup over Michigan Tech
Three Northern Michigan University Quiz Bowl squads visited Houghton on Nov. 16 to compete with three Michigan Tech teams for the right to claim the Superior Cup, a traveling trophy that has been presented to the winner at each meeting of the two schools since 2015. NMU’s A squad finished in first place with a 7-0 record, so the Superior Cup will remain in its trophy case in Northern’s Science Building.
“We knew going into this tournament that our friendly rivals at Tech would be tough to beat,” NMU Quiz
Bowl coach and faculty adviser Michael Joy said. “They took the Superior Cup away from us a year ago, and we only just managed to wrest it back at our spring tournament. We certainly were not taking anything for granted.”
“I was super excited to beat Tech,” NMU team president Libby Myren said. “It was a really fun tournament, and I think we represented ourselves well. Our team prepares for competition by practicing multiple times a week as a group. Two times a week, we play practice games against each other, which helps us get used to the
tournament style and lets us hear a variety of question topics. This semester, our team started doing a third practice where we improve our knowledge on specific topics by practicing lists like world capitals and classical music. I feel like our team has gotten a lot stronger this year in many different areas because of these practices.”
Quiz Bowl is sometimes referred to as the “varsity sport of the mind.” It is an academic competition in which members of two teams must quickly recall knowledge related to a wide variety of academic subjects, including
literature, history, science, geography, music, art, philosophy and others.
“I find it enjoyable because I love to learn new things and it’s impossible not to do that at practice,” Myren said. “It is very rewarding to answer a question about something you just learned about in one of your classes or from researching the topic on your own. I am also a competitive person, so I enjoy winning games with my team.”
Northern’s A squad is made up of Josh Pletcher, Jeannine Doyle, Libby Myren and Liam Ulland-Joy. MM
Northern Michigan University alumnus Howard Schultz, chairman emeritus of Starbucks, interacts with students during his visit to campus in October. Schultz recently announced a $1 million gift to the university. (Photo courtesy of NMU)
Michigan Tech launches B.S. in aerospace engineering
With the help of talented faculty, experiential opportunities and industry-guided curriculum, Huskies are ready to take to the stars. Starting in fall 2025, undergraduate students can pursue a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering at Michigan Technological University.
The program is housed in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) within the College of Engineering. The chair of the department, Distinguished Professor Jason R. Blough, is ready to welcome this first class of future aerospace engineers.
“The addition of this new degree is in recognition of the expertise of our faculty, growing research in the areas of aerospace and space technology and engineering, and a tremendous amount of student interest,” Blough said. “We are very excited to welcome our first freshman class into aerospace engineering in the fall of 2025.”
While the new bachelor’s degree is Tech’s first official aerospace engineering program, it expands on a wealth of existing aerospace engineering opportunities available to students. MAE continues to offer an undergraduate minor in aerospace engineering, and the university’s Air Force ROTC program has a minor in aerospace studies.
Michigan Tech’s Enterprise Program, a project-based experience in which undergraduate students on multidisciplinary teams work on real projects for real clients, also includes two aerospace engineering teams.
Students on the Aerospace Enterprise team work on space mission design and analysis, vehicle integration and systems engineering. The Oculus-ASR Microsatellite, one of the team’s recent spacecraft projects, was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy in 2019 to serve as an imaging calibration target for ground-based observatories tasked with characterizing spacecraft.
The Multiplanetary Innovation Enterprise team members design, test and implement robotic technologies for use in extreme environments. Additionally, a new enterprise team encompassing two student organizations — SAE Aero Design Team and the Keweenaw Rocket Range — will bring a fresh competitive angle to the university’s experiential learning opportunities.
In addition to hands-on product development, aerospace engineering students at Michigan Tech will have the opportunity to collaborate on research projects with faculty and researchers in the Space Systems research group.
The Michigan Tech Aerospace Engineering Research Center serves as a focal point and arm of support for aerospace engineering activities on campus.
The Planetary Surface Technology Development Lab develops technology solutions for surface exploration of the moon, Mars and beyond while training the next generation of engineers. The Ion Space Propulsion Lab involves next-generation plasma thrusters for spacecraft.
Michigan Technological University will begin offering a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering in fall 2025. (Photo courtesy of MTU)
fiction
Lady on the Lakeshore
By Elizabeth Fust
There once was an old woman who lived by the Lake. Of course she had been a little girl once, a long, long time ago, so long surely that no one really knows how long ago. If someone thought to ask each other how old she was, one of the locals, over a cup of black coffee and plate of eggs and bacon at the restaurant on the corner, might laugh and say she’s older than the town. The librarian at the next table over, as she spread blackberry jam on rye toast, might chuckle and say the old woman was in fact one of the first students at the one-room schoolhouse in town.
She’d seen it in the microfilm archives recently. The old woman’s family had one of the first parcels at the post office even, someone could add, but no one would, because no one would remember this fact.
What makes a town a town? The schoolhouse? The restaurant on the corner? No. It’s the post office. One place where you could see row by row of P.O. boxes a collection of neighbors. So it wasn’t really the post office that made a town, it was the gathering of neighbors, which the post office represented, that made a town a town. And this town’s post office had come and then gone, like so many, when towns become ghost
towns or those shades of towns who acquiesce to exist in the shadows of their more metropolitan neighbors. So though it was recalled that this old woman was one of the first students, no one would remember that she and her family had one of the first P.O. boxes. And anyway, those restauranton-the-corner conversations never stay on one topic too long, just long enough to spread gossip but not uncover secrets.
In this particular town on the Lake, before there had been a post office or one-room schoolhouse or library or restaurant on the corner or any town or logging camp at all, there had been a lighthouse. A lighthouse that
in one storm had burned out, snuffing out the fresnel light, the beacon heart of the lighthouse. A lighthouse with shattered windows now just an open turret over the passing of seasons. The old woman who lived on the lakeshore was the lightkeeper’s daughter, and she had decided her life’s mission was to bring back some light to life in the silent lake tower. The town would come and grow and go around her; meanwhile she watched the come and go of the tide and what it brought. A means to mend what had been broken. A better way to cast a greater light.
There was an old woman who lived on the lakeshore, who did not
Illustration by Brad Gischia
stop for coffee at the restaurant on the corner like her neighbors. Those same neighbors on their way to their breakfasts would instead see her on the walk by the beach, making the long trek home to the wild peninsula where they knew she had a cottage. They wished she would join them. She wished they would invite her. But on they would both walk, on to a day of toil or leisure or whatever was in store.
As life moved on carrying back and forth along the lakeside avenue, often many folks would wonder what lay beyond the bend in the drive of her wild peninsula, but they carried forward and no one thought to wander up the drive and the little cobbled walk and knock on her front door, so no one saw the welcome sign hung there. No neighbor was ever there to accept the extra zucchini the old woman grew to share and never had the chance to. If someone had stopped by, in addition to zucchini and thimbleberry jam, they would have seen what she had spent her life working toward.
Beach walks and avenues and private drives are all two-way corridors. Invites are meant to be received as much as given. Life is a pendulum of giving and receiving. The tide comes and goes, it takes away sandcastles, and deposits treasures in their place. But physics and laws of nature are much easier than human nature. So the shy lady on the lakeshore worked and waited and did not give what she found herself too scared to offer, and the neighbors assumed the old woman had assumptions about them and hence secluded herself away. Communication, like other corridors, requires going to and fro.
Storms come and go, and the locals thought the old woman had a gift for reading the weather as she would be out at the beach mere minutes before the storm would cease. By the time the neighbors had gotten on their galoshes, the old lady would be gone again, whatever she had been about on the shore completed in solitude.
Winters come and go. While the neighbors had their galoshes still tucked away waiting for fool’s spring to be over, the old woman would be out on the muddy beach drifts, taking little treasures, and leaving tracks, and sometimes little snowmen that melted before anyone was there to see them.
As the sun and moon cycle forward the days, the old woman would be out on the lakeshore under both their lights. As constellations spun
away the seasons, they would see her making her way to and from the shore, even if her neighbors didn’t see this at all.
The Lake was her companion in conversation, and they told each other stories that the old woman repeated to her gardens and the wild thimbleberries on her peninsula. She would like to share these tales with her neighbors as well, but finding the ribbon of story tying her tongue, she would instead only offer a silent smile and bob of the head as she and her neighbors passed along the road. She wrote the Lake’s stories down instead.
She took this ribbon and used it to paint her life with the Lake’s stories, of which her family in their lighthouse had been but one chapter. If you wandered up her drive, you would see this ribbon swirl through her garden, and down the paths to wild berries, and if you looked up you would see the ribbon wrap the storm-wrecked lighthouse turret. But perhaps you would not choose to wander there, like none of her neighbors did. Finding these ribbons bound within her trepidation, the old woman did not spin them out for her neighbors. Their lives had not yet been painted with the Lake’s stories. There are certain stories nature tells that are hard not to pay attention to. The sun on its cycle has fits of storytelling, and flares ribbons of itself that cast lights dancing across our skies. This happened one day over the Lake, and many gathered on the lakeshore on either side of the old woman’s wild rock cropped peninsula so that they could see the aurora story the sun had to tell. But as it often happens, thick clouds blocked the skies. Still the locals and neighbors waited, the clouds might part in time, they hoped.
They hoped, and they waited, in darkness.
“Look!” went out a cry.
All along the lakeshore were gasps and cries of awe, some may even have cried because these lights were like nothing else seen before, these dancing painted ribbons twisting across the Lake sky.
The lights swooped away. Then back. Then again they bowed into darkness and leaped back in force against the black canvas of the cloudy night sky. A ribbon across the water and the sky there then gone in a rhythm all its own, lights between the Lake and the clouds, dancing a ribbon of story for those on the shore.
The light watchers rushed to the peninsula and down the private drive, then knocked on the door of the
lighthouse cottage, just beneath the sign carved with welcome.
“Come in, come in, and see.” The old woman beckoned, and they followed her.
Together they went round and round and up and up the turret to see the windows no longer broken. For where the Lake’s storm had once smashed away the lighthouse’s panes of glass and cracked the fresnel light, all had been repaired. A new fresnel light was in place, each flash it beamed a beat of the lighthouse’s heart. Waves and ripples of that glass heart presented like a frozen moment of the Lake where a pebble splashes. From those glass waves the beating light reflected and refracted, casting its glow through the new lighthouse window panes — the cause of the night’s aurora.
Each pane shone — one blue, one green, here dusty rosy salmon, there yellowed orange, spun through with ripples of color in deliberate curlicues. Shards of pure lake glass, broken by waves and smoothed by time, then patiently joined and crafted together into a new whole. A living prism built by the Lake and those who lived on the lakeshore.
And as the clouds parted and the aurora borealis intertwined with the colors cast from the lighthouse, the old woman spun her story to her neighbors.
alongside her zucchini and thimbleberries, the harvest of the town on the Lake. She would go up and up and round and round the turret stairs and piece by piece place the lake glass in the hollowed windows that the Lake storm had laid bare for her in which to weave her colored glass story.
The ribbons of light danced all night until the moon bowed out to the sun, when the aurora slipped away and the lighthouse was set to rest — just for the day.
The night had been filled with stories back and forth, of the Lake and the schoolhouse. Stories were followed by invitations that came to and fro. As the neighbors left, some even took the offered zucchini and stayed for thimbleberry jam on toast with coffee.
“What will you pick up now that you don’t need the lake glass anymore?” a child asked.
“Stories,” she said, in her quiet voice, colored by a blush and downcast eyes with thimbleberry-painted lips in a tentative smile. “I think there are more stories out there to be gathered.”
There once had been a lighthouse on a rocky peninsula where there lived the keeper, his wife, and their daughter. There was no town, no post office, no one-room schoolhouse, no restaurant on the corner. But they were happy there, with their stories and gardens and berry patches, and of course their Lake and lakeshore. But one day the Lake raged with rain and hail and snow and a tide of waves that ripped at the peninsula. The Lake’s rage cracked through the win-
dows and smashed the fresnel light. What she didn’t say was that still, even without this light, the family had their stories and gardens and thimbleberries and the Lake — their Lake and lakeshore. The town grew up around the wild peninsula. The lightkeeper went to the new post office and opened a P.O. box, his first letter to the United States Coast Guard to tell them about the lighthouse’s fate. The girl who lived on the lakeshore started going to the one-room schoolhouse and sat quiet around the children who had been brought in on the new railroad, who
had stories of cities and camps unlike anything she had ever known, and she felt like she had no such stories to share in return. On her way home from the schoolhouse, she would walk along the lakeshore, picking up lake glass, swept there from the town as it grew. She would climb the rocks of the peninsula at the base of the lighthouse turret and think of all the stories the town contained, and think of the story she would like to make. Before and after every school day and workday and garden day and berry picking day she would gather lake glass and put it in a woven basket
The next morning, that is the day after as the entire town had been out far too late, or early, by anyone’s standards, a stranger climbed the lakeshore path and up to the restaurant on the corner. It was the old woman, ready to hear the stories her neighbors had to share, and tell them the stories she had heard on the lakeshore. MM
Elizabeth Fust has a bachelor’s in writing from NMU. Although not a native Yooper, she refuses to leave the place. She is a self-published children’s book author and frequent short story contributor to the U.P. Reader. Follow Elizabeth’s writing on Facebook and Instagram at Elizabeth Fust Books.
Illustration by Brad Gischia
spirit of water
Pristine resources: A reality check
Editor’s note: This article is the fourth in a series by the Interfaith 2024-25 Water Steward Initiative, a collaboration with local municipalities and Native American tribes to protect and preserve the quality of our accessible drinking water. A part of this initiative, alongside efforts here in Michigan, is assisting in establishing a village well in Tanzania and a community well in Cambodia. Visit cedartreeinstitute.org for more information.
By Chuck Thomas
Often the word “pristine” is used in association with the natural resources of the Upper Peninsula. But what does “pristine” truly signify? Is it an accurate reflection of the current state of our water resources, or are we wistfully remembering how it was long ago?
Have we been good stewards of the great gift of the wonderful and abundant fresh water we see around us and rely upon for our life-sustaining drinking water?
Water is revered and considered holy by many of the world’s great religions. The average adult is about 60% water, making it integral to human existence. Water has unique properties that impact all life. One property is its unusually high heat capacity, which means it requires a significant amount of energy to alter its temperature. This characteristic helps keep the Great Lakes relatively stable — warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Additionally, water is one of the few substances where its solid form (ice) is less dense than its liquid form, which allows ice to float. This floating ice acts as an insulating barrier, protecting aquatic life from the harsh cold above. Intermolecular bonds between water molecules allow for cohesion and adhesion, which is the force behind water’s transportation through the capillaries of plants and trees. The common phrase “water is the universal solvent” means it can dissolve and transport numerous chemicals,
The Spirit of Water Health, Hope & Healing
including those necessary for life. All these properties make water uniquely perfect to sustain life on earth.
However, water’s role as a universal solvent also means it can carry harmful substances. Despite the Upper Peninsula’s abundant water resources, we face contamination issues created by our neglect. Pollutants from manufacturing, agricultural runoff and improper waste disposal threaten our water.
A recent significant concern is “forever chemicals,” or PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These chemicals, used extensively in industrial processes, break down very slowly, leading to long-term environmental contamination. In the Upper Peninsula, locations where PFAS-containing fire retardant foams were used, such as airports and military bases, have been identified as major contamination points. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, or EGLE, has detected PFAS in surface water, public water supplies and private wells throughout the state, including several Upper Peninsula locations.
There are multiple locations in the Upper Peninsula where the groundwater resource has been contaminated by volatile organic compounds — VOCs — from industrial activities, landfill runoff, leaking underground storage tanks and chemical spills. In all 15 Upper Peninsula counties, there have been public or private drinking water wells contaminated by VOCs.
Naturally occurring contaminants also affect water quality. Groundwater from certain sandstone bedrock formations in the counties along Lake Superior may contain uranium. Radium can be found in water from deeper wells in areas of Alger, Delta and Menominee counties. There is an area
of Houghton County where naturally occurring fluoride exists in groundwater at concentrations exceeding health advisory levels.
Upper Peninsula surface waters have been impacted by atmospheric deposition of mercury, leading to fish consumption health advisories. And, if not addressed through remediation processes, most contaminated groundwater will eventually flow from the underground aquifer into nearby surface water.
Water in the Upper Peninsula is plentiful yet finite and precious. Water is water, whether in a snowdrift or sauna steam, in our bodies or in a river; it returns to the earth and sky and is recycled for use again. What can we do as water stewards? We recognize that if everyone pollutes even just a little, it accumulates to a big problem. Conversely, if everyone steps up just a little, it can collectively lead to substantial improvements.
We can make a difference by supporting policies and laws that safeguard water quality. We can join citizen groups that advocate against harmful industrial practices that affect water quality. Engaging in com-
munity clean-up events, such as river clean-ups or tree plantings, can help preserve and restore our water resources. Every action, no matter how small, contributes to a larger effort to protect the water resources.
Reflecting on lyrics by the band Cloud Cult — “All you need to know is you were born of water, you are made of water, you are living water” — we are reminded that water is not just a resource but a fundamental aspect of our existence. As we move forward, let us honor this gift by committing to the sustainable protection of the waters in the Upper Peninsula.
MM
Chuck Thomas turned a degree from Michigan Tech into a 38-year-long career as a licensed professional geologist with expertise in groundwater issues, drinking water supply and the Upper Peninsula’s geology. He worked on groundwater-related programs in the private and public sectors and served as the U.P. district supervisor for the State of Michigan’s public drinking water supply program.
The Interfaith Water Stewards Initiative works to celebrate — and protect — the joy of pure water. (Photo courtesy of the Cedar Tree Institute)
out & about
Out & About is a free listing of Upper Peninsula events. Events included must cost $25 or less (except fundraisers).
All events are free and in Eastern time unless noted. We print information sent to us by a wide variety of people and organizations. It pays to double check the date, time, place and cost before heading out.
E-mail your January events by Tuesday, December 10 to: calendar@marquettemonthly.com.
end of november events
27 WEDNESDAY sunrise 8:08 a.m.; sunset 5:06 p.m.
Ishpeming
• Aspen Ridge Playgroup. Children and their caregivers can enjoy free play, circle time, crafts and activities, and snacks. 10 a.m. Aspen Ridge School, 350 Aspen Ridge School Rd. 906-485-3178, ext. 1104 or 1105.
• Popcorn and a Movie for Adults. The 2024 film “The Fall Guy” (Rated
PG-13) will be screened for adults. Free popcorn will be provided. 4:30 p.m. Community room, Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 319 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary. info.
Marquette
• Adult Nonfiction Book Group. This month’s selection will be “The Glass Universe” by Dava Sobel. 2 p.m. Conference Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4311 or refdesk@pwpl.info.
Negaunee
• All Booked Up: On Air. Elizabeth Peterson and Tia Trudgeon, of WLUCTV6’s “Upper Michigan Today,” along
- Saturday, the. 7th: Mt. Bohemia Season Pass Party 6 p.m..
- Tuesday, the 10th: Euchre. 7 p.m.
- Friday, the 13th: The Palestras.7 p.m.
- Saturday, the 14th: Outlaw’D. 9 p.m.
- Sunday, the 15th: Christmas Movie Trivia. 6 p.m.
- Tuesday, the 17th: Euchre. 7 p.m.
- Tuesday, the 17th: Beer Choir Marquette: Christmas Edition. 7 to 9 p.m.
- Saturday, the 21st: The Make-Believe Spurs. 6 p.m.
- Tuesday, the 31st: Music to be determined. All shows are free unless noted. 114 W. Spring St. 906-228-8888 or oredockbrewing.com.
• Superior Culture.
- Tuesdays: Open Mic night. 8 to 10 p.m. 717 Third Street. 906-273-0927 or superiorculturemqt.com.
Negaunee
• Negaunee Eagles Aerie #1944.
- Friday, Dec. 6: Danny Collins.
- Tuesday, the 31st: Union Pacific Band Reunion. 311 Iron St. 906-475-9584.
• Upper Peninsula Brewing Company.
- Saturday, Nov. 30: Jakey Thomas, 7 p.m.
- Friday, Dec.6: Sami Brown. 7 p.m., 342 Rail St. upperpeninsulabrewingcompanyy. com
Republic
• Pine Grove Bar.
- Friday, Dec. 6: Derrell Syria Project.
- Saturday, the 7th: Chad Borgen and the Collective.
- Friday, the 13th: Matthew Byce.
- Saturday, the 14th: No Expectations.
- Friday, the 20th: One Human Band.
- Saturday, the 21st: Ugly Sweater Party with SPUN.
- Friday, the 27th: Whiskey Ryan.
- Saturday, the 28th: Polar Blues Band.
- Tuesday, the 31st: New Year’s Eve Bash with Diversion.
286 Front St. 906-376-2234. MM
Sami Brown | Dec. 6 / Upper Peninsula Brewing Company, Negaunee
with Peter White Public Library staff, will host an on-air, in-person book discussion of “The Wandering Stars” by Tommy Orange. 9 a.m. WLUC-TV6 Studio, 177 US-41 E. 906-226-4322 or pwpl.info.
• 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.
• “Come Write In” Writing Session. Aspiring authors can bring their laptop or use a public computer to write in a peaceful environment. Librarians will be available to help with research and refreshments will be provided. 4 to 7 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18 or facebook.com/NegauneePublicLibrary.
28 THURSDAY
Thanksgiving
Hancock
• Turkey Trot. Participants will meet at the front lobby of U.P. Health System - Portage to register. Snacks and refreshments will be available following the race. 9 a.m. UP Health System – Portage, 500 Campus Dr. eventbrite.com.
Ishpeming
• IshpeTurkey Trot. Walk or run the 5k course on the Heritage Trail. Leashed dogs welcome. Proceeeds benefit Hematite Power Packs. $15. 9 a.m. Ishpeming High School, 319 E. Division St. ishpeturkey.com.
Marquette
• Turkey Trot. Walkers and runners are invited for this annual event. The walking course is 5k, and runners can choose between the 5k or 10k course. Leashed dogs welcome. Proceeeds benefit the MSHS Orchestra. $10. 9 a.m. Marquette Senior High School, Canopy Entrance, 1203 W. Fair Ave. runsignup.com.
• Holiday Lasers on the Ore Dock. Local history will merge with modern technology in a laser light display on the north side of the iconic Lower Harbor ore dock. Presented by Travel Marquette. 6 p.m. Marquette Lower Harbor. 906-228-7749 or travelmarquette.com.
29 FRIDAY
sunrise 8:11 a.m.; sunset 5:05 p.m.
Gladstone
• Old Fashioned Christmas. Visit downtown for the annual tree lighting, followed by activities and treats at downtown businesses. 5:30 to 8 p.m. deltami.org.
Marquette
• Holiday Lasers on the Ore Dock. Local history will merge with modern technology in a laser light display on the north side of the iconic Lower Harbor ore dock. Presented by Travel Marquette. 6 p.m. Marquette Lower Harbor. 906-228-7749 or travelmarquette.com.
30 SATURDAY
p.m.
Caspian
• Shop Small Saturday and Craft Fair. Holiday shoppers can find unique gifts from local crafters as well as the museum gift shop and purchase basket raffle tickets. There will also be seasonal music, refreshments and dozens of decorated Christmas trees. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cultural Center, Iron County Museum, 100 Brady Ave. 906-2652617 or ironcountymuseum.org.
Curtis
• Holiday Gala “Deck the Walls!” Fundraising Event. This silent auction fundraiser will feature handcrafted holiday decor and gifts, a cash bar and appetizers. In advance, $20; at the door, $25. 5 to 8 p.m. Upper level, Erickson Center for the Arts, N9224 Saw-Wa-Quato St. 906-586-9974 or MyNorthTickets.com.
Gwinn
• Christmas Craft Show. Crafts, baked goods and concessions will be available for purchase. Hosted by the St. Anthony’s Youth Group. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. St. Anthony’s Church, 280 Boulder St.
Houghton
• Home for the Holidays: Annual Gift Market. This unique holiday gift market will feature high-quality, handcrafted items. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lobby, Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts, MTU. events.mtu.edu.
Lake Linden
• Craft and Food Bazaar. Local vendors will sell a variety of goods and foods. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. St. Joseph Church, 701 Calumet St. 906-790-7798.
Marquette
Curtis
• Curtis Aglow Parade. Following the parade, visitors can enjoy hot chocolate and a visit with Santa Claus at the Erickson Center for the Arts, N9224 Saw-Wa-Quato St. Parade begins at dusk.
• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. Lessons, 10 a.m. Games, 11:30 a.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod.com.
• Holiday Lasers on the Ore Dock. Local history will merge with modern
technology in a laser light display on the north side of the iconic Lower Harbor ore dock. Presented by Travel Marquette. 6 p.m. Marquette Lower Harbor. 906-228-7749 or travelmarquette.com.
december events
01 SUNDAY
sunrise 8:13 a.m.; sunset 5:04 p.m.
Escanaba
• Bay de Noc Choral Society Christmas Concert. The concert is titled “Make We Joy.” A free will offering will be accepted. 1:30 p.m. Bethany Lutheran Church, 202 S. 11th St. deltami.org.
Gwinn
• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This annual drive-thru light show will feature more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. Daily through December 25. 5:30 to 11 p.m.
950 E. Girl Scout Ln.
Little Lake
• Bingo. A concession stand will be available. Doors open, 11 a.m.; early bird games, 1:30 p.m. American Legion Post 349, 1835 E. M-35. 906-346-6000.
Marquette
• Third Annual Holiday Craft Market. More than 15 local vendors will sell handmade crafts and holiday gifts. 1 to 4 p.m. Barrel + Beam, 260 Northwoods Rd. barrelandbeam.com.
Age Disgracefully” by Clare Pooley. 11 a.m. To sign up, call 906-485-5527.
Marquette
• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 6 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod.com.
• Craft Magic Series: Felt Magic with Jody Trost. Participants will learn basic needle felting and create a handmade felted Father Christmas. Felting starter kits and wool provided; bring a small pair of scissors. 6:30 p.m. Shiras Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. To register, pwpl.info.
• The Joy of Sound Meditation. This meditation uses the sounds produced by bronze singing bowls and metallic gongs. 7 p.m. Chapel, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 201 E. Ridge St. 906-362-9934 or ckitchenmqt@gmail. com.
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, ext. 18.
03 TUESDAY
sunrise 8:15 a.m.; sunset 5:03 p.m.
Escanaba
• Tech Tuesday. Appointments or walk-ins are welcome. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906-789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.
Caspian
• Family Night. The evening will include crafts and games, visits with Santa, hot dogs and chips, and more. 5 to 7 p.m. Cultural Center, Iron County Historical and Museum Society, 100 Brady Ave. 906-265-2617 or info@ ironcountymuseum.com.
Gwinn
• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This annual drive-thru light show will feature more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. Daily through December 25. 5:30 to 11 p.m.
950 E. Girl Scout Ln.
Ishpeming
• Connected at Home: Book Club (Phone-based). The Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library and Ishpeming Senior Center are collaborating to bring a phone-based book club to people who want to participate from home. This month’s selection will be “How to
• Day of Giving Concert. The Escanaba City Band will perform a fulllength Christmas concert. In addition, several Bay College student clubs, staff and local organizations will coordinate charitable efforts to help those in need. Attendees can make a donation or bring an item, though it is not required to enjoy the concert. 7 p.m. Besse Theater, Bay College Campus. events@baycollege.edu or 906-217-4040.
Gwinn
• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This annual drive-thru light show will feature more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. Daily through December 25. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.
Ishpeming
• Tot Tuesday Storytime. Stories, songs and movement activities followed by an optional craft and playtime will be offered for toddlers and preschoolers. 11 a.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.
Marquette
• Tech Coaching for Seniors. Learn how to make your electronic devices
work with the help of retired teacher and librarian Christine Ault. Ensure your device is charged and bring passwords with you. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. To register for a 30-minute session, 906-226-4311.
• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com.
• Oil Painting, Pastels and Drawing Classes with Marlene Wood. Bring your own supplies. $20. 1 p.m. Marquette Arts and Culture Center, Lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-225-8655.
• C.S. Lewis Holidays: Andrew Lazo Presentation (Online). As a kickoff to PWPL’s C.S. Lewis Holidays programming series, Reverend Andrew Lazo, one of the world’s leading scholars on C.S. Lewis, will discuss the life and work of the creator of “The Chronicles of Narnia” via Zoom. 6:30 p.m. For online meeting information, visit pwpl. info.
• Maritime History on Tap. Jack Deo and Don Balmer will present “Our Lake Superior Trip: University of Michigan Exploring Party 1868,” featuring stereoscopic (3D) photos of the expedition’s boats, scenery of Lake Superior, iron and copper mines, and other attractions. 3D glasses will be provided. Presented by the Marquette Maritime Museum. Suggested donation, $5. 7 p.m. Ore Dock Brewing Brewing Company, 114 W. Spring St. 906-226-2006 or mqtmaritimemanager@gmail.com.
04 WEDNESDAY
8:16 a.m.; sunset 5:03 p.m.
Gwinn
• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This annual drive-thru light show will feature more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. Daily through December 25. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.
Houghton
• Memory of Color: An Artist Talk of Anne Beffel. As part of the Michigan Tech Art Series, artist and MTU Professor Anne Beffel will discuss colors and memory. Light refreshments will be served. 6 p.m. Studio G04W (Studio Here Now), Wadsworth Hall, MTU. events.mtu.edu.
Ishpeming
• Aspen Ridge Playgroup. Children and their caregivers can enjoy free play, circle time, crafts and activities, and snacks. 10 a.m. Aspen Ridge School, 350 Aspen Ridge School Rd. 906-485-3178, ext. 1104 or 1105.
• 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 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.
Marquette
• Heritage Room Book Group. This book group welcomes readers interested in a variety of contemporary fiction. This month’s selection will be “The Ski Jumpers” by Peter Geye. 10 a.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906226-4311 or pwpl.info.
• Congregate Meals for Seniors–Dine in or Curbside Pickup. Meals available to those age 60 and older and their spouses. Call to reserve a meal. $3.50 suggested donation. Noon to 1 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. 906-228-0456.
• Home School Chapter Book Discussion. Home school youth ages 11 and older will discuss “We Dream of Space” by Erin Entrada Kelly. 1 p.m. Teen Zone, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4321 or pwpl. info.
• Homeschool Winter Wonderland Experience. Homeschool families will create several decorations for a Marquette Area Homeschool Winter Wonderland Tree and enjoy Christmas and winter-themed stories. 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Youth Services and Teen Services, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.
• Teens Game On! Youth in sixth through 12th grades can drop in for video games, board games and more. 3 to 6 p.m. Teen Zone, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4321 or visit pwpl.info.
• Marquette County Quilters Association Meeting. All skill levels are invited for socialization, program events and show and tell. Yearly membership fee, $20. 6 p.m. Lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. marquettequilters.org.
• League of Women Voters of Marquette County Meeting. All interested community members are welcome. Social time, 6:30 p.m.; meeting, 6:45 p.m. Lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. lwvmqtco@gmail.com.
• NCLL: What to Do with 350 Nativities After 58 Years. Carol Margrif will share her family’s collection of nativities, using slides, video, actual sets and stories from 1966 to 2024. NCLL members, $5; non-members, $10. 6:30 p.m. Room B101, Superior Dome, NMU. 906-458-5408 or csteinha@nmu.edu.
• La Table Française. This informal conversation group will discuss various topics in French. Intended for all levels of speakers and listeners. 7 p.m. Room 2603, C.B. Hedgcock Building, NMU. 906-227-2648 or nkupper@nmu.edu.
art galleries
Calumet
• Calumet Art Center. Works by local and regional artists. Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 57055 Fifth St. 906-934-2228. calumetartcenter. com.
• Copper Country Associated Artist. Works by members and workshop participants in watercolor and oil, drawings, photography, sculpture, quilting, wood, textile, clay, glass and other media. Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 205 Fifth St. 906-337-1252 or ccaartists.org.
• Gallery on 5th. Featuring works by local and regional artists. Call or visit Facebook for up-to-date store hours. 906-299-0118 or galleryon5th.com.
• My Story Gallery at Keweenaw Storytelling Center. Presented by Real People Media, the gallery shares stories of ordinary residents through multimedia exhibits. Contact for updated hours. 215 Fifth St. 906-9342346 or realpeoplemedia.org.
Curtis
• Erickson Center for the Arts–Waterfront Gallery.
- “The Art of the Record Sleeve: A Gallery Exhibit” by Arthur Mazzola and Ed Johnson, a personal collection of more than 200 record sleeves and picture discs dating back to the late 1950s, is on display through Jan. 17, 2025.
- “Collectables as Art,” featuring collections of antique painted tin trays, fishing rods and lures, and Middle Eastern woven storage bags on loan from Scott Barr of Blaney Park Antiques, is on display through Jan. 17, 2025.
The gallery features unique work from local artists, including photography, pottery, jewelry, woodworking, paintings and more. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. N9224 Saw-Wa-Quato St. 906-5869974 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. Days and hours vary. Bay College, 2001 N. Lincoln Rd. baycollege.edu.
• East Ludington Gallery. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 1000 Ludington St. (across the street from the gallery’s previous location). 906-7860300 or eastludingtongallery.com.
• Hartwig Gallery. Featuring works by local, regional and national artists. Days and hours vary. Bay College,
2001 N. Lincoln Rd. baycollege.edu.
• William Bonifas Fine Arts Gallery.
- “Northern Exposure XXXI,” which encourages U.P. artists to create new works, is on display through the 28th in the Powers Gallery.
- “The 100 Day Project,” featuring works made by participating artists from Jan. 22 to April 30 is on display through the 28th in the Studio Gallery.Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 700 First Avenue South. 906786-3833 or bonifasarts.org.
Hancock
• Finandia Art Gallery.
- “Friends of Finland,” featuring contemporary, folk and traditional arts and crafts by Finnish and Finnish-American artists as well as Finnish-loving friends, is on display through Jan. 28, 2025, with an artist reception and awards ceremony at 6:30 p.m. on the 5th in conjunction with the Finnish Independence Day Celebration. Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Located in the Finnish American Heritage Center, 435 Quincy St. 906-487-7309 or gallery@finlandiafoundation.org.
• Kerredge Gallery. Works by local and regional artists. 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.
• Lynn Mazzoleni’s Studio and Gallery. The gallery features original artwork, high quality reproductions and home decor pieces. Open house, Saturday, Dec. 7 from 3 to 5 p.m. Days and hours vary. 116 Quincy St. lynnmazzoleni.com
• Youth Gallery. Featuring works by
local students. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Community Arts Center, 126 Quincy St. 906-482-2333 or coppercountryarts.com.
Houghton
• The Rozsa Galleries.
- “The Journey: Fall Student Art Showcase” is on display through the 3rd with an artist reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on the 3rd. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays, 1 to 8 p.m. Rozsa Center, 1400 Townsend Dr. mtu.edu/rozsa.
Manistique
• Lake Effect Community Arts Center. Monday through Saturday through the 31st, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 244 Cedar St. info@lakeeffectarts. org.
Marquette
• Art—U.P. Style. Art by Carol Papaleo, works by local artists, gifts, classes and more. Monday through 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.
- Fall 2024 School of Art and Design Senior Exhibition will be on display through the 13th with a reception at 7 p.m. on the 13th.
- “Across Time and Place,” featuring multimedia approaches to interpreting and understanding place with work by Liz Ward and Robert Ziebell, is on display through the 13th.
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.
• The Gallery Marquette. Works by local and regional artists. Monday,
Carol Papaleo | I’ll Be Home for Christmas | Art U.P. Style, Marquette
art galleries
(continued
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 5 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. thegallerymqt.com.
• Graci Gallery. The gallery curates, exhibits and sells fine craft and contemporary art from local, regional and national artists. Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 110 N. Third St. gracigallery.com.
• Huron Mountain Club Gallery. Winter Wonderland Walk Tree Display will be exhibited through Jan. 31, 2025, with an artist reception from 6 to 8 p.m. on the 12th. Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-228-0472.
• Lake Superior Photo and Gallery. The studio features landscape photographic art by Shawn Malone, including naturescapes of the Lake Superior region. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 211 S. Front St. 906228-3686 or lakesuperiorphoto.com.
• Marquette Arts and Culture Center Deo Gallery. “Winter Work” by Pier Wright will be on display through Jan. 31, 2025, with an artist reception from 6 to 8 p.m. on the 12th. Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-228-0472.
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.
05 THURSDAY
Calumet
• Preschool Story Time. 10:15 a.m. Calumet Public Library, 57070 Mine St. 906-337-0311, ext. 1107. clklibrary. org.
• Knitting and Crochet Open Group. Participants can bring their portable handwork project and enjoy an informal social time. Open to everyone. 1 p.m. Calumet Public Library, 57070 Mine St. 906-337-0311, ext. 1107. clklibrary.org.
Gwinn
• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This annual drive-thru light show will feature more than 100 separate circuits
• Marquette Commons. “Oscillation,” an interactive public art installation by The Urban Conga and powered by Creos, will be on display Dec. 10 to Jan. 5, 2025. Inspired by the theremin, an electronic musical instrument controlled without physical contact, this installation will engage audiences through light, sound and movement. It is presented by the City of Marquette Public Art Commission with support from the Marquette Downtown Development Authority and Travel Marquette. Daily. 112 S. Third St. travelmarquette.com.
• Niik Creative Co. Handcrafted and local artisan goods. Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. 2905 Island Beach Rd.
• Presque Isle Station. This working pottery studio features pottery by Michael Horton and Terry Gilfoy, along with works by local artists. Days and times vary. 2901 Lakeshore Blvd. 906-225-1695.
• Wintergreen Hill Gallery and Gifts. Illustrations and jewelry by Linnea Songer will be on display through the 30th with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m. on the 27th. Wintergreen Hill is the exclusive seller of Linnea’s work and both prints and originals will be available to purchase. Wintergreen Hill Gallery strives to create an immersive art experience for visitors who are looking to buy or just looking for inspiration. Local art by local artists. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. Daily through December 25. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.
• Book Club. This month’s selection will be “How to Age Disgracefully” by Clare Pooley. 11 a.m. Ishpeming Senior Center, 121 Greenwood St. 906-4864381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.
• Graphic Novel Book Club. Students in fourth through eighth grade can enjoy snacks and a book discussion. New members are welcome. 4 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.
Marquette
• Tech Coaching for Seniors. Learn how to make your electronic devices work with the help of retired teacher and librarian Christine Ault. Ensure your device is charged and bring passwords with you. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. To register
810 N. Third St. 906-273-1374 or wintergreenhill.com.
• Zero Degrees Gallery. A Member Show Reception, showcasing art from the gallery’s 43 current members, will take place from 2 to 6 p.m. on the 14th. Refreshments will be served. The gallery features works in oils, watercolors, mixed media, jewelry, photography, metals, woods, recycled and fiber arts, and more. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 525 N. Third St. 906-228-3058 or zerodegreesgallery.org.
Munising
• UP-Scale Art. Featuring works by local and regional artists. Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment. 109 W. Superior Ave. 906-387-3300 or upscaleart.org.
Rapid River
• Ritch Branstrom’s adhocWORKshop. Specializing in award-winning found object sculpture. By appointment or chance. 10495 S. Main St. 906-399-1572 or adhocworkshop. com.
Sand River
• Aurelia Studio Pottery. Featuring high fire stoneware, along with functional and sculptural pieces inspired by nature, created by potter and owner Paula Neville. Open by appointment or chance. 3050 E. M-28. 906-3436592.
MM
for a 30-minute session, 906-226-4311.
• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com.
• NCLL: Tour of Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Henry Sale, repairs coordinator for Marquette County Habitat for Humanity, will lead a tour of the ReStore, a nonprofit home improvement store and donation center that sells furniture, home goods, building materials and more to fund housing programs. He will also discuss Habitat’s work as well as volunteer and donation opportunities. NCLL members, $5; non-members, $10. 4:30 p.m. Meet at the ReStore, 133 Carmen Dr. 906-458-5408 or csteinha@nmu.edu.
• Grief and the Holidays. Those grieving a loved one’s death can discuss the challenges, tips, techniques and ideas to manage the holiday season. 6 p.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-225-7760.
• Holiday Lasers on the Ore Dock. Local history will merge with modern
technology in a laser light display on the north side of the iconic Lower Harbor ore dock. Presented by Travel Marquette. 6 p.m. Marquette Lower Harbor. 906-228-7749 or travelmarquette.com.
• NMU Theatre and Dance “Home For the Holidays.”This performance will tell stories of family holiday customs through song and dance. Prices vary between $5 and $25. 7:30 p.m. Forest Roberts Theatre, NMU. 906227-2760 or nmu.edu/tickets.
Negaunee
• Music, Movement and More. Children of all ages and their caregivers are welcome to attend this parent-led storytime. 10:30 a.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906475-7700, ext. 18 or facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary.
• Sensory Playtime. This one-hour drop-in play session is designed to stimulate a child’s senses and foster cognitive development through shapethemed activity stations. 11 a.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18 or facebook. com/NegauneePublicLibrary.
• 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, including LEGO bricks. 4:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906475-7700, ext. 18 or facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary.
06 FRIDAY
sunrise 8:11 a.m.; sunset 5:05 p.m.
Escanaba
• Christmas in the Village. This annual open house will feature decorations, festive activities, handcrafted gift items, wagon rides, goodies and a chance to visit with Santa Claus. A donation of non-perishable food items are encouraged. Presented by the U.P. Steam and Gas Engine Association. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Antique Village, U.P. State Fairgrounds. upsteamandgasengine.org.
• Christmas Parade. This annual parade will begin at City Hall and travel to Stepehenson Ave. Santa will have a meet-and-greet following the parade. 6 p.m. Ludington St. and Stephenson Ave. escanabadowntown.com.
• Players de Noc “It Runs in the Family.”$17. 7:30 p.m. Bonifas Arts Center, 700 1st Ave. S. (906) 553-9778 or playersdenoc.org.
Gwinn
• Story Time. Children and families can enjoy stories, crafts and light snacks. 10:30 a.m. Forsyth Township Library, 180 W. Flint St. 906-346-3433 or forsythtwplibrary.org.
• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This annual drive-thru light show will feature more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music
through your vehicle radio. Daily through December 25. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.
Ishpeming
• Homeschool Hangout. Homeschooling families can visit with fellow homeschooling friends, network with library staff and learn about the library’s resources. 10 a.m. to noon. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.
• Holiday Book Sale. Shoppers can purchase quality books, locally themed ornaments and Friends of the Library merchandise. Proceeds support the library. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary. info.
Marquette
• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com.
• TV6 Christmas Craft Show. This juried show features a variety of handmade items. Kids 12 and younger, free; adults, $3. 5 to 9 p.m. Superior Dome, NMU.
• Holiday Lasers on the Ore Dock. Local history will merge with modern technology in a laser light display on the north side of the iconic Lower Harbor ore dock. Presented by Travel Marquette. 6 p.m. Marquette Lower Harbor. 906-228-7749 or travelmarquette.com.
• NMU Theatre and Dance “Home For the Holidays.”This performance will tell stories of family holiday customs through song and dance. Prices vary between $5 and $25. 7:30 p.m. Forest Roberts Theatre, NMU. 906227-2760 or nmu.edu/tickets.
07
SATURDAY sunrise 8:12 a.m.; sunset 5:05 p.m.
Calumet
• Holiday Market. Featuring homemade crafts and baked goods. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Calumet Art Center, 57055 Fifth St. 906-934-2228 or info@calumetartcenter.com.
Curtis
• Christmas by Candlelight. The Hiawathaland Chorus of Rudyard will perform sacred and secular music. In advance, youth 10 and younger, free; students, $5; and adults, $7. At the door, youth 10 and younger, free; students, $8; and adults, $10. 7 p.m. The Pine Performance Center, N9224 SawWa-Quato St. mynorthtickets.com.
Escanaba
• Ink Society Local Writers’ Group. Intended for ages 16 and older. 10:30 a.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400
Ludington St. 906-789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.
• Christmas in the Village. This annual open house will feature decorations, festive activities, handcrafted gift items, wagon rides, goodies and a chance to visit with Santa Claus. A donation of non-perishable food items are encouraged. Presented by the U.P. Steam and Gas Engine Association. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Antique Village, U.P. State Fairgrounds. upsteamandgasengine.org.
• Players de Noc “It Runs in the Family.”$17. 7:30 p.m. Bonifas Arts Center, 700 1st Ave. S. (906) 553-9778 or playersdenoc.org.
Gwinn
• Coffee and Conversation. Participants will discuss “Loving My Actual Christmas” by Alexandra Kuykendall and are invited to bring a dozen cookies to exchange. Coffee and treats will be provided; bring your own mug for refills. 10 a.m. Forsyth Township Library, 180 W. Flint St. 906346-3433 or forsythtwplibrary.org.
• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This annual drive-thru light show will feature more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. Daily through December 25. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.
Houghton
• Hallelujah! Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra and Choirs Concert. This concert will feature more than 100 musicians from the Michigan Tech Combined Choirs and Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra. The repertoire will include J.S. Bach’s “Magnificat” and Part 1 of Handel’s “Messiah.” Pay As You’re Able Ticketing. 7:30 p.m. Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts, 1400 Townsend Dr. mtu.universitytickets.com.
Ishpeming
• Holiday Book Sale. Shoppers can purchase quality books, locally themed ornaments and Friends of the Library merchandise. Proceeds support the library. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary. info.
Marquette
• TV6 Christmas Craft Show. This juried show features a variety of handmade items. Kids 12 and younger, free; adults, $3. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Superior Dome, NMU.
• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. Lessons, 10 a.m. Games, 11:30 a.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod.com.
• NMU Theatre and Dance “Home For the Holidays.”This performance will tell stories of family holiday customs through song and dance. Prices vary between $5 and $25. 1 and 7:30 p.m. Forest Roberts Theatre, NMU. 906-227-2760 or nmu.edu/tickets.
• “The Marquette Community Nutcracker Ballet: Christmas at Camp.” This Yooper-themed adaptation of Tchaikovsky’s 1892 ballet will be performed by local youth and adult dancers. In advance, students and seniors, $10; adults, $15. At the door, students and seniors, $12; adults, $17. 1 and 7 p.m. Kaufman Auditorium, 611 N. Front St. tickets.nmu.edu.
• Holiday Lasers on the Ore Dock. Local history will merge with modern technology in a laser light display on the north side of the iconic Lower Harbor ore dock. Presented by Travel Marquette. 6 p.m. Marquette Lower Harbor. 906-228-7749 or travelmarquette.com.
Christmas Parade | Dec. 6 | Escanaba
Photo designed by gening.ai
• Marquette Choral Society Winter Concert. The featured work will be John Rutter’s “Magnificat,” with soprano soloist Amanda Boundy and chamber orchestra, along with other winter-themed selections. Children younger than 12, $5; general admission, $10. 7:30 p.m. Reynolds Recital Hall, NMU. facebook.com/ MarquetteChoralSociety or marquettechoralsociety.org.
08 SUNDAY sunrise 8:14 a.m.; sunset 5:04 p.m.
Calumet
• Art Play. This open studio time for adults encourages artists to create and share their work. 2 to 4 p.m. Calumet Art Center, 57055 Fifth St. 906-9342228 or info@calumetartcenter.com.
Escanaba
• Players de Noc “It Runs in the Family.”$17. 1:30 p.m. Bonifas Arts Center, 700 1st Ave. S. (906) 553-9778 or playersdenoc.org.
Gwinn
• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This annual drive-thru light show will feature more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. Daily through December 25. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.
Houghton
• Home and Away: Superior Wind Symphony Concert. Under the direction of Jana Meckler, the Superior Wind Symphony will present a wind ensemble repertoire from around the world. Pay As You’re Able Ticketing. 7:30 p.m. McArdle Theatre, MTU. mtu. universitytickets.com.
Ishpeming
• Bingo and Potluck Holiday Party. Doors open at noon. Ishpeming VFW, 310 Bank St. 906-486-4856.
Little Lake
• Bingo. A concession stand will be available. Doors open, 11 a.m.; early bird games, 1:30 p.m. American Legion Post 349, 1835 E. M-35. 906-346-6000.
Marquette
• TV6 Christmas Craft Show. This juried show features a variety of handmade items. Kids 12 and younger, free; adults, $3.11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Superior Dome, NMU.
• TubaChristmas. This annual concert will feature tuba and euphonium players from the U.P. and beyond playing familiar Christmas carols. 1:30 p.m. Marquette Regional History Center, 145 Spring St.
• Finnish Christmas and Independence Day This annual celebration will include a short review of how the Finns have celebrated the day since 1917. Enjoy music, food and the
company of community. 2 to 4 p.m. Messiah Lutheran Church, 305 W. Magentic St.
• Marquette Choral Society Winter Concert. The featured work will be John Rutter’s “Magnificat,” with soprano soloist Amanda Boundy and chamber orchestra, along with other winter-themed selections. Children younger than 12, $5; general admission, $10. 3 p.m. Reynolds Recital Hall, NMU. facebook.com/ MarquetteChoralSociety or marquettechoralsociety.org.
09 MONDAY
Gwinn
• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This annual drive-thru light show will feature more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. Daily through December 25. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.
Marquette
• Heather Bell Cookbook Release. Cooking and lifestyle influencer Heather Bell will share family stories and recipes from her recently released “Mama Bell’s Big Family Cookbook.” 6:30 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, ext. 18.
• “Forgotten Favorites” Book Sale. In an attempt to clean out the storage room, the Friends of the Negaunee Public Library will host this sale. No items will be accepted and all sales will be by donation. 3 to 6 p.m. Reading Room, Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18.
10 TUESDAY sunrise 8:15 a.m.; sunset 5:03 p.m.
Escanaba
• Tech Tuesday. Appointments or walk-ins are welcome. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906-789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.
Gwinn
• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This annual drive-thru light show will feature more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. Daily through December 25. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.
Ishpeming
• Tot Tuesday Storytime. Stories,
songs and movement activities followed by an optional craft and playtime will be offered for toddlers and preschoolers. 11 a.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.
Marquette
• Tech Coaching for Seniors. Learn how to make your electronic devices work with the help of retired teacher and librarian Christine Ault. Ensure your device is charged and bring passwords with you. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. To register for a 30-minute session, 906-226-4311.
• Tasty Reads Book Group. The group welcomes readers who love to cook. This month’s selection will be “Not That Fancy” by Reba McEntire. 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. Students eight and older are invited to visit or join the group to learn a new art form. The group mentors all age groups and skill levels. Bring a skein of lighter color yarn and a size 7, 24-inch circular needle to make a hat or cowl. Suggested donation, $1 to $5 to the MRHC for the study and preservation of the fiber arts. 1 p.m. Marquette Regional History Center, 145 W. Spring St. beedhive47@yahoo.com.
• Oil Painting, Pastels and Drawing Classes with Marlene Wood. Bring your own supplies. $20. 1 p.m. Marquette Arts and Culture Center, Lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-225-8655.
• Superiorland Woodturners Meeting. Marc Himes will lead a discussion and demonstration about woodturning a bowl from a board. There will also be a show-and-tell segment when club members can show and describe their latest work. 6 p.m. Lab One, lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. jmarchimes@charter.net.
• Holiday and Winter Family Storytime. Families with youth of all ages can enjoy this holiday and winter-themed storytime featuring secular Christmas and winter stories, songs and more. Kids can also make a tree decoration to take home and all attendees are welcome to wear holiday apparel or PJs. 6 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.
Negaunee
• Felt Ornament Craft Night. Participants will create their own felt ornaments during an hour of creativity and holiday cheer led by library staff. All skill levels are welcome and all materials will be provided. Registration
required. 5:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-4757700, ext. 18.
11
WEDNESDAY
sunrise 8:16 a.m.; sunset 5:03 p.m.
Gwinn
• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This annual drive-thru light show will feature more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. Daily through December 25. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.
Ishpeming
• Aspen Ridge Playgroup. Children and their caregivers can enjoy free play, circle time, crafts and activities, and snacks. 10 a.m. Aspen Ridge School, 350 Aspen Ridge School Rd. 906-485-3178, ext. 1104 or 1105.
Marquette
• Congregate Meals for Seniors–Dine in or Curbside Pickup. Meals available to those age 60 and older and their spouses. Call to reserve a meal. $3.50 suggested donation. Noon to 1 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. 906-228-0456.
• unTITLEd Teens. Teens in Grades six to 12 are invited to a new program that will be different every month. 3 p.m. Teen Zone, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4321 or pwpl.info.
• Community Knit/Crochet Club. 5:30 p.m. Alley Kat’s Quilt Shop, 1010 W. Washington St. 906-315-0050.
• Superior Pipes and Drums and Friends Holiday Concert. This evening of Scottish highlands flare will include bagpipes, drums and yuletide cheer. 6:30 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.
• Community Holiday Party. Intended for children ages five and older, the party will feature crafts, refreshments and games. Santa will read stories and visit with the children. Hosted by the library’s Junior Teen Advisory Group. 4 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. facebook.com/NegauneePublicLibrary or 906-475-7700, ext. 18.
12 THURSDAY
sunrise 8:18 a.m.; sunset 5:03 p.m.
Calumet
• Preschool Story Time. 10:15 a.m. Calumet Public Library, 57070 Mine
St. 906-337-0311, ext. 1107. clklibrary. org.
• Knitting and Crochet Open Group. Participants can bring their portable handwork project and enjoy an informal social time. Open to everyone. 1 p.m. Calumet Public Library, 57070 Mine St. 906-337-0311, ext. 1107. clklibrary.org.
Caspian
• Cribbage Tournament. Treats and coffee will be provided. Registration begins at 5 p.m. Buy-in, $11. 6 to 9 p.m. Cultural Center, Iron County Historical and Museum Society, 100 Brady Ave. 906-265-2617 or info@ ironcountymuseum.com.
Crystal Falls
• U.P. Notable Books Club (Online). Attendees will discuss “Death’s Door: The Truth Behind Michigan’s Largest Mass Murder” by Steve Lehto. The author will not be present. 7 p.m. EDT, 6 p.m. CDT. Via Zoom. 906-875-3344 or egathu@crystalfallslibrary.org. upnotable.com.
Escanaba
• Fiber Arts Group. Intended for ages 16 and older. 5 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906-7897323 or escanabalibrary.org.
• Players de Noc “It Runs in the Family.”$17. 7:30 p.m. Bonifas Arts Center, 700 1st Ave. S. (906) 553-9778 or playersdenoc.org.
Gwinn
• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This annual drive-thru light show will feature more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. Daily through December 25. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.
Houghton
• Noteworthy Holiday Concert. This women’s barbershop chorus will present “’Tis the Season,” which will be performed a cappella in four-part
harmony. The ensemble will be joined by the Spirit of Superior Ringers. Admission is free, though a free will collection will be taken for Unite Mental Health and Wellness. 7 p.m. St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church, 305 Portage St. 906-482-5088 or noteworthychorus@gmail.com.
Marquette
• Tech Coaching for Seniors. Learn how to make your electronic devices work with the help of retired teacher and librarian Christine Ault. Ensure your device is charged and bring passwords with you. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. To register for a 30-minute session, 906-226-4311.
• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com.
• Celebrity Art Auction. This annual auction features art from local celebrity artists as well as appetizers and drinks. All proceeds support the museum. Viewing starts at 5:30 p.m. Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum, 123 W. Baraga Ave. 906-226-3911 or upchildrensmuseum.org.
• Marquette Art Muses Meeting. Open to the public. 5:30 p.m. The Courtyards, 1110 Champion St. lbuckmar2@yahoo.com or 906-399-9824.
• Holiday Lasers on the Ore Dock. Local history will merge with modern technology in a laser light display on the north side of the iconic Lower Harbor ore dock. Presented by Travel Marquette. 6 p.m. Marquette Lower Harbor. 906-228-7749 or travelmarquette.com.
• Yarnwinders Fiber Guild of Marquette. 6 p.m. City of Marquette Arts and Culture Center, lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St.
• Marquette Poets Circle. Local poets, writers, and poetry enthusiasts will gather for an eveningof poetic holiday
Cocoa with Santa | Dec. 15 | Marquette
Photo by Jesson
Mata via unsplash
celebration. Open mic time will be followed by a Christmas concert from Big Lake Acoustic. New and experienced poets are welcome for either or both events. 5 p.m. Shiras Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4322 or pwpl.info.
• Winter Wonderland Walk Celebration. The Winter Wonderland trees will be lit and cookies and hot chocolate will be available in the Huron Mountain Gallery. At 6:30 p.m., Big Lake Acoustic will perform a holiday concert in the Community Room. 6 to 8 p.m. Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4322 or pwpl.info.
• NMU Theatre and Dance “Home For the Holidays.”This performance will tell stories of family holiday customs through song and dance. Prices vary between $5 and $25. 7:30 p.m. Forest Roberts Theatre, NMU. 906227-2760 or nmu.edu/tickets.
Negaunee
• Music, Movement and More. Children of all ages and their caregivers are welcome to attend this parent-led storytime. 10:30 a.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906475-7700, ext. 18 or facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary.
• Sensory Playtime. This one-hour drop-in play session is designed to stimulate a child’s senses and foster cognitive development through shapethemed activity stations. 11 a.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18 or facebook. com/NegauneePublicLibrary.
• 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, including LEGO bricks. 4:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906475-7700, ext. 18 or facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary.
13 FRIDAY sunrise 8:25 a.m.; sunset 5:02 p.m.
Escanaba
• Players de Noc “It Runs in the Family.”$17. 7:30 p.m. Bonifas Arts Center, 700 1st Ave. S. (906) 553-9778 or playersdenoc.org.
Gwinn
• Christmas Pajama Story Time. Children and families can enjoy stories, crafts and light snacks in their Christmas-themed pajamas. 10:30 a.m. Forsyth Township Library, 180 W. Flint St. 906-346-3433 or forsythtwplibrary. org.
• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This annual drive-thru light show will feature more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. Daily through December 25. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.
Ishpeming
• Crochet a Granny Square. Attendees will learn to crochet a granny square to participate in the community blanket project. New and experienced crocheters are welcome. Instruction and supplies will be provided. 2 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.
Little Lake
• Live Nativity Performance. 6:30 and 7:15 p.m. Little Lake Chapel, 1761 E. M-35. 906-346-7131 or littlelakechapel.org.
Marquette
• C.S. Lewis Holidays Docu Cinema: “Shadowlands.” This biopic of C.S. Lewis, starring Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger, tells the true story of Lewis’s relationship with his unconventional wife. Rated PG. Noon. Shiras Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4322 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.
• Yule Market. The inaugural Yule Market will offer unique local goods and seasonal treats. 3 to 9 p.m. Marquette Commons, 112 S. Third St. downtownmarquette.org.
• Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting. The parade will travel south down Third Street towards the Marquette Commons where the tree lighting ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. There will be music by 41 West, dance, hot cocoa and a chance to meet Santa Claus. 6 to 8 p.m. Third Street and Marquette Commons. downtownmarquette.org.
• Holiday Lasers on the Ore Dock. Local history will merge with modern technology in a laser light display on the north side of the iconic Lower Harbor ore dock. Presented by Travel Marquette. 6 p.m. Marquette Lower Harbor. 906-228-7749 or travelmarquette.com.
• NMU Theatre and Dance “Home For the Holidays.”This performance will tell stories of family holiday customs through song and dance. Prices vary between $5 and $25. 7:30 p.m. Forest Roberts Theatre, NMU. 906227-2760 or nmu.edu/tickets.
• Yule Ball. Students in sixth through eighth grades are invited to dress in their best semi-formal attire to dance to their favorite songs and hang out with friends in a winter wonderland. Parent chaperones are welcome to help. $5. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. To register online, pwpl.info.
14 SATURDAY
sunrise 8:26 a.m.; sunset 5:02 p.m.
Calumet
• 48th Annual Poor Artists Sale. This annual juried holiday art fair hosted by the Copper Country Community Arts Council will offer the work of more than 60 local and regional artists, including handmade jewelry, pottery, paintings, stained glass, baskets, wood art, fiber arts, photography, ornaments and more. The sale is a benefit for the Community Arts Center in Hancock. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Calumet-LauriumKeweenaw Gymnasium. 906-482-2333 or coppercountryarts.com.
Escanaba
• LEGO Club. This month’s theme is “Holiday Fun.” 1 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.
• Players de Noc “It Runs in the Family.”$17. 7:30 p.m. Bonifas Arts Center, 700 1st Ave. S. (906) 553-9778 or playersdenoc.org.
Gwinn
• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This annual drive-thru light show will feature more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. Daily through December 25. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.
Hancock
• Buellwood Weavers and Fiber Arts Guild Meeting. All fiber artists are welcome. Bring your projects for show and tell. 1 p.m. Fiber Arts Studio (Room 105), Finnish American Folk School, lower level, Skyline Commons, 200 Michigan St. jegale@att.net or 906-221-5306.
Houghton
• Holiday Nostalgia Night: Party and Film Screening. This holiday event will include a family-friendly pre-film party in the Rozsa lobby, a screening of “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” and a nostalgic post-show event featuring trivia, music and holiday drinks. Pay As You’re Able Ticketing. 7:30 p.m. Rozsa Center, 1400 Townsend Ave. mtu.universitytickets.com.
Ishpeming
• Christmas Cookie Walk. A smorgasbord of homemade cookies will be for sale, along with other holiday treats. Shoppers can also enjoy coffee and refreshments. 9:30 a.m. to noon. Bethel Lutheran Church, 333 Ridge St. (use parking lot entrance). 989-280-8191.
Little Lake
• Live Nativity Performance. 6:30 and 7:15 p.m. Little Lake Chapel, 1761 E. M-35. 906-346-7131 or littlelakechapel.org.
Marquette
• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. Lessons, 10 a.m. Games, 11:30 a.m. Marquette Senior
Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod.com.
• Repair Café. In partnership with the Marquette Sustainability Coalition, residents can bring in broken household goods such as appliances, clothing or bikes, and skilled fixers will assist in repairing them. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4303 or mqtsustainability@ gmail.com.
• NSDAR Meeting. This is the monthly meeting of the Onagomingkway Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), which will include a potluck Christmas luncheon. Noon. Call 906-226-7836 for location.
• NMU Theatre and Dance “Home For the Holidays.”This performance will tell stories of family holiday customs through song and dance. Prices vary between $5 and $25. 1 and 7:30 p.m. Forest Roberts Theatre, NMU. 906-227-2760 or nmu.edu/tickets.
• Yule Market. The inaugural Yule Market will offer unique local goods and seasonal treats. 3 to 9 p.m. Marquette Commons, 112 S. Third St. downtownmarquette.org.
• Holiday Lasers on the Ore Dock. Local history will merge with modern technology in a laser light display on the north side of the iconic Lower Harbor ore dock. Presented by Travel Marquette. 6 p.m. Marquette Lower Harbor. 906-228-7749 or travelmarquette.com.
• Sounds of the Holidays. Presented by the Marquette Symphony Orchestra, with guest conductors Erin Colwitz and Matt Ludwig. Members of the Marquette Choral Society will also perform the first movement of John Rutter’s “Magnificat.” Ticket prices vary. 7:30 p.m. Kaufman Auditorium, 611 N. Front St. marquettesymphony. org or nmu.universitytickets.com.
15 SUNDAY
Caspian
• Volunteer Appreciation and Basket Raffle Draw. Community volunteers will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. and the basket raffle drawing will take place in person and on Facebook Live at 1 p.m. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cultural Center, Iron County Historical and Museum Society, 100 Brady Ave. 906-265-2617 or info@ironcountymuseum.com.
Curtis
• “Cookies and Carols” Concert. Featuring the ECA Community Choir. Cookies and punch will be served during intermission. Bring a non-perishable food item for Marcy’s Pantry to be entered to win a holiday prize. 4 p.m. The Pine Performance Center, N9224 Saw-Wa-Quato St. 906-586-9974. Gwinn
• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This annual drive-thru light show will feature more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. Daily through December 25. 5:30 to 11 p.m.
950 E. Girl Scout Ln.
Little Lake
• Bingo. A concession stand will be available. Doors open, 11 a.m.; early bird games, 1:30 p.m. American Legion Post 349, 1835 E. M-35. 906-346-6000.
• Live Nativity Performance. 6:30 and 7:15 p.m. Little Lake Chapel, 1761 E. M-35. 906-346-7131 or littlelakechapel.org.
Marquette
• Hot Cocoa with Santa. Whether you have been naughty or nice, visit and take a picture with Santa. Hot cocoa will be available. 2 to 4 p.m. Ore Dock Brewing Company, 114 W. Spring St. oredockbrewing.com.
• Sounds of the Holidays. Presented by the Marquette Symphony Orchestra, with guest conductors Erin Colwitz and Matt Ludwig, this abbreviated performance will be 45 minutes. Ticket prices vary. 2 p.m. Kaufman Auditorium, 611 N. Front St. marquettesymphony.org or nmu.universitytickets.com.
16 MONDAY sunrise 8:28 a.m.; sunset 5:03p.m.
Gwinn
• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This annual drive-thru light show will feature more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. Daily through December 25. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.
Marquette
• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 6 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod.com.
• Merry Movie Mayhem. The evening will include a screening of the winner of the library’s Christmas movie matchups as well as Christmas treats and ugly Christmas sweaters. 6 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4322 or pwpl.info.
• The Joy of Sound Meditation. This meditation uses the sounds produced by bronze singing bowls and metallic gongs. 7 p.m. Chapel, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 201 E. Ridge St. 906-362-9934 or ckitchenmqt@gmail. com.
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, ext. 18.
17 TUESDAY
Escanaba
• Tech Tuesday. Appointments or walk-ins are welcome. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906-789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.
Gwinn
• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This annual drive-thru light show will feature more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. Daily through December 25. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.
Ishpeming
• Tot Tuesday Storytime. Stories, songs and movement activities followed by an optional craft and playtime will be offered for toddlers and preschoolers. This week’s storytime will include a visit from Santa Claus. 11 a.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.
• Adult Book Club. This month’s selection will be “The Lonely Hearts Book Club” by Lucy Gilmore. 2 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.
Marquette
• All Booked Up: Can We Talk? Library staff will host an in-person discussion of “Upper Michigan Today’s” All Booked Up book of the month, “Skipping Christmas” by John Grisham. Noon. Shiras Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4322 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.
• Oil Painting, Pastels and Drawing Classes with Marlene Wood. Bring your own supplies. $20. 1 p.m. Marquette Arts and Culture Center, Lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-225-8655.
• Dungeons and Dragons. Jordan from Iron Golem Games and local dungeon masters will lead groups of teens in Grades six to 12 on a quest with this role-playing game. Registration required. 4 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906226-4321 or pwpl.info.
• Artists and Their Art: Michelangelo, Part 3 (Online). Art historian Ellen Longsworth will continue her exploration of the works of Michelangelo via Zoom. 6:30 p.m. For online meeting information, pwpl.info.
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 Military Museum and Honor Flight Legacy Museum. The museum honors Upper Peninsula veterans, and features exhibits and dioramas portraying the Upper Peninsula’s contribution to U.S. war efforts from the Civil War through the Afghanistan wars. Learn the history of the honor flight trips. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Inside the Delta County Chamber of Commerce, 1001 N. Lincoln Rd.
• Webster Marble Inventing the Outdoors Museum. Webster Marble came to the U.P. in the late 1880s to be a timber cruiser and surveyor, but later became an inventor. He held 60 patents and invented a long list of gear for camping, hiking, hunting and fishing, including a safety ax with an attached blade guard that folded into the handle. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 1001 N. Lincoln Road. 906-786-2192 or deltami.org/ webster-marble-inventing-the-outdoors-museum.
Hancock
• Quincy Mine Hoist and Underground Mine. There are two options for touring the site. On both the surface tour and the full tour, visitors will see the museum, inside the No. 2 Shaft House and the Nordberg Steam Hoist and ride the cog rail tram car to the mine entrance. On the full tour, visitors will take a tractor-pulled wagon into the mine, seven levels underground. Prices vary. Tours can be scheduled year-round. 49750 US41. 906-482-3101 or quincymine. com.
Houghton
• A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum. View an exhibit on Yooperlites, sodalite-bearing syenites that possess fluorescent properties. View the largest collection of minerals from the Great Lakes region and the world’s finest collection of Michigan minerals. Prices vary. Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Dec. 24 to Jan. 6, 2025. 1404 E. Sharon Ave. museum.mtu.edu or 906487-2572.
• Carnegie Museum of the Keweenaw. Exhibits include “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 and Thursday, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. 105 Huron St. 906-482-7140 or carnegiekeweenaw.org.
• MTU Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections. Features a variety of historical memorabilia, highlighting life in the Copper Country. Open by appointment. Lower level of the J.R. Van Pelt Library, MTU. 906-487-3209.
Iron Mountain
• Cornish Pumping Engine and Mining Museum. The 725-ton Cornish Pumping Engine, the largest steam-driven pumping engine ever built in the United States, is famous for dewatering Iron Mountain’s Chapin Mine, one of the wettest mines ever worked and the largest producer of iron ore on the Menominee Iron Range. The museum also displays underground mining equipment. Children five and younger, free; students, $5; seniors and veterans, $7; adults, $8. Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. CDT. 300 Kent St. 906-774-1086 or menomineemuseum.com.
• World War II Glider and Military Museum. During World War II, the Ford Motor Company’s Kingsford plant built the CG-4A gliders for the U.S. Army. View one of seven fully restored CG-4A G World War II gliders, military uniforms from the Civil War through the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, memorabilia, restored military vehicles and more. Prices vary. Children five and younger, free; students, $5; seniors and veterans, $7; adults, $8. Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. CDT. 302 Kent St. 906-774-1086 or menomineemuseum.com.
Ishpeming
• U.S. National Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum. The museum features more than 300 Hall of Fame inductees, presented in photographs and biographies, and displays and exhibits of skiing history and equipment, an extensive library, video show, gift shop, special events and more. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. US-41 and Third Street. 906-485-6323 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. Wednesday through Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. or by appointment. 402 Third St. 906-236-3502 or kisawyerheritageairmuseum.org.
Marquette
• Baraga Educational Center and Museum. View artifacts and tools used by Venerable Bishop Baraga. Thursday and Friday, noon to 5 p.m. and by appointment. 615 S. Fourth St. 906-227-9117.
• Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center. “Northern Tapestry: 125 Years of Stories” is on display through Feb. 1, 2025. The museum promotes and preserves the history and culture of the U.P. and collects and preserves artifacts related to the history of NMU. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 11 to 4 p.m. Corner of Seventh and Tracy streets. NMU. 906-227-1219 or nmu.edu/ beaumier.
• Marquette Regional History Center. “School Days: Educating Marquette County,” which explores the educational history of Marquette County, is on display through February 2025. The museum also includes interactive displays as well as regional history exhibits. Youth 12 and under, $3; students, $4; seniors and military, $8; adults, $10.Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 145 W. Spring St. 906-226-3571 or marquettehisto-
ry.org.
• Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum. A variety of interactive exhibits offer learning through investigation and creativity. Prices vary. Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 123 W. Baraga Ave. 906-2263911 or upchildrensmuseum.org.
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. Reopening Dec. 4. Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 73 Forge Rd. 906-475-7857 or michigan.gov/mhc/museums/miim. MM
Carnegie Museum of the Keweenaw | Houghton
Photo courtesy of Carnegie Museum of the
Keweenaw
Gwinn
• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This annual drive-thru light show will feature more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. Daily through December 25. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.
Ishpeming
• Aspen Ridge Playgroup. Children and their caregivers can enjoy free play, circle time, crafts and activities, and snacks. 10 a.m. Aspen Ridge School, 350 Aspen Ridge School Rd. 906-485-3178, ext. 1104 or 1105.
• Adult Book Club. This month’s selection is “The Lonely Hearts Book Club” by Lucy Gilmore. 6 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.
Marquette
• Congregate Meals for Seniors–Dine in or Curbside Pickup. Meals available to those age 60 and older and their spouses. Call to reserve a meal. $3.50 suggested donation. Noon to 1 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. 906-228-0456.
• Teens Cook! Teens in sixth through 12th grades will learn easy-to-prepare recipes and eat great food. 4 p.m. Marquette Food Co-Op, 502 W. Washington St. To register online, pwpl.info.
• C.S. Lewis Holidays Block Busting Cinema: “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” This is the final event of the library’s C.S. Lewis Holidays series. Rated PG. 6:30 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.
• Editing Workshop. Editor Brandy Thomas will introduce writers of all skill levels to the basics of editing, the importance of alpha and beta readers and why editing is more than just fixing spelling errors. 5:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. facebook.com/NegauneePublicLibrary or 906-475-7700, ext. 18
Calumet Public Library, 57070 Mine St. 906-337-0311, ext. 1107. clklibrary. org.
• Knitting and Crochet Open Group. Participants can bring their portable handwork project and enjoy an informal social time. Open to everyone. 1 p.m. Calumet Public Library, 57070 Mine St. 906-337-0311, ext. 1107. clklibrary.org.
Gwinn
• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This annual drive-thru light show will feature more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. Daily through December 25. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.
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. 2 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.
• Graphic Novel Book Club. Students in fourth through eighth grade can enjoy snacks and a book discussion. New members are welcome. 4 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.
• Great Lakes Great Books: Vote! Students in kindergarten through 12th grade can vote for their favorites of this year’s nominees. Votes will be submitted to the GLGB committee to be included in the tally for the official winners, which will be announced
in March 2025. 5 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary. info.
Marquette
• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com.
• Live and Learn: Christmas Cookie Recipe Exchange Party. This festive afternoon will include holiday cheer, treats and recipe swapping. Open to the public, attendees are invited to bring a treat and printed copies of the recipe to share. Hosted by Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice. 2 p.m. 1728 Windstone Dr. 906-225-7760.
• Get Active on Climate! Seventy percent of Americans are concerned about climate. This workshop will teach participants how to engage with the issue from home in five minutes a day. 6 p.m. Lions Club Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-869-6621.
• Holiday Lasers on the Ore Dock. Local history will merge with modern technology in a laser light display on the north side of the iconic Lower Harbor ore dock. Presented by Travel Marquette. 6 p.m. Marquette Lower Harbor. 906-228-7749 or travelmarquette.com.
Negaunee
• Music, Movement and More. Children of all ages and their caregivers are welcome to attend this parent-led storytime. 10:30 a.m. Negaunee
Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906475-7700, ext. 18 or facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary.
• Sensory Playtime. This one-hour drop-in play session is designed to stimulate a child’s senses and foster cognitive development through shapethemed activity stations. 11 a.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18 or facebook. com/NegauneePublicLibrary.
• 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, including LEGO bricks. 4:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906475-7700, ext. 18 or facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary.
20
Gwinn
• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This annual drive-thru light show will feature more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. Daily through December 25. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.
Ishpeming
• Homeschool Hangout. Homeschooling families can visit with fellow homeschooling friends, network with library staff and learn about the library’s resources. 10 a.m. to noon. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.
• Preschool Story
Marquette
• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com.
• Christmas Carol Sing-along. This concert will feature the Marquette Choral Society as well as choirs and handbells from several local churches. Andrew LaCombe will serve as master of ceremonies. Admission is free, though monetary and canned food donations will be accepted for St. Vincent de Paul. 5 p.m. St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 401 W. Kaye Ave. marquettechoralsociety.org or facebook.com/MarquetteChoralSociety.
• Holiday Lasers on the Ore Dock. Local history will merge with modern technology in a laser light display on the north side of the iconic Lower Harbor ore dock. Presented by Travel Marquette. 6 p.m. Marquette Lower Harbor. 906-228-7749 or travelmarquette.com.
21 SATURDAY
Knitting and Crochet Open Group | Dec. 19 | Calumet
Photo by Giulia Bertelli via unspalsh
Escanaba
• Great Start Family Coalition Storytime. Intended for children up to age eight and their families, the theme will be “How Can We Wait?” 10:30 a.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906-789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.
Gwinn
• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This annual drive-thru light show will feature more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. Daily through December 25. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.
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. 3000 US-41 (back side of mall).
• Al-Anon/Alateen Family Groups. A fellowship offering strength and hope for friends and families of problem drinkers. al-alon.org or 888-425-2666.
• Al-Anon—Ishpeming. Friends and family who have loved ones dealing with alcohol issues are invited. Mondays, 6 p.m. Wesley United Methodist Church, 801 Hemlock St. 906-361-9524.
• Alcoholics Anonymous. Meetings throughout Marquette County, open daily, at many locations and times. Twenty-four-hour answering service. aa-marquettecounty.org or 800-605-5043.
• Open AA Meeting—Gwinn Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Basement, Gwinn Community Building, 165 Maple St.
• Open AA Meeting—K.I. Sawyer. Fridays, 8 p.m. 906 Community Church, 315 Explorer St.
• Men’s AA Meeting—Gwinn. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church, 280 Boulder St. (entrance to the right of main entrance).
• ALZConnected. This is a free, online community for everyone affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other memory loss diseases. alzconnected.org.
• American Legacy Foundation. Smoking quit line for expectant mothers and cessation information for women. 800-668-8278.
• Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Checks. Cholesterol
Marquette
• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. Lessons, 10 a.m. Games, 11:30 a.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod.com.
• Holiday Lasers on the Ore Dock. Local history will merge with modern technology in a laser light display on the north side of the iconic Lower Harbor ore dock. Presented by Travel Marquette. 6 p.m. Marquette Lower Harbor. 906-228-7749 or travelmarquette.com.
22
Calumet
• Art Play. This open studio time for adults encourages artists to create and share their work. 2 to 4 p.m. Calumet Art Center, 57055 Fifth St. 906-9342228 or info@calumetartcenter.com.
Gwinn
• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This annual drive-thru light show will feature more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. Daily
through December 25. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.
Little Lake
• Bingo. A concession stand will be available. Doors open, 11 a.m.; early bird games, 1:30 p.m. American Legion Post 349, 1835 E. M-35. 906-346-6000.
Marquette
• Holiday Brass Choir Concert. This informal event will feature 10 brass players (trumpets, horns, trombones, euphonium and tuba) from the local area playing familiar holiday carols and songs. 4 p.m. Marquette Regional History Center, 145 Spring St.
checks are $5. Call for Marquette County schedule. 906-225-4545.
• Caregiver Support Group (Phonebased). Caregivers can share their feelings, develop friendships and learn about available community resources from their own home via phone. Dec. 17. 2 p.m. To register, call 906-485-5527.
• Caregiver Support Group— Marquette. Family, friends and others who are caring for a person with a chronic illness or disability can share their feelings, develop friendships and learn about available community resources. Dec. 11. 2 p.m. Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice, 914 W. Baraga Ave. 906-225-7760 or lakesuperiorhospice.org.
• Celebrate Recovery—Gwinn. Wednesdays. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. First Baptist Church of Gwinn, 195 N. Billings St.
• Gamblers Anonymous. This group is for those who have or think they have a problem with gambling. Thursdays, 7 p.m. Library Room, First Presbyterian Church, 120 N. Front St., Marquette.
• Grief Support Group—Ishpeming. U.P. Home Health and Hospice offers support for those caring for a loved one with a life-limiting diagnosis or who recently experienced the loss of a loved one. Second and fourth Thursdays. 2 p.m. Ray Leverton Room, Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-225-4545.
• Grief Support Group—Gwinn. People dealing with grief and loss are encouraged to attend. Individual grief counseling is available. Canceled for December. Forsyth Senior Center, 165 Maple St. 906-225-7760 or lakesuperiorhospice.org.
• Grief Support Group—Marquette. People dealing with grief and loss are encouraged to attend. Individual grief counseling is available. Canceled for December. Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice, 914 W. Baraga Ave.
906-225-7760 or lakesuperiorhospice.org.
• Grief Support Group—Marquette. U.P. Home Health and Hospice will offer support for those caring for a loved one with a life-limiting diagnosis or who recently experienced the loss of a loved one. First and third Thursdays. 3 p.m. Dandelion Cottage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-225-4545.
• iCanQuit. Smokers are invited to learn more about quitting with the help of a quitting coach. 800-480-7848.
• Internet and Technology Addicts Anonymous. Tuesdays, 12:05 p.m. Upstairs, The Crib Coffee House, 401 N. Third St., Marquette. ITAAMQT@ zohomail.com.
• Michigan Tobacco Quit Line. This free quit smoking coaching hotline provides callers with a personal health coach. 800-784-8669.
• Nar-Anon Meetings—Ishpeming. Family and friends who have addicted loved ones are invited. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. Mission Covenant Church, 1001 N. Second St. 906-361-9524.
• Narcotics Anonymous Meetings— Marquette. Family and friends who have addicted loved ones are invited. Open meetings on Wednesdays and Sundays, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Closed meeting on Fridays, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Downstairs Social Room, Marquette Hope First Campus, 111 E. Ridge St. (use Ridge Street entrance).
• National Alliance on Mental Illness—In-Person Support Group. Individuals living with mental illness and friends or families living with an individual with mental illness are welcome. Dec. 9 and 19 (email ckbertucci58@charter.net to confirm meeting). 7 p.m. 1025 W. Washington St., Suite C, Marquette. 906-360-7107 or namimqt.com.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness—Zoom Support Group. Individuals living with mental illness and friends or families living with an individual with mental illness are welcome. Dec. 12 (Zoom date may be subject to change). 7 p.m. Email ckbertucci58@charter.net or call or text 906-360-7107 before 6:45 p.m. the day of the meeting to receive the Zoom invitation. namimqt.com.
• Parkinson’s Support Group. Open to people living with Parkinson’s and their caregivers. Dec. 18. 2 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. 906-228-0456.
• SMART Recovery—Calumet. A self-help group for alcohol and substance abuse and other addictive behaviors. Mondays, 7 p.m. Copper Country Mental Health, 56938 Calumet Ave. smartrecovery.org.
• SMART Recovery—Hancock. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 p.m. Conference Room No. 5, U.P. Health System–Portage Hospital, 500 Campus Dr. smartrecovery.org.
• SMART Recovery—Marquette (Zoom). Mondays. Noon. Via Zoom. smartrecovery.org.
• Take Off Pounds Sensibly. This is a non-commercial weight-control support group. Various places and times throughout the U.P. 800-932-8677 or TOPS.org.
• Virtual Caregiver Support Group. U.P. family caregivers are welcome to join. A device with an internet connection, webcam, microphone and an email address are required. Advanced registration required. Second Tuesday of each month. 2 p.m. 906-217-3019 or caregivers@upcap.org.
• Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Supplemental Food Program. Clinics include nutritional counseling and coupon pick-up. Appointments required. Call for Marquette County schedule. mqthealth.org or 906-475-7846. MM
23
Gwinn
• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This annual drive-thru light show will feature more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. Daily through December 25. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.
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, ext. 18.
24
Gwinn
• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This annual drive-thru light show will feature more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. Daily through December 25. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.
25
Gwinn
• Operation Great Christmas Free Community Dinner. Join other community members for a free Christmas meal of ham, turkey and sides. Register for delivery by Dec. 23. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Up North Lodge Event Center, 215 S. CR-557. 906-360-7069.
• Dale’s Christmas Light Show. This annual drive-thru light show will feature more than 100 separate circuits of lights with corresponding music through your vehicle radio. Daily through December 25. 5:30 to 11 p.m. 950 E. Girl Scout Ln.
clklibrary.org.
Marquette
• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com.
• Holiday Lasers on the Ore Dock. Local history will merge with modern technology in a laser light display on the north side of the iconic Lower Harbor ore dock. Presented by Travel Marquette. 6 p.m. Marquette Lower Harbor. 906-228-7749 or travelmarquette.com.
Negaunee
Calumet
• Preschool Story Time. 10:15 a.m. Calumet Public Library, 57070 Mine St. 906-337-0311, ext. 1107. clklibrary. org.
• Knitting and Crochet Open Group. Participants can bring their portable handwork project and enjoy an informal social time. Open to everyone. 1 p.m. Calumet Public Library, 57070 Mine St. 906-337-0311, ext. 1107.
• Music, Movement and More. Children of all ages and their caregivers are welcome to attend this parent-led storytime. 10:30 a.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906475-7700, ext. 18 or facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary.
• 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, including LEGO bricks. 4:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case
players. $5 for games. Lessons, 10 a.m. Games, 11:30 a.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod.com.
• Holiday Lasers on the Ore Dock. Local history will merge with modern technology in a laser light display on the north side of the iconic Lower Harbor ore dock. Presented by Travel Marquette. 6 p.m. Marquette Lower Harbor. 906-228-7749 or travelmarquette.com.
29
Ishpeming
• Bingo. Doors open at noon. Ishpeming VFW, 310 Bank St. 906-486-4856.
Little Lake
• Bingo. A concession stand will be available. Doors open, 11 a.m.; early bird games, 1:30 p.m. American Legion Post 349, 1835 E. M-35. 906-346-6000.
30
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, ext. 18.
St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18 or facebook. com/NegauneePublicLibrary.
27 FRIDAY sunrise 8:33 a.m.;
Marquette
• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com.
• Holiday Lasers on the Ore Dock. Local history will merge with modern technology in a laser light display on the north side of the iconic Lower Harbor ore dock. Presented by Travel Marquette. 6 p.m. Marquette Lower Harbor. 906-228-7749 or travelmarquette.com.
28
Marquette
• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested
• Evening of Journaling and Reflection. Participants will create their own personalized journals and use guided prompts to reflect on 2024 and set intentions for 2025. All materials will be provided and no experience is required. Registration required. 5 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary or 906-4757700, ext.18.
31
New Year’s Eve
Houghton
• New Year’s Eve Little Chook Drop. Get the kids in on the excitement of the big night before bedtime. Families and early birds are invited to celebration with a special countdown. 6:30 p.m. Houghton Pier. visitkeweenaw.com
• New Year’s Eve Chook Drop. Gather with friends and family to celebrate the New Year. Music provided by Mr. Cesar & the Lucha Tones. 11:30 p.m. Houghton Pier. visitkeweenaw.com
Marquette
• New Year’s Eve Ball Drop. 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. 100 block of West Washington Street. downtownmarquette.org.
Operation Great Christmas Free Community Dinner | Dec. 25 | Gwinn
