February 2025 Marquette Monthly

Page 1


February 2025

No. 430

Publishers

Jane Hutchens

James Larsen II

Managing editor

Michael Murray

Calendar editors

Erin Elliott Bryan

Carrie Usher

graPhiC design

Jennifer Bell

Proofreader

Wendy Paul

CirCulation

Dick Armstrong

Chief PhotograPher

Tom Buchkoe

Marquette Monthly, published by Model Town Publishing, LLC, located at PO Box 109, Gwinn, MI, 49841, is locally and independently owned. Entire contents Copyright 2025 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.

About the Cover Artist

This month’s cover artist is Cheryl Michaelson, a custom artist specializing in pet portraits, murals and signs. Originally from Rockland in Ontonagon County, Cheryl lives with her husband in Michigamme.

5 City notes

HigHligHts of important Happenings in tHe area

11 then & now Superior View tHe pacific Hotel in cHatHam

12 new york tiMes Crossword Puzzle i tHink knot (answers on page 59)

13 essay John SmolenS wHere art tHougH, marquette?

15 feature

Jennifer Champagne micHigan ice fest draws ice climbers to munising

21 loCals

erin elliott Bryan Dr Catherine Kroll’s praCtiCe went above anD beyonD

24 the arts andie Balenger nmu sends sHakespeare to deer camp

27 the arts Brad giSChia Marquette is replaCing its 90-year-olD banDshell

32 loCals

Jennifer Champagne Mary Jayne hallifax CaptureD Munising’s MoMents

38 sPorting life Jim laJoie Casey thousanD leaDs nMu woMen’s basKetball

42 lookout Point pieter Cook a reCent arrival DisCovers hoMe in Marquette

44 baCk then

Jennifer donoVan Dee staDiuM honors hoCKey’s past anD present

46 in the outdoors SCot Stewart inside tHe world of rabbits and Hares

51 in the outdoors lily VenaBle the ruggeD beauty of winter CaMping

54 suPerior reads ViCtor r. Volkman stuDying wolves on isle royale

56 the sPirit of water miChael lynn wellman for love of frozen water

58 on CaMPus news froM u p universities

60 Poetry milton BateS pact

61 out & about erin elliott Bryan & Carrie uSher february events, MusiC, art, MuseuMs anD support groups

League of Women Voters

to meet Feb. 5 at PWPL

The League of Women Voters of Marquette County will hold its next general membership meeting at 6:45 p.m. on Feb. 5 in Studio 1 on the lower level of the Peter White Public Library in Marquette. Social time will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Following a short business meeting, Caroline LaPorte, department head of the Center for Native American Studies at NMU, will discuss missing and murdered Indigenous women and relatives in the United States.

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. In case of inclement weather, visit lwvmqt. org to confirm whether the meeting will take place live or via Zoom.

Lake Superior Art Association hosts events

The Lake Superior Art Association is inviting young artists to its February Art Adventure for Kids, a hands-on workshop that will focus on art from Japan, at 1 p.m. on Feb. 8 in Studio 1 of the Peter White Public Library in Marquette. Artist Michelle Tuccini will lead youth ages 8 to 12 in creating Japanese fish prints. There is no charge for attendance, and all supplies will be provided. For information, visit lakesuperiorartassociation. org.

During the month of February, LSAA artists will exhibit winter-themed works in the annual “Winter Charm” exhibit in the lower-level foyer of the Peter White Public Library.

Entries for LSAA’s logo contest must be received by Feb. 28. Logo submissions should reflect the mission of the association “to promote and encourage development of visual arts and artists in the Marquette County area.” For contest guidelines, visit lakesuperiorartassociation.org/ lsaa-logo-contest-announcement.

Applications for Art on the Rocks 2025 are being accepted through March 31. Sponsored by the Lake Superior Art Association, this popular juried event takes place on the last weekend of July in Marquette’s

city notes

Heikki Lunta 2025: So much to do, so little time

The Heikki Lunta Festival is returning to the City of Negaunee this month, opening Friday, Feb. 7, and going through Sunday, Feb. 9.

New to the winter celebration this year is the opening ceremony of the Meijer State Games of Michigan, which kicks off at 5:45 p.m. on Feb. 7 in downtown Negaunee. (See the related story on Page 6.)

“We’re extremely happy to be partnering with the Meijer State Games,” Negaunee City Manager Nate Heffron said. “It’s a great honor and a big deal for our community. We’re looking forward to having a long-lasting relationship with them.”

The Meijer State Games is a multi-event Olympic-style competition with venues spread across Marquette County.

Heffron said that some of the events happening in Negaunee during the Heikki Lunta Festival are part of the Games.

“The rail jam, a snow volleyball tournament at Jackson Mine Park and sliding event at the luge hill are all part of the Meijer Games,” he said.

Several Negaunee groups and businesses will be adding their own flavor to the Heikki Lunta Festival. Expect local organizations such as the Elks, VFW, Knights of Columbus and Eagles to present meals and fundraisers, as well as bingo games and art shows.

The Negaunee Hockey League will be staging its annual tournament starting Friday night and finishing up on Sunday.

Mattson Lower Harbor Park. Information about the event, artist guidelines and application forms can be accessed at marquetteartontherocks.com.

Registrations for the Fresh Coast Plein Air Painting Festival, in which artists paint outdoors and compete for cash awards, are also being accepted. The festival will take place during Art Week, June 27-28. For information, visit lakesuperiorartassociation.org/

Saturday, Feb. 8, will be packed with the South Shore Fishing Association’s Teal Lake fishing derby; trivia at the library; and a Finnish heritage display at the Senior Center. Also on Saturday, there will be live music, snowshoe walks, tours and horse rides topped off by a fireworks display.

The Ishpeming Ski Club has scheduled an open house on Saturday, and the U.P. Luge Club has public sliding times scheduled all weekend, as well as the “Almost Sundae Cup” at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday.

If you plan on participating in any events, be sure to check the details in advance. Some events will require registration prior to the scheduled time.

For a complete list of activities, visit the Negaunee Downtown Development Authority website (cityofnegaunee.com) or the DDA’s Facebook page.

“It’s a great time to come out and see all the City of Negaunee has to offer,” Heffron said.

fresh-coast-plein-air-painting-festival-2025.

Laughing Whitefish Bird Alliance to meet Feb. 12

Laughing Whitefish Bird Alliance board member Brian Murphy will discuss the forthcoming central U.P. Birding Trail and present a how-to session titled “All About eBird” at 7 p.m. on Feb. 12 in the Shiras Room in

the Peter White Public Library. Murphy and other LWBA board members will learn about a new segment of the yet-to-be-named Upper Peninsula Birding Trail in the central U.P., which will run through Marquette, Alger, Schoolcraft, Delta, Menominee and Dickinson counties.

This project is in the planning stage and will be an expansion of existing birding trails throughout Michigan’s Lower and Upper Peninsulas, including the North Huron and Shore to Shore Birding Trails in the eastern U.P.

This will be followed by information about how to participate in and use all that the Cornell University-based citizen science eBird project has to offer.

For information, visit laughingwhitefishbirdalliance.com.

UPPAA announces U.P. Notable Books List

The Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Association has announced the sixth annual U.P. Notable Books List, which is compiled in consultation with U.P. booksellers, book reviewers, writers and publishers. The list of 10 titles demonstrates the wide reach of U.P. literature and is unranked.

This year’s selections are: “To Be Marquette: A Novel” by Sharon Dilworth; “Animals Out-There W-I-L-D: A Bestiary in English and ASL Gloss” by Raymond Luczak; “Make It Go in the Snow: People and Ideas in the History of Snowmobiles” by Larry Jorgensen; “Limpy’s Adult Lexicon: Raw, Politically Incorrect, Improper and Unexpurgated As Overheard and Noodled” by Joseph Heywood; “Memories of a Mackinac Island Native: Life on the Island from 1940s to 2020s” by Tom Chambers; “How to Hike the North Country Trail: Not Quite a Guide” by Joan H. Young; “The Story of Journey: The Great Horned Owl” by Carol L. Schultz; “The Last Huck: A Novel” by J.D. Austin; “Ellie and the Midwest Goodbye” by Nikki Mitchell; and “Michigan Indian Boarding School Survivors Speak Out: A Narrative History” by Sharon Marie Brunner.

This year’s U.P. Notable Classics list, which highlights significant U.P.themed literature that has remained essential for at least 10 years, are “Lumberjack: Inside an Era in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (70th Anniversary Edition)” by William S. Crowe and “A Face in the Rock: The Tale of a Grand Island Chippewa” by Loren Graham.

Evelyn Gathu, director of the Crys-

Meijer State Games return to county

Thewinter edition of the Fourth Annual Meijer State Games of Michigan is returning to Marquette County from Feb. 7 to 9.

With more than 500 athletes competing in 13 events, this Olympic-style celebration promises a weekend of athleticism, community spirit and winter wonderland fun.

The festivities begin with a free opening ceremony on Feb. 7 on Iron Street in downtown Negaunee, in conjunction with the annual Heikki Lunta Festival.

Athletes will check in at the grab-bag station from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. to receive their welcome packages before the 5:45 p.m. start of the parade of athletes and the lighting of the cauldron. Following this kickoff, the action ramps up with a ski and snowboard rail jam competition.

From archery and curling to snow volleyball and sled hockey, the Games offer something for every sports enthusiast. Julie Shields, director of the Meijer State Games, emphasized the excitement surrounding an expanded lineup: “Last year, we added archery and shooting sports, and the feedback was phenomenal. Athletes and sports directors were thrilled, and we’re already planning how to make it even bigger.”

In a collaborative effort with the Great Lakes Sports Commission, the Winter Games aren’t just about competition — they’re also a significant economic boost for Marquette County.

Shields said last year’s event drew more than 250 athletes from outside the area, bringing in families, spectators and support staff. “When athletes come here, they stay in hotels, eat at local restaurants and shop in the community,” she said. “It’s a fantastic way to showcase what Mar-

tal Falls District Community Library, will continue the library’s alliance with UPPAA to co-sponsor the U.P. Notable Book Club. The club is available to any interested reader and features monthly Zoom meetups with authors.

The next meeting will feature

Keweenaw to host popular winter events

quette has to offer — and maybe even inspire a summer visit.”

For local residents, the Games provide a rare chance to compete close to home, eliminating the need to travel downstate or out of state. “This creates a richer community for athletes of all ages and abilities,” Shields said. “It’s about keeping people active and healthy while celebrating the sports they love in their own backyard.”

Beyond the economic and athletic impact, the Games have created countless memorable moments. Shields recalled a sled hockey player expressing gratitude after earning a medal. “It’s moments like that that remind us why we do this,” she said. “It’s not just about sports — it’s about inclusion and opportunity.”

Whether you’re competing, cheering or exploring the region, the Winter Games promise a weekend of camaraderie and excitement. Perhaps Shields summed it up best: “The love and passion for sports shine through during the Games. It’s a celebration of community and what makes Michigan winters so special.”

Competitions will take place at venues across Marquette County. For schedules, updates and more, visit stategamesofmichigan.com.

award-winning author Mitchell, who will discuss “Ellie and the Midwest Goodbye” at 7 p.m. EST (6 p.m. CST) on Feb. 13. For the Zoom information, contact Gathu at 906-875-3344 or egathu@crystalfallslibrary.org. For information, visit uppaa.org.

The Jibba Jabba Rail Jam, a professional snowboard event, will begin at 6 p.m. on Feb. 15 along Huron Street in Houghton. Industry-ranked snowboarders will perform tricks and compete for a cash purse. Spectators are welcome to line both sides of the Huron Street course down to the pier. There will also be food and giveaways. For information, visit visitkeweenaw.com.

From Feb. 28 to March 2, mushers from across the country will visit Calumet to compete in the CopperDog 150 Sled Dog Races. Spectators can see the action on Feb. 28; the CopperDog Street Party will begin at 5 p.m., followed by the opening ceremony at 6 p.m. Fireworks will follow at 9 p.m. For information, visit copperdog.org.

Hancock’s Snow Sculpting Invitational set for Feb. 21-23

The City of Hancock, in collaboration with Visit Keweenaw, has announced the inaugural Snow Sculpting Invitational Feb. 21-23 on Quincy Green in downtown Hancock. This event will feature four teams of nationally recognized snow sculptors.

Spectators are invited to witness the transformation of massive snow blocks into works of art throughout the weekend. The event will culminate on Sunday with the announcement of the winning team.

Additionally, the Hancock Business Association invites the community to participate in a snowman/ snowperson building contest.

For information, contact Todd Gast at 906-482-2720 or city@cityofhancock.com.

Beaumier

Center to open exhibit on politics Feb. 21

The lives and work of the U.P.’s greatest politicians will be on display beginning Feb. 21 in the Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center’s new exhibition, “The Political Life.” An opening reception will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Beaumier Center’s gallery in Gries Hall at NMU.

The exhibit will showcase politicians such as Chase Osborn of Sault Ste. Marie, the only Michigan governor from the U.P.; State Rep. Dominic Jacobetti of Negaunee, who dominated Lansing for several decades; Connie Binsfeld of Munising, who became Michigan’s first female lieutenant governor; Joe Mack, state senator from Ironwood; Cora Reynolds Anderson, the first woman and Native American to be elected a state representative in Lansing; and others.

DNR urges safety on and near ice

With cold temperatures descending on the state, more people are enjoying ice fishing, skating, hockey and other outdoor adventures. The Michigan DNR urges everyone to have fun but always use caution when venturing onto or near ice. River mouths and other places where river or lake currents may be located are often places of unstable ice. Reservoirs with changing water levels also require great caution. Frozen bodies of water should be checked carefully. While there is no perfectly reliable method to determine if ice is safe, a spud, needle bar or auger can be used to test the thickness and quality of ice. The DNR suggests wearing a buoyant fishing jacket or snowmobile suit. Additionally, wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket as the outermost layer of clothing, and have a pair of ice picks and a whistle clipped to your chest. For information, visit michigan.gov/icesafety. (Photo courtesy of the Michigan DNR)

There will also be a section dedicated to the U.S. presidents who came to the U.P. before, during or after their terms in office. Teddy Roosevelt visited the U.P. twice within one year, first to campaign for his presidential run in 1912 and later to testify in his libel suit against the editor of the Ishpeming Iron Ore, George Newett. Four presidents have visited the U.P. during their terms in office: William Howard Taft in 1911, George H.W. Bush in 1992, George W. Bush in 2004 and Barack Obama in 2011.

The exhibit will run through June 28 and is free to the public. For information, visit nmu.edu/beaumierheritagecenter.

Finnish folk group Frigg to perform Feb. 27

As part of the 2025 Winter Roots Festival and the Beaumier Heritage Concert Series, the Finnish folk supergroup Frigg will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 27 in the Reynolds Recital Hall at NMU.

In February 2000, a group of teenage folk music enthusiasts spent a weekend shut away in Pelimannitalo, a folk music house in Kaustinen — the heart of Finnish folk music. The band’s lineup was established, and the group released its first album in 2002. The ensemble’s joyful Nordic folk

music laced with bluegrass became popular in North America, and Frigg performed at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. In addition to their own concerts, the band has also performed with symphony orchestras, choirs and brass bands.

The 2025 Winter Roots Festival is a collaboration among the Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center, Hiawatha Traditional Music Co-op, Peter White Public Library and the City of Marquette Arts and Culture Center.

Advance tickets are $10 for NMU students and students 18 and younger, and $20 for the general public; at the door, tickets are $12 for NMU students and students 18 and younger, and $22 for the general public. For tickets, call 906-227-1032 or visit tickets.nmu.edu. For information, call 906-227-3212 or visit nmu.edu/ beaumier.

Environmental conference is March 12-13 at NMU

The Northern Michigan Environmental Conference and Workshops, hosted by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, will take place March 12-13 at NMU. The registration deadline is Feb. 28.

The conference on March 12, followed by optional sector-specific

workshops on March 13, will offer two days of training on environmental regulations, permitting, resources and best practices.

The first day will bring together professionals from various industries, local governments, real estate, construction and health departments to gain insights into critical environmental topics and strategies for protecting Michigan’s environment. There will be a resource area to connect one-onone with EGLE staff.

The second day is geared to contractors, local government, climate and energy professionals and drinking water professionals to gather additional information about specific topics.

For information and to register, visit michigan.gov/egleevents.

DeVos Art Museum exhibiting faculty work

TheNMU School of Art and Design’s 2025 Faculty Biennial is on display through March 29 at the DeVos Art Museum. The exhibit highlights a diversity of creative achievements by participating faculty from across the School of Art and Design.

The show features work from the following artists: Tom Adolphs, Daric Christian, Tim Cleary, Alex Fekete, Jessie Fleury, Brian Kakas, Emily Lanctot, Stephan Larson, Christine Lenzen, Michael Letts, Gabrielle McNally, Jane Milkie, Christopher Lander Moore, Jason Schneider, Tracy Wascom and Dale Wedig.

In conjunction with the exhibit, “Still Alive: Metamorphosis of Dutch Baroque Still Life in Japanese and American Art” will take place at 1 p.m. on March 21. This talk by Dr. Mitsutoshi Oba will explore the influence and metamorphic transformation of Dutch Baroque Still Life (17th to early 18th century) in Akita Ranga (late 18th century), the short-lived but influential Japanese art movement, and in the American Pre-Raphaelites and Aestheticism (late 19th century).

The museum is open to the public from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m. Thursday. Admission is free. For information, visit nmuartmuseum.com.

Deadline is March 1 for UPEC photo contest

Every year, the Upper Peninsula Environmental Coalition invites people to recognize and share the beauty of the U.P. landscape and its inhabitants by entering its photo contest.

Winners will be recognized in two categories: unedited photos and digitally enhanced photos. Unedited photos are shots that are taken and submitted without any post-processing. In the digitally enhanced category, original photos can be enhanced using digital photo editing tools.

In the contest’s third category, entrants can use an online AI image generator to create an image that represents the U.P.

The winners in each category will be enlarged, printed, matted and displayed at UPEC’s “Celebrate the UP!” event in Marquette.

The deadline for entries is March 1. For information and to submit entries, visit upenvironment.org.

Donations needed for all blood types

The U.P. Regional Blood Center is experiencing a need for all blood types. The center has collection sites in Marquette, Hancock and Escanaba, and is the primary supplier of blood products to its U.P. hospitals. Additionally, it partners with community organizations to host drives in various locations.

This blood supply allows health care providers to treat patients with a wide variety of conditions. All blood donations stay in the U.P.; a single donation could save up to three lives and typically takes only an hour to complete. For information or to schedule

DID YOU KNOW ...

what effects Prohibition had on the Upper Peninsula?

Naturally, all saloons closed, but proprietors turned to billiards halls and soda and ice cream parlors, where illegal liquor was served. Across the region, illegal stills were found in homes and deep in the woods and were raided by state and local police. Many distillers served time in the Detroit House of Corrections.

Submitted by Dr. Russell M. Magnaghi, history professor emeritus of NMU and author of several books, including “Upper Peninsula Beer: A History of Brewing Above the Bridge.”

Event explores history of USCG station

As part of its Senior Support Series, in coordination with Mapping Medicare, the Marquette Regional History Center will host “Marquette Coast Guard Station” at 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 5. This free event will explore the history of the Life Saving Service in Marquette through images and stories presented by BMC Michael Henderson, officer in charge. Attendees have an opportunity to win door prizes and enjoy complimentary coffee from Dead River Coffee Roasters. All ages are welcome. For information, call 906-226-3571 or visit marquettehistory.org. (Photo courtesy of the United States Coast Guard)

an appointment, call 906-449-1450 or visit uphealthsystem.com/regional-blood-center.

Filmmaker grant applications now open Applications are open for the Fresh Coast Film Festival’s Making Waves commitment grant, which supports filmmakers and film projects from the Great Lakes and Upper Midwest region. Projects in production or post-production that align with the festival’s themes of adventure, conservation and inspiration will be considered.

The application period runs through April 30 via the festival website (freshcoastfilm.com). Selected projects will receive monetary support and access to the Fresh Coast network of filmmakers for guidance and support.

The Making Waves initiative is in memory of festival co-founder Aaron Peterson’s son, Josiah Peterson, a kind and curious boy who left this world too early. Selected projects are intended to reflect Josiah’s sense of adventure, wonder and fairness.

United Way to expand tax preparation services

United Way of Marquette County has announced it has received a grant from the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan to expand its free tax preparation services for the elderly, low-income and disabled throughout 2025.

This is the first year IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers will help local

low- to moderate-income individuals and families in Marquette County file their taxes at no cost to them. In partnership with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, services are offered to individuals who generally make $67,000 or less and persons with disabilities, as well as limited English-speaking taxpayers.

With this funding, United Way will provide free tax preparation services at both Peter White Public Library in Marquette and at 906 Community Church at K.I. Sawyer.

To ensure services are accessible to as many community members as possible, United Way is looking for additional volunteers. No tax experience is required to volunteer, and United Way will provide no-cost training.

For information, visit uwmqt.org or call 906-226-8171, or contact Karen Anderson, VITA site coordinator, at 906-361-9182 or kanderson@uwmqt.org.

Local business news in brief

• The Sturmer Limited development company has acquired the former Rollie’s Furniture building at 216 W. Division St. in Ishpeming with plans to transform it into an affordable housing complex with six units. The city said it is looking at ways to repurpose buildings that might have previously been in commercial use, which can make projects more affordable. Sturmer Limited hopes to begin construction this summer.

• Third Street Grill recently opened inside Kognisjon Bryggeri in the Third Street Marketplace building

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

in Marquette. In addition to a variety of menu items, the restaurant will be adding a Friday night fish fry as well as deep-fried cheese curds, jalapeno coins and chicken wings. Take-out service is available now, and delivery service is forthcoming. For information, call 906-362-3474.

• The Veridea Group recently announced its partnership with G.E. Builders of Negaunee for the construction of 26 single-family homes at Hemlock Park in Marquette. Homebuyers will have the opportunity to purchase completed homes or design their own. The community is built within a 13-acre wooded preserve and is located adjacent to the Noquemanon Trail Network South Trails and close to downtown Marquette and the lake. Information, including renderings and floor plans, is available at hemlockparkmqt.com.

• Wildflower Homes, a subsidiary of Wildflower Development, has announced Maple Ridge Condominiums, a new community of 25 single-family homes in Negaunee. A variety of floor plans will suit different lifestyles and preferences, and homebuyers can choose from a selection of lots and customizations. Construction will begin in May, with move-in dates set for September. For information,

contact Dawn Florio at RE/MAX 1st Realty at 906-360-0796 or dawn@remax906.com.

• Northern Michigan University will receive $27 million in federal funding to upgrade its broadband network and replace outdated telecommunications equipment. This effort, part of the national “Rip and Replace” program, will bring secure, high-speed internet access to 16,000 families in some of the most remote areas of the U.P.

• The Emporium on 3rd will mark the grand opening in its new location from noon to 8 p.m. on Feb. 14 at 816 N. Third St. in Marquette. This family-run business has thousands of new and used vinyl records, compact discs, collectibles, antiques and unique items. The shop welcomes special orders, sells gift cards and purchases new collections. For information, call 906-373-6183. MM

HOW TO SUBMIT TO CITY NOTES

The deadline for event and press release submissions for City Notes is the 10th day of the month prior to publication. Send your releases to editor@marquettemonthly.com.

then & now

The Pacific Hotel in Chatham was constructed in 1904 of stone from a nearby quarry. For decades, it was a focal point of the area. During the flu epidemic of 1918, for example, it was used as an emergency hospital.

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

The former Pacific Hotel still stands in Chatham. It is located on the southeast corner of the intersection where M-94 makes a 90-degree turn in the downtown area. A carved stone above the central door on the second floor reads “1904 The Pacific.”

ACROSS

1 ‘‘It’s fine, I guess’’

4 Dash follower

7 Source of some insomnia

12 Quick reads on the subway, perhaps

15 Filing pro

18 Treasure-seeking woodcutter of folklore

20 More in need of a massage

21 Group that works only for a few seconds at a time

23 H.S. club with student ‘‘diplomats’’

24 In unison

25 [Oh, puh-lease!]

26 ‘‘To add on . .’’

27 Witches’ brew creatures

28 Concocts

29 Buffalo’s county

30 Feline

32 Needles

33 ‘‘The Situation Room’’ airer

35 Nicholas II was the last one

37 Measure of resistance

38 Cathedral feature

40 Disco fan on ‘‘The Simpsons’’

43 Some professions

45 Literary recommendations

48 Stick in a bathroom cabinet

49 Goofs

52 Like the glow of the last embers in a fire

53 Completely destroyed

56 Doctoral hurdles

57 Double-____ (hypermobile, medically)

59 Gives an illegal assist

60 Produce and discharge

62 Some Korean smartphones

63 R&B singer Williams

65 Suffix with legal and official

66 Publican’s offering

68 It’s connected to the eustachian tube

69 Org. with four divisions: Atlantic, Central, Pacific and Metropolitan

70 Told (on)

74 Accepts a ring, in a way

77 Court figure

79 Oxford institution, familiarly

81 Many apartments in a warehouse district

84 Lucky charms

86 Like a porcupine’s back

87 Put in front of a fan

89 Person who likes to go solo

91 [I’m shocked!]

92 Like many video game characters

93 A long, long time

94 Even . . or like three pairs of answers in this puzzle

97 Some drinks and breads

98 Germs, on the playground

101 Enthusiastic response

104 Shots, for example

107 The stuff of Persian myths?

111 ____ 101, 508-meter skyscraper that was once the world’s tallest

112 Altoid alternatives

116 ‘‘Count me in!’’

Goad

118 It might be rolled out in a studio 119 Archenemy of the Avengers

120 ‘‘No thanks’’

121 U.S. president during the moon landing

39 Tire reading, for

41 Shiny festive décor

42 Co. that may have a package deal?

44 They watch from afar

46 West Coast airport code

47 Downed

48 Title bestowed annually in New Orleans

50 Photography inits.

51 ‘‘What’s the ____?’’

54 Grandma, endearingly

55 Result of a hit single, maybe

57 Ingredient in a certain ‘‘salad’’

58 Do-or-die occasions

61 Self image?

64 Destinations for ambulances, for short

67 Slippery sorts

68 Equestrian’s command

71 Over

72 Dog whose name was Terry before her most famous film role

73 Station locations

74 Lightly burns

75 Hip bones

76 Blue tang fish of Pixar fame

77 Ecological portmanteau since 1905

78 Pull some strings, say?

122 Walker with the 2015 tripleplatinum hit ‘‘Faded’’

Common first word 2 Big first name in American business 3 Devices worn by informants . and what can be found inside three pairs of answers in this

Coin toss directive

Exploits, as power

How an animal’s length may be measured

Feature visible on a tree stump

Ones unlikely to call the handyman, for

80 Opera character whose name might be heard in an opera singer’s warm-up

82 Country singer Keith

83 Heavy part of a platform shoe

84 Styled after

85 List of candidates

87 Muesli brand with mountains on the packaging

88 Rock and roll Paul of fame

90 Like some playful teasing

92 Very precise sort

95 Wound

96 Slain king in ‘‘Macbeth’’

99 Frequently deconstructed dessert items

100 Mythological owner of an eightlegged horse named Sleipnir

102 Foe of a Saxon

103 ‘‘Hi’’ or ‘‘bye’’ on Kauai

104 Imperial energy meas.

105 Grp. making after-work plans?

106 Baltic capital city

108 ____ cava

109 English prep school with a shade of blue named after it

110 Cry for help

113 Tool used in many a sci-fi film

114 Burden

115 Part of a Latin trio

essay

Where Art Though, Marquette?

Occasionally, I’m somewhere other than Michigan and I find myself talking to someone, let’s call him Fred, who hasn’t a clue where Marquette is located.

Fred takes a stab, guessing Wisconsin, confusing this small city of approximately 21,000 with Marquette University in Milwaukee. No, Marquette, Michigan, is farther north, in the Upper Peninsula.

The mention of this other peninsula clearly perplexes Fred; when he asks how much farther, I say I live north of millions of Canadians. Now Fred looks skeptical: Certainly, his inner world atlas is based on the premise that the United States lies south of Canada. I’m referring to Toronto, of course, a region of some 6 million hopeless Maple Leaf fans, which is hundreds of miles south of Marquette.

With some gentle assurances, I convince Fred that Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is wedged well up into the interior of the amorphous landmass known as Ontario. All right, I don’t call it amorphous, but Ontario’s shape does not suggest a visual metaphor, such as a hand for the Lower Peninsu-

la, or a rabbit for the Upper Peninsula, or a wolf’s head for Lake Superior — distinct, memorable images, which make Michigan a cartographer’s dream.

The geographically challenged Fred shrewdly redirects the conversation, asking what it’s like living way up there, his eyes glazing over as though he’s envisioning the barren landscape of the North Pole.

Marquette is like living on an island, I tell him, an island surrounded on one side by Lake Superior and on the other by the Forest Primeval. He nods pensively, and then inquires about Marquette’s culture, as though to ascertain that we have one. Culture? I once read that Marquette is the Paris of the U.P., which I don’t agree with at all. Sartorially, we have more in common with Moscow, and our cuisine of whitefish, trout, salmon and walleye might call to mind the delicacies of the Atlantic, if it weren’t for a pervasive addiction to pasties, cudighi sausage and French fries.

But the real question isn’t “Where is Marquette?” The question is whether we should provide an answer. It’s not that we don’t want Fred to visit; he’s welcome to lug his kayak, snow-

board, cross-country skis, mountain bike, camping gear, snowmobile and fly rod across the Mackinac Bridge so he might better enjoy our pristine natural wonders.

But the last thing we want is for Marquette to be “discovered.” Every time Marquette makes some top 10 lists of places to live, locals find it more than a little disconcerting. Self-reliance and independence, coupled with easy downtown parking, are what we consider quality of life issues up here. We want to live in neighborhoods where the greatest danger of invasion is when deer wander into our gardens or, as was the case on my block a few years ago, a black bear found a neighbor’s yard so peaceful that he curled up and took a nap.

I doubt that Marquette is in danger of being discovered any time soon. We have a formidable, natural line of defense. It’s called winter. MM

John Smolens, NMU professor emeritus, has published 12 novels and a short-story collection. His most recent novel, “A Cold, Hard Prayer,” has been named a Michigan Notable Book.

Illustration by Brad Gischia

Annual festival draws the ice climbing world to Munising

Frozen glory

What began in 1991 as a modest gathering of 10 climbers in Munising has grown into one of the largest ice climbing festivals in North America.

Michigan Ice Fest, which returns Feb. 11 to 16, now draws more than 1,400 participants from around the globe to celebrate the sport, community and natural beauty of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

The festival’s humble origins trace back to Ka-

lamazoo native Mark Riesch, who was inspired by a Canadian ice climbing event to bring a similar experience to his home state. What started as a handful of friends exploring Munising’s frozen cliffs has evolved into a world-class event under the stewardship of Bill Thompson, who took over organizing duties in 1995.

“When I attended the first year as a college student, I was hooked,” Thompson said. “Mark’s passion was contagious, and when he passed the reins to me I knew we had to grow this into something special. We’ve gone from 10 people in a restaurant

basement to being on the map for climbers worldwide.”

Thompson recalls the early days vividly. “Our first headquarters was at Sydney’s,” he said. “We packed 400 people into the upstairs space, and I honestly thought the floor might give out. We’ve come a long way since then.”

The event’s current headquarters at Munising’s Alger Parks and Recreation Department provides much more space, with the group now using the gymnasium and multiple classrooms.

The turning point for Michigan Ice Fest came

Michigan Ice Fest attracts more than 1,400 participants from as many as 37 states and seven countries. (Photo courtesy of Michigan Ice Fest)

opportunities for

with the 2016 National Park Centennial celebration. Footage of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, captured by local filmmaker Aaron Peterson, caught the attention of National Geographic.

Originally planning to showcase ice climbing in Bozeman, Montana, filmmakers pivoted to Munising when they saw the stunning ice formations and winter scenery. “Conrad Anker, a climbing legend, called our ice the best-kept secret in North America,” Thompson said. “That moment was huge for us.”

Social media has amplified the festival’s reach, drawing participants from 37 states and seven countries. “I can talk about Munising’s ice all day, but one photo of someone scaling an

ice curtain over Lake Superior does all the convincing for me,” Thompson said.

One of the festival’s most inspiring elements is its adaptive climbing program. “We’ve worked with climbers from all backgrounds and abilities,” Thompson said. “Seeing someone in a wheelchair climb an ice wall is a moment you never forget.” The program, supported by partnerships with adaptive climbing organizations, exemplifies the reality that ice climbing can be for everyone.

John Miller, a seasoned adaptive climbing coach and longtime advocate for outdoor accessibility, has played a pivotal role in shaping the program. He is the president of the Upper Peninsula Climbers Coalition,

The festival offers climbing
ice climbers of all skill levels. (Photo courtesy of Michigan Ice Fest)

a climbing guide at Michigan Ice Fest and the Michigan administrator at Mountain Project.

A former physical therapist with over 15 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities, Miller found his passion for climbing through a community initiative in Denver. “I was initially drawn to climbing for its therapeutic potential,” he said. “The way it challenges both the body and mind makes it an incredible tool for personal growth.”

After attending Michigan Ice Fest for the first time in 2017, Miller became a vocal supporter of the event, frequently leading clinics and mentoring participants. “The program here is special,” he said. “You see people pushing past barriers they never thought they could overcome. It’s humbling and inspiring.”

Miller has been particularly instrumental in adaptive climbing efforts at Sand Point. He described one memorable experience setting up hand lines along Sand Point Road to help a visually impaired participant reach the base of a climb. “We worked as a team to ensure they felt secure every step of the way,” Miller said. “Seeing them accomplish something they thought was impossible was one of the most rewarding moments of my career.”

His hands-on approach and deep understanding of adaptive techniques have made him a beloved figure in the climbing community, inspiring climbers of all abilities to push their limits.

A packed schedule

Events throughout the week will keep participants engaged. On Tuesday, Feb. 11, the festival kicks off with the opening of the headquarters,

offering attendees a chance to gear up and get oriented. It’s a warm welcome to a week that balances adrenaline-pumping climbs with laid-back camaraderie. By Wednesday evening, climbers are already swapping stories at the Barge Inn during the first after-party, a Michigan Ice Fest tradition.

Thursday’s schedule is packed with highlights, from coffee talks at Gallery Coffee to walk-up climbing at the Curtains Demo Area. Climbers of all skill levels can take advantage of the approachable yet challenging ice routes. Evening presentations include Angela VanWiemeersch and Marcus Garcia, who bring their unique climbing journeys to life on stage.

Friday dives deeper into community and inclusivity. Drew Hulsey’s “Every Body Climbs” talk challenges stereotypes in the climbing world, while the “Ice Fest is for Lovers” social event adds a playful twist to the day. Climber speed dating and palm readings may sound unconventional, but they embody the festival’s welcoming spirit. The night ends with a street party at East Channel Brewing, where locals and visitors alike celebrate under the winter sky.

Saturday’s Remote Route Challenge pushes experienced climbers

Michigan Ice Fest began in Munising in 1991 with just 10 participants. (Photo courtesy of Michigan Ice Fest)

to tackle some of Munising’s most iconic formations. Meanwhile, the Women’s and Gender Expansive Climbers Meet-Up fosters connection and mentorship among underrepresented groups in climbing. Evening presentations by Andres Marin and Jack Tackle provide a fitting capstone to the day, offering inspiration drawn from decades of climbing experience.

The festival’s structure accommodates climbers of all levels. Tracks include everything from basic skills clinics to advanced mountain safety sessions. The Adventure Track, for instance, offers the chance to climb Bridalveil Falls, a striking formation over open water. “There’s nowhere else in the world where you can climb ice over a [freezing] lake while waves crash below you,” Thompson said.

Karsten Delap, a longtime instructor and one of the most recognized names in the climbing world, echoed this sentiment. “Munising is unlike any place I’ve climbed,” he said. “The ice formations, the community, the camaraderie — it’s all incredible.”

Delap emphasized the dynamic nature of the ice near Lake Superior, explaining how the formations vary each year based on weather and water flow. “You might climb something one year, and the next year it’s completely different or gone,” he said. “That unpredictability keeps it exciting and fresh.”

Delap also praised the Midwest

climbing community’s dedication, illustrating how participants often brave brutal winter conditions to be part of the festival. “There’s a toughness and determination here that you don’t see everywhere,” Delap said. “People aren’t just here to climb; they’re here to connect, to share stories and to celebrate the outdoors.”

As the owner and lead guide at Fox Mountain Guides, Delap is no stranger to scaling the world’s most challenging peaks. His climbing résumé includes expeditions to the Alps, Patagonia and the Himalayas, where he has tackled both rock and ice climbs of international renown. A certified American Mountain Guides Association instructor, Delap has become a respected figure in the climbing community, not just for his skills but also for his dedication to teaching and inspiring others.

In addition to his professional guiding, Delap teaches climbing courses at Brevard College in North Carolina, where he works to instill a passion for climbing and outdoor adventure in the next generation. “Teaching is where it all comes together for me,” Delap said. “Whether it’s helping students navigate their first climbs or guiding a seasoned climber through new techniques, it’s all about sharing the love for the sport.”

Delap’s connection to Michigan Ice Fest goes beyond technical instruction. He first attended the event

One of the draws of the festival is the event’s proximity to Lake Superior. (Photo courtesy of Michigan Ice Fest)

over a decade ago and has returned annually, drawn by the unique landscape and the welcoming atmosphere. “There’s a reason climbers from all over the world come here,” he said. “It’s not just the ice — it’s the people, the culture and the shared experiences that make it truly special.”

The festival’s diverse tracks also include the Women’s Track, Photography Track and even an Innovators Track for those developing new outdoor gear. “We’ve had people show up with handmade ice axes,” Thompson said. “This year, we’re offering workshops to help them take their ideas to market.”

The festival’s impact on Munising extends beyond the climbing community. In 2022, it brought $1.3 million to the local economy. It also funds a high-angle rescue team, which has assisted in emergencies ranging from hiker injuries to ice climbing accidents. “It’s a way to give back,” Thompson said. “We’re proud to support both the climbing community and the local area.”

Despite its growth, Michigan Ice Fest remains rooted in its sense of community. “This isn’t just an event; it’s a family reunion,” Thompson said. Many participants return year after year, some not even climbing but coming to reconnect with friends and soak in the atmosphere.

Cori-Ann Cearley, executive director of the Munising Visitors Bureau and an advocate for community engagement, offered her perspective on the festival’s wide-reaching impact. As someone deeply involved in Munising’s tourism and hospitality sectors, Cearley has witnessed firsthand how the event transforms the town each winter. “It’s not just climbers who benefit — it’s everyone,” she said. “You see locals mingling with visitors, and it creates this incredible sense of shared pride in what Munising has to offer.”

Cearley also notes how the festival fosters economic opportunities for local businesses. “February used to be a quiet month, but Ice Fest has changed that completely,” she said. “Now, our restaurants, shops and lodging facilities are bustling. It’s given Munising a second season, and that’s invaluable for a small town like ours.”

Beyond economics, Cearley stresses the festival’s role in shaping Mu-

nising’s identity as a destination for outdoor enthusiasts. “This event puts us on the map,” she said. “It shows that Munising is more than just a summer destination — it’s a place where people can connect with nature and each other year-round. That’s something special.”

For newcomers and veterans alike, the festival offers a memorable experience. “It’s not just about climbing,”

Delap said. “It’s about finding inspiration, pushing your limits and being part of something bigger than yourself.”

Sunday brings the festival to a close with walk-up climbing sessions and a farewell raffle at the Community Center. As climbers pack their gear and head home, the sense of accomplishment and connection lingers. The closing message for most of the participants is not “goodbye,” it’s “see you next year.”

The festival also invests in the future of climbing through its youth scholarship program. These scholarships provide local students with the opportunity to attend climbing clinics free of charge, introducing them to the sport in a supportive environment.

“It’s about creating access and inspiring the next generation,” Thompson said. “We want kids in Munising to grow up knowing that this incredible sport is right in their backyard.” By removing financial barriers, the program aims to foster connections between local youth and the natural wonders of Pictured Rocks. For many participants, it’s their first step into the world of climbing — and one that can ignite a lifelong passion.

Strong partnerships

This year’s festival brings an impressive roster of celebrity climbers, including Angela Limbach, Marcus Garcia, Sam Elias, Tim Emmett and Allie Oaks, among others. Many of these athletes are supported by major sponsors such as Black Diamond, ARC’TERYX, Patagonia, Rab, La Sportiva and The North Face, whose backing not only elevates the athletes’ careers but also enhances the festival experience through demonstrations, clinics and gear raffles.

Delap, also a sponsored athlete, expressed his gratitude for the role sponsors play in his climbing journey. “Having the support of Patagonia al-

Climbers often must brave brutal weather conditions to participate in the festival. (Photo courtesy of Michigan Ice Fest)

lows me to focus on pushing boundaries and teaching others,” he said. “They believe in what we’re doing here, and that makes all the difference.”

The Michigan Ice Fest thrives through its strong partnerships with land management agencies, transportation innovators and a commitment to honoring the land’s heritage. The event operates under special use permits with Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and the Hiawatha National Forest, ensuring climbers can enjoy the breathtaking sandstone formations and dramatic shorelines safely and responsibly.

Additionally, the festival acknowledges the ancestral homelands of the Anishinaabek and the tribal nations of the region, including the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.

In a push toward sustainability, the festival has partnered with Polaris, incorporating electric vehicles like the Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic Premium into backcountry shuttles to reduce their environmental footprint. These partnerships demonstrate Michigan Ice Fest’s dedication to conservation, inclusivity and enhancing the climbing experience for all participants.

Munising’s East Channel Brewing Co. plays a significant role in the festival as the official beer sponsor, bringing a local flavor to the celebra-

tion. East Channel Brewing offers an ever-rotating selection of handcrafted beers. The company’s new location, The Connection Beer Garden & Taproom, provides an inviting space where climbers and locals come together to enjoy the brewery’s offerings.

For those inspired to join the excitement, Michigan Ice Fest offers numerous ways to get involved. Volunteers play a critical role in making the event a success, assisting with everything from gear distribution to hospitality.

Registration for clinics and workshops opens well in advance, allowing climbers of all skill levels to secure their spots. Whether you’re interested in climbing, volunteering or simply soaking in the atmosphere, detailed information can be found on the festival’s website at michiganicefest.com. From there, you can explore event schedules, register for courses and discover how you can contribute to this incredible celebration of adventure, community and the beauty of winter in Munising. 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.

The festival contributes more than $1 million annually to Munising’s economy. (Photo courtesy of Michigan Ice Fest)

locals

‘Above and beyond’

Special relationships define Dr. Catherine Kroll’s medical career

Dr. Catherine Kroll has seen a lot over the last 40 years. As a rural, small-town family physician serving the Gwinn and K.I. Sawyer communities, she has done everything from delivering babies to treating cardiac arrest.

She’s also been challenged to treat some U.P.-specific injuries, such as removing more than 20 fishhooks from various body parts in one summer and treating the same group of hunters for bobcat bites two winters in a row.

“In a small town, people come in with all sorts of issues,” Kroll said. “It’s been an amazing 40 years.”

On Dec. 30, Kroll retired from seeing clinic patients at the Gwinn Family Health Center. She will, however, continue in her administrative role as the clinic’s chief medical officer as well as serving as associate hospice medical director for U.P. Home Health and Hospice and visiting patients who reside in long-term care facilities.

“There were a lot of emotions when patients found out I was leaving. For some, I had been their doctor for their entire life,” Kroll said. “It’s the relationships, the connections you make.”

Kroll enjoys a particularly special relationship with 95-year-old Aryel Headley, who was Kroll’s first clinic patient in 1984 and became her last patient on Dec. 30. Over the last 40 years, Kroll and Headley developed and maintained a close friendship in addition to their doctor-patient relationship.

Kroll first met Headley’s husband, the late Maj. Lanny Headley, when Kroll and her husband, Michael Prokopowicz, were visiting Gwinn and considering moving to the area. Lanny Headley was working in real estate after retiring from the U.S. Air Force and brought the young couple home to meet his wife, Aryel.

“We’re all Polish, and we clicked immediately,” Kroll said. “She fed us dinner and then gave us lunch for our drive back home. It was a natural connection.”

“She was very loving and inviting,” Kroll added. “And she said, ‘When

you get started, I’m going to be your first patient.’”

Headley, who turned 95 on Jan. 10, remembered their first meeting similarly, with one important distinction:

“I thought he was the doctor,” Headley said of meeting Prokopowicz. “We had a good laugh about that.”

In the early 1980s, a group of community members began a search for a local doctor. Headley, who was a longtime kindergarten teacher at Leo P. McDonald Elementary School at K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base at the time, explained that there was a void after the previous community doctor had died and most residents did not want to travel to Marquette to access care.

“The people in Gwinn adopted the doctor and her husband,” Headley said.

And, it seems, Headley herself may have done the same. “My mother basically adopted Dr. Kroll and Mike,” Headley’s son Alan Zalewski said. “She’s like my mother’s daughter.”

“She is,” Headley added, her voice

breaking. “That’s true.”

Over the last 40 years, Headley and Kroll spent a lot of time together outside of the clinic and bonded over shared interests such as canoeing, snowshoeing and gardening. Headley had a greenhouse on her property where she grew miracle berry plants and helped Kroll plant some around the clinic.

Lanny Headley later sold Kroll some property across the Escanaba River from their home, which Kroll turned into a family garden.

“They share their garden with us,” Zalewski said. “The zucchini fairy shows up at odd hours. It pays to befriend a farmer.”

The two also share a love of fishing and spent a week together each summer for about 15 years at “Fish Camp” at a remote spot near Watersmeet.

Headley even introduced Kroll to the best places for berry picking, and Kroll used the berries to bake pies. “I don’t share that with everyone,” Headley said of the location of her favorite berry patches.

And when Kroll and Prokopowicz travel, they often bring back kielbasa and other foods from Polish delis for Headley.

Eventually, some of Kroll’s family members also moved to Gwinn, including her sister, who is a nurse at the clinic, and her parents. Headley and Kroll’s mother, Gertrude, became fast friends and sometimes performed together in community theater productions. The two remain friends and still talk on the phone.

Similarly, many of Headley’s family members were patients of Kroll’s, including Zalewski.

Zalewski said there is a “mutual admiration” between his mother and Kroll. And although Headley “doesn’t need a ton of care,” Zalewski is grateful for how his mother is treated.

“It’s almost not fair. [Kroll] has gone above and beyond standard patient care,” he said. “It takes a village to raise a 95-year-old.”

Of the last 40 years, Headley said simply, “It flew by.”

Kroll feels the same.

Both Kroll and Prokopowicz grew up in Posen, Michigan, a small town between Rogers City and Alpena. She earned her undergraduate degree from Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie and attended medical school at Michigan State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. Though she considered different specialties, Kroll realized that family medicine would expose her to “a variety of everything.”

She also spent her school breaks shadowing her mentor, Dr. Thomas Allum, who served as a general practitioner in Rogers City for 45 years.

Shortly before embarking on a post-graduation camping trip, Kroll saw an ad in the Journal of Osteopathic Medicine that said Gwinn was searching for a doctor.

“Michael and I both said, ‘Where is Gwinn?’” Kroll recalled.

Kroll and Prokopowicz’s trip took them to the U.P., where they visited a former roommate of Kroll’s who was living in Ontonagon. When the conversation turned to Gwinn, Kroll’s roommate, who was originally from

Aryel Headley, right, was Dr. Catherine Kroll’s first clinic patient in 1984 and her last, on Dec. 30. Kroll’s husband, Michael Prokopowicz, left, managed the medical practice for years. (Photo by Alan Zalewski)

Negaunee, shared that her brother lived there and helped her connect.

“The first time we drove through, we said this is really a pretty town,” Kroll said. “We come from a small town. I liked the way being in a small town felt. We felt really comfortable here.”

Kroll established her practice, which Prokopowicz managed, in a small building, and it grew steadily. With just a single doctor, there were challenges when Kroll had to go out of town or when she had to make trips back and forth to the hospital in Marquette — sometimes several times a day.

In late 1988, Dr. Barbara Lyons, who was practicing in Marquette, informed Kroll that she was moving out of the area and sending her nursing home patients to Kroll.

“From Dec. 31, 1988, to Jan. 1, 1989, I gained 100 new patients,” Kroll said. “But I really enjoy working with the elderly. I like talking to them, hearing their stories. They see me as a familiar friend.”

As the practice grew — they opened a second location at Sawyer in 1998 — Kroll was able to add nurse practitioners, physician assistants and an additional doctor. In 2010, the clinic became a federally qualified health center, an FQHC, which receives federal money to provide services for patients regardless of their ability to pay as well as ancillary services for community health workers.

The Gwinn Family Health Center is now part of Upper Great Lakes Family Health, which also operates clinics in Marquette, K.I. Sawyer, Menominee, Iron River, Ontonagon, Houghton, Hancock, Lake Linden and Calumet. The clinics can offer primary care, dental, behavioral health, OB, pediatrics and addiction services, depending on the location. “It’s a much bigger organization serving a lot more

people,” Kroll said.

Outside of the practice, Kroll and Prokopowicz are deeply embedded in the community. Their involvement has included various ministries at St. Anthony Parish, St. Vincent de Paul, St. Francis Connection Center at Sawyer, Knights of Columbus, Sawyer Authority Board, Lions Club, Gwinn Chamber of Commerce, Forsyth Singers, Gwinn Area Community Schools and Gwinn Fun Daze.

They also founded the Superior Arts Council. Though no longer active, the organization produced summer theater programs for kids and supported local arts.

“We’re part of the community,” Kroll said. “We want to give back to the community with what they have done for us over the years. They’re your friends, neighbors.”

Kroll and Prokopowicz were recognized with the Catholic Service Award in 2018 presented by Father Allen Mott.

Zalewski also acknowledged their decades of community service. “Their commitment to be here and serve the community with their whole heart has filled in a missing component of this community,” he said.

As Kroll reflects on the last 40 years of her career, she said she thinks about the many hours she has spent with her patients, including her “dear friend” Headley, both rejoicing in good times and sharing their sadness in bad times.

“The community has trusted me with their medical care for so many years. It’s really overwhelming when you think about it,” Kroll said. “We couldn’t have asked for anything more.”

MM

Erin Elliott Bryan grew up in Ishpeming. She is a freelance writer and an MM calendar editor.

Harry Kroll, left, and Gertrude Kroll, right, celebrated daughter Catherine Kroll’s graduation from medical school at Michigan State in 1983. (Photo courtesy of Catherine Kroll)

the arts

NMU production reimagines Shakespeare in the second week of deer camp

Love, class conflict and beer

Picture this: The Upper Peninsula of Michigan, early 2000s.

It’s the opening week of deer hunting season, and you’ve landed at a friend-of-a-friend’s deer camp with two glorious weeks of vacation ahead. Britney Spears is fresh off her Grammy win for her iconic dance hit “Toxic,” and the air is thick with the promise of camaraderie, beer drinking and the thrill of the hunt.

What could possibly go wrong?

Northern Michigan University’s Theatre and Dance Department is putting a Yooper twist on Shakespeare with its upcoming production of “Much Ado About Nothing,” a comedy-turned-tragedy that follows two intertwined love stories — one between rivals Beatrice and Benedick and the other between Hero and Claudio. The couples must navigate miscommunication, unsuspecting love and deception throughout the play’s two-hourand-fifteen-minute run time.

Directed and adapted by Jimmy Ludwig — assistant professor and head of NMU’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting program — this version of the beloved play trades the sunlit gardens of Messina, Italy, for the rugged, backcountry setting of a U.P. deer camp. Here, blowing hot air around a bonfire, marathon euchre games and crushed cans of Old Style often take precedence over actually bagging that trophy buck.

Ludwig, a native of Iron River, chose to set the nearly 450-year-old play in the Upper Peninsula to highlight its characters’ timeless relatability and reframe Shakespeare’s commentary on class and social status in a way that resonates with NMU’s core audience: Yoopers.

“Modern audiences don’t care about Shakespeare unless they can see themselves in it. Otherwise, there is no reason to do it,” Ludwig said. “So, we’re taking this production and setting it at deer camp during the second week of deer season … because so much of this play lines up with the strife and tomfoolery we undergo here in the Upper Peninsula.”

In particular, Ludwig drew inspiration from the striking contrast he observed in deer hunting properties across the Upper Peninsula. On one side sits a traditional deer camp — unprofessionally built by a group

of friends over decades. Nothing is square, additions are made every 10 years when the co-owners scrape together enough spare change, and amenities are bare-bones: There’s no running water, warmth comes from a wood stove and a trip to the bath-

room means a brisk trudge through the snow to an outhouse.

However, a pristine hunting lodge looms in stark contrast just down the road. Hand-selected by wealthy out-of-state buyers, these luxury cabins boast central heating, flat-screen televisions and a Jacuzzi on the back porch — which gets used once a year.

According to Ludwig, this class divide is often left out of conversations — or at least until a few beers loosen tongues.

“There’s a distinct set of storylines in this play where you have the people who are the ‘haves’ and the people who are the ‘have-nots,’” Ludwig said. “To have those two groups first party together and then come head to head with each other later in the play, when everything goes sideways, is really fascinating to me.”

Costuming, hair and makeup will play a significant role in evoking the deer camp atmosphere and class divide on stage — uniquely inspired by the early 2000s. Flannels, Carhart hats and blaze orange vests will emulate the traditional Yooper deer camp attire. For the upper class, imagine Y2K Britney Spears and Beyoncé — lowrise jeans, Velour tracksuits and mesh tops.

The class divide in “Much Ado About Nothing” is also reflected in the characters’ speech. High-status individuals often speak in iambic pentameter — a rhythmic, structured style typical of Shakespeare — while lower-class characters use prose, a more natural and conversational form of speech.

This contrast in language is especially evident in the play’s two main characters, Beatrice and Benedick. Both are sharp-tongued nobles who spend much of their time on stage exchanging witty yet fierce banter in both verse and prose. Their relationship lies at the heart of the play’s exploration of love, reputation and the

Maya Moreau rehearses Beatrice’s lines and actions for NMU’s upcoming production of “Much Ado About Nothing.” (Photo by Jimmy Ludwig)

power dynamics inherent in societal gender roles.

Maya Moreau, a fourth-year musical theater student at NMU, is eager to portray Beatrice, a beloved feminist icon in classic literature.

“I feel I’ve been granted a blessing to play Beatrice because I feel so connected to her that I don’t feel like I need to create something that isn’t already there within me,” Moreau said. “She’s such a feisty character … that inspires me to be a strong woman.”

After being cast in the role of Beatrice last September, Moreau has delved deeper into her feminist journey by channeling the Shakespearean character. The play is set in the Elizabethan era, when women were expected to be quiet, submissive and confined to homemaking. Yet, Beatrice has no issue expressing her feelings, openly defies soldiers and seeks no male validation.

Beatrice’s attitude and feminist ideals are most powerfully expressed in her legendary “O God, that I were a man” monologue, where she fiercely defends her best friend, Hero, after Hero falls victim to a vicious smear campaign and public humiliation.

“In that time, for a woman to sacrifice her relationship with all of these

men and all of society to protect her best friend, who is a woman, that doesn’t happen many times in classical literature,” Moreau said. “Beatrice just doesn’t care, and that is so cool.”

In addition to embodying Beatrice’s fierce loyalty to Hero, Moreau must also develop and convey the fiery chemistry between Beatrice and Ben-

edick — a self-proclaimed bachelor who masks his vulnerabilities behind a sharp tongue and playful insults. Fortunately, according to Moreau, that on-stage connection should come naturally, as she and her co-star, Samuel McKnight, already share a similar rapport in real life.

“We get into insane debates, and

we go back and forth about philosophical things, political things, and that can feel a lot like playing Beatrice and Benedick,” Moreau said. “When we auditioned, it wasn’t difficult for us at all to bring the energy of these characters to life.”

McKnight, a junior acting major and film studies minor at NMU, has quickly stepped into the role of Benedick. While Moreau and McKnight haven’t been in many shows together, they are close acquaintances whose relationship is built on witty competition. According to McKnight, Ludwig will encourage the duo to take chances and further explore that relationship during rehearsal.

“In rehearsal, we might try things that are really extreme that may not ever make it in the final show, but maybe we’ll find little pieces of things that we hold on to,” McKnight said. “With Shakespeare, you kind of always have to do that because the text wants to go to really extreme places. To do that in rehearsal is really important because you learn about your character, and you learn about your fellow actors as well.”

McKnight, who is from Skandia, brings authenticity to Ludwig’s adaptation, reimagining Benedick as

Copeland Diver, left, awaits his cue while portraying The Prince alongside Phillip Smith, who is undertaking the role of Claudio. (Photo by Jimmy Ludwig)

a local hunting guide who escorts wealthy out-of-towners on hunting trips. While McKnight acknowledges that working with Shakespearean language presents challenges, he believes that focusing on Benedick’s identity within the adaptation’s world will help ground his performance.

“I think focusing on Benedick’s identity as a hunter and a bit of a partier and allowing the uniqueness of our show to influence who the character is will be a big part of helping make that character mine,” McKnight said.

Putting together a solid performance can be daunting, especially with a cast of 30 full-time students, including understudies, swings, covers and stage management. However, much of the preparation for the roles they are undertaking comes from their regular course load, including classes like Stage Voice, Script Analysis and Voice and Movement. Ludwig even taught a Shakespeare-focused class during the Fall 2024 semester, which most of the cast were enrolled in.

“Each student has something very special to bring to these characters. It’s my job as the mentor and director to decide whether the thing they bring instinctually is too much like them to be of educational value,” Ludwig said. “Part of that is about knowing your actors, and we have the great fortune

to be involved in their development and know what they’re capable of.”

The opening night of NMU’s “Much Ado About Nothing” is Feb. 20 at 7:30 p.m. in the Panowski Black Box Theatre on campus. The production will run Feb. 20-22, Feb. 27-28 and March 1. For detailed showtimes and ticket prices, visit the NMU Theatre and Dance website (nmu.edu/theatreanddance).

“A lot of thought is going into this production, and this is such a wonderful learning opportunity for so many young actors. Everybody is so excited,” Moreau said. “I love it when people are so excited about the art that they get to create … and that energy in a room, theater or any collaborative thing you do where everyone has a similar passion is palpable. I just love it. I love what I do.”

NMU’s “Much Ado About Nothing” invites audiences to discover that — whether in Shakespeare or at deer camp — when pride, love and beer are involved, just about everything can go hilariously wrong.

MM

Andie Balenger is a native of Gladstone, attending graduate school at Northern Michigan University for administration of outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism.

Samuel McKnight, foreground, portrays Benedick as Michael Ahlstrom portrays The Messenger during rehearsal. (Photo by Jimmy Ludwig)

the arts

Marquette moves forward with Presque Isle bandshell project

Building on a legacy

Every city has its iconic places. Run a Google search of Marquette and you’ll see the ore docks, the Marquette Harbor Lighthouse, maybe a view of downtown and, often enough, the Presque Isle Bandshell.

The bandshell is a special place in Presque Isle Park. It marks a spot where people have been coming for generations to enjoy concerts in a setting that only the Upper Peninsula could provide. The beautiful green slope behind the shell is a perfect backdrop for the music projected at the audience, and the band gets an even better view over the heads of their admirers — Lake Superior in the summer sun.

That bandshell, however, will soon

be a thing of the past. For nearly a century, the structure has housed concerts and dances and marriage proposals. But even buildings need to retire.

It’s worn out.

The bandshell was built in 1935, though the Marquette City Band, founded in 1887, was sponsoring dances at the Presque Isle Pavilion as early as 1920. In the 1950s, the regular Sunday afternoon concerts were removed from the schedule, which left only the Thursday evening concerts.

“Those were most likely every Thursday night of the summer,” said Steve Grugin, director of the Marquette City Band since 2011 and cochair of the committee raising funds for a new bandshell. “Recently we decided we’d like to perform pieces that were a little bit more difficult to

play, so we cut the weekly performances to around seven or eight a summer.”

Grugin remembers that Bob Moore, a longtime Marquette resident and band member who passed away in 2019, told him a story about the bandshell when it was “just a slab.”

“I did a little quick math, and Bob joined the band when he was 13,” Grugin said. “That would have been a year or two before the shell was built.”

Throughout its time as a centerpiece of Marquette music, the shell has seen its share of notable events.

In 1987, the MCB was joined by the Marquette Choral Society for a special concert. In 1990, then-Gov. James Blanchard was in attendance. At a concert directed by Dr. Mark Flaherty in 1999, the MCB welcomed a brass group called Amerikan Poijat under

the direction of Dr. Paul Niemisto, in honor of FinnFest.

Sometimes cancelling a concert is a reason to take note. In the summer, the cause is usually a rainstorm or — since this is the Upper Peninsula, after all — a bout of snow flurries. But the bandshell has seen a few interesting cancellations.

The MCB called off a concert in 2003 because Lakeshore Boulevard was closed. That was the year of the Dead River flood that cut off access to Presque Isle. In 2011 the concert was moved to the Marquette Commons because a moose had been roaming around Presque Isle Park.

Grugin also remembers two of his students getting engaged at the shell during a concert.

It’s not these events, though, that make the bandshell such a memorable

An artist’s rendering imagines the Peg Hirvonen Bandshell at Presque Isle Park, which will replace the current structure. (Image courtesy of the City of Marquette)

place; it’s the everyday, every-concert things. “I always hear stories about deer wandering through the crowd,” Grugin said. “For the band, it’s the [Upper Harbor] Ore Dock. The concerts start at 7:30, and usually around 8 o’clock they drop their load down onto the boat. Some people say it’s distracting, and I guess it can be if you’re not used to it, but for me it’s part of the charm of performing out there.”

All of these memories, and the millions more experienced by generations that have attended concerts there, add up to an aging structure that needs to be replaced.

Another 100-year bandshell

Grugin said he first met with the Presque Isle Commission in 2019 to discuss the physical state of the shell. When the pandemic struck in 2020, the band continued to perform but, because of distancing requirements, they moved a good portion of the group outside of the shell to the slope in front.

“It was really apparent in 2022 that the shell was not in good shape and that it had become unsafe,” Grugin said. “We began asking questions about how we were going to get a new bandshell.”

Enter the Ray and Peg Hirvonen Foundation, set up by the Hirvonens to help the Marquette community. “We tend to focus on youth, seniors and arts and culture,” said Linda Hirvonen, president of the foundation and Ray and Peg’s daughter. “I think we came to the city. My dad had just died,

and we were looking to name something in the city after my parents.”

Hirvonen remembers that her mother loved going to the band concerts. “She wouldn’t miss them,” Hirvonen said.

When they heard about the need for a new shell, Hirvonen said they were happy to help. “The community really relies on that structure,” she said, “and it was no longer functional. We thought it would be a good thing to do.”

With a generous donation from the

foundation, fundraising began for the new structure, which will be named the Peg Hirvonen Bandshell. Though a major obstacle to overcome, raising funds is only part of what needed to happen.

The band, in concert with the city, had to begin the entire design and bidding process. This is where architect Namdi Alexander comes into the picture.

“They issued an open request for proposals,” Alexander said, “and though we thought it was a long shot

since we were an out-of-town firm, the project resonated with us.

“This is the type of work we like to do,” said Alexander, whose company, AWH Architects, is based in Minneapolis. “It has significance for the community, both historically and culturally, and to be part of that is really exciting for us.”

AWH was chosen for the project and immediately delved into the design process. Alexander, who also teaches design, said that one of the things he emphasizes with his stu-

This illustration from an aerial perspective shows that landscaping as part of the bandshell project will address accessibility issues for musicians and audience members. (Image courtesy of the City of Marquette)

dents is that design is first and foremost listening.

“We all come with preconceived ideas and assumptions. That’s when we run into problems,” Alexander said. “That’s the difference between art and design. With art you want to disregard the rules and use free will. Design is working to operate within a series of constraints, and to understand those constraints you have to listen.”

So AWH started with listening. Company architects came to Marquette for a two-day session of meetings that included all involved parties, from user groups like the MCB and Marquette Symphony Orchestra, to local folk musicians and theater groups. Community members were also invited to voice their opinions.

AWH took all of the suggestions and started to build a list of needs and wants for the new building. “It can be tricky to navigate,” Alexander said, “but we took a ton of notes, and what we heard a lot was how much people loved the old bandshell.”

Grugin added, “People really want the new one to be reminiscent of the old one. We’re hoping for a better back-of-house area as well as handicap accessibility to the stage and audience areas.”

What began as construction of a new bandshell has become a redesign of that area of the park. “It will be better planned and thus greatly enhanced,” Grugin said.

“We did some initial designs and nailed down some things while keeping true to the historic building while giving the new one its own personality,” Alexander said. “We wanted to do some updating, like using glue-laminated beams instead of the heavy timbers that are in the original. They serve the same function but have a more modern aesthetic.”

PEOPLE REALLY WANT THE NEW ONE TO BE REMINISCENT OF THE OLD ONE. “

Alexander also said that working with a large group on the design phase can be difficult. “You can’t design by committee,” he said. “The designer has to take all of these different perspectives and coalesce them into one idea. As long as we keep that as a touchstone, we felt like we would be in the right ballpark.”

With the initial work complete, it was time to bring a few of the design ideas to the public, which AWH and the MCB did at a concert last summer.

With the old bandshell as a backdrop, the community was welcomed to Presque Isle Park to discuss the design options and vote for the one they liked best. Alexander was there to field questions, and several musical groups were on hand to perform.

During that evening concert last August, the band and audience faced a familiar foe: the weather. “The band is stalwart,” Hirvonen said. “… It was barely 60 degrees and windy, and they

The bandshell at Presque Isle Park was built in 1935. The new shell will pay homage to the structure it is replacing. (Photo courtesy of the Marquette City Band)

still played. We were really amazed.”

The event was a success. A design was chosen shortly thereafter, and progress is being made in the bid process. The committee hopes to have construction bids early this year. Alexander said, “Once we select a contractor, we’ll continue on through the construction administration phase, to make sure that things stay consistent with the design intent that we and the city expect.”

What can the city, the performers and the community as a whole expect from the new facility? “We want to produce another 100-year bandshell,” Alexander said. “There has been a trend of disposable construction that has sort of taken over the market. We really want to avoid that.”

Alexander said that although the initial cost might seem high, the architects are working on using materials that will last longer. “For example, we’re looking at a standing seam metal roof,” he said. “It’s more expensive up front, but you’re going to replace asphalt shingles two or three times in the life of a metal roof.”

Those considerations are important when looking at building longevity. “The interior materials are rot-resistant and durable to temperature fluctuations,” Alexander said. “We want to put the money where we can get the most longevity.”

Grugin is excited for the project to be under way and expects to begin demolition of the old bandshell in the spring. “The project will include all site work, including demolition of the old shell, building of the new shell, landscaping, even down to repaving of the road,” he said. “It’s a pretty big project.”

The City of Marquette reports that over half of the $2.1 million price tag has already been raised. Individuals, families and businesses interested in making a donation can do so at mqt-

compass.com. That site will also include progress updates.

Of course, because of the demolition and construction happening at the site, there will be no concerts there this summer. This does not mean, however, that the City Band will be silent this year.

“We’re looking at several options right now,” Grugin said. “Nothing is certain quite yet.” He said that all updates to the 2025 summer concert series will be announced at marquettecityband.com and on the band’s Facebook page.

“The design of the new shell is fantastic,” Grugin said. “Everyone loves it, and the stage is designed so there will be much greater stage area for different types of events.”

Grugin said Alexander has been integral to the process. “He has really listened to what people have said and is working to make it the best situation for all concerned,” Grugin said.

Alexander added, “This has been a dream project and a ton of fun in a lot of ways. The city and the staff we’ve been working with has been great. We’ve felt completely welcomed and embraced when we’ve been here, and the collaborative nature of the project, working with everybody, has been amazing. It’s been an honor being part of and continuing the legacy of stories that will be built here.”

The new bandshell, when finished, will be a showpiece just as the old one was and promises to be the centerpiece of a million more memories.

“It’s a big part of the community,” Hirvonen said. “I think it’s important that it continues to be there.”

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.

In recent years, most members of the City Band have been seated on the lawn in front of the shell during concerts. (Photo courtesy of the Marquette City Band)

locals

The

life and legacy of Mary Jayne Hallifax

Munising’s Renaissance woman

Imagine a small woman with a big camera, bustling down the streets of Munising. She’s a blur of energy, her camera bag swinging as she briefly pauses to greet a neighbor — who will have to walk with her if they want to chat.

Always in forward motion, she’s focused on that snap of a photograph, capturing the perfect moment in time. Mary Jayne Hallifax earned the nickname “One-Shot Mary Jayne” because of her no-nonsense approach to both shooting and life.

Her name is synonymous with the word icon, locally and throughout the Upper Peninsula. Hallifax wasn’t just a photographer. She was a journalist, historian, mentor and community chronicler. Her lens captured weddings, graduations, births, sporting events and, yes, even crime scenes. Her subjects spanned from giggling Girl Scouts to stern-faced governors, each immortalized in photographs that told Munising’s evolving story.

“Everyone has a Mary Jayne story,” her daughter Laurel Hallifax Boucher said with a smile. And long after her passing just a few weeks ago, those stories keep the legend alive.

Meet Mary Jayne Hallifax: an unstoppable force, an eccentric visionary and the epitome of Munising’s grit and creative spirit, a woman the Upper Peninsula community will proudly call its own for generations.

A force from the start

Born on Jan. 3, 1929, Mary Jayne — known by everyone, even her own children, by that name — was a force of nature from the very beginning. Even as a young girl, her energy and tenacity set her apart.

The eldest daughter of Oliver and Margaret Shampine graduated valedictorian of William G. Mather High School in 1946. Her academic prowess aside, it was when she worked on the school’s yearbook, “The Torch,” that Mary Jayne found her true calling. Under the guidance of Lucille Buckley, a school secretary and avid photographer, Mary Jayne developed film and printed photos.

“She was hooked,” Hallifax Boucher said. “Once Mom had a camera in her hands, there was no stopping her.”

After graduation, Mary Jayne took a job at People’s State Bank but spent her evenings pursuing photography.

Janeen Hallifax Chebli, Mary Jayne’s

daughter, said, “Mom told me once that her parents made her choose — stick with the bank or go all-in on photography. She chose photography, and thank goodness she did.”

Her father, recognizing her budding talent, gave her $100 to buy an

enlarger, chemicals and trays. With that, her career began in earnest.

Marriage and a business built on passion

In 1948, Mary Jayne married Richard Hallifax, a funeral director

Mary Jayne Hallifax spent a lifetime behind her camera, capturing Munising’s meaningful moments. Her passion for photography began when she was a high school student. (Photo courtesy of the Hallifax family)

and fellow photography enthusiast. Janeen recalls the story fondly: “Mom said she met Dad when she was shoveling snow outside her parents’ house. She made sure to time it just right so she could see him walk by. That was her way of ‘coincidentally’ catching his attention.”

Their whirlwind spring-to-fall romance turned into a partnership that defined their lives. “They were a team in every sense,” Hallifax Chebli said.

Richard attended the New York School of Photography in 1953, bringing back technical skills that complemented Mary Jayne’s artistic vision. Together, they lived their first two years of marriage in a small apartment above the Munising Café (Candy Kitchen). It was a humble yet lively space where Mary Jayne managed her burgeoning photography business while starting a family that eventually included their four children, Dean, Janeen, Laurel and Heather.

Later, they moved into her parents’ home, which became known as “The Hallifax House.” This Tudor Revival-style house, built in 1936, was designed by Mary Jayne’s father after he fell in love with a similar design in Chicago. The home, with its steeply pitched gables, massive chimney and intricate strapwork details, became an extension of Mary Jayne’s creative spirit. According to the book “Michigan’s Upper Peninsula: Magnificent Mansions & Courtly Cottages” by Sonny Longtine, the house was true to its craftsmanship and grace, standing out as a landmark in Munising.

The dining room of the home dou-

bled as a studio workspace, the garage became an office and the basement housed a darkroom where Mary Jayne developed her photographs.

The Hallifax children grew up surrounded by the constant hum of creativity. Her daughters recall evenings spent watching television while Mary Jayne sat at the card table, meticulously adding color with oil-painting to black-and-white portraits.

“She never stopped moving,” Hallifax Boucher said. “She made dinner, ran a business and still found time to sit with us as we watched our shows.” Hallifax Chebli added, “She would ask us what color we wanted our sweater painted while we sat together around the television. She was a whirlwind.” Photographs were a constant presence in their home, often strewn across flat surfaces as oils dried.

Richard Hallifax was a kind, quiet and deeply devoted family man. A steadfast Baptist, his daily Bible reading brought a distinct dynamic to their otherwise Catholic household. Due to their differing faiths, he and Mary Jayne were married in the rectory instead of the church — a reflection of the times. His calm, steady demeanor perfectly balanced Mary Jayne’s boundless energy and bustling personality.

The arrival of the South American was a big event in Munising, and of course Mary Jayne Hallifax was there to document the occasion. Hallifax took pride in the fact that she photographed seven Michigan governors: G. Mennen Williams, John Swainson, George Romney, William Milliken, James Blanchard, John Engler and Rick Snyder. (Photo by Mary Jayne Hallifax)

Family members recalled him as someone with a subtle sense of humor. Hallifax Chebli shared a story about how he once hid a $100 bill in his Bible, later revealing it with the comment, “I’ve told you for years it pays to read the Bible,” adding, “and if any of you would have opened this, you would have gotten that money.”

This lighthearted moment captured his wit and his knack for teaching lessons with a smile.

He was also remembered for his sense of duty and professionalism as a funeral director, coroner and co-owner of Bowerman-Hallifax Funeral Home — roles that demanded both compassion and composure. His colleagues and community members respected him greatly for his dedication to his work and his unwavering support of Mary Jayne’s photography career. Dick often handled much of the film development and press work, while Mary Jayne took the lead behind the camera.

Life in the Hallifax household was a blend of business and family. Hallifax Boucher recalled, “The telephone was both a family phone and my mother’s business phone, so we always had to answer it, ‘Mary Jayne’s Photos,’ and then say our name.”

The Hallifax home on Onota Street was a constant hub of activity. “Our house was Grand Central Station. People were always coming and going — it was just normal to us,” Hallifax Boucher said. “As we got older, we were allowed to manage people collecting their orders on behalf of my mother, but she always did all the photography herself. It wasn’t like a private home — it felt like a business we just happened to live in the middle of. And it felt very normal.”

Hallifax Chebli shared a story about Mary Jayne’s sense of humor. She was always laughing at things she found funny, including herself, and often used laughter to navigate particularly emotional moments. Six months after Richard’s passing, Janeen and Mary Jayne were going through his belongings. While opening his closet, they found something unexpected — a note in his handwriting tucked into a shirt pocket. The discovery was both poignant and humorous. Mary Jayne began to laugh, saying, “If you don’t laugh, you have to cry.”

Janeen said this was her mother’s way of coping — using humor to process intense emotions without suppressing them. It was a clear example of how Mary Jayne’s laughter often

Richard and Mary Jayne Hallifax worked side by side in the photography business, which was based in their home. (Photo courtesy of the Hallifax family)

brought levity to otherwise heavy moments. Richard passed away in 2001 after suffering for many years with Alzheimer’s disease.

Fearless and ahead of her time Mary Jayne didn’t just take portraits. She also worked crime scenes, documenting homicides and accidents for law enforcement. “She was fearless,” grandson Zachary Boucher said. “She went places women weren’t even allowed, and she didn’t care. She just did her job.”

Her work extended to Munising’s lighter moments. She photographed buck poles, fishing trips and Pictured Rocks cruises. She captured Munising’s history as it unfolded, from courthouse fires to new building constructions.

“She wasn’t just taking pictures,” said Jack Deo, a fellow photographer. “She was chronicling the history of Munising. Her images are iconic.”

Mary Jayne’s weekly column, “All About Town with Mary Jayne,” ran in The Munising News, where she shared photos and stories that celebrated the community. Additionally, her feature “Down Memory Lane with Mary Jayne” first appeared in The Munising News and later The Mining Journal, offering readers a nostalgic glimpse into the area’s history.

“Mary Jayne approached me with the idea of a photo feature to replace the very popular ‘Once More Through Town’ column,” said Willie Peterson, the final owner of The Munising News, which was published from 1896 to 2021. “‘All About Town with Mary Jayne’ was born, and it normally featured three photos with captions informing the fine folks of Alger County of things she encountered on her frequent rides around the area — early on by car with family or friends, and later on her scooter.

“Our readers loved her feature in the paper, and we would frequently hear how much people enjoyed it. She had an impeccable memory and would often include historical references in her captions.”

“If Mary Jayne pointed her camera at you, it was exciting,” said Lisa Cromell, Munising Public Schools librarian and a childhood friend of Mary Jayne’s youngest daughter, Heather Hallifax Bush. “You knew you might end up in the paper.”

Cromell shared a story about a prom-related event her mother hosted for her and her friends, including Heather. Her mother organized the gathering as a way for the girls to show off their prom dresses, complete with tea, cookies and a staircase for

dramatic entrances.

Mary Jayne joined in, bringing her camera to capture the occasion. She transformed the living room into a photo studio, rearranging furniture to create the perfect setup. Known for her attention to detail, Mary Jayne carefully posed the girls and adjusted the lighting to ensure every shot was just right.

“She had such a talent for making you feel like you were the most important person in the room,” Lisa said. “That day, she made all of us girls, including Heather, feel like models.”

Janeen Hallifax Chebli remembers her mother’s ability to connect with people. “She made everyone feel seen,” she said. “Even if she was rushing off to her next shoot, she’d stop to ask about your family.”

Mary Jayne’s contributions to Munising extended far beyond her photography. She was an active member of the Munising Business and Professional Women’s Club, serving in all offices until its disbandment in 1990, as well as a Girl Scout leader and a 4-H volunteer. She also held memberships in professional photographer associations in Michigan and Wisconsin, the Alger County Historical Society and the Munising Hospital Auxiliary. Mary Jayne was a dedicated volunteer at the Munising Senior Center, where her efforts left a lasting impact.

Deo described Mary Jayne as an integral figure in preserving the visual history of Munising and Alger County. He credited her exceptional ability to capture not only important moments but also the essence of the people and places she photographed. He called her a trailblazer who worked tireless-

The Hallifax children had a closeup view of their mother’s work. (Photo courtesy of the Hallifax family)

ly in a male-dominated field. He noted that her work was invaluable for historians and future generations.

Deo, owner of Superior View Historic Photography, said he has a collection of Mary Jayne’s negatives, now preserved as part of his archives. These negatives have been transformed into postcards.

He recounted a humorous story about Mary Jayne’s attention to detail. She would frequently visit his stores to ensure her name was printed on the back of the postcards featuring her photos. If her credit was missing, she wasn’t shy about pointing it out and insisting it be added.

“Mary Jayne always stood up for her work and made sure she got the credit she deserved,” Deo said. “It wasn’t just about recognition — it was about her pride in contributing to something meaningful.”

Family life: roots and wings

Mary Jayne wasn’t just a career woman; she was also a devoted mother and grandmother. Even in the midst of her accomplishments and successes, she faced the heartbreak of outliving her husband and two of their four children. Despite these profound losses, her resilience and strength of character remained steadfast.

Mary Jayne’s youngest daughter, Heather Hallifax Bush, shared her mother’s tenacity for getting things done. After completing business and medical transcription studies at Northern Michigan University, Heather began her career in Marquette before moving to Norfolk, Virginia, where she spent three decades as a program analyst for the Naval Facilities Engineering Command and Navy Crane Center. She was known not only for

her professionalism and dedication, but also for her ability to form lifelong friendships.

Similarly, Mary Jayne’s son, Dean Richard Hallifax, followed career paths influenced by both parents. Like his father, Dean worked in the mortuary business for many years, and he also embraced his mother’s creative instincts through his work in videography and preserving family memories. His strong work ethic, instilled by his parents, carried through his life.

Mary Jayne’s legacy lives on in her remaining daughters, Janeen and Laurel; grandchildren Zachary, Kyle and Steven; and three great-grandchildren, Henry, Daniel and Arlie. Her annual family vacations, complete with mandatory group photos, created lasting memories. “At the time, we hated it,” grandson Zachary Boucher said, “but now, those pictures are priceless. She gave us memories we’ll cherish forever.”

He fondly recalled Mary Jayne’s infectious laugh, a sound so distinct and full of joy that it’s impossible to forget. “She’d get laughing so hard at a joke or a story she was trying to tell, and she’d freeze up — she almost couldn’t breathe,” he said.

Boucher also recounted afternoons spent at her house after school. “From kindergarten to about third or fourth grade, I’d walk down the alleyway after school and hang out with her until my parents were done with work. We’d sit in her back room, watch TV, and she’d always make the same snack — burnt peanut butter toast,” he said with a laugh.

Even in her later years, Mary Jayne continued to bring her characteristic wit and warmth to family interactions. Zachary shared how his infant

Mary Jayne Hallifax was on hand to capture all of the moments of small-town life, including the crowning of the woodenware queen. (Photo by Mary Jayne Hallifax)

son met Mary Jayne shortly before she passed away. Observing the baby, Mary Jayne smiled and remarked on how happy he was. After a brief interaction, true to her straightforward nature, she said, “OK, I’m done,” signaling the end of the visit. For Zachary, this moment was quintessential Mary Jayne — honest, unapologetic and always true to herself.

“She made us who we are,” Laurie Hallifax Boucher said. “She gave us roots and wings. She taught us to work hard and dream big, and for that, we’ll always be grateful.”

A lasting legacy

Mary Jayne refused to slow down, even in her later years. She continued writing her columns and sharing her extensive photo collection with the community. “She was Munising’s historian,” said Mary Jo Cook, director of the Alger County Heritage Center. “Her work is invaluable. She preserved the essence of this town.”

In her final weeks, Mary Jayne shared memories of her photography career with her daughter Janeen Hallifax Chebli. “You even went overseas to conventions with that photographer from Port Huron, didn’t you?” Janeen asked.

Mary Jayne nodded. “Yes, Mary Goschnick. She was quite the photographer — her business was in her house, just like mine. We went to conventions together, to places like Florida and London.”

Janeen pressed for more details. “What about London? Didn’t you meet someone important there?”

Mary Jayne smiled. “Oh yes,” she said, “Lord Lichfield, the royal photographer. He photographed Princess Diana and Prince Charles’ wedding. He was so unconventional — he showed up in jeans and a sweatshirt! But his work was absolutely stunning. … And to have anything associated with the word ‘royal’ really put you right at the top.” She chuckled and added, “I’ve seen some recent photographs of him — he was nice looking. Not hard on the eyes.”

Janeen laughed as her mother shared another memory from the London convention. “That evening, there were nude models — beautiful girls — but it was a little unconventional for us,” Mary Jayne said with a chuckle.

Janeen teased, “Well, that’s nothing to brag about, Mom.”

Mary Jayne shook her head with a laugh. “Maybe not,” she said. “But Mary and I traveled so much together. We even brought her mother along to Europe once, just for the trip. Those

SHE WASN’T JUST TAKING PICTURES. SHE WAS CHRONICLING THE HISTORY OF MUNISING.

conventions were such a big part of my life.”

Mary Jayne passed away on Jan. 4, one day after her 96th birthday and the same date on which her husband passed away in 2001. But her legacy lives on through her photographs, her stories and the countless lives she touched.

When asked what he would say to his grandmother now, Zachary paused. “I’d thank her for making us stop and take pictures, even when we didn’t want to,” he said. “She gave us something to hold onto.”

“I’d thank her for grounding me and teaching me resilience,” Laurel said. “Had I not had parents like them, I’d probably be living off in an ashram somewhere. She taught me how to balance my big dreams with practicality, to stand on my own and navigate life with strength and independence.”

Janeen added, “Thank you for teaching me how to navigate life with grace and strength, no matter the challenges.” She expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering love, guidance and resilience her mother instilled, adding, “Her determination and strength shaped my life and continue to inspire me every day.”

Mary Jayne Hallifax was more than a photographer — she was a storyteller, a pioneer and a pillar of her community. Her life reminds us of the power of preserving history and the importance of seeing beauty in the everyday.

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.

sporting life

Casey Thousand puts her imprint on NMU women’s basketball

A foundation of winning

Winning is part of Casey Thousand’s DNA.

In her third season as head women’s basketball coach of the Northern Michigan University Wildcats, Thousand has experienced success at every level she has either played or coached at.

And the 2024-25 season is no different. Under her leadership, the Wildcats bolted to an 8-0 start and rose to No. 22 in the Division II rankings before an end-of-year hiccup resulted in two non-conference losses.

As the Wildcats navigate the heart of their conference schedule, they are poised to make a strong bid to appear in the NCAA Division II tournament for the second consecutive season.

“I’m proud of this team,” Thou-

sand said during a sit-down interview in her office ahead of Christmas. “We battled some injuries and had some crazy things going on earlier this season. Some of our new people stepped up, fit in the mold and accepted their roles well.”

Last season, the Wildcats went 2210 overall and 13-5 in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. They upended Kentucky Wesleyan, 69-56, in the Midwest regional for their first NCAA tournament win in five years.

And although Northern lost to Grand Valley State University in the second round, Thousand felt confident the tournament experience would serve her team well this season.

“It did wonders,” she said. “They got a little taste of that. None of them had that experience. I don’t think any-

one thought we would win in the first round. But that sparked us and we said, ‘Hey, we can do this.’ That kept our momentum heading into the summer.”

For Thousand, being a winner is a result of hard work and determination.

“I was blessed to play under a coach in high school who just won his 700th game and has been coaching for 39 years,” she said. “We won two state titles and lost only two games in high school.”

At Lakeland College near Sheboygan, Wisconsin — since renamed Lakeland University — she won conference titles in three out of the four years and went to the NCAA Division III tournament.

To fully understand what led to Thousand’s success is to take a journey back into her childhood. “I grew

up on a farm, and it was hard work,” she recalled of life in Barneveld, Wisconsin, a town of 1,300-plus that she says is in “the middle of nowhere.” It’s located a half-hour west of Madison.

“Getting up before school started, feeding the cows … then after school before basketball practice, I was doing the same thing,” she said. “I did a lot of that. I learned then that things aren’t always going to be great, but if you’re going to enjoy life and have fun, you take the blows and keep going. It’s part of life.

“I hated it at the time,” she added, smiling. “It was hard work. … Baling hay in 95-degree heat is no fun. But you need to do that.”

That hard-work ethic, ingrained in her at an early age, has paid immeasurable dividends.

NMU women’s basketball coach Casey Thousand has the Wildcats positioned for another run to the NCAA tournament. (Photo courtesy of NMU)

“[In high school] I was very hard on myself, and my coach wouldn’t play me unless I had a smile on my face,” said Thousand, a point guard in high school who prided herself on becoming a lock-down defender in college, often guarding the opposing team’s best player. “That has kind of trickled down years later. I smile a lot more than other people. Basketball is up and down. At the end of the day, you’re doing something you love and enjoy doing.”

After a stint as a Division III head coach, Thousand served as an assistant coach and associate head coach at NMU under Troy Mattson from 2016 to 2019.

She went on to serve as head coach at the University of Illinois Springfield for three seasons, where she immediately turned around a struggling program. “I was happy where I was at,” she said. “We did some great things.”

Yet, when Mattson retired in 2022 after a 17-year head-coaching career in which he compiled 240 wins (second all-time in the program), including three seasons with 22-plus victories, Thousand felt compelled to apply for the open position.

“For me, it was like coming back home,” she said. “Troy and I had a great relationship. I’m from a small town, and [Marquette] was good for me. I was very happy to come back.

“I was a head coach for seven years before I joined Troy at the Division II level,” she added. “I was trying to see what I wanted to do. You learn a lot. … He was a great defensive coach, and I learned a ton. I knew how to be a

really good assistant. He still respected me because I was a head coach. I had impact and was on the staff that made it to the NCAA tournament.”

Mattson said Thousand’s coaching experience was invaluable in her being named his successor at Northern Michigan. “I had total trust in her,” he said. “Her practice and game preparation … she had a great understanding of it. Besides being a good basketball coach, she is an even better person. That sets her apart. She always had a smile on her face and a positive outlook for the team. She was the right pick for Northern Michigan.”

Owning a master’s degree in leadership further exemplifies her commitment to being a leader of women. “Being a strong female leader is something I take a lot of pride in,” she said. “You have to give back and do things right to have success. All of these different [female] coaches go through the same thing. You can be a strong female in this world, especially one dominated by males.”

In recruiting, having deep roots and connections to high school coaches in her native Wisconsin has been abundantly beneficial for Thousand.

Ten of the 17 roster spots this season are filled with Wisconsin players. “I know a number of high school coaches, and those connections really help,” she said. “A lot of recruiting is talking to people. … It’s a really good niche. We have a really good thing going, so it’s easy to follow that path in recruiting.”

Northern’s top four scorers through Jan. 17 are Wisconsin natives: Jacy Weisbrod of La Crosse, Alyssa Nimz of

Jacy Weisbrod, right, is one of 10 players from Wisconsin on NMU’s roster. She is the Wildcats’ leading scorer. (Photo courtesy of NMU)

Pewaukee, Sarah Newcomer of Pewaukee and Abi Fraaza of Birnamwood.

The Wisconsinites were joined this season by 6-foot-1 transfer Alyssa Hill of Negaunee, who played previously at Bemidji State. “She was our missing piece,” Thousand said. “We had a need for a big. When we saw her in the portal, we reached out and she said she was coming.”

Thousand, who describes her coaching style as energetic but competitive, believes this season’s club has the potential to again do good things.

“We have one goal, and that is to get back there [to the NCAA tournament],” she said. “We are playing one game at a time, and our team has really been locked in. It’s been a lot of fun … the energy they bring every day.

“But we still have so much to work on and improve. We’ve battled through some crazy and tough games. We keep grinding and still have a long way to go. We focus on the next game, getting better each day and striving to get better. We will keep working on it.”

And to those people who might say that a national championship at NMU is a mere pipe dream?

“I don’t go into any game thinking we are going to lose,” she said. “You put your best foot forward, and good things will happen. We want to make it to the NCAA tournament and compete nationally every year. We compete in one of the toughest regions, and we don’t shy away from it. We respect everybody and don’t overlook anyone.”

Thousand and her coaching staff are dedicated to building a solid program at Northern.

“We have the resources here to do that,” she said. “We have recruits come in and say our bench is so crazy and having fun. I hope that continues. I don’t care who scores. We enjoy doing what we’re doing.”

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.

Transfer student Alyssa Hill of Negaunee has been a key addition to the Wildcats’ lineup this season. (Photo courtesy of NMU)

lookout point

An immigrant’s jour ney leads to Marquette

Finding home

It was to be a day of exceptions. Perhaps even an exceptional day.

The winter thaw allowed several rays of sunshine a brief moment to illuminate drops of water falling from the rooflines of downtown Marquette. The harbor was calm as it witnessed snow turning to slush.

“Definitely not a day for walking,” Mitra Nite said as she stowed her sleek laptop and all the tasks it contained. “Normally we walk everywhere. It’s one of the things I love about living so close to the lake.”

A man with kindness in his eyes carefully set two foaming mugs of cappuccino on the table. “Normally I don’t drink coffee either.” Mitra and her husband own a tea company. “Or discuss the details of where I grew up.”

“What is it that makes you feel able to put your story out there now?”

She thought carefully about how to respond while warming her hands with the rounded mug. “There is something about Marquette that draws out the best version of myself,” she said. “Connecting with the artistic community has brought a feeling of home that I have never experienced before. The West Coast, Portland in particular, was close, but this is better.”

“Perhaps we should start from the beginning. Home is not a feeling you associate with where you grew up?”

Nite was quick to jump in. “Of course I feel at home with my close friends and family,” she said. “I have a wonderful family. It is hard to live so far away from them. I could be myself around them, but nowhere else. I had to become someone different the moment I set foot outside. I did not like that person, forced to be filled with fear and suspicion. It could not be avoided. Walking alone, outside, was unsafe for young women. The upheavals of the late 1970s destroyed

IT SEEMS THAT EVERYONE HERE, BUT THE ARTISTIC COMMUNITY IN PARTICULAR, IS SO INCREDIBLY SUPPORTIVE, RESPECTFUL AND SLOW TO JUDGE.

our society.”

“What was it like,” she was asked, “before life was turned upside-down?”

“In many ways it was like living here in Marquette,” she said. “People were open and curious. Religion was optional, and a variety of faiths thrived. It was a secular, cosmopolitan environment well connected with the rest of the world. My parents were both professors. In order to survive after those sweeping changes, my mother taught English and French outside the university setting. I joined her lessons from a young age.”

Another sip of coffee. “OK, so that is why you sound like a native English speaker. How did your generation respond to this massive shift in culture and government?”

“We are Persians,” she said. “We have a long, rich history of joy, dancing, art, great food and perseverance. Our deeply felt culture kept hope alive

in the face of the great challenges we experienced.”

“I noticed you used two separate terms. You don’t consider yourself to be Iranian?”

She sighed and explained patiently, “I suppose I do, but when someone says they are Persian, it means they identify with the historic culture and beliefs of Persia, and not the modern complications of the region.”

“What about education? Is that a way to move past some of these complications?”

“Absolutely,” Nite said. “In Tehran, and the rest of Iran, education is highly valued, but everyone I studied with at university sought jobs and a new life abroad. They only return to visit friends and family. To make a comparison, China also puts a high value on education and Chinese students often study abroad or gain experience by working in another country, but they usually return to China to build their lives.”

The coffee was gone, with a few wisps of stained foam coating the insides of the generous mugs. They put on their jackets and began to walk toward the lake. The harbor was calm even though the waves further up the shore were big enough to surf on.

“You had a good education and

the ability to live and work almost anywhere in the world. How did you know where to go?”

“I love art and have always been drawn to Scotland, so I earned my master’s degree in art history in Edinburgh back in 2003,” she said. “Most people think I am crazy, but the weather is wonderful there. It is so green. The people are amazing as well. I advanced my studies and decided to become a graphic designer because making a living by painting was not a realistic option for me.”

“So you like the cold? Isn’t Iran a hot and dry place?”

“Tehran has four seasons,” she said. “The subtropical weather is found to the north, over the mountains. I do not like hot weather, but I do like living in a city. Rural Arizona was not good for me. Hearing nothing but owls and coyotes at night was too much, and the darkness was overwhelming.”

Her interviewer laughed. “Surprising where life takes us,” he said. “I can imagine you needed to make a change. Portland seems like a much better fit.”

She smiled. “It was an incredible place to live, although the culture in Oregon is shifting and their problems are growing,” she said. “I saw a lot of changes happen since moving there in

2009. Many things I love about Marquette are accessible and open to me here, but were out of my reach on the West Coast.”

They walked along the Spear Dock, careful not to slip in the slush. Past the end, the abandoned pilings had tiny caps of snow on them as they proudly rose above the surface of the water, complementing the voice of the towering Ore Dock that spoke of an industrial past.

“You mentioned moving here in 2022, so you have had some time to get to know Marquette. What are some of the things you love about living here?”

After a brief pause to look out at the horizon and then down into frigidly clear water, Nite responded, “This lake is like nothing else. It is hard to go a day without walking alongside it.”

They headed back for shore. “It seems that everyone here, but the artistic community in particular, is so incredibly supportive, respectful and slow to judge,” she said. “This draws out the painter in me. Perhaps the time has finally come to set aside some of my commercial focus and work on the forms of artwork that I enjoy even more.”

She continued, “Speaking of art-

work I really enjoy, my favorite museums aren’t just about looking, but touching too. Have you felt these incredible sculptures?” They stopped to run their hands along the smooth curves flowing through the rough boulders of the Seven Grandfather Teachings by Jason Quigno, admiring each one in turn.

“Yes, I heard they took almost two years to make. Downtown just keeps getting better. Do you have any worries about where Marquette might be heading?”

“I don’t think there is much we can say about the future because we don’t know what will happen,” she said. “I hope Marquette doesn’t suffer from the overpopulation issues that I experienced in Tehran and Portland. All I know is that I have never felt truly at home until now. Marquette is an incredible place to live, and I will keep enjoying every moment of it that I can. We are so fortunate to be here.”

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.

Mitra Nite, a recent arrival in Marquette, has fallen in love with a feature of the community also favored by long-time residents: Lake Superior. (Photo by Pieter Cook)

back then

Skating at the Dee Houghton rink honors hockey’s past and present

Dee Stadium in Houghton is a monument to the birthplace of professional hockey as well as a lively present-day venue for hockey teams, skaters, pickleball players, weddings and other events. It has been a landmark on the Houghton waterfront, bearing different names and faces, since its predecessor, the Amphidrome, was built in 1902.

Late that year, the Portage Lake Hockey Club — a team founded by Hockey Hall of Famer Jack “Doc” Gibson — played its first game there, defeating the University of Toronto 13-2. The Portage Lakes became the first fully professional hockey team when they started paying all their players in the 1903-04 season. Gibson, a Canadian-born ice hockey player, is known as the father of professional hockey.

The American Hockey Association was formed that same year, and the Portage Lakes won hockey’s first national championship. Two years later, in 1904, the American Hockey Association became the International Hockey League, marking the official launch of professional hockey.

In 1927, the Amphidrome burned down. Hockey players and enthusiasts weren’t willing to live without it, so it was rebuilt the following year. In 1946, the Michigan College of Mining and Technology — now Michigan Technological University — bought the building and renamed it the James R. Dee Ice Stadium after James R. Dee, owner of the Houghton Warehouse Co., who financed the rebuilding of the rink. The Michigan Tech Huskies played there until 1972, when the MacInnes Student Ice Arena opened on campus.

The City of Houghton purchased Dee Stadium in 1988. The city still owns the popular skating rink and ballroom, available for rent to individuals and organizations. After the annual Parade of Nations, sponsored by Michigan Tech, the Dee hosts a cultural festival featuring foods from many countries and traditional entertainment.

“The Dee can host any event the city needs it to, from being the place where all the emergency supplies were collected after the Father’s Day flood a few years ago to being a warehouse where local businesses could receive deliveries when the reconstruction of the waterfront was going on,” rink manager Mike Lucchesi said.

The stadium also contains a histo-

ry of hockey exhibit, located in The Kenner Ruohonen Memorial History Room. Ruohonen is a local hockey hero.

The Dee was the birthplace of two competitive hockey series, the MacNaughton and Gibson Cups.

The MacNaughton Cup, made of pure silver, stands nearly 3 feet tall and weighs almost 40 pounds. James MacNaughton, superintendent of the Calumet and Hecla Mining Co., was an avid supporter of amateur ice hockey. In 1913, he funded the purchase of the trophy, saying “price doesn’t matter.”

It was presented to the American Hockey Association’s championship team at the end of the season. The MacNaughton Cup’s purchase price was $2,000, which would be more than $70,000 today, according to an inflation calculator.

The MacNaughton Cup is now awarded annually to the regular-season champion of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association.

The Gibson Cup is an annual threegame series between long-time rivals, the Calumet Wolverines and the Por-

tage Lake Pioneers. Named in honor of Jack “Doc” Gibson, the Gibson Cup is the third-oldest hockey trophy in the United States. It was first awarded in 1939.

Who plays at the Dee today?

Theice rink at the Dee is home to Copper Country Junior Hockey, Houghton High School hockey and the Portage Lake Pioneers.

The Houghton High School Gremlins play under head coach Micah Stipech. Their team colors are orange and black. Their longtime rival is the Hancock High School Bulldogs, wearing crimson and gold. The Gremlins had a successful season in 2024, winning the regional hockey title.

The Portage Lake Pioneers are a semi-professional hockey team. They are one of the oldest hockey teams in the world, founded just after the beginning of the 20th century.

The Copper Country Junior Hockey Association has 21 teams and 291 registered youth hockey players. They play at the Dee as well as at Michigan Tech and the Houghton County Arena.

The Amphidrome in Houghton is regarded as the birthplace of professional hockey. (Photo courtesy of the City of Houghton)

“The Dee is really a landmark, not just for hockey, but the culture of the U.P. and the Houghton/Hancock area,” said Joe Zerbst, CCJHA board president. “Just spend 15 minutes in the museum, and you will see the grit, determination and fortitude that have always defined the people of the area come through in the great game of hockey.”

Zerbst played junior hockey at the Dee himself. He has two sons who play junior hockey there now. “They enjoy playing at the Dee because of the history,” he said. “They enjoy seeing the artifacts and pictures of what the Dee looked like before.”

Rink manager Lucchesi called the Dee “a popular place for hockey players because it is a phenomenal sheet of ice in an iconic building. As a spectator, you feel like you are a part of the game because you are so close to the action. You see, hear and feel everything associated with the game.”

The stadium also provides the public a chance to get out on the ice, with free public skating and a Learn to Skate program for children. The ice is also available for private rentals. And the Dee has a sit-in skate sled for those with mobility challenges.

Meanwhile, there’s a lot going on off the ice. “From late fall to late spring, two pickleball courts operate in the Dee Stadium ballroom at a very busy pace,” said Jeff Jepson, head of Houghton’s building department and code enforcement, who serves as administrator/scheduler for the Dee. Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. “We have close to 20 wedding receptions there each year as well,” Jepson said.

As a teenager, Jepson played hockey at the Dee with the Houghton High School Gremlins. One of his favorite

things now, he said, is watching his son play there with the Gremlins.

Houghton loves the Dee

The Dee is costly to maintain. Why does Houghton still do it?

“The Dee Stadium is a great asset both to Houghton and to the larger community, not only for its recreational value but also because of its historic significance,” Houghton City Councilman Craig Waddell said. “We’re lucky to have such a resource in our community. I applaud those who work hard every day to maintain and enhance the stadium.”

Houghton City Manager Eric Waara called the Dee “part of Houghton’s identity. As one of the oldest hockey ‘barns’ still in use, and being the birthplace of professional hockey, it is an integral part of our culture during our long winters here.”

The Dee is basically a city park, he said: “It is maintained as such as part of our park system which can be used year-round. We are proud that for generations it has been part of our hockey and skating culture.”

As a community center as well as a skating rink, the Dee is very significant to Houghton, Jepson said: “People like the history, but what I am most proud of is the staff we have in place. They are very helpful and courteous.”

A historic landmark that still buzzes with activity, Dee Stadium remains a unique rink and community center for residents of the Copper Country.

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.

Dee Stadium is home to Houghton High School hockey, Copper Country Junior Hockey and the Portage Lake Pioneers. (Photo courtesy of the City of Houghton)

in the outdoors

Lagomorphs have long played a role in human culture

The world of rabbits and hares

Around the world there are 110 species of lagomorphs, the order of species of rabbits, hares and pikas. Most people probably have the greatest familiarity with rabbits; there are 42 different species including the cottontail. There are 33 species of hares, like the snowshoe hare in the Upper Peninsula, and 34 species of pikas, smaller mammals found in mountainous areas of Asia and North America. There is one lagomorph that is extinct, Nuralagus rex, the Minorcan giant lagomorph, a large rabbit-like animal found on a Spanish island in the Mediterranean Sea until about 3 million years ago when it became extinct.

Rabbits and hares have long played a role in culture. Aesop used the hare and tortoise story to highlight the importance of persistence and patience in achieving goals. Bugs Bunny provided a role model

for brains, cleverness and humor to outwit his opponents. The Easter Bunny has provided colored eggs, candy and gifts to children, coming to North America with German immigrants sometime before 1757.

The lore surrounding the Easter Bunny has been alleged to possess both Christian and pagan roots. The Christian part of the tradition comes from the practice of children visiting households just prior to Lent asking for eggs to eat, before eggs as well as meat products were given up until Easter.

As a pagan observance, it was thought the hare was a sacred animal of Eostre, the Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring. While that association is not discounted, the onset of spring was associated with fertility, as were rabbits. Rabbits have long had a revered place even farther back in time to ancient China.

So how to tell the differences between rabbits and hares? Hares have much longer ears. In the United

States, the ears of cottontails are generally 2 to 2.5 inches long. Snowshoe hares have ears that are 2.4 to 2.8 inches long, which is shorter than those of most hares; this serves to reduce heat loss during colder periods of the year.

Jackrabbits, which are actually hares, have the longest ears, up to 5.9 inches long. The extra length can aid them in hotter temperatures, acting like radiators to carry blood farther away from the centers of their bodies to cool.

“As the sun was going down, we saw the first specimen of an animal known familiarly over two thousand miles of mountain and desert — from Kansas clear to the Pacific Ocean — as the ‘jackass rabbit.’ He is well named. He is just like any other rabbit, except that he is from one third to twice as large, has longer legs in proportion to his size, and has the most preposterous ears that

Story and photos by Scot Stewart
The eastern cottontail is the most common rabbit species in North America. (Photo by Scot Stewart)

ever were mounted on any creature but a jackass.”

—Mark Twain, “Roughing It”

If having big ears (to hear better and lower body heat) makes you cool, then jackrabbits are the coolest of all the rabbits and hares. They did need to overcome their earlier name, jackass rabbits, used by many in the West and made famous by Mark Twain in his semi-autobiographic book.

Twain travelled from St. Louis to California by stagecoach and explored the West from 1860 to 1867 before writing the book in 1870-71. The former name was due to the resemblance the hare had to the jackass, a domesticated form of the African wild ass. Ironically, they are hares, not rabbits, so the current name is still not quite right.

“The old man could replace fuses quicker than a jackrabbit on a date.”

—Jean Shepherd, “A Christmas Story”

There are six species of jackrabbits, three in the U.S.: white-tailed, black-tailed and antelope. Three more species, black, white-sided and Tehuantepec, are found in Mexico. All have impressive long ears, with the ability to lower them when hiding in long grass to literally lower their profile.

They are larger than cottontails and have much larger ears and feet. The white-tailed jackrabbit has a range covering most of the northwestern quarter of the 48 contiguous U.S. states and the southern parts of the Prairie Provinces in Canada.

White-tailed jackrabbits living in the northern part of the range have the ability to change their coats in the fall, taking on a white coat with black ear tips. In spring their coats change back to brown, the process stimulated by the length of daylight.

Their cryptic coloration helps them blend into grasses where they spend most of their time, but by lowering their ears and crouching, they can disappear until they are nearly stepped on — and then they scoot! They have been clocked at around 34 miles per hour when running at full speed and can make 12-foot-long jumps. Their running stride is erratic, similar to a rock bouncing down a hill, and their path is generally straight without deviations. They can also create short tunnels under deep snow in winter to avoid detection.

A third species, the antelope jackrabbit, is a larger hare, with impressive ears measuring 6.5 to 7 inches. They are found in a limited stretch of the southwest running from Arizona south into central Mexico. They are also impressively colored with brown backs, cream-colored flanks and, often, buffy-orange chests.

Jackrabbits produce precocious young after a 45-day gestation period. The young are fully furred, have open eyes and can run about an hour after being born. This allows mothers to leave their young alone for longer periods during the day while they feed.

“The other day when I was walking through the woods, I saw a rabbit standing in front of a candle making shadows of people on a tree.”

American pikas have short, stout bodies with round ears and do not have a visible tail. (Photo by Scot Stewart)

Walk out of the house early in the morning, and there may be a guest having a bit of breakfast on the front lawn, or maybe in a garden, fenced or not. It might be a dog on the lawn with an upset stomach, but it is more likely a cottontail rabbit. In the Upper Peninsula, it’s probably an eastern cottontail, the most common of all the cottontails.

Rabbits show up in a wide variety of cultural locations. Rabbit shadows have long been a staple of the nighttime camping experience. Bunny slippers and pajamas, lucky rabbit feet and, until recently, bunny-fur-lined clothing have been part of American culture. Humor has been a part, too, as taxidermists worked small deer antlers onto the heads of stuffed jackrabbits.

There are actually nine different species of cottontails in the U.S. and 17 species in all of North America, most primarily designed for a specific habitat or climate. In the U.S., the other species are the marsh, Allegany, swamp, robust, mountain, brush, New England and desert.

“Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen.”

Rabbits are social, productive and perhaps a bit less (w)rascally than Bugs (the hare) was. They have a reputation for a high reproductive rate.

Eastern cottontails do have some amazing abilities when it comes to reproduction. Up to a third of the females can bear young at 3 to 4 months of age and can have up to three litters a year, with two to eight kits each time. Young are born in shallow hollows on the ground lined with some of their mother’s belly hair and fine grass, covered to conceal them.

They cannot dig tunnels like some other species of cottontails but do occasionally use old dens of other animals as shelter in snowy weather. The young are altricial. After a gestation period of only 30 to 32 days, they are born with a layer of very fine hair and with closed eyes. Eyes open up in four to nine days. They are visited by the mother usually twice a day to nurse and begin exploring their greater surroundings a little after two weeks from birth.

Eastern cottontails can live up to five years, but the average is just two. Almost every meat eater their size or bigger is a predator. In the U.P., that

includes foxes, coyotes, wolves, redtailed (and, in winter, visiting roughlegged) hawks, bobcats, weasels, fishers, great horned and occasionally barred owls. Very young rabbits have even more predators.

They are not afraid of foraging in front yards, especially at night when they munch on fallen bird seed at bird feeders.

Cottontails have adapted well to urban life, willing to make forms — or nests — in thick, spring grass that has avoided lawn mowers often just

winter and early spring, when it records the pathways and play of the local wildlife.

“The truth is a rabbit in a bramble patch. All you can do is circle around and say it’s somewhere in there.”

Cottontailsseem extremely confident in some areas about their abilities to avoid detection or escape danger if they are discovered. It might be possible that they recognize the restraints of a leash, because some have been observed sitting at night until dogs and dog walkers just about stumble over them before they depart, fluffing their furry white tails as they depart.

Their eating behavior may be one of the most interesting parts of their lives. While many small mammals like squirrels, mice and chipmunks often use their forepaws to feed, rabbits use their front feet to manipulate their food, pulling down higher leaves and stems when eating. They also move their food in a way that allows them to feed while sheltered from the wind; this practice helps them to better hear predators.

Perhaps the most interesting of the country’s hares is the snowshoe hare, formerly known as the varying hare. Like the white-tailed jackrabbit, snowshoe hares in the northern parts of their range change color from graybrown in summer to all white in winter — except for the tips of their ears. The cryptic colors help them conceal themselves, a trait particularly helpful to young animals as they learn the ropes of survival. Ironically, their color molts correspond directly with those of long- and short-tailed weasels, one of their predators.

a few feet from family homes. Take the dog out for a walk at night; when it pauses and looks into the fringes, a quick beam of the flashlight will frequently highlight a cottontail. It will sit tight, watching intently for a move in its direction, but remain still unless approached.

Cottontails are frequently found in the company of others and can be entertaining. A fresh snow can reveal the evidence of social interactions and movements. It’s often instructive to check fresh snow, especially in late

Snowshoe hares can be tough to find without a dog because of their cryptic coloration. They prefer boreal forests, areas with lots of black spruce and tamarack as well as areas with dense undergrowth of cedar and similar vegetation often associated with wetlands. They are most active at dawn, dusk and during the night. Their diet is mostly leafy vegetation during summer and shifts to buds and tips of short branches in winter. In places with deep winter snow, hares may have access to both shrub and tree branches out of reach when less snow is present. Winters with heavy snow actually help snowshoe hares by providing more food. Large hind feet lined with stiff hairs function like snowshoes, helping them cross deep snow easily.

The ears of jackrabbits can approach 6 inches in length. (Photos by Scot Stewart)

Courtship can last up to a month starting in March and can include chases and occasionally great vertical leaps by the females. Both males and females can be involved with multiple partners once mating begins.

Like other hares and rabbits, snowshoe hares have an ambitious reproductive cycle, capable of four litters a summer with the possibility of three to eight leverets, or baby hares, in each litter.

Young are precocial after an average gestation period of 37 days. They usually nurse just once daily for about four weeks. An additional aid to facilitate reproduction comes from the female’s double uteri, allowing them to become pregnant with a new litter only 35 days after the start of a previous pregnancy and before that litter has been born.

Their population cycles are well known to science, with a strong relationship to Canada lynx populations in Canada, Alaska and some northern portions of the contiguous 48 states. Unfortunately, the lynx has no known breeding populations in Wisconsin or Michigan, but there has been a fluctuating population of 90 to 139 the past five years in the Arrowhead Region of Minnesota around the Boundary Waters.

For decades, the populations of both animals have followed fairly predictable 10-year cycles with the lynx numbers following the rise and fall of the hare numbers, indicating a strong relationship between the two species.

“If you look closely, you can see that they are all interconnected,

symbolic of a never-ending circle in which it is simply impossible for the dog to catch the rabbit.”

—Kit Williams

Someday, though, there may not be rabbits, or at least hares, to chase.

For some species, the changes occurring in the natural world are coming fast and will definitely be difficult to

reverse, especially for the likes of the snowshoe hare.

Snowshoe hares are probably one of the hare species most affected by climate change. A study was begun in 2021 on Isle Royale to examine how warmer winters in the park and lower snow depths might affect the hare population there.

According to a story on the Nation-

al Park Foundation website, the study is examining data collected on the hares and “snow conditions, length of the snow season, forest cover, moose herbivory and red fox abundance” in order to better understand how climate and interactions with other species affect the snowshoe hares.

Because the changes in hare fur color are tied to the timing of day-

In summer, the coats of snowshoe hares turn brown. (Photo by Scot Stewart)

light (photoperiodism), later times for snow in fall, and earlier timing for total snow melt in spring, may leave the white-furred versions of these animals more visible to predators and increase predation by foxes and wolves.

What may be an even greater challenge is a possible reduction in food, as lower snow depths expose more vegetation at low levels to browsing moose, which compete with hares for some foods, especially in winter.

The snowshoe hare research on Isle Royale has been conducted by the Pauli Lab and the University of Wisconsin’s Forest and Wildlife Ecology department. They have also been conducting research in Wisconsin comparing historical records of hares with their current status.

They found hares at only 29 of 148 sites where hares were previously reported. Another concern appeared in

their research: Although their range is directly connected to forest type, it appears that the southern edge of that range has moved north nearly 18 miles.

Rabbits and hares have provided a long history of cultural food, clothing, stories, humor and enjoyment. Some of humanity’s connections to these animals have fallen by the wayside; not many watch Bugs eating a carrot anymore.

By observing these animals, however, we can discover more about the world around us. So, as Elmer Fudd often said, “Be very, very quiet. …” 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.

The coats of snowshoe hares turn white in winter. (Photo by Scot Stewart)

in the outdoors

U.P. tradition blends age-old techniques and new technologies

The rugged beauty of winter camping

When the harsh winds and endless white expanse of winter descend upon the cold peninsula, the vibrant days of summer feel like a distant memory. Long past the season of sunny beaches, clearwater rock hunting and fiery autumn leaves, the Upper Peninsula enters its dark, icy phase.

Snowbirds and tourists retreat to warmer, more forgiving climates, leaving the region to its quiet winter slumber. Yet, for a rugged, adventurous and perhaps slightly eccentric group, this is the best time to be outside. As the first snowflakes fall, locals celebrate Heikki Lunta, the legendary god of snow, and winter campers rejoice.

After all, what could be more invigorating than waking up to a world blanketed in pristine snow, where silence reigns and the air is crisp and pure?

Unlike the bustling beaches and campsites of summer, winter camping offers an impeccable tranquility, where untouched wilderness and the challenge of cold-weather survival create an experience like that of no other season.

The Upper Peninsula has a rich history of winter survival and outdoor exploration, shaped by its rugged terrain and severe winters. Indigenous peoples of the region, such as the Ojibwe, relied on traditional knowledge and skills to thrive in the harsh climate, using snowshoes, insulated clothing and fire-building techniques that are still used today.

During the logging boom of the 19th century, lumberjacks endured brutal winters in temporary camps, laying the groundwork for winter camping enthusiasts. Today, the U.P. attracts outdoor enthusiasts who are inspired by this legacy of resilience and ingenuity.

The tradition of winter camping in the U.P. continues to grow, attracting a mix of seasoned adventurers and curious newcomers. In fact, winter camping has seen an unexpected surge since 2020. According to new

data from a camping availability app called The Dyrt, one-third of campers now camp in the winter, showing a 40% increase between 2019 and 2021.

Modern campers blend age-old techniques with new technologies, from sleeping pads to portable wood stoves, making the experience more accessible while retaining its core challenges.

Brendon Stutzman, a seasoned winter camper based in Laurium, has

been exploring snowy landscapes for more than a decade. His introduction to the icy outdoors came in February 2012, when his brother invited him on a winter trip to the Boundary Waters of Minnesota along the Canadian border.

One of Stutzman’s favorite trips took him to Alaska, where the breathtaking mountain views left a lasting impression. Closer to home, he fondly remembers camping at McLain State Park with his wife.

“That was really fun,” he said. “Playing cards with the wind howling outside, surrounded by people that are near and dear to me — way better

Despite the slushy, difficult conditions, and being the last one to reach camp, Stutzman found himself captivated by the challenge. “At first, I was in a foul mood,” he said. “But once I got into the groove, I really started enjoying it.”

Brendon Stutzman uses a hot tent to brave single-digit temperatures in January. (Photo courtesy of Brendon Stutzman)

than shivering alone in minus-20.”

Stutzman has also experimented with extreme setups. Eight years ago, he tested his survival skills in Wisconsin by camping without a tent, building a primitive shelter in 20-below temperatures. “It was so cold I ended up burning my shelter to stay warm,” he said. “Didn’t get any sleep, but it was probably the most hardcore camping I’ve ever done.”

Nick Niffin, another experienced winter camper with eight years under his belt, shares Stutzman’s passion for the quiet beauty of the season. Based in Copper Harbor, Niffin said his favorite spot is the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, where he often snowshoes or skis to backcountry yurts and cabins equipped with wood stoves and firewood. “It’s an awesome way to get out,” he said. “Otherwise, I generally head into anywhere with heavy forest coverage — the wind is always a challenge up here.”

Niffin treasures the serenity of winter camping, especially the silence of snow fall. “There’s something so lovely about seeing snow come down,” he said. He also loves the late-winter transition when life begins to return to the forest, adding a sense of renewal to his adventures.

However, not every trip is smooth, and it takes preparation to bear the elements. Niffin recalls a particularly difficult outing when his wet skis iced over, making movement nearly impossible while being 10 miles out from camp. “It felt like walking with uneven feet and 25 pounds extra on each,” he said.

Since then, he’s learned the importance of wax and preparation. “Overpack and prep for rougher conditions than planned,” he said. “It’s better to have too much gear than not enough.”

It’s important to remember that winter camping can be dangerous. Extreme low temperatures create the potential for an accident or mishap to turn quickly into a dire situation. Niffin recommends initially winter camping close to home, or at a campsite where warm shelter and resources are readily available or a short hike away.

For first-time winter campers, Stutzman emphasizes keeping warm fluids handy and investing in quality gear. “Drink hot tea or any warm beverage,” he said. “Heating yourself from the inside is a great way to warm up.”

He also swears by Merino wool, specifically wool socks and a wool base layer to insulate the body. Materials like cotton, though normally a breathable go-to, should be avoided as

they readily absorb moisture and can have you feeling cold and wet, not to mention weighed down, in no time. Snow and sweat make moisture-wicking materials like polyester, polypropylene or wool preferable.

Stutzman also emphasizes the convenience of a good pulk sled for carrying extra gear like a wood stove and thick sleeping bags. “If you’re willing to haul out a wall tent with a stove,” he said, “you’ll stay nice and toasty.”

Lastly, a winter camper must not forget how important a thick sleeping pad is for winter camping. An interesting phenomenon in camping to be avoided is sleeping directly on the ground, where the warmth of the earth effectively “steals” heat from one’s body and pulls it into the ground. To avoid draining body heat, Stutzman uses the Klymit Insulated Static V.

Despite camping’s primitive nature, one mustn’t need to sacrifice flavor. In fact, the physically demanding experience can make mealtime a highlight. Niffin recounts one of his most memorable winter camping trips in the Porcupine Mountains, where he enjoyed a meal of ribeye, lake trout, asparagus, shiitakes and aged gouda after a long day in the snow. “Someone had left a mini wine bottle in the bear box outside,” he said. “It was amazing to finish the night with coconut milk on snow.”

These moments of comfort and indulgence in contrast with a rugged environment are a big part of what makes winter camping so distinctively enjoyable.

Though Niffin loves to camp in the Porkies, he recommends visiting your campsite multiple times throughout the year to watch how the seasons transform the space.

“I have a few spots I like to return to every month to get the feel for the seasons changing,” he said. “I love late winter when life starts returning from the dead silence, balancing out the muddy snow.”

For Niffin, the rewards of winter camping extend beyond the practical beauty. It’s a chance to disconnect, rely on oneself and appreciate the simplicity of carrying only what is necessary. This sense of empowerment and connection to public lands is why many, like Niffin and Stutzman, return to the snowy trails year after year.

MM

Lily Venable is a community-oriented writer, designer and photographer in the Keweenaw Peninsula. For more from Lily, visit lilyvenable.com.

superior reads Studying wolves on Isle Royale

L.David Mech’s “Wolf Island: Discovering the Secrets of a Mythic Animal” is a journey into the author’s past. In 1959, Mech stumbled into the opportunity of a lifetime as a young graduate student at Purdue University, a place quite alien to where you might expect to find wildlife biologists in training. He calls out the campus as being “in the middle of a cornfield,” as opposed to where he grew up hunting and trapping. Mech was already a consummate outdoorsman, saying with a certain pride that he supported himself through college by eating roadkill to save on groceries.

For myself, I have never experienced a wolf in the wild, so pretty much everything in Mech’s revelations was news to me. I know many readers of Marquette Monthly have had much closer encounters, so I’m well aware I can’t speak for everyone in this audience. Nevertheless, in “Wolf Island” we learn about wolf behaviors literally in real time as we follow Mech’s adventures on Isle Royale from 1959 to 1961.

At first, I was surprised that an 83-year-old biologist could recount day by day his discoveries, travels around the island and people he met 60 years prior. However, as Mech is the author of 10 other books about wolves, we can hardly fault him for cribbing from the seminal 1966 work “The Wolves of Isle Royale,” itself a thin adaptation of his Ph.D. thesis. Indeed, many of the rare photos from his 1966 book are reproduced in color plates.

Going to college in Houghton in the mid-1980s, I would often see the 165-foot-long Ranger III parked serenely on the docks by the Portage Canal Lift Bridge and probably witnessed a few departures of it to Isle Royale. I knew there were departures from Copper Harbor as well. In those primitive pre-Internet days, a brochure or third-hand information was how you found out about stuff like that. I also knew it was a five-hour ride and that most people stayed for at least a full week. Not owning any camping gear whatsoever, nor having any outdoorsy friends, I never took advantage of the opportunity on my doorstep for

the five years I lived there.

I grew up on a steady diet of outdoor documentary TV shows and films from Marlin Perkins’ “Wild Kingdom” to now-classic museum shorts like “The Rise and Fall of the Great Lakes.” So I found the many narratives of observations of wolf hunts to be quite fascinating — especially with the wild card outcomes of so many encounters that Mech observed from the lightweight Aeronca Champion airplane. Onboard this nimble craft that could maintain level flight as slow as 38 mph over the island, he witnessed wolves hunting and the outcomes of duels between wolf and moose — sometimes setting down in the aftermath to visit the kill site.

Indeed, you can’t really have a conversation about the wolves of Isle Royale without bringing moose into the picture. The moose-wolf balance on the island is now the longest continuously studied predator-prey relationship in the world. Unlike other studies in Minnesota and parts west, the Isle Royale ecosystem is “closed” … or is it? With only 15 miles from Isle Royale to the nearest landfall, wolves can come and go on lake ice, and the moose are presumed to have swum in during the warmer months. During Mech’s study, there were about 20 wolves and 600 or more moose. This led him to erroneously conclude in his thesis that the popu-

lations had reached equilibrium. He would recant that in later decades as both populations boomed and crashed in seemingly inexplicable ways.

Well, one way biologists could explain the failure of the wolf pack to grow was the inbreeding inevitable in a population so small. Birth defects arose fairly quickly, the easiest to quantify being extra vertebrae or spinal problems leading to unsuccessful breeding. When the population was joined by another male from the mainland, dubbed “Old Grey,” genetic diversity briefly recovered. In later years, officials would bring in wolves from other states and provinces to prop up the wolf pack.

One interesting assumption that Mech examines is the belief prior to 1959 and perhaps still around today: the idea that a wolf pack is an efficient and well-tuned killing machine that can take down any prey at any time.

In truth, the wolf pack would roam the island for many miles “testing” each moose. Standing at 1,000 to 1,500 pounds, an enraged moose could easily crush a skull with a lucky hit from a hoof. The moose can attempt to escape, or it can stand its ground for an extended period. If the moose is mature and healthy, the wolves will give up almost immediately.

However, if the moose is old, or more specifically larded down with parasites, it’s a different story. The resulting chase success depends entirely on snow and terrain. The longlegged moose can charge at 35 mph, cross deep snow fields effortlessly and navigate fallen trees with ease. Young calves with their mothers are particularly susceptible, although moose moms know exactly how to keep pace, guard and protect their precious calves.

I can’t close this story without acknowledging the man-and-wolf conflicts back on the mainland U.P., specifically noting the fact that a wolf can consume up to 20 pounds of meat a day to survive, according to Mech’s studies.

So a wolf would die of starvation if it spent its time and precious calories on hunting small game like rabbits. No, the wolf needs ungulates (large hoofed animals) to survive in an ecosystem — typically caribou, moose, deer and so forth. However, cattle are at risk and were presumably the main factor toward the hunt-to-extinction movement attempted about 100 years ago. Mech is quick to point out the dangers of what I would call anthropomorphizing the wolf, which is to say in his words “sanctifying” or “vilifying” the creature.

With Michigan’s deer population having doubled to 2 million since the

1940s, I would say that there should be room enough for wolves to control the herd. I know many readers may disagree with my viewpoint. Cities such as Ann Arbor, with a population of 76 deer per square mile, have had to hire sharpshooters to control the deer population, which is clearly unsupportable in a suburban environment. However, I do understand my point of view might change if wolves were in my backyard.

But I digress. There are so many fascinating tales of Mech’s travels on the island and the discoveries he makes day by day in both summer and winter stays on Isle Royale that I recommend the book for anyone with an interest in the natural world we live in.

Above all, there is the question of how “natural” our national parks should be and what our true role of stewardship should be there. Mech puts readers on the ground as he tracks wolves and their prey across a landscape as beautiful as it is harsh and unforgiving. I guarantee you’ll enjoy discovering new facts about the natural world in this riveting first-person and up-close nature narrative.

MM

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.

L. David Mech

spirit of water

For love of frozen water

Editor’s note: This article is the sixth in a series by the Interfaith 202425 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.

As I sit down to write this, the first snows have finally arrived. After a long autumn, winter’s arrival has been sudden and has yet to let up. The kid in me is giddy for all the play to come, while the adult in me stresses about the endless to-dos before camp gets snowed in for the winter.

With age, I find that winter has increasingly become my favorite season. I love the permission to rest after the long days and hard work-play of summer. I love the opportunity for contemplation and introspection. I love the quiet, the stillness, the solitude. More than anything, I love the snow.

The Spirit of Water Health, Hope & Healing

As a self-professed backcountry powder skier, there is nothing better than skiing powder. The interplay of light, fluffy frozen water, earth and gravity allows humans the faintest taste of what it must be like to fly. It is one of those few places where I’ve most deeply connected with spirit, where I’ve experienced the state described as “flow,” “peak” and “nearlife,” the space where one is almost fully alive.

WE ARE EXPERIENCING THE EFFECTS OF THIS CHANGING

As deep ecologist Dolores LaChapelle elegantly said, “Powder snow skiing is not fun. It is life, fully lived, life lived in a blaze of reality. What we experience in powder is the original human self, which lies deeply inside each of us, still undamaged in spite of what our present culture tries to do to us. Once experienced, this kind of living is recognized as the only way to live — fully aware of the earth and the sky and the gods and you, the mortal, playing among them.”

WINTER

I am the type of person for whom the more snow, the better. I spent a decade out West seeking deep snowy winters. In the winter of 2010-2011, we regularly skied waist-deep powder as the Wasatch Mountains of Utah received over 700 inches of snow. In the winter of 2017-2018, we survived “Miracle March,” when Tahoe received over 300 inches in March alone. The promise of a deep snowpack is part of what lured me to settle here in the U.P.

WONDERLAND IN REAL TIME.

Recently, I’ve been noticing myself jealous of those with the “Water-Winter Wonderland” license plate. Not only do I find that I desire to represent the colors of my alma mater, but I also notice I feel a deep pride in living in a place that can rightfully claim to be a winter wonderland.

At the same time, as these first seasonal snowflakes fall upon my face, I notice I feel apprehension, anxiety, even despair. I wonder if this winter

The Interfaith Water Stewards Initiative works to celebrate — and protect — the joy of pure water. (Photo courtesy of the Cedar Tree Institute)

will follow the trend of the past few winters. Could it be a repeat of last winter, when we received one of the lowest snow totals on record? Or the previous winter, when mild temperatures persisted into mid-winter? Or the previous winter, when early winter rains decimated the snow base?

What does it mean to live in a “water-winter wonderland” amidst a changing climate? As someone who grew up downstate, I am intimately familiar with living in a place that no longer consistently receives snow. No more sledding, snow tunnels or snowball fights. Kids today are at a loss for what I grew up experiencing. And I fear for my own children. I desperately want them to grow up falling in love with a snowy winter wonderland the way I did.

Whether we like it or not, we are experiencing the effects of this changing winter wonderland in real time. Ski resorts unable to open until mid-winter. Nordic ski marathons called off or shortened. Winter carnival schedules changed last minute. Sled dog races cancelled multiple years in a row. Ice climbing festivals cancelled. Telemark ski festivals moved to alternate locations. A

whole winter with no powder skiing.

These changes not only diminish our outdoor recreation practices but also have very real impacts on our local economies and ecologies. In a place that depends on winter tourism, an unreliable snowpack means fewer tourists. It also means less water flowing downstream in the warmer months.

As we experienced on the Yellow Dog River this summer, last winter’s lack of snow led to one of the lowest water levels in memory, even after an abundance of springtime rain. Nothing holds water like a deep snowpack.

As a water protector, I have a duty to protect this frozen water. For myself and my love of backcountry powder skiing. For my children and future generations of winter enthusiasts. For this place, this water-winter wonderland we call home.

MM

Michael Lynn Wellman, Ph.D., is a father, husband, companion and land tender who lives on the Yellow Dog River with his wife, two kids and two shepskies, where together they are creating a place of educational retreat and spiritual sanctuary.

on campus

NMU emeritus professor part of global study on extinction risk

Northern Michigan University Biology Professor Emeritus Neil Cumberlidge is a coauthor of a global study published in the journal Nature and covered by hundreds of news outlets worldwide that asserts one of every four freshwater animal species is at risk of extinction.

Led by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, it is the largest study of its kind and represents 20 years of research by experts in relevant animal groups.

Cumberlidge worked with scientists from six continents to explore extinction risks of the world’s freshwater crabs — his specialty — along with crayfish and shrimp. The data from those studies formed part of the database used in the global freshwater fauna assessment in Nature.

The results showed that crabs, crayfish and shrimp are at the highest risk of extinction of the groups studied, with 30% threatened, followed by 26% of freshwater fish and 16% of dragonflies and damselflies.

“There are over 2,000 species of freshwater crabs in the tropical freshwaters around the world, and many of them are vulnerable to environmental threats,” Cumberlidge said. “Asia has the highest number of threatened fresh-

water crab species, followed by South America and Africa. In addition, China is perhaps the most significant in terms of needing conservation attention because it harbors the highest number of species of endemic and threatened freshwater crabs in the world.”

Other highly affected regions identified in the study include Lake Victoria in Africa, Lake Titicaca in South America and Sri Lanka’s Wet Zone.

“This work is a significant step in the conservation of freshwater animals who have tended to be overlooked in favor of more charismatic groups,” Cumberlidge said.

Catherine Sayer, IUCN’s freshwater biodiversity lead and the paper’s lead author, said, “A lack of data on freshwater biodiversity can no longer be used as an excuse for inaction.”

Cumberlidge is a pre-eminent African freshwater crab expert who has described 15 new genera and identified more than 70 new species. He is also chair of IUCN’s Freshwater Crustacean Specialist Group, which oversees the conservation of freshwater crustaceans around the world.

To read the full Nature publication, visit nature.com/articles/s41586-02408375-z.

Some of Neil Cumberlidge’s crab specimens are now part of the research collection at the National History Museum’s Darwin Center. (Photo courtesy of NMU)

MTU team builds robot in three days

As part of its mission to inspire the next generation of robotics enthusiasts, Michigan Tech’s Copper Country Robotics team built a robot from scratch in 72 hours and broadcast the entire process.

Members of Copper Country Robotics had to think and act fast, as the scenario and specifications for this year’s FIRST Robotics Competition were revealed on Jan. 4 and the countdown began.

More than 20 CCR members returned to Tech’s snow-laden campus two days before the university’s spring 2025 semester began to watch the challenge reveal.

The FIRST Robotics Competition challenges collegiate robotics teams to design, build and test a robot for strategic gameplay in three days.

For CCR team member Lindsay Stone, robotics is a family affair. “My siblings and I were involved in robotics growing up. They did it, and then I was the little sister who thought, ‘Well they did it, so I’m going to do it, too.’

… It’s a lot of work, but it’s fun. We get to play with robots again.”

FIRST, a nationwide nonprofit organization that engages students from preschoolers to high school seniors in team-based robotics programs, incorporated the Robot in 3 Days (Ri3D) Challenge as part of its annual competition kickoff.

Copper Country Robotics serves as a FIRST alumni network for Michigan Tech students who were involved in the program and are excited to nurture the next generation of engineers by serving as role models. They mentor local FIRST teams, volunteer at events and for the first time competed in the Ri3D Challenge.

Along with collegiate robotics teams from around the globe, they designed, built and tested a robot in just three days.

This year’s robotics competition game, titled REEFSCAPE, challenges teams to construct robots that can maneuver through a simulated undersea game field. Teams score points by picking up and placing four-inch-diameter PVC pieces representing coral onto a large metal structure — the reef.

As the competition goes on, they may need to remove algae (green exercise balls) from the reef to open space for more coral. At the end of the challenge, the robots prepare to be picked up by an imaginary barge — a structure built over the starting line at the edge of the field. Each robot must grab onto a metal cage suspend-

ed from the barge, then hang from the cage, ready to be pulled up.

“All the preparation, all the decisions, all happened after noon on Saturday,” Stone said. “We had part of a drivetrain and we had a lot of parts ordered, but you can’t assemble anything because you don’t know what you are assembling yet.”

Once the specifics were announced, the CCR team launched into their initial strategic planning session, where they outlined all the potential problems their robot could solve and which were best for them to focus on.

From there, they dove into design and prototyping. All their work was captured from multiple angles in a 24-hour livestream and then clipped

into short videos meant to assist high school teams in their building.

Throughout the three days, team members came and went as they could, many working around the clock, all while preparing for a new semester. Monday, Jan. 6, marked the last full day of the competition and the first day of classes at Michigan Tech.

Except for a few hours at night while the team slept, the robot was being worked on constantly.

Aptly named after Tech’s iconic Husky mascot, Blizzard T. Robot was completed well before the challenge ended. Special features included a drivetrain for moving around the arena, an arm apparatus designed to pick up and place the coral pieces and an elevator mechanism to reach the taller components of the reef structure.

The original plan was that the arm apparatus would also be used to dislodge the algae balls, but on the second-to-last day of the challenge, the arm was still unable to remove the algae during tests. The solution? Adding another arm, playfully named “the flippy doodah,” that flips around to dislodge the algae pieces.

Copper Country Robotics will travel with Blizzard T. Robot to compete this spring at Grand Valley State University, where FIRST Robotics high school teams will be able to see how gameplay works and how the different teams’ robots interact with one another. MM

Team members will travel with Blizzard T. Husky to compete later this spring.
(Photo courtesy of MTU)
Answers for the crossword puzzle on Page 12

Pact poetry

So it’s agreed, then: whichever of us goes first into the unknown country will return and tell the other what it’s like.

We have always had each other to rely on, remember passports and boarding passes, decipher maps and signs in foreign languages.

Whoever is first will go disembodied and alone into the next world, unschooled in its customs and currency, its weather and geography. The guidebooks give few particulars. Is it true that people there neither marry nor are given in marriage?

Do they wake to mornings like this one, when fallen leaves are lightly furred with frost? When the air is crisp as bitten apple?

If you go first and return as promised to the room where we reveled in the warmth of goose down on winter nights; if you stand beside our bed as though struck dumb, wavering between presence and absence, I will know what you can’t bring yourself to tell me.

Milton Bates’ poetry includes the collection “Stand Still in the Light” (2019) and two chapbooks, “Always on Fire” (2016) and “As They Were” (2018). His collection “Undivided Attention” will appear in early 2025. He received the City of Marquette Art Award for writing in 2020.

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.

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 March events by Monday, February 10 to: calendar@marquettemonthly.com.

end of january events

29 WEDNESDAY

sunrise 8:17 a.m.; sunset 5:48 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.

Marquette

• National Puzzle Day Celebration. Visitors can drop in anytime to enjoy free puzzles, coffee and hot tea. The library will note how many puzzles are completed in a single day. 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4303 or aing@pwpl.info.

• NCLL: Lunch at Applebee’s. NCLL members and friends can enjoy casual conversation over lunch. Cost is on your own. 11 a.m. Applebee’s, 2902 U.S. Hwy. 41. 906-458-5408 or csteinha@nmu.edu.

• 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

Jibba Jabba Rail Jam | Feb. 15 | Houghton

p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. 906-228-0456.

• Family Game Night. Families with youth of all ages can drop in for a game night. Board games and puzzles will be available and participation prizes will be awarded. 4:30 to 7 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl. info.

• 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.

Negaunee

• All Booked Up: On Air. Join “Upper Michigan Today’s” Elizabeth Peterson and Tia Trudgeon, along with PWPL staff, for an on-air, in-person book discussion of “Happy-Go-Lucky” by David Sedaris. 9 a.m. WLUC TV-6 Studios, 177 U.S. Hwy. 41 E. 906-2264322, machatz@pwpl.info or pwpl. info.

• After-school Middle School Group. Snacks will be provided. 3 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18.

30 THURSDAY

sunrise 8:16 a.m.; sunset 5:50 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 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.

Ishpeming

• Open Book. This new program for tweens and teens, also known as “Fun Club,” will feature drop-in activities such as crafts, movies and more. 4 to 6 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 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.

• “Alice in Wonderland: An Immersive Experience.” This show

transcends the stage, making the audience an integral part of the performance. Presented by NMU’s CO/LAB Dance Company. NMU students, $5; youth, $15; NMU employees, seniors and military, $22; and general public, $25. 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. The 906 Building second floor, 145 W. Washington St. nmu.edu/theatreanddance.

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 will feature activity stations and early reading and language activities. Parents and caregivers can also connect to share tips and experiences. This week’s theme will be “Garden Explorers.” 11 a.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18 or facebook. com/NegauneePublicLibrary.

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.

Houghton

• Blizzard’s 28th Birthday Party. Celebrate MTU’s mascot Blizzard’s 28th birthday with cake and a craft. Bring items to give to the dog donation drive for the Copper Country Humane Society. 3 to 4:30 p.m. MUB Commons, MTU. events.mtu.edu.

Marquette

• Cultivating Care, Compassion and Connection. This event will offer a safe space to pause, reflect and build connections with others who are committed to cultivating kindness. Each week, a different local organization will present educators and leaders who will facilitate a discussion while maintaining a shared commitment to the Charter for Compassion and the Circle of Trust principles. Noon. Heritage 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.

• “Alice in Wonderland: An Immersive Experience.” This show transcends the stage, making the audience an integral part of the performance. Presented by NMU’s CO/LAB Dance Company. NMU students, $5; youth,

$15; NMU employees, seniors and military, $22; and general public, $25. 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. The 906 Building second floor, 145 W. Washington St. nmu.edu/theatreanddance.

february events

01 SATURDAY

sunrise 8:14 a.m.; sunset 5:53 p.m.

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.

Gwinn

• Ice Races. Presented by the Upper Michigan Ice Racing Association. $5 donation per car; day pit passes are available for $10 per person. Spectator gate opens at 10 a.m.; races begin by 11:30 a.m. Forsyth Township Ball Park. uppermichiganiceracing.com.

Marquette

• Eh, Winter Enduro. Bikers will get an Enduro styled event with three downhill timed sections. Proceeds benefit the Noquemanon Trail Network. $50. NTN South Trail Head, 2375 M-553. noquetrails.org.

• 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.

• “Alice in Wonderland: An Immersive Experience.” This show transcends the stage, making the audience an integral part of the performance. Presented by NMU’s CO/LAB Dance Company. NMU students, $5; youth, $15; NMU employees, seniors and military, $22; and general public, $25. 1, 3, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. The 906 Building second floor, 145 W. Washington St. nmu.edu/theatreanddance.

02 SUNDAY

sunrise 8:12 a.m.; sunset 5:54 p.m.

Little Lake

• Bingo. A concession stand will be available. Doors open, 11 a.m.; early bird games, 1:30 p.m. American Legion Auxiliary Post 349, 1835 E. M-35. 906-346-6000.

Marquette

• 22nd Annual Culinary Journey. Titled “Offering you the world on a plate,” this adult event raises funds for the Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum. The evening will feature culinary delicacies from local chefs along with a selection of wines and live music. Ticket prices vary. 6 to 8 p.m.

Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum, 123 W. Baraga Ave. upchildrensmuseum.org.

Negaunee

• Dinner with the Doctor: Get Your Garden Growing with Gary L. Heilig. Gary L. Heilig, a retired horticulture educator from Michigan State University Extension, will discuss how to grow a healthy and productive garden. The event will include a plant-based meal. 4 p.m. Marquette Seventh-day Adventist Church, 270 U.S. 41 E. 906-475-4488 or mqtsdachurch@gmail.com.

03 MONDAY

sunrise 8:11 a.m.; sunset 5:56 p.m.

Gwinn

• Libby Help Drop-in. Library staff will provide technical assistance for the Libby app, which requires a valid library card. 5 to 6 p.m. Forsyth Township Library, 180 W. Flint St. 906346-3433 or forsythtwplibrary.org.

Ishpeming

• Connected at Home: Book Club. In collaboration with the Ishpeming Senior Center, this book club is for people who want to participate from the comfort of their home via phone. This month’s selection is “The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club” by Helen Simonson. 11 a.m. To register, 906-485-5527.

Marquette

• Toddler Storytime. Stories and songs will be offered for children 18 to 36 months with a loving adult, followed by sensory play activities. 10 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. Siblings welcome. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.

• 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.

• Ukulele Class. Free for ages 50 and older. Instruments will be provided. 3 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. To register, 906-228-0456.

• Write On. Teens in sixth through 12th grades will engage with local writers to enhance and inspire creative expression. At the end of the six-week program, participants will publish a chapbook of their writing thanks to the estate of poet Helen Haskell Remien. Registration required. 4 p.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. To register, pwpl.info.

• Craft Magic Series: Felt Magic with Jody Trost. Participants will learn basic needle felting and create their own handmade felted lovebirds. Felting starter kits and wool will be 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. Attendees use the sounds produced by bronze singing bowls and metallic gongs for a relaxing meditation. 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.

• 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.

Escanaba

• Tech Tuesday. Appointments or walk-ins are welcome for free tech assistance. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.

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

• Preschool Storytime. Stories, songs, finger-plays, crafts and other school-readiness activities will be offered for preschool-age children and a loving adult. Siblings welcome. 10 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.

• 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.

• NCLL: Harlow Lake Snowshoe/ Winter Hike. Participants should plan for two- to two-and-a-half miles of trail with possible ice or snow. This will be a snowshoe or a hike, depending on the weather. NCLL members, $5; non-members, $10. 1 p.m. Harlow Lake area (exact location will be emailed a week before with directions). 906-3459295 or elizabethjbates@hotmail.com.

• Comic Creators 2.0. Youth in second through fifth grades will participate in writing, illustrating and publishing their own graphic novel. Participants will get together with other graphic novel and comic book fans, talk about favorite books, create stories and make comic-based crafts. 4:30 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl. info.

• Maritime History on Tap. Bruce Lynn, executive director of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, will present

Alice In Wonderland: An Immersive Experience | Jan. 30 and 31; Feb. 1, and 6 - 8 | Marquette
Photo

on the town

Gwinn

• Hideaway Bar.

- Mondays: The Hideaway AllStars. 7 p.m.

741 M-35. 906-346-3178.

Ishpeming

• Shelly’s Rainbow Bar.

- Friday, Jan. 31: Dylan CongerLyewski. 5 to 8 p.m.

- Friday, Feb. 7: The Make-Believe Spurs. 5 p.m.

- Thursday, Feb. 13: Ji 120 E. Canda St. 906-486-8998.

Marquette

• 906 Sports Bar and Grill.

- Wednesdays: Trivia. 6:30 p.m.

145 W. Washington St. 906-2730706 or 906barandgrill.com.

• Blackrocks Brewery.

- Friday, Jan. 31: The MakeBelieve Spurs. 7 p.m.

- Thursday, Feb. 13: Jim and Ray. 6 to 9 p.m.

- Saturday, the 15th: The Brothers Quinn. 8 p.m.

- Saturday, the 22nd: Jim and Ray. 7 to 10 p.m.

- Thursday, the 27th: Jim and Ray. 6 to 9 p.m.

- Mondays: Trivia. 7 to 9 p.m.

- Wednesdays: Open mic. 6 to 9 p.m.

424 N. Third St. 906-273-1333 or blackrocksbrewery.com.

• Drifa Brewing Company.

- Mondays: Musicians’ Open Mic. 6 to 8 p.m.

- Thursdays: Trivia. 7 p.m.

501 S. Lake St. 906-273-1300.

• Flanigan’s.

- Mondays through Saturdays: Karaoke. 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.

- Tuesdays: Open Mic. 7 to 10 p.m. 429 W. Washington St. 906-228-8865.

• Kognisjon Bryggeri.

- Friday, Feb. 1: Frozen Paradise Tiki Party with music by Ramble Tamble. 6 to 11 p.m.

- Friday, the 7th: Palestras. 7 to 10 p.m.

- Saturday, the 8th: Cloverland Band. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

- Friday, the 14th: Vinyl Tap. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

- Saturday, the 15th: The Lifters. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

- Sunday, the 16th. Open Mic Night. 6 to 10 p.m.

- Friday, the 21st: The Exploders. 7 to 10 p.m.

- Saturday, the 22nd: Chris Valenti. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

- Wednesday, the 26th: Jim and Ray. 6 to 9 p.m.

- Friday, the 28th: Bayou Chocolate. 7 to 9 p.m.

- Tuesdays: Trivia. 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.

- Thursdays: Game Night with Iron Golem Games. 6 to 10 p.m. 1034 N. Third St. 906-273-2727.

• Ojibwa Casino Marquette Lounge.

- Saturday, Feb. 1: Soul Shine

- Saturday, the 8th: Eddie and the Bluesers.

- Saturday, the 15th: Superior Sound DJ.

- Saturday, the 22nd: Diversion. Music 8 p.m. to midnight.

105 Acre Tr. 906-249-4200 or ojibwacasino.com.

• Ore Dock Brewing Company.

- Saturday, Feb. 1: Jakey Thomas. 3 to 6 p.m.

- Tuesday, the 4th: Euchre Tournament. 7 p.m.

- Thursday, the 6th: NMU Student Art Gallery Pop-Up. 5 to 8 p.m.

- Tuesday, the 11th: Young Dubliners. In advance, $20; day of show, $25. 7 p.m.

- Tuesday, the 11th: Euchre Tournament. 7 p.m.

- Friday, the 14th: Everything Under The Sun. 7:30 p.m.

- Saturday, the 15th: The MakeBelieve Spurs. 7 p.m.

- Saturday, the 22nd: Another One|

A Grateful Dead Tribute. Ages 18 and older. In advance, $12; day of show, $15. 8 p.m.

- Tuesday, the 25th: Euchre Tournament. 7 p.m.

- Friday, the 28th: Adam Carpenter and The Upper Hand. 7 p.m. 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

• Pasquali’s.

- Friday, Feb. 7: Comedy night with John Brown. 8 p.m.

- Friday, the 21st: Comedy night with Dan Brown. 8 p.m. 100 Cliff St. 906-475-4466.

Republic

• Pine Grove Bar.

- Saturday, Feb. 1: Dylan CongerLyewski. 3 to 6 p.m.

- Saturday, the 1st: Groove Candy. 8 p.m.

- Friday, the 7th: Jakey Thomas. 8 p.m.

- Saturday, the 8th: Matthew Byce. 3 to 6 p.m.

- Friday, the 14th: ACUH. 8 p.m.

- Saturday, the 15th: Valentine’s Bash featuring Spun. 9 p.m.

- Friday, the 21st: Noah Bauer. 8 p.m.

- Saturday, the 22nd: Toni Saari. 3 to 6 p.m.

- Saturday, the 22nd: Chad Borgen and the Collective. 8 p.m.

- Friday, the 28th: Shreck. 8 p.m. 286 Front St. 906-376-2234. MM

Chad Borgen and the Collective | Feb. 22 | Pine Grove Bar, Republic

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 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. 906-586-9974 or ericksoncenter. org.

Copper Harbor

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

Escanaba

• Besse Gallery. Works by local and regional artists. 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). 906786-0300 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.

“All Mixed Up 2.0: An Exhibit For All Things Mixed Media”, featuring works by various artists, will be on display through Feb. 20.

- “Bonifas Invitational Award Show”, featuring works by Paulette Cruise and Lynn Greengtiski, will be on display through Feb. 20.

- “Youth in Art”, featuring works by

students in grades Pre-K through 12, will be on dipslay Feb. 27 through March 27.

Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 700 First Avenue South. 906-7863833 or bonifasarts.org.

Hancock

• Finlandia Art Gallery. Featuring works by local, regional and international artists.

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.

“Animal Life: Art From the Kalevala” is on display through the 28th. Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Copper Country Community Arts Center, 126 Quincy St. 906-482-2333 or coppercountryarts.com.

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

• Lynn Mazzoleni Studio and Gallery. This is the new working studio and retail gallery space of acrylic and oil painter Lynn Mazzoleni, showcasing her original artwork and high-quality reproductions, as well as home décor pieces and unique goods. Tuesday and Thursday, 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 to 6 p.m. Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. 116 Quincy St. info@lynnmazzoleni.com.

Houghton

• The Rozsa Galleries.

“Isle Royale Art Exhibition,” featuring works created by artists-in-residence on the island, is on display through March 28 with an artist reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on the 15th. 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.

Todd Carter | Stone Stairway Little Presque Isle Park | Huron Mountain Club Gallery

art galleries

(continued

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. The NMU School of Art and Design’s 2025 Faculty Biennial is on display through March 29. 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, 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.

• Huron Mountain Club Gallery.

- Winter Wonderland Walk Tree Display is on display through Jan. 31.

- “Feast or Fallow,” mixed media by Emily Weddle and Meredith Weddle D’Amore, will be on display Feb. 1 through March 31 with an artist reception from 6 to 8 p.m. on the 13th.

Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-228-0472.

• Lake Superior Photo and Gallery. The studio features landscape photographic art by Shawn Malone, including naturescapes of the Lake Superior region. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 211 S. Front St. 906-228-3686 or lakesuperiorphoto.com.

• Marquette Arts and Culture Center Deo Gallery.

- “Winter Work” by Pier Wright is on display through Jan. 31.

- “Knowing the Land” by Todd Carter will be on display Feb. 1 through March 31 with an artist reception from 6 to 8 p.m. on the 13th. The reception will feature an art activity for all ages and abilities titled “Love Letters to Nature” hosted by Upper Peninsula Land Conservancy and co-sponsored by Wintergreen Hill Gallery and Gifts.

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.

• 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.

• Second Story Studio. This new gallery features works by Taryn Okesson and Kurt Babcock. Thursday through Saturday, 2 to 6 p.m., and by appointment. Inside the Wattsson and Wattsson Marketplace, 118 B W. Washington St. tarynokesson.com/second-story-studio.

• Wintergreen Hill Gallery and Gifts. Paintings by Sarah Still will be on display throughout the 28th with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m. on the 1st. 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. 810 N. Third St. 906-273-1374 or wintergreenhill.com.

• Zero Degrees Gallery. The gallery’s Guest Artist Series will feature work from local school art teachers Linnea Gustafson, Kin Shefchik, Jenny Hamel, Alex Trotter and Danielle Levandoski, which will be on display through the 28th with a reception from 1 to 4 p.m. on the 8th. 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. 906-343-6592.

MM

“The Gales of August: The Sinking of the Western Reserve.” Hosted 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.

Negaunee

• Readers Dozen Book Club. As part of the library’s Readers Dozen Reading Challenge, participants can share what they’ve been reading, swap recommendations for the coming month, enjoy refreshments and connect with fellow readers. 5 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906475-7700, ext. 18 or facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary.

05 WEDNESDAY

sunrise 8:08 a.m.; sunset 5:59 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.

Marquette

• Book Babies. Songs, rhymes, stories and finger-plays will be offered for babies up to 17 months with a loving adult. Older siblings are welcome. 10 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.

• Heritage Room Book Group. The group welcomes readers interested in contemporary fiction. This month’s selection will be “Expiration Dates” by Rebecca Serle. 10 a.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4311 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.

• Senior Visual Art Classes: Painting Winter with Palette Knife with Marlene Wood. Free for City of Marquette and neighboring township residents ages 50 and older. Registration required. 1 p.m. City of Marquette Arts and Culture Center, lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-225-8655.

• Home School Chapter Book Discussion. Home school students ages 11 and older will discuss “We Are Not Free” by Traci Chee. 1 p.m. Teen Zone, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4321, apierce@ pwpl.info or pwpl.info.

• Senior Support Series: Marquette Coast Guard Station. BMC Michael Henderson, Officer in Charge of the local U.S. Coast Guard Station, will present the history of the Life Saving Service in Marquette through images

and stories, as well as discuss the modern Coast Guard. All ages welcome. 1:30 p.m. Marquette Regional History Center, 145 W. Spring St. 906226-3571 or marquettehistory.org.

• Teens Game On! Youth in sixth through 12th grades can enjoy a selection of video games, board games and more. 3 to 6 p.m. Teen Zone, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4321, apierce@pwpl.info or pwpl.info.

• Fandom Fun: “The Wild Robot.” Youth of all ages can enjoy activities from “The Wild Robot” book series by Peter Brown and learn about protecting the community from local conservation and outdoor organizations. All supplies will be provided. 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or 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. In case of inclement weather, visit lwvmqt.org to confirm if the meeting is live or via Zoom. Social time, 6:30 p.m.; meeting, 6:45 p.m. Lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. lwvmqtco@gmail.com.

• 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.

Negaunee

• After-school Middle School Group. The focus of this month’s meetings has not yet been determined. Snacks will be provided. 3 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-4757700, ext. 18.

06 THURSDAY sunrise 8:07 a.m.; sunset 6:00 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 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.

Houghton

• Winter Carnival Stage Revue Show. MTU students will create unique skits that are composed around the overall theme of “Dragons, Knights and Legendary Sights.” Part of MTU

Winter Carnival. MTU students, free; general public, $10. 7 p.m. Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts. events.mtu.edu.

Ishpeming

• Book Club. Hosted by the Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, this month’s selection is “The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club” by Helen Simonson. 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 of “Dear Dad” by Jay Jay Patton. 4 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.

Marquette

• Toddler Storytime. Stories and songs will be offered for children 18 to 36 months with a loving adult, followed by sensory play activities. 10 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. Siblings welcome. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.

• 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.

• Pokémon Trading and Gaming. Kids of all ages who are interested in Pokémon can enjoy card trading and gaming, which will be youth-led. 4:30 p.m. Youth Services Makerspace, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.

• “Alice in Wonderland: An Immersive Experience.” This show transcends the stage, making the audience an integral part of the performance. Presented by NMU’s CO/LAB Dance Company. NMU students, $5; youth, $15; NMU employees, seniors and military, $22; and general public, $25. 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. The 906 Building second floor, 145 W. Washington St. nmu.edu/theatreanddance.

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 will feature activity stations and early reading and language activities. Parents and caregivers can also connect to share tips and experiences. This week’s theme

will be “Arctic Explorers.” 11 a.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18 or facebook. com/NegauneePublicLibrary.

07 FRIDAY

sunrise 8:06 a.m.; sunset 6:02 p.m.

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.

Houghton

• Celebrity Hypnotist Chris Jones. Chris Jones is a hypnotist, comedian and the host of the prank series “Double Take” on Facebook Watch. Part of MTU Winter Carnival. 10 p.m. SDC Wood Gym. events.mtu.edu.

Marquette

• Preschool Storytime. Stories, songs, finger-plays, crafts and other school-readiness activities will be offered for preschool-age children and a loving adult. Siblings welcome. 10 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.

• Cultivating Care, Compassion and Connection. This event will offer a safe space to pause, reflect and build connections with others who are committed to cultivating kindness. Each week, educators and leaders from different local organizations will facilitate a discussion while maintaining a shared commitment to the Charter for Compassion and the Circle of Trust principles. Noon. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4303 or pwpl.info.

• NCLL: All About Your Thyroid. Valarie Olsen, owner of Wellness Center of Marquette, will discuss thyroid disorders, the symptoms, tests needed to diagnose the condition and treatment options. 1:30 p.m. Shiras Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-241-9800 or whitebirch07@icloud.com.

• LEGO Club. LEGO enthusiasts are invited to build projects with the library’s LEGO blocks. 4 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 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.

• Senior Ice Skating. Free for ages 50 and older. 7 p.m. Lakeview Arena, 401 E. Fair Ave. 906-228-0456.

• “Alice in Wonderland: An Immersive Experience.” This show transcends the stage, making the audience an integral part of the performance. Presented by NMU’s CO/LAB Dance Company. NMU students, $5; youth,

$15; NMU employees, seniors and military, $22; and general public, $25. 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. The 906 Building second floor, 145 W. Washington St. nmu.edu/theatreanddance.

Negaunee

• Heikki Lunta Festival. Events will kick off with an opening ceremony for the Meijer State Games, bonfire lighting and the Irontown Rail Jam. There will also be a fish fry at the Eagles, open houses at the Elks and VFW, public sliding at the U.P. Luge Club and the Negaunee Hockey League Tournament at the Ice Arena. 5:45 to 11 p.m. Downtown. cityofnegaunee.com.

08 SATURDAY

sunrise

8:04 a.m.; sunset 6:03 p.m.

Escanaba

• LEGO Club. This month’s theme is “What Do You Love?” 1 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.

Gwinn

• Ice Races. Presented by the Upper Michigan Ice Racing Association. $5 donation per car; day pit passes are available for $10 per person. Spectator gate opens at 10 a.m.; races begin by 11:30 a.m. Forsyth Township Ball Park. uppermichiganiceracing.com.

Hancock

• Torchlight Parade and Fireworks. Part of MTU Winter Carnival. 8:30 p.m. Mont Ripley, 49051 Ski Hill. events.mtu.edu.

Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR). Noon. Meeting room, Big Boy Restaurant, 1950 US-41 W. 906-226-7836.

• Art Adventure for Kids: Traditional Fish Prints of Japan. 1 p.m. Studio 1, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. lakesuperiorartassociation. org.

• “Alice in Wonderland: An Immersive Experience.” This show transcends the stage, making the audience an integral part of the performance. Presented by NMU’s CO/LAB Dance Company. NMU students, $5; youth, $15; NMU employees, seniors and military, $22; and general public, $25. 1, 3, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. The 906 Building second floor, 145 W. Washington St. nmu.edu/theatreanddance.

• Pretty in Punk: ’80s-themed Mom Prom. This ladies-only fundraiser for Moxie Moms, which offers resources and support to women who have experienced pregnancy loss, will feature live music, food and drinks, dancing, raffles, a silent auction and more. $50. 7 to 11 p.m. Ore Dock Brewing Company, 114 W. Spring St. moxiemoms906@ gmail.com.

Negaunee

Houghton

• Water Street Dance Milwaukee This multifaceted dance company is known for pushing the boundaries of contemporary dance and is dedicated to exploring diversity. The performance is for all ages with haze and flashing lights. Part of MTU Winter Carnival. Pay As You’re Able ticketing. 2 and 7 p.m. Rozsa Center, MTU. mtu.universitytickets.com.

Marquette

• Saturday Storytime. Songs, rhymes, stories and finger-plays will be offered for babies and children through preschool with a loving adult. Siblings and older children are welcome. 10:30 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-2264323 or pwpl.info.

• Repair Café. In partnership with the Marquette Sustainability Coalition, residents can bring in broken appliances, clothing or bikes and skilled fixers will assist in repairing them. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. mqtsustainability@gmail. com or 906-226-4303.

• 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 Piano Duo Concert. NMU’s piano studio and Marquette-area piano students, teachers and families will perform their favorite duets. A light reception will follow. 11 a.m. Reynolds Recital Hall, NMU. nmu.edu/music.

• NSDAR Meeting. This is the monthly meeting of the Onagomingkway Chapter of the National Society

will be read followed by an activity or craft. Suggested donation, $5 per child or $10 per family. 11 a.m. MooseWood Nature Center, Shiras Pool Building at Presque Isle Park. moosewoodnc@ gmail.com.

•Marquette County Car Seat Check Event. Certified Child Passenger Saftey Technicians will be on hand to make sure your child’s car seat is installed correctly and answer questions. Free car seats available to qualifying families. 1 to 5 p.m. Marquette Township Fire & Rescue, 2801 Venture Dr.

• Valentine’s Craft. Participants can choose from two craft activities to make for their special valentine or decorate for the holiday. Suggested donation, $5 per child or $10 per family. 2 p.m. MooseWood Nature Center, Shiras Pool Building at Presque Isle Park. moosewoodnc@gmail.com.

Negaunee

• Heikki Lunta Festival. The weekend will wrap up with the Freeze Yer Fanny fatbike race, pasty eating contest and Negaunee Hockey League tournament. 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Downtown. cityofnegaunee.com.

• Heikki Lunta Festival. Events will continue with an ice fishing tournament on Teal Lake, breakfast at the Eagles and the Elks, open house at the Ishpeming Ski Club and activities at the U.P. Luge Club, all-school art show, sledding, gourmet s’mores and miniature horse rides, snowshoe lantern tours of historic old town, an open house at the Negaunee VFW, fireworks and more. 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Downtown. cityofnegaunee.com.

• Family-friendly Trivia. There will be three rounds of Heikki Lunta and Finnish lore trivia as well as an integrated “icon hunt” for younger participants. Registration required. Part of the Heikki Lunta Festival. 10 a.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18, or facebook. com/NegauneePublicLibrary.

09 SUNDAY

sunrise 8:03 a.m.; sunset 6:05 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.

Little Lake

• Bingo. A concession stand will be available. Doors open, 11 a.m.; early bird games, 1:30 p.m. American Legion Auxiliary Post 349, 1835 E. M-35. 906-346-6000.

Marquette

• Story Time at MooseWood. The book “Good Night, Bat! Good Morning, Squirrel!” by Paul Meisel

Marquette

• Toddler Storytime. Stories and songs will be offered for children 18 to 36 months with a loving adult, followed by sensory play activities. 10 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. Siblings welcome. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.

• Senior Theatre Experience: Monthly Theatre Workshop and Discussion. Free for City of Marquette and neighboring township residents ages 50 and older. 4 p.m. Room B, Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. To register, 906-225-8655.

• Write On. Teens in sixth through 12th grades will engage with local writers to enhance and inspire creative expression. At the end of the six-week program, participants will publish a chapbook of their writing thanks to the estate of poet Helen Haskell Remien. Registration required. 4 p.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. To register, 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.

11 TUESDAY sunrise 8:00 a.m.; sunset 6:08 p.m.

Calumet

• Friends of the Library Meeting. New members are welcome to learn

Freeze Yer Fanny | Feb. 9
Negaunee
Photo by Maridav on Adobe Stock

about programming ideas, volunteer opportunities, the Red Jacket Readers book club and more. 5:30 p.m. Community Room, Calumet Public Library, 57070 Mine St. 906-337-0311, ext. 1107. clklibrary.org.

Escanaba

• Tech Tuesday. Appointments or walk-ins are welcome for free tech assistance. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.

Gwinn

• Literature at the Lodge. This month’s selection will be “The Unmaking of June Farrow” by Adrienne Young. 6 p.m. Up North Lodge, 215 S. Co. Rd. 557. 906-3463433 or forsythtwplibrary.org.

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

• Preschool Storytime. Stories, songs, finger-plays, crafts and other school-readiness activities will be offered for preschool-age children and a loving adult. Siblings welcome. 10 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public

Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.

• Tasty Reads Book Group. The group welcomes readers who love to cook. This month’s selection will be “Hippie Food: How Back-to-the-Landers, Longhairs and Revolutionaries Changed the Way We Eat” by Jonathan Kauffman. 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. Learn how to knit, solve problems in reading patterns and expand your knitting skills. The group includes a variety of ages and levels of experiences. 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.

• Senior Dance Class. Free for City of Marquette and neighboring township residents ages 50 and older. 4

p.m. Baraga Gym, Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. To register, 906-225-8655.

• Muggles for Potter. Young wizards in third through sixth grade can enjoy a combined charms and potions class. 4:30 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906226-4323 or pwpl.info.

• Superiorland Woodturners Meeting. Jason Schneider will offer a demonstration and there will be a show-and-tell segment where club members can discuss their recent work. The meeting is open to the public. 6:30 p.m. Lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. jmarchimes@ charter.net.

Negaunee

• Valentine’s Tea and Book Sale. Hosted by the Friends of the Negaunee Public Library. Noon to 3 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18, or facebook. com/NegauneePublicLibrary.

12 WEDNESDAY

sunrise 7:58 a.m.; sunset 6:09 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.

• 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.

Little Lake

• Gwinn Quilters. Members learn new skills and techniques, work on individual and collaborative projects, and create items to donate to community organizations. A business meeting takes place at 12:30 p.m. followed by show and tell. Bring a brown bag lunch. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fellowship Hall, Little Lake Chapel, 1761 M-35. 906-346-6344.

Marquette

• Book Babies. Songs, rhymes, stories and finger-plays will be offered for babies up to 17 months with a loving adult. Older siblings are welcome. 10 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 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.

• unTITLEd Teens. Teens in Grades

six to 12 are invited to a program that will be different every month. 3 p.m. Teen Zone, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-2264321, apierce@pwpl.info or pwpl.info.

• Fandom Fun: Disney Characters. Youth of all ages can enjoy Disneythemed crafts and games. 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.

• Community Knit/Crochet Club. 5:30 p.m. Alley Kat’s Quilt Shop, 1010 W. Washington St. 906-315-0050.

• Noah Bauer. Local singer and songwriter Noah Bauer will perform a concert featuring songs from his newly released album, “Lunitidal Interval.” 6:30 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info or pwpl.info.

• Laughing Whitefish Bird Alliance Meeting. Brian Murphy, a LWBA board member, will lead a discussion on the forthcoming central U.P. Birding Trail and a how-to session called “All About eBird,” a Cornell Universitybased citizen science project. 7 p.m. Shiras Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St.

• 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.

• NMU Jazz Concert. 7:30 p.m. Reynolds Recital Hall, NMU. nmu. edu/music.

Negaunee

• After-school Middle School Group. Snacks will be provided. 3 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case

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

13 THURSDAY

sunrise 7:57

Calumet

• Preschool Story Time. 10:15 a.m. Calumet Public Library, 57070 Mine St. 906-337-0311, ext. 1107. clklibrary. org.

• Knitting and Crochet 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.

Crystal Falls

• U.P. Notable Books Club (Online). This Q&A session will feature Nikki Mitchell, author of “Ellie and the Midwest Goodbye,” a children’s story of an anxious family ritual. 7 p.m. EDT, 6 p.m. CDT. Via Zoom. 906-875-3344 or egathu@crystalfallslibrary.org. upnotable.com.

Escanaba

• Fiber Arts a la Carte. Intended for ages 16 and older. 5 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.

• “Makin’ Cake.” Written and performed by author and poet Dasha Kelly Hamilton, “Makin’ Cake” cuts into the history of cake, revealing what its ingredients and evolution can teach about race, class and equity in America. Students, free; general public, $5. 7p.m. Besse Theater, Bay College Campus, 2001 N. Lincoln Rd. 906-217-4045 or baycollege.edu.

U.P. 200 and Midnight Run | Feb. 14 | Marquette
Photo by TRAVELARIUMon Adobe Stock

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 US-41. 906-482-3101 or quincymine. com.

Houghton

• A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum. View the largest collection of minerals from the Great Lakes region and the world’s finest collection of Michigan minerals. Prices vary. Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1404 E. Sharon Ave. museum. mtu.edu or 906-487-2572.

• Carnegie Museum of the Keweenaw. 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. 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. View displays and exhibits of skiing history and equipment. The museum features an extensive library, a gift shop, and more. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. US-41 and Third Street. 906485-6323 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.

- “The Political Life,” an exhibition chronicling the lives and work of the U.P.’s greatest politicians, along with accounts of U.S. presidents who visited the region, will be on display Feb. 21 through June 28 with an opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on the 21st.

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 the 28th. The museum also includes interactive displays as well as regional history exhibits. Prices vary.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. 906-2263571 or marquettehistory.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. 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 history of the area. Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking. Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 73 Forge Rd. 906-475-7857.

Houghton

• Threading Empathy: Exploring the Intersection of Techno-Fashion and Empathy. This runway show with accompanying gallery space will feature smart fabrics, 3D-printed garments, wearable tech and sustainable innovations. Pay As You’re Able ticketing. 7:30 p.m. McArdle Theatre, MTU. mtu.universitytickets.com.

Ishpeming

• Open Book. This new program for tweens and teens, also known as “Fun Club,” will feature drop-in activities such as crafts, movies and more. 4 to 6 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.

Marquette

• Toddler Storytime. Stories and songs will be offered for children 18 to 36 months with a loving adult, followed by sensory play activities. 10 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. Siblings welcome. 906-226-4323 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.

• Second Thursday Creativity Series. Guests can enjoy hands-on craft activities and free Culver’s frozen custard. This month’s activity will be a Valentine’s Eve Dance. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum, 123 W. Baraga Ave. 906-2263911 or upchildrensmuseum.org.

• 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 are invited to workshop their current work at 6:30 p.m., followed by an Open Mic at 7:15 p.m. New and experienced poets are welcome for either or both events. Shiras Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info or pwpl.info.

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 will feature activity stations and early reading and language activities. Parents and caregivers can also connect to share tips and experiences. This week’s theme will be “Color Lab.” 11 a.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906475-7700, ext. 18 or facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary.

14 FRIDAY

sunrise 7:55 a.m.; sunset 6:12 p.m.

Gwinn

Valentine’s Day

• 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.

Houghton

• Threading Empathy: Exploring the Intersection of Techno-Fashion and Empathy. This runway show with accompanying gallery space will feature smart fabrics, 3D-printed garments, wearable tech and sustainable innovations. Pay As You’re Able ticketing. 7:30 p.m. McArdle Theatre, MTU. mtu.universitytickets.com.

Ishpeming

• Homeschool Hangout. Homeschooling families can visit with fellow homeschooling friends, network with library staff and learn about the library’s resources. Participants can make Valentine’s cards with Sue Boback at 10:30 a.m. 10 a.m. to noon. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.

Marquette

• Preschool Storytime. Stories, songs, finger-plays, crafts and other school-readiness activities will be offered for preschool-age children and a loving adult. Siblings welcome. 10 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.

• Cultivating Care, Compassion and Connection. This event will offer a safe space to pause, reflect and build connections with others who are committed to cultivating kindness. Each week, educators and leaders from different local organizations will facilitate a discussion while maintaining a shared commitment to the Charter for Compassion and the Circle of Trust principles. Noon. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4303 or pwpl.info.

• School’s Out, Library’s In: “Trolls.” Crafts and activities will be available for drop-in participation between noon and 5 p.m. The film “Trolls: Band Together” will begin at 12:45 p.m.; kids are welcome to bring lunch or snacks for the movie. Youth Services, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl. info.

• Docu Cinema: “Love and Bananas: An Elephant Story.” This documentary follows a team of elephant rescuers who travel 500 miles across Thailand to rescue a 70-year-old captive blind Asian elephant and bring her to freedom. The film is not rated. Noon. Shiras

Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4322, machatz@ pwpl.info 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.

• UP200 and Midnight Run. The UP200 is a 12-dog mid-distance race that covers 228 miles from Marquette to Grand Marais and back, and is an Iditarod qualifier. The Midnight Run, which starts 30 minutes after the last UP200 musher leaves the chute (but not before 8:30 p.m.), is an eightdog, 82-mile race from Marquette to Chatham. Opening ceremony, 6:30 p.m. Washington and Fourth streets. up200.org.

• Senior Ice Skating. Free for ages 50 and older. 7 p.m. Lakeview Arena, 401 E. Fair Ave. 906-228-0456.

15 SATURDAY

Big Bay

• Honey Bear Classic Ski Fundraiser. Participants can choose to ski or snowshoe the entire “Honey Bear” loop or other trail options. Refreshments and live music will start at noon at the Thunder Bay Inn. Proceeds support the grooming and maintenance of the Big Bay Pathway, part of the Noquemanon Trail Network. $25. 11 a.m. Big Bay Pathway Trailhead, Deutsch Avenue. honeybearclassic@gmail.com or runsignup.com.

Escanaba

• Great Start Storytime. Intended for families with children ages eight and younger. 10:30 a.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906-7897323 or escanabalibrary.org.

Gwinn

• Jack Pine 30 Sled Dog Race. The Jack Pine 30 is a six-dog race that covers 26 miles of snowmobile and woods trails. It starts and ends at the same location. 10 a.m. First Baptist Church, 195 N. Billings St. up200.org.

• Coffee and Conversation: Journaling and Yoga. Library staff will discuss different journaling styles and ways to fit journaling into your lifestyle. Free blank journals will be provided by a grant through the Marquette County Suicide Prevention Alliance. A yoga class will then be taught by Fran Lukkarinen; participants can bring their own mat or use one from the library. 10 a.m. Forsyth Township Library, 180 W. Flint St. 906-346-3433 or forsythtwplibrary. org.

• Ice Races. Presented by the Upper Michigan Ice Racing Association. $5 donation per car; day pit passes are available for $10 per person. Spectator gate opens at 10 a.m.; races begin by

11:30 a.m. Forsyth Township Ball Park. uppermichiganiceracing.com.

Houghton

• Jibba Jabba Rail Jam. This professional snowboarding event will feature a man-made snow course on Huron Street and trick features on Lakeshore Drive. The course stretches from Shelden Avenue to the pier. Spectators can line the sides of the path along Huron Street and the bottom of the course. 6 p.m. Downtown. 906-3374579 or visitkeweenaw.com.

• Isle Royale 85th Anniversary Concert. The Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra will perform the world premiere of Libby Meyer’s lush, The Land That Speaks When We’ve Ears to Listen as well as Bruckner’s Symphony No. 7, first movement, and Copland’s Four Dance Episodes from Rodeo. Pay As You’re Able ticketing. 7:30 p.m. Rozsa Center, MTU. mtu. universitytickets.com.

• Threading Empathy: Exploring the Intersection of Techno-Fashion and Empathy. This runway show with accompanying gallery space will feature smart fabrics, 3D-printed garments, wearable tech and sustainable innovations. Pay As You’re Able ticketing. 7:30 p.m. McArdle Theatre, MTU. mtu.universitytickets.com.

Ishpeming

• Life Drawing with Paul Olson. Artists ages 12 and older can drop in. Basic drawing materials will be provided, but students are welcome to bring their own. No experience necessary. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary. info.

Marquette

• Midnight Run Finish Line. Sled dog teams will begin crossing the finish line some time after 8 a.m., depending on conditions. Ojibwa Casino, 105 Acre Trail. up200.org.

• Saturday Storytime. Songs, rhymes, stories and finger-plays will be offered for babies and children through preschool with a loving adult. Siblings and older children are welcome. 10:30 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-2264323 or pwpl.info.

• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. Lessons, 10 a.m. Games, 11:30 a.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod.com. 16

p.m. St. Joseph Catholic Church, 701 Calumet St. events.mtu.edu.

Little Lake

• Bingo. A concession stand will be available. Doors open, 11 a.m.; early bird games, 1:30 p.m. American Legion Auxiliary Post 349, 1835 E. M-35. 906-346-6000.

Marquette

• UP200 Finish Line. Sled dog teams can begin crossing the finish line as early as 10 a.m., depending on conditions, and will continue throughout the afternoon. Ojibwa Casino, 105 Acre Trail. up200.org.

• NMU Choral Concert. 3 p.m. Reynolds Recital Hall, NMU. nmu. edu/music.

• City Band Winter Concert. 3 p.m. Kaufman Auditorium, 611 N. Front St.

17 MONDAY sunrise 7:50 a.m.; sunset 6:17 p.m.

President’s Day

Escanaba

• Nick Dumas and Branchline. Nick Dumas and Branchline will present a hard-driving bluegrass performance featuring world class musicians and singers. Students, $7; general public, $15. 7p.m. Besse Theater, Bay College Campus, 2001 N. Lincoln Rd. 906217-4045 or baycollege.edu.

Marquette

• Toddler Storytime. Stories and songs will be offered for children 18 to 36 months with a loving adult, followed by sensory play activities. 10 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. Siblings welcome. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.

• 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.

• NCLL: Anita Meyland, A Marquette Treasure. Ann Hilton Fisher, Marquette Regional History Center volunteer, and Jack Deo, a historian and photographer, will present an illustrated show about Anita Meyland’s life and her lasting impact on Marquette. Meyland is most famous for founding Art on the Rocks. NCLL members, $5; non-members, $10. 1 p.m. Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1700 W. Fair Ave. 906-225-1004 or hoosieryooper80@gmail.com.

and fifth grades can participate in this adventure game. Character sheets and supplies will be provided. Registration required. 4:30 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.

• Cyber Clinic: Seniors. In partnership with the Upper Peninsula Cybersecurity Institute (UPCI), this presentation will offer tips and tricks to help protect against online security threats and scams that are particularly directed towards seniors. Questions may be submitted in advance by emailing upcyber@nmu.edu. 6 p.m. Shiras Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4319 or pwpl.info.

• The Joy of Sound Meditation. Attendees use the sounds produced by bronze singing bowls and metallic gongs for a relaxing meditation. 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.

Escanaba

• Tech Tuesday. Appointments or walk-ins are welcome for free tech assistance. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.

Gwinn

• Read It and Eat Book Club. This new book club will meet quarterly to discuss cookbooks, and food-related memoirs and fiction, while enjoying snacks inspired by the books. This month’s selection will be “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus. Noon. Forsyth Township Library, 180 W. Flint St. 906-346-3433 or forsythtwplibrary.org.

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. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary. info.

Lake Linden

• Music for a Sacred Space: Choirs of Michigan Tech Concert. Donations will be accepted at the door to support the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. 7:30

• Write On. Teens in sixth through 12th grades will engage with local writers to enhance and inspire creative expression. At the end of the six-week program, participants will publish a chapbook of their writing thanks to the estate of poet Helen Haskell Remien. Registration required. 4 p.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. To register, pwpl.info.

• D&D Junior. Students in fourth

• Adult Book Club. This month’s selection is “The Wedding People” by Alison Espach. 2 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary. info.

Marquette

• Preschool Storytime. Stories, songs, finger-plays, crafts and other school-readiness activities will be

offered for preschool-age children and a loving adult. Siblings welcome. 10 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 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.

• Superior String Alliance Pop-In Concert. Noon. Reynolds Recital Hall, NMU. nmu.edu/music.

• 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.

• Senior Dance Class. Free for City of Marquette and neighboring township residents ages 50 and older. 4 p.m. Baraga Gym, Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. To register, 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. 906-226-4321, apierce@ pwpl.info or pwpl.info.

• Jr. Explorers. Intended for curious kids in kindergarten through second grade who like fun facts and learning about animals. 4:30 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.

• Superior String Alliance Chamber Players Pop-in Lunch Concert. Danielle Simandl, Adam Hall and Dr. Theresa Camilli will perform. Noon. Reynolds Recital Hall, NMU. superiorstringalliance.org.

Negaunee

• Paper Quilling Craft Night. Attendees 12 and older can use colorful paper strips to create a variety of designs. All supplies will be provided and no experience is needed. Registration required. 5:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18 or facebook. com/NegauneePublicLibrary.

19 WEDNESDAY sunrise 7:47 a.m.; sunset 6:20 p.m.

Escanaba

• Great Start Family Fun Night. Intended for families with children ages eight and younger. 4:30 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.

Houghton

• British Invasion: Superior Wind Symphony Concert. Joel Neves will conduct his inaugural concert as music director of the Superior Wind Symphony. The performance

will feature British wind band classics, including Percy Grainger’s Lincolnshire Posy and music of The Beatles. Pay As You’re Able ticketing. 7:30 p.m. McArdle Theatre, MTU. mtu. universitytickets.com.

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 Wedding People” by Alison Espach. 6 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary. info.

Marquette

• Book Babies. Songs, rhymes, stories and finger-plays will be offered for babies up to 17 months with a loving adult. Older siblings are welcome. 10 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 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 students ages 11 and older will discuss “All Summer Long” by Hope Larson. 1 p.m. Teen Zone, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4321, apierce@ pwpl.info or pwpl.info.

• Senior Visual Art Classes: Painting Winter with Palette Knife with Marlene Wood. Free for City of Marquette and neighboring township residents ages 50 and older. Registration required. 1 p.m. City of Marquette Arts and Culture Center, lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-225-8655.

• Fandom Fun: “Tea Dragon Society.” Youth of all ages who enjoy “Tea Dragon Society” graphic novels can learn the ancient art of tea dragon caretaking, brew specialty tea and visit the forge to practice blacksmithing. 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.

• Marquette County Genealogical Society Meeting. Visitors and guests are welcome. 6 p.m. Family Search Center, 350 Cherry Creek Rd., Harvey. lakesuperiorroots.org or marquettecountymigeniesociety@gmail.com.

• Northwords and Music: Crossroads Show. Writer B. G. Bradley and friends, U.P. Poet Laureate Marty Achatz, musicians Linda Smith and Seamus Collins (Big Lake Acoustic) and actress Jacque Love, will present an evening of music, stories, poetry and skits about the crossroads in life. The event will also be livestreamed. 6:30 p.m. Community Room, Peter

White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info or pwpl.info.

• Upper Peninsula History Book Club. The group will discuss “Ladies of the Lights” by Patricia Majher. 6:30 p.m. J.M. Longyear Research Library, Marquette Regional History Center, 145 W. Spring St. 906-226-3571 or marquettehistory.org/uphbc.

• NMU Orchestra’s Children’s Concert. 6:30 p.m. Reynolds Recital Hall, NMU. nmu.edu/music.

• 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.

Negaunee

• After-school Middle School Group. Snacks will be provided. 3 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18.

20 THURSDAY

7:45 a.m.;

Calumet

6:21

• Preschool Story Time. 10:15 a.m. Calumet Public Library, 57070 Mine St. 906-337-0311, ext. 1107. clklibrary. org.

• Knitting and Crochet 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.

Ishpeming

• Graphic Novel Book Club. Students in fourth through eighth grade can enjoy snacks and a book discussion of “Invisible Emmie” by Terri Libenson. 4 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.

• Bookworms. This tween book club will read children’s and middle-grade books published for fourth through eighth grades. This month’s selection will be “The Lion of Lark-Hayes Manor” by Aubrey Hartman. 5 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.

Marquette

• Peak25. Hosted by SISU: The Innovation Institute at NMU and Innovate Marquette, Peak25 is a two-day professional development conference that will offer programming for innovators,researchers and entrepreneurs. Free, but registration required. 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. NMU. peakconference.org.

• Toddler Storytime. Stories and songs will be offered for children 18 to 36 months with a loving adult, followed by sensory play activities. 10 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public

Library, 217 N. Front St. Siblings welcome. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.

• NCLL: Your Board of Light and Power (Part 1). Matthew Zavistak will offer a general description and overview of the Marquette Board of Light and Power and its limitations and internal workings. NCLL members, $5; non-members, $10. Marquette Board of Light and Power, 2200 Wright St. 906-235-8532 or susanholliday83@ gmail.com.

• 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.

• Pokémon Trading and Gaming. Kids of all ages who are interested in Pokémon can enjoy card trading and gaming, which will be youth-led. 4:30 p.m. Youth Services Makerspace, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.

• Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing.” NMU Theatre and Dance will present an adaptation by director Jimmy Ludwig with the second week of Yooper deer camp as a backdrop. NMU students, $5; youth, $15; NMU employees, seniors and military, $22; and general public, $25. 7:30 p.m. Panowski Black Box Theatre, NMU. nmu.edu/theatreanddance.

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 will feature activity stations and early reading and language activities. Parents and caregivers can also connect to share tips and experiences. This week’s theme will be “Underground Discovery.” 11 a.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18 or facebook.com/NegauneePublicLibrary.

21 FRIDAY

Calumet

• CopperDog 150 Volunteer Training. 5:30 p.m. Calumet High School, 57070 Mine Street.

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.

Hancock

• Snow Sculpting Invitational. Four team of snow sculpltors will transform blocks of snow into works of art. Work begins in the afternoon and continues

through Sunday morning. Quincy Green, 401 Quincy St. 906-482-2720.

Marquette

• Peak25. Hosted by SISU: The Innovation Institute at NMU and Innovate Marquette, Peak25 is a two-day professional development conference that will offer programming for innovators, researchers and entrepreneurs. Free, but registration required. 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. NMU. peakconference.org.

• Preschool Storytime. Stories, songs, finger-plays, crafts and other school-readiness activities will be offered for preschool-age children and a loving adult. Siblings welcome. 10 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.

• Cultivating Care, Compassion and Connection. This event will offer a safe space to pause, reflect and build connections with others who are committed to cultivating kindness. Each week, educators and leaders from different local organizations will facilitate a discussion while maintaining a shared commitment to the Charter for Compassion and the Circle of Trust principles. Noon. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4303 or pwpl.info.

• Global Cinema: Jonathan Glazer’s “The Zone of Interest.” In this British/ Polish film, director Jonathan Glazer focuses on the lives of Auschwitz commandant Rudolf Hoss, his wife Hedwig and their children who live in a home next to the infamous concentration camp. Rated PG-13. Noon. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4322, machatz@ pwpl.info or pwpl.info.

• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com.

• LEGO Club. LEGO enthusiasts are invited to build projects with the library’s LEGO blocks. 4 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl. info.

• Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing.” NMU Theatre and Dance will present an adaptation by director Jimmy Ludwig with the second week of Yooper deer camp as a backdrop. NMU students, $5; youth, $15; NMU employees, seniors and military, $22; and general public, $25. 7:30 p.m. Panowski Black Box Theatre, NMU. nmu.edu/theatreanddance.

22

available for $10 per person. Night race; times TBA. Forsyth Township Ball Park. uppermichiganiceracing. com.

Hancock

• Snow Sculpting Invitational. Four team of snow sculpltors will transform blocks of snow into works of art. Work begins in the afternoon and continues through Sunday morning. Quincy Green, 401 Quincy St. 906-482-2720.

Ishpeming

• Life Drawing with Paul Olson. Artists ages 12 and older can drop in. Basic drawing materials will be provided, but students are welcome to bring their own. No experience necessary. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.

• Silent Book Club. Hosted by the Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, attendees can bring their own book and read silently for one hour, followed by time to socialize and talk about books. Noon. Velodrome Coffee, 105 S. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary. info.

Marquette

Gwinn

• Ice Races. Presented by the Upper Michigan Ice Racing Association. $5 donation per car; day pit passes are

• Prom Dress Swap. All students in ninth through 12th grades looking for a prom dress are welcome. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906226-4321 or pwpl.info.

• Saturday Storytime. Songs, rhymes,

Calumet

stories and finger-plays will be offered for babies and children through preschool with a loving adult. Siblings and older children are welcome. 10:30 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-2264323 or pwpl.info.

• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. Lessons, 10 a.m. Games, 11:30 a.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod.com.

• Intersectional Feminist Collective’s Radical Love Salon Series. Attendees will explore love’s transformative power and its potential to create social change through a discussion of bell hook’s “all about love.” 1 p.m. Location TBD. yoursalonniere@gmail. com.

• Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing.” NMU Theatre and Dance will present an adaptation by director Jimmy Ludwig with the second week of Yooper deer camp as a backdrop. NMU students, $5; youth, $15; NMU employees, seniors and military, $22; and general public, $25. 1 p.m. (Theatre for All sensory-friendly performance). Panowski Black Box Theatre, NMU. nmu.edu/theatreanddance.

• 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.

Hancock

• Snow Sculpting Invitational. Four team of snow sculpltors will transform blocks of snow into works of art. Work begins in the afternoon and continues through Sunday morning. Winner announced at 2 p.m. Quincy Green, 401 Quincy St. 906-482-2720.

Little Lake

• Bingo. A concession stand will be available. Doors open, 11 a.m.; early bird games, 1:30 p.m. American Legion Auxiliary Post 349, 1835 E. M-35. 906-346-6000.

Marquette

• Story Time at MooseWood. The book “The Rescuer of Tiny Creatures” by Curtis Manley will be read followed by an activity or craft. Suggested donation, $5 per child or $10 per family. 11 a.m. MooseWood Nature Center, Shiras Pool Building at Presque Isle Park. moosewoodnc@gmail.com.

24

Marquette

• Superior String Alliance Chamber Players Concert. Danielle Simandl, Adam Hall and Dr. Theresa Camilli will perform. Donations appreicated. 7 p.m. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 201 E. Ridge St. superiorstringalliance.org. 23

• Toddler Storytime. Stories and songs will be offered for children 18 to 36 months with a loving adult, followed by sensory play activities. 10 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. Siblings welcome. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.

• Senior Theatre Experience: Monthly Theatre Workshop and Discussion. Free for City of Marquette and neighboring township residents ages 50 and older. 4 p.m. Room B, Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. To register, 906-225-8655.

• Write On. Teens in sixth through 12th grades will engage with local writers to enhance and inspire creative expression. At the end of the six-week program, participants will publish a chapbook of their writing thanks to the estate of poet Helen Haskell Remien. Registration required. 4 p.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. To register, pwpl.info.

• NMU Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble Concert. 7:30 p.m. Reynolds Recital Hall, NMU. nmu.edu/ music.

Negaunee

• All-Ages Online Storytime. Miss Jessica will lead stories, songs and rhymes on Facebook

Snow Sculpting Invitational | Feb. 21 - 23 | Hancock
Photo by Ben Jaszczak

Live. 11 a.m. facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary. 906-4757700, ext. 18.

25 TUESDAY

sunrise 7:37 a.m.; sunset 6:29 p.m.

Escanaba

• Tech Tuesday. Appointments or walk-ins are welcome for free tech assistance. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.

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

• Preschool Storytime. Stories, songs, finger-plays, crafts and other school-readiness activities will be offered for preschool-age children and a loving adult. Siblings welcome. 10 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.

• 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, “Intermezzo” by Sally Rooney. 10 a.m. Shiras Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-2264322, machatz@pwpl.info 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. Learn how to knit, solve problems in reading patterns and expand your knitting skills. The group includes a variety of ages and levels of experiences. 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.

• NCLL: Costa Rica – I Learned A Lot! NCLL member Ruth Robb will share the highlights of her trip to Costa Rica and the things she learned. NCLL members, $5; non-members, $10. 1:30 p.m. Shiras Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-362-1956 or terv.julj51@gmail.com.

• Senior Dance Class. Free for City

of Marquette and neighboring township residents ages 50 and older. 4 p.m. Baraga Gym, Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. To register, 906-225-8655.

• Bluesday Tuesday Concert. Sponsored by the Marquette Area Blues Society, this month’s band is TBA. 6:30 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4322, machatz@ pwpl.info or pwpl.info.

Negaunee

• Social Shuffle. Adults are invited to expand their social circles with a low-pressure event to meet new people in quick, friendly conversations. It’s like speed dating, but for friendship. Registration required. 5:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18 or facebook. com/NegauneePublicLibrary.

26 WEDNESDAY

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 Horror Book Club (Nonfiction Edition). The selection will be “Dark Archives” by Megan Rosenbloom. 6 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.

Marquette

• Book Babies. Songs, rhymes, stories and finger-plays will be offered for babies up to 17 months with a loving adult. Older siblings are welcome. 10 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.

• Powerful Tools for Caregivers (Online). This six-week online workshop is designed for the non-professional, informal family caregiver. The program will offer tools to help reduce stress, anger and depression and guilt, make tough decisions, communicate effectively, set goals and problem solve, and practice self care. Sponsored by Upper Peninsula Commission for Area Progress (UPCAP) in partnership with Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice. 11 a.m. Via Zoom. To register by Feb. 17, visit upcap.org or call 2-1-1.

• 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.

• Adult Nonfiction Book Group. The group is for people who enjoy reading narrative nonfiction that tell stories

of the past, present and future. This month’s selection will be “The Age of Magical Overthinking” by Amanda Montell. 2 p.m. Conference Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4311 or refdesk@ pwpl.info.

• Teens Cook! Teens in sixth through 12th grades will learn easy-to-prepare recipes. Online registration is required. 4 p.m. Marquette Food Co-Op, 502 W. Washington St. To register, pwpl.info.

• Fandom Fun: Dragons of Wrenly. Youth of all ages who enjoy the “Dragons Kingdome of Wrenly” graphic novels can participate in themed activities. 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl. info.

• 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.

Negaunee

• After-school Middle School Group. Snacks will be provided. 3 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18.

27 THURSDAY

sunrise 7:33 a.m.; sunset 6:32 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 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.

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.

• Open Book. This new program for tweens and teens, also known as “Fun Club,” will feature drop-in activities such as crafts, movies and more. 4 to 6 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.

Marquette

• Toddler Storytime. Stories and songs will be offered for children 18 to 36 months with a loving adult, followed by sensory play activities. 10 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. Siblings welcome. 906-226-4323 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.

• Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing.” NMU Theatre and Dance will present an adaptation by director Jimmy Ludwig with the second week of Yooper deer camp as a backdrop. NMU students, $5; youth, $15; NMU employees, seniors and military, $22; and general public, $25. 7:30 p.m. Panowski Black Box Theatre, NMU. nmu.edu/theatreanddance.

• Finnish Folk Supergroup Frigg. Presented by the Beaumier Heritage Concert Series as part of the 2025 Winter Roots Festival. In advance, NMU students and youth 18 and younger, $10; general public, $20. At the door, NMU students and youth 18 and younger, $12; general public, $22. 7:30 p.m. Reynolds Recital Hall, NMU. tickets.nmu.edu.

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 will feature activity stations and early reading and language activities. Parents and caregivers can also connect to share tips and experiences. This week’s theme will be “Wind and Air.” 11 a.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18 or facebook. com/NegauneePublicLibrary.

28 FRIDAY

sunrise 7:31 a.m.; sunset 6:33 p.m.

Calumet

• CopperDog 150 Sled Dog Races. Events kick off with a street party and opening ceremony, followed by the races and fireworks. 5 to 11 p.m. Downtown. copperdog.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.

Ishpeming

• Homeschool Hangout. Homeschooling families can visit with fellow homeschooling friends, network with library staff and learn about the library’s resources. A guest from Partridge Creek Farms will discuss water cycles and supporting healthy ecosystems at 10:30 a.m. 10 a.m. to noon. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381

or ishpeminglibrary.info.

Marquette

• Preschool Storytime. Stories, songs, finger-plays, crafts and other school-readiness activities will be offered for preschool-age children and a loving adult. Siblings welcome. 10 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.

• Cultivating Care, Compassion and Connection. This event will offer a safe space to pause, reflect and build connections with others who are committed to cultivating kindness. Each

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. Daily meetings throughout Marquette County 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 N. 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 checks are $5. Call for Marquette County schedule. 906-225-4545.

week, educators and leaders from different local organizations will facilitate a discussion while maintaining a shared commitment to the Charter for Compassion and the Circle of Trust principles. Noon. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4303 or pwpl.info.

• Block Busting Cinema: “Lilies of the Field.” In honor of Black History Month, this film follows an itinerant black worker, played by Sidney Poitier, who encounters a group of East German nuns who are convinced God sent him to build a new convent chapel. The film is not rated. Noon. Community 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.

• Piano Masterclass with Hyerim Lee. Hyerim Lee is the Marquette Symphony Orchestra’s concerto artist. 1 p.m. Reynolds Recital Hall, NMU. nmu.edu/music.

• LEGO Club. LEGO enthusiasts are invited to build projects with the library’s LEGO blocks. 4 p.m. Great

Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323.

• Senior Ice Skating. Free for ages 50 and older. 7 p.m. Lakeview Arena, 401 E. Fair Ave. 906-228-0456.

• Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing.” NMU Theatre and Dance will present an adaptation by director Jimmy Ludwig with the second week of Yooper deer camp as a backdrop. NMU students, $5; youth, $15; NMU employees, seniors and military, $22; and general public, $25. 7:30 p.m. Panowski Black Box Theatre, NMU. nmu.edu/theatreanddance. MM

• Caregiver Support Group (Phonebased). Caregivers can share their feelings, develop friendships and learn about available community resources from their own home via phone. Feb. 18. 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. Feb. 12. 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—Ishpeming. Anyone dealing with grief and loss is invited to attend. Third Wednesday of each month. 7 p.m. St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1889 Prairie Ave. 906-376-8475.

• Grief Support Group—Gwinn. People dealing with grief and loss are encouraged to attend. Individual grief counseling is available. Feb. 12. 2 p.m. Forsyth Senior Center, 165 Maple St. 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.

• Grief Support Series—Marquette. This group will offer a combination of structured and open grief sharing facilitated by Bereavement Coordinator Lisa Marttila. Participants will explore feelings, support and tools to help guide them on their grief journey. Feb. 6 and 20. 10:30 a.m. Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice, 914 W. Baraga Ave. 906-225-7760.

• 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.

• Marquette Codependents Anonymous Meeting. Mondays, 7 p.m. LoveMarq Church, 728 W. Kaye Ave. coda.org.

• Michigan Tobacco Quit Line. This free quit smoking coaching hotline provides callers with a personal health coach. 800-784-8669.

• 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 p.m. Closed meeting on Fridays, 7:30 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. Feb. 10 and 20 (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. Feb. 6 (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.

• Nicotine Anonymous. 415-7500328 or nicotine-anonymous.org.

• Parkinson’s Support Group. Open to people living with Parkinson’s and their caregivers. Feb. 19. 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 necessary. 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

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