April 2024 Marquette Monthly

April 2024

No. 420

Publishers

Jane Hutchens

James Larsen II

Managing editor

Michael Murray

Calendar editors

Erin Elliott Bryan

Carrie Usher

graPhiC design

Jennifer Bell

Proofreader Kingsley Agassi

CirCulation

Dick Armstrong

Chief PhotograPher

Tom Buchkoe

Copyright 2024 by Model Town Publishing. All rights reserved. Permission or use of editorial material in any manner must be obtained in writing from the publishers. Marquette Monthly is published 12 times a year. Subscriptions are $65 per year. Freelance material can be submitted for consideration to editor@marquettemonthly.com. Events can be submitted to calendar@marquettemonthly.com. Ad inquiries can be sent to james@marquettemonthly.com or jane@marquettemonthly.com.

906-360-2180

marquettemonthly.com

About the Cover Artist

Sue Demel is an illustrator and singer-songwriter who has been drawn to storytelling with color, melody, wonder and humor. See more of Sue’s work at Zero Degrees Gallery in Marquette beginning in May.

contents

5 City notes

HigHligHts of important Happenings in tHe area

12 New York Times Crossword Puzzle Rack ’em Up (answeRs on page 50)

13 then & now Superior View Bensinger street in Big Bay

14 feature KriSti eVanS Isle Royale offeRs an UnRIvaled connectIon to natURe

21 Conversation

Jennifer Champagne veteRan bRoadcasteR JIm koskI tells maRqUette’s stoRIes

26 baCk then

JoyCe wiSwell bRonze statUe wIll honoR laboR leadeR “bIg annIe” clemenc

28 lookout Point renee pruSi honoR flIghts make and stIR Up memoRIes

32 the arts

KriSty BaSolo bonIfas centeR celebRates 50 yeaRs of commUnIty aRt

36 baCk then

Jennifer DonoVan when henRy foRd bUIlt a vIllage In the U.p foRest

39 loCals

BraD giSChia meet mancave dave, foUndeR of bay-con

44

sPorting life

Jim laJoie matt maJkRzak has RevIved nmU men’s basketball

49 baCk then

Jennifer Champagne how mIchIgan gaIned the UppeR penInsUla

51 loCals

erin elliott Bryan leagUe of women voteRs pRomotes democRacy

54 the arts

lily VenaBle lena maUde Is a mUltItaskIng mUsIcIan and songwRIteR

57 in the outdoors

SCot Stewart ephemeRals: natURe’s spRIngtIme gIfts

63 on CaMPus news fRom U.p UnIveRsItIes & colleges

65 Poetry ChriStine Saari daRnIng socks

66 suPerior reads

ViCtor r. VolKman shaRon m kennedy RevIsIts the sUmmeR of 1958

68 Coloring Page BeCauSe marquette

69 out & about erin elliott

Applications available for Marquette Farmers Markets

Applications are now open for the Saturday Morning Farmers Market and the Wednesday Night Market in downtown Marquette. Vendors, musicians and community organizations are invited to apply.

The Saturday Morning Market will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 18 through Oct. 26. The Wednesday Evening Market will run from 5 to 8 p.m. June 12 through Aug. 28. Interested participants can choose which dates they would like to be considered for and do not need to commit to every date in a market season.

All products available for sale at the market must be made by those selling them. Priority is placed on those who use local ingredients and products.

Interested parties can access a link to the application by going to the Markets page at mqtfarmersmarket.com. Information about who can apply as well as links and videos to demonstrate the new Marketspread system is also available on the website.

There is no deadline, but space is first-come, first-served. For information, contact Brian Shier at 906-2889475 or farmersmarket@downtownmarquette.org.

League of Women Voters to meet April 3

The League of Women Voters of Marquette County will hold its next membership meeting on April 3 in Studio 1 on the lower level of Peter White Public Library. Social time will begin at 6:30 p.m. followed by the meeting at 6:45 p.m.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. All community members are welcome to attend. Write to lwvmqtco@gmail. com or visit lwvmqt.org for information.

Crystal Theatre announces 2024 performance season

The Crystal Theatre in Crystal Falls has announced the 12 events that will make up its 2024 “Gem of a Season.”

The season will begin with a full orchestra on April 4. The Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra, embarking on a concert tour to Chicago, will make its

History center presents postcard show city notes

The Marquette Regional History Center will present a postcard show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, in conjunction with National Postcard Week. Do you collect vintage postcards? The history center is looking for collectors to display their postcards at the event. If you or someone you know is interested, call the MRHC at 906-226-3571. Exhibiting is free, and the registration deadline is April 26. Postcard trading is encouraged, and individual collectors may sell items at their tables. There is a $5 suggested donation to attend the program. The photo-lithograph postcard above is titled “Beautiful Sunken Gardens from Prison Tower, Marquette, Mich.” The picture postcard below is titled “Ice Fishing at Lighthouse Point, Marquette, Mich.” (Photos courtesy of the MRHC)

first stop at the Crystal Theatre.

On April 26, Djangophonique will introduce patrons to a unique style of jazz. Named after the European jazz guitarist and composer Django Reinhardt, the award-winning quintet will perform genuine gypsy jazz.

Ragtime concert pianist Peter Bergin will take the stage on May 24 and present a patriotic program focusing on American musical heritage.

On June 7, Cameron Blake will display his versatile musical range: high-energy roots rock, classical, world and introspective folk.

R.E.M. fans can enjoy music from

’70s Music” on Aug. 24. Mark Oliverius, producer and keyboard player with the Hitmen, will invite fellow Forest Park alumni Larry Ketola and Paul Sundquist to play favorites from their favorite decade.

On Sept. 6, the Brass Roots Trio will demonstrate how three instruments can create symphonic sounds like a small orchestra, but with unexpected twists and turns.

On Sept. 28, Rosie and the Rivets will perform a female-fronted tribute to the formative years of rock ’n’ roll with period wardrobe, hair and makeup, along with vintage instruments and microphones.

The Seth Brown Duo, featuring Seth and Desiree Brown, will perform upbeat Americana roots music on Oct. 11.

WOR, made up of five Flemish musicians, will return to the Crystal Theatre to close out the season on Nov. 2. The group uses an unusual combination of instruments to inject new energy into 18th-century melodies from the Flanders region of Belgium.

Season flex-passes for four, eight or 12 concerts can be ordered online at thecrystaltheatre.org or by calling 906-875-3208.

Laughing Whitefish Bird Alliance to host events

The Laughing Whitefish Bird Alliance will host its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. on April 10 in the Heritage Room on the third floor of Peter White Public Library.

the rock band on July 12 with a performance by the Dead Letter Office tribute band, which reproduces the energy of a live R.E.M show.

AJ Swearingen and Jayne Kelli will recreate the music and memories in a tribute to Simon and Garfunkel on July 26.

Returning to the Crystal Theatre on Aug. 16, the 27 talented Tamburitzans will take the audience around the globe in two hours of song and dance. The Disney-influenced Tamburitzans are now in their 87th season.

The Nashville Hitmen featuring vocalist Mia Brown will present “That

Alliance board member Gary Palmer will present a refresher on the birds returning to the north woods this spring. Palmer will offer an overview of many of the migrants that can be found throughout the Upper Peninsula as they travel back to breeding grounds. From golden eagles and northern goshawks to Blackburnian warblers and indigo buntings, Palmer will present the diversity visible at this time of year as well as tips to help identify birds in the field.

The alliance and MI Birds will also host “Birds and Brews” at 6 p.m. on April 18 at Ore Dock Brewing Co. in Marquette. Attendees can play bird trivia with emcee Steve Waller and learn about the importance of public lands to birds. There will be birdthemed coloring pages for children.

Jeff Towner, MI Birds program ambassador, will give a brief presentation on the program, which is an education and outreach program from

Keillor coming to Crystal Falls

“News from Lake Wobegon” will be delivered from the Crystal Theatre’s stage on June 29 by Garrison Keillor, the American radio personality, humorist, storyteller, singer and author. He will be joined by soprano Prudence Johnson and pianist Dan Chouinard. Keillor’s radio broadcast “A Prairie Home Companion” ran for 40 years on National Public Radio. Keillor wrote the comedy sketches, made up silly commercial sponsors and invented Lake Wobegon, a “little town that time forgot and the decades could not improve.” He has also written dozens of books, including Serenity at 70 and Gaiety at 80. Visit thecrystaltheatre.org for tickets. (Photo courtesy of the Crystal Theatre)

Audubon Great Lakes and Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

For information, visit laughingwhitefishbirdalliance.com.

Ishpeming library to mark National Library Week

The Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library encourages all community members to visit the library during

National Library Week, April 7-13.

During National Library Week, the library will hold its well-attended Tot Tuesday preschool story time at 11 a.m. on April 9. This program features stories, songs and crafts.

The library’s Adult Book Club will discuss Anxious People by Fredrik Backman at 2 p.m. on April 9 and 6 p.m. on April 10. On April 11 at 4

p.m., middle grade readers in fourth through eighth grades are invited to attend Graphic Novel Book Club and discuss Duel by Jessixa Bagley.

Homeschooling families are encouraged to gather at the library to socialize and explore library resources from 10 a.m. to noon on April 12.

To conclude National Library Week, Christina King, a kindergarten teacher at Aspen Ridge Elementary School, will read from and talk about her recently published picture book, The Little Piggy, at 11 a.m. On April 13.

Patrons and guests of the library are able to check out the ICPL Puzzle Library. Guests can bring a puzzle to exchange for a new-to-you puzzle at no charge year-round.

For information, visit the library’s Facebook page or ishpeminglibrary. info.

Bergman announces art competition

Each spring, the Congressional Institute and participating Members of Congress sponsor “An Artistic Discovery,” a nationwide high school visual art competition that recognizes and encourages artistic talent in each Congressional district.

The competition is open to high school students, and artwork must be the creation of a single student. The winner from each district will receive two round-trip plane tickets to

attend the Congressional Celebration on June 27, where all winners will be honored.

All entries must be submitted by sending the original artwork or email-

ing a digital copy to Bergman’s Gwinn or Traverse City offices by 5 p.m. on April 19.

For information and the competition’s rules and guidelines, visit house.gov/educators-and-students/ congressional-art-competition.

Bay College announces celebrity guests at BAY-CON Bay College’s Campus Activities Board will host BAY-CON, a pop-culture event featuring cosplay, vintage and modern toys, video games, vinyl records, comic books, art, live music, trivia and more, on April 20. Among the featured guests will be three celebrity voice actors: Vanessa Marshall, Anna Graves and Rachael McFarlane.

Marshall is best known for voicing Hera in Star Wars Rebels, Wonder Woman in Harley Quinn, Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy and Black Canary in Young Justice. In video games, she’s Sheeva in Mortal Kombat 11, Olga in Metal Gear Solid 2 and Jan Ors in Star Wars: Jedi Knights II.

Graves has starred in Star Wars: The Clone Wars as Duchess Satine, as well as voicing characters in Star Wars Rebels, Voltron and Big Mouth Her video game work includes Mar-

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

vel’s Avengers, The Last of Us: Part II, The Elder Scrolls Online, Final Fantasy VII Remake, Metro Exodus, Princess Leia in Disney Infinity 3.0, Female Demon Hunter in Diablo III, COD: Modern Warfare (1, 2 and 3), and Marvel Super War as FRIDAY.

MacFarlane began her voiceover career working on Cartoon Network’s Johnny Bravo, and has been voicing animated characters ever since. She is the voice of Hayley Smith on the long-running hit animated sitcom American Dad and has been a guest star on Family Guy hundreds of times. Her voice can also be heard on The Owl House, Fancy Nancy and The Orville, among others.

BAY-CON is a fundraiser for the college’s student organizations and athletic teams. The event is free, although a donation of $5 for those 10 and older is recommended. For information, visit baycollege.edu.

‘Brits and Brews’ to benefit JJ Packs

Alive music fundraiser for JJ Packs, “Brits and Brews: Music of the British Invasion and Beyond,” will take place from 5 to 11 p.m. on April 20 at the Ore Dock Brewing Co. in Marquette.

Five separate acts will perform a variety of songs by British bands, mainly from the 1960s to the 1980s. The audience will hear covers of songs by many of the most influential British rock bands, including the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, the Clash, the Police, Black Sabbath, Joe Jackson, Def Leppard, the Rolling Stones, The Fixx, Deep Purple, the Kinks, Supertramp and more.

Proceeds will be donated to JJ Packs, a grassroots group that provides packages of nutritious food for students in all seven schools in the Marquette Area Public Schools district who need extra food on weekends.

Admission is by donation at the door. For information, call 906-2268762.

Interfaith Holocaust Memorial Service is April 25

The annual Interfaith Holocaust Memorial Service will take place at 7 p.m. on April 25 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Marquette. A reception will be hosted at Temple Beth Sholom (diagonally across Ridge Street from St. Paul’s) immediately following the service.

The guest speaker will be Dr. Ellen J. Narotzky Kennedy, founder and executive director of World Without Genocide, an organization headquar-

tered at Mitchell Hamline School of Law in St. Paul, Minn. Kennedy is the representative of World Without Genocide to the United Nations Department of Global Communications.

Kennedy is originally from Ishpeming and has multiple degrees from the University of Michigan, NMU and the University of Minnesota. She was a professor at the University of St. Thomas for nearly 20 years and was interim director at the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies at the University of Minnesota for three years. She has been an adjunct professor at Mitchell Hamline School of Law since 2006. Last year, Kennedy was the recipient of the Distinguished Alumna award from NMU.

The Marquette Interfaith Forum has invited speakers from several faith groups to participate. Several local musical groups, including the Marquette Male Chorus and Marquette Senior High School choral department, will present music relevant to the occasion. There is no fee and no reservations are needed to attend the service and the reception, which are open to all.

In the interest of security, do not bring any backpacks, bags or large purses into either of the venues. For information, email apsmd@aol.com.

Earth Day Trivia scheduled for April 24

The Marquette County Conservation District will host Earth Day Trivia from 7 to 9 p.m. on April 24 at Iron Bay Restaurant and Drinkery. Participants can dine and compete for prizes with questions on the environment, the outdoors and conservation. For information, visit marquettecd. com/events.

Marquette Choral Society to present April concerts

The Marquette Choral Society will perform two concerts in April featuring the work of contemporary composer Eric Whitacre.

The program will feature “The Sacred Veil,” a 12-movement composition based on the poetry of Anthony and Julie Silvestri. It tells the story of their lives together and of Julie’s illness and 2005 death from ovarian cancer. As part of the program, MCS will highlight the work of local organizations that support cancer patients and their families.

Other Whitacre works on the program will include “Lux Aurumque,” “Sainte-Chapelle,” “Goodnight Moon” and “Sing Gently.”

In addition, the 2024 Upper Peninsula Choral Leadership Award will

be presented to the charter members of the Marquette Choral Society. Five of the original 1971-72 members still sing with the choir and will be recognized at the concerts.

The concerts will take place at 7:30 p.m. on April 27 and 3 p.m. on April 28 at NMU’s Reynolds Recital Hall.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students and are available at the Northern Michigan University ticket office or online at nmu.universitytickets.com. For information, visit marquettechoralsociety.org.

Learn to Row events planned for youth and adults

Registration is now open for U.P. Rowing’s summer 2024 Learn to Row programs. Rowing is suitable for adults and for youth who have completed eighth grade up to age 18.

Adult Learn to Row is for novices with no experience or those returning to the sport who want a full review. Adult classes will start with orientation June 23 through July 18, and graduates can continue rowing through the end of the summer season.

Youth rowing program dates will be June 24 through Aug. 21.

An adult meet and greet event will take place at 6 p.m. on May 6 at Ore

DID YOU KNOW ...

there were prisoner-of-war camps in the U.P. during World War II?

After the Allies’ conquest of North Africa in World War II, the U.S. had thousands of German and Italian prisoners to deal with. They were brought to the United States, and the Germans were placed in five camps in the Upper Peninsula: Raco (southwest of Sault Ste. Marie), Evelyn (Wetmore), Au Train, Sidnaw and Pori (Mass). The prisoners were employed to cut wood.

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

Dock Brewing Co. An information and registration meeting for youth and their parents or guardians will take place at 6 p.m. on May 9 in the Peter White Public Library’s Community Room. The registration deadline is June 14.

U.P. Rowing is a nonprofit all-volunteer rowing club open to all Marquette-area community members. For membership information and to request a registration packet, visit uprowing.com or email Gail Brayden at gbrayden@charter.net.

Dash for Trash to take place in Big Bay on May 4

The Big Bay Stewardship Council’s third annual Dash for Trash will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 4 at Draver Park.

Participants can register as individuals, teams, businesses and organizations to pick up trash along Powell Township’s roads, trails and waterways. Participants do not need to be residents of Powell Township. A potluck meal in the park will follow. For information, call 847-894-3763.

Locavore Festival planned for May 25 in Houghton

Houghton’s festival to kick off the farmers market season is scheduled for May 25 from noon to 3 p.m. on the pier. Formerly known as the From the Ground Festival, the event has a new name: the Locavore Festival. “Locavore” is a noun meaning a person who celebrates locally grown food, art and music.

In 2023, the From the Ground Farmers Market Collective handled the organization of the vendors and other details. This year, the City of Houghton is putting on the festival with help from Visit Keweenaw and the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to locally grown food and local artistry, there will be live music, farm animals and food trucks. Keweenaw Boat Tours will provide boat tours of the canal (reservations required). For information, contact Amy Zawada at amy.zawada@cityofhoughton.com.

Partridge Creek to collect waste, offer raised beds

Partridge Creek Compost, the sister nonprofit to Partridge Creek Farm, has announced its weekly and biweek-

ly curbside compost collections to homes and businesses in Ishpeming, Negaunee and Marquette. This initiative will allow residents and local businesses to dispose of organic waste while contributing to the creation of nutrient-rich soil for local agricultural and gardening needs.

Additionally, Partridge Creek Compost has introduced its raised bed program for the 2024 growing season. Only 25 beds are available and are built and installed by staff, using inert potting soil and the company’s signature vermicompost.

Orders for a raised bed must be placed by May 31. Proceeds from the sale of raised beds allow for an increase in outreach and educational efforts in the broader local food system, spearheaded in collaboration with Partridge Creek Farm.

For information, visit partridgecreekcompost.org.

Partridge Creek Farm’s produce boxes available

Partridge Creek Farm’s 15-week produce subscription boxes are back for the 2024 season. Each box comes with five to seven different freshly harvested and locally grown produce items as well as recipes to ensure customers can make the most of their weekly share.

Each box is $20 per week or $300 for the full 15-week season. PCF also accepts Snap/EBT customers, who can sign up for a discounted rate of $5 per week.

Customers will pick up their weekly box every Wednesday, June 26 through Oct. 2, at the new Intergenerational Farm in Ishpeming.

During the weekly pickup time, community members can join farm staff for skill shares, purchase fresh produce from the farmstand or view the progress of the first growing season at the new farm site.

To sign up for PCF’s produce subscription box, visit partridgecreekfarm.org.

UPPAA recognizes student short story writers

The Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Association has announced the winners of its seventh annual Dandelion Cottage Award, which recognizes U.P. short story writers for excellence in fifth through 12th grades.

In the senior division, ninth through 12th grades, all three winners were from Houghton High School: First place will be awarded to Skye Isaacson for “The Birthday Party”; second place will be awarded to Miina Chopp for “Starved”; and third place

will be awarded to Leah Johnson for “There Are No Happy Endings.”

In the junior division, for writers in fifth through eighth grades, first place will be awarded to Eve Noble, of Copper Country Christian School, for “Despondent”; second place will be awarded to Isla Peterson, of Joseph K. Lumsden Bahweting Anishnabe PSA, for “Echo”; and third place will be awarded to Analise Verberkmoes, of Copper Country Christian School, for “Time Deprivation.”

Each of the stories will appear in the upcoming eighth volume of U.P. Reader, UPPAA’s annual literary anthology, which will be available on April 15. The awards will be presented at the 26th annual UPPAA Conference at Peter White Public Library in Marquette on May 18.

For information about the annual Dandelion Cottage short story contest, visit dandelioncottage.org.

UPPAA conference to include young writers

The Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Association will host its first-ever full-day workshop for middle school and high school writers in conjunction with the 2024 UPPAA Conference.

The Young Writers Storytelling Workshop is open to fifth through 12th graders in the U.P. who want to improve their writing craft and learn from established authors. The workshop will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 18 at Peter White Public Library in Marquette.

During the workshop, four award-winning authors will work with the young writers on skills such as building conflict, creating characters and establishing a setting.

The workshop fee is $15 per student, and children of UPPAA members with family packages can attend for free. A limited number of needbased scholarships are available; email storytelling@uppaa.org for information.

Workshop attendance is limited to 24 young writers; to register, visit uppaa.org/storytelling.

Red Wings alumni to play Sept. 13 in Marquette

United Way of Marquette County is bringing back the Detroit Red Wings Alumni Hockey Night on Sept. 13 at NMU’s Berry Events Center. The Detroit Red Wings Alumni team will face off against a team of Marquette County hockey talent with all proceeds benefiting United Way of Marquette County’s Community Investment Fund.

The Detroit Red Wings Alumni Association is the most active and largest alumni organization in the National Hockey League. The team is made up of former Red Wings and National Hockey League players, along with some former college stars. They meet year-round, raising money for charities and playing games throughout Michigan and Ontario.

United Way of Marquette County partners with 26 Marquette County nonprofits and will provide funding assistance for 24 different local programs this year through its Community Investment Fund. These programs improve the health, education and financial stability of those most in need in our area.

UWMC funds are raised locally and stay local, impacting more than 35 percent of Marquette County residents. Businesses interested in sponsoring the event may call 906-2268171. For information, visit uwmqt. org.

From the desk of

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

• Whitmer has appointed Rodney Loonsfoot of Baraga to the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund, which provides grants for the emergency needs of veterans. Loonsfoot serves as a Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal Council Member and Tribal Veteran Service Officer for Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. He is a veteran and served in the Marine Corps and Michigan National Guard. Loonsfoot is reappointed to represent independent veterans for a term expiring Feb. 25, 2027.

• Whitmer signed House Bill 4979, sponsored by state Rep. Jenn Hill (D-Marquette), which cuts bureaucratic red tape by removing a requirement for counties to hire a designated assessor. Under the new law, counties can instead provide an interlocal agreement from the board of com-

Paulson, Van Kosky receive MRHC awards

missioners, which provides flexibility and saves money for smaller counties.

Local business news in brief

• UP Health System–Marquette has announced that Alyson Sundberg, MBA, has been named vice president of operations. Sundberg previously served as the market director of risk management and emer-

gency preparedness and has been with UPHS–Marquette for more than 24 years. As VP of operations, Sundberg will oversee support services such as imaging and laboratory, plant operations, clinical engineering, EMS and more.

• Partridge Creek Farm has announced the addition of two new directors to its staff: Sara Johnson, executive director, and Mary Anto-

nia Andronis, director of programs and partnerships. Johnson previously served as the market manager for the Downtown Marquette Farmers Market, which is sponsored by the Marquette Downtown Development Authority. Andronis has a background in exploring community-based agricultural practices in remote regions like the Amazon and the Andes, was an educator at NMU and founded the Comunitaria Language School in Marquette.

• The Marquette Downtown Development Authority has announced the hiring of Brian Shier as the Downtown Marquette Farmers Market manager. A native of Negaunee, Shier has a degree in environmental studies and sustainability from NMU. The Downtown Marquette Farmers Market will start its 25th season on May 18, and applications are open for vendors, musicians and community organizations. Shier can be reached at 906-228-9475, ext. 105, or farmersmarket@downtownmarquette.org.

• The Superior Health Foundation has elected Elise Bur of Marquette to its board of directors. Bur was hired as the inaugural director of the Northern Michigan University Center for Rural Health in July 2020 and was nominated for the Michigan Center for Rural Health’s “Michigan’s Rural Health Professional of the Year Award” in 2023. She previously served as the administrative director for the Upper Great Lakes Family Health Center.

How to submit to City Notes

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

The Marquette Regional History Center has announced Virginia Paulson and Bill Van Kosky as the recipients of the 2023 Helen Longyear Paul Award, which recognizes individuals for their efforts in the enhancement, restoration, conservation or interpretation of the history of our area. (Photo courtesy of the MRHC)

ACROSS

1 New dog owner’s purchase

6 Dog-adoption grp.

11 Pop group with an ‘‘army’’

14 Setting for ‘‘Heidi’’

18 ‘‘We’re not standin’ in their way!’’

19 Pepper grinder?

20 Put to work

21 Word with good or blood

22 Extra lives or additional gems, for a freemium game

24 [Gasp!]

26 Pastoral setting?

27 ‘‘Who am I? Two-foursix-oh-____!’’ (‘‘Les Misérables’’ lyric)

28 Cracker shape

29 ‘‘____-Olution’’ (2002 rap album)

30 Avoided a tag, in a way

31 ‘‘The kids these days have gotten way better than me’’

35 Two-million-year-old discovery in 2022 in the frozen soil of Greenland

36 Cereal bit

37 Something to butter up

38 Text communication inits.

41 Shaggy hairstyle

42 File-creating command

44 Actress Thompson

48

Former minor-league team that played at Aloha Stadium

51 Spot for food and craft beer

53 Opt

54 Significant stretch

55 Crane look-alike

57 ‘‘Do you really see me that way?’’

58 Range rover . . or something to do in a Range Rover

59 Craft that uses drafts

63 What a cracker might crack

64 Something for the rest of the military?

65 Scrabble bonus seen six times in this puzzle

70 ‘‘The Chase’’ channel

72 Was published

73 In which ‘‘Ciamar a tha thu?’’ means ‘‘How are you?’’

74 Booped body parts

77 Member of the fam

78 Count for a jury

80 I, in German

81 Slip past

82 Product lines?

84 Something delivered by Jake Tapper or Anderson Cooper

89 Kofi of the U.N.

90 Pan feature

91 Yank

92 When repeated, [‘‘Is this thing on?’’]

93 Battle royale

96 Nickname next to a heart emoji, perhaps

97 Cyrillic letter pronounced like the ‘‘zz’’ of ‘‘pizza’’

98 ‘‘The English Patient’’ actress

104 Attenuated

108 ‘‘South,’’ in Hanoi

109 Place to chill, paradoxically

23 A group of them is called a ‘‘crash’’

25 Texter’s reaction button

28 Post

32 Syrupy covering for ham

33 Protagonist in ‘‘2001: A Space Odyssey’’

34 Crockpot filler

35 ____ Mendeleev, creator of the periodic table

38 ‘‘____ All That’’ (1990s teen comedy)

39 Soda-shop order

40 Vegetable often eaten without utensils

42 Aviculture : bird :: heliciculture : ____

43 Campfire remains

45 Out-of-this-world outfit

46 Rikishi compete in it

47 Slightly

49 Taiwanese tech giant

50 Pink-furred cat in ‘‘Garfield’’

51 Antipasto dish of tomatoes on grilled bread

52 Campus military org.

56 Make more meaningful

60 B.S., for one

61 Letter that rhymes with the letters before and after it

62 Direction giver’s suggestion: Abbr.

66 Jab

67 Tony winner Renée ____ Goldsberry

68 High-strung

69 Coin collection

70 Enclosed rhyme scheme

71 Cereal bit

110 Home of the Hockey Hall of Fame: Abbr.

111 Device that works with CarPlay

113 Single guy?

115 Executive’s acumen

117 Apt domain for basketball’s King James

118 Scanning inits.

119 Something to believe in

120 Didn’t just assume

121 Part of the body to slap

122 Queen ____

123 To be, in Spanish

124 Easily irritated DOWN

1 Film-archive bits

2 Kidney-related

3 Maker of the Flashback console

4 Lukewarm

5 Birds with deep booming calls

6 ‘‘Better Call Saul’’ channel

7 Very sexy

8 Texas city that’s home to Frito-Lay

9 Lawyer’s bundle of work

10 ‘‘____ you not entertained?’’

11 ‘‘Au contraire!’’

12 Cannon fodder, at times

13 Appear that one may

14 Urgent time to start gathering tax documents: Abbr.

15 TikTok star Gray

16 B.Y.U.’s city

17 Scatter about

21 ‘‘Here’s the thing . . ’’

75 Poet St. Vincent Millay

76 Creep out, perhaps

78 Counterpart of ‘‘been there’’

79 Sgt. or cpl.

83 Engine parts

85 Bigwig

86 Coup d’____

87 Time when most people are asleep

88 One birthed in Perth

90 Shrug or wave

94 Sekhmet, the Egyptian goddess of war, takes the form of one

95 Place in a crypt

98 Announce one’s presence, in a way

99 Invisible household hazard

100 ‘‘My luck’s bound to turn around!’’

101 Adorable sort

102 Beginning stage

103 Crete’s highest point, for short

104 The ones nearby

105 Indicates ‘‘Out of my way!’’

106 Miniature map

107 High-maintenance, say

112 Exam with ‘‘calculator’’ and ‘‘no calculator’’ math sections

114 G.I.’s rations

115 Dating inits.

116 Negative Boolean operator

then & now

Big Bay, a small community about 30 miles north of Marquette, was established in 1875 by people involved in the lumber industry. This photograph was taken in the 1940s. Photos provided by Superior View Studios, located in Art of Framing, 149 W. Washington St. Marquette viewsofthepast.com

The view toward the north on Bensinger Street features St. Mary Mission on the right, the Presbyterian Church of Big Bay on the left and Thunder Bay Inn in the background on the left.

Isle Royale National Park requires physical and mental resilience but offers unrivaled opportunities to experience the natural world

‘Become a part of this island’

By Kristi Evans

There is something magical about the rugged, remote wilderness of Isle Royale National Park that leaves an indelible mark on those who venture there and compels many to return repeatedly. The largest island in Lake Superior — devoid of cell reception, vehicles and other civilized distractions — offers a peaceful refuge where visitors can enjoy a fully immersive sensory

experience with moments of unbridled awe and introspection. It also facilitates a more direct and meaningful connection to nature by virtue of the self-sufficiency required to backpack its rocky and forested landscape or navigate its perimeter via canoe or kayak. This is demonstrated by a National Park Service invitation to “become a part of this island, and let it become a part of you.”

Isle Royale’s rewards include idyllic views. Ojibway Tower on the Greenstone Ridge, the park’s central spine, provides a sweeping panorama of Su-

Lane Cove is one of Isle Royale National Park’s 36 first-come, first-served campgrounds. (Photo by Kristi Evans)

perior’s blue expanse, with Ontario’s Sleeping Giant Provincial Park visible in the distance on a clear day. Lakeside campgrounds offer front-row seats to sunsets, moonrises and stargazing. And perhaps most exciting — or unsettling, for some — are potential wildlife sightings. One might encounter the amazing trifecta of a majestic bull moose pursuing a cow accompanied by her calf during the rutting season; a wolf awaiting its

next meal opportunity; carrot-topped mergansers skimming the water’s surface; beavers engineering a dam that has caused a trail detour; or a fox brazenly approaching a picnic table lunch, hoping for drops.

Compared with more popular and heavily trafficked national parks, Isle Royale’s isolated location demands a higher level of commitment and more complex trip planning. It also requires patience and flexibility for potential

weather-related disruptions. The untamed environment can be challenging. The first hiking segment for many — along the shore from Rock Harbor to Daisy Farm — traverses slanted, ankle-bending shelves of rock. Long boardwalks suspended above wetlands seem as narrow and precarious as balance beams when lugging a large pack. There are rigorous ascents to the ridges and joint-jarring descents, both of which occur on uneven stone steps

or dirt paths peppered with tree-root trip hazards.

Simply put, Isle Royale requires a good deal of physical and mental resilience for extended exploration. Most visitors are able to muster enough of both if they confirm it’s the right trip for them, then prepare and

Moskey Basin Campground is located at the west end of Rock Harbor Channel. (Photo by Kristi Evans)

pack appropriately. Advance research allows them to focus on absorbing the pristine beauty that surrounds them and reflect on their relationship with the natural world.

‘Incredible, subtle beauty’

From May through October each year, Rolf and Candy Peterson have occupied the former Bangsund fishery property, headquarters for Isle Royale’s wolf-moose project, the longest continuous study of any predator-prey system in the world. Rolf became involved in the project in the late 1970s. Since retiring as a Michigan Tech professor in 2006, he now spends more time on the island than off. Candy has served as a field assistant and logistics expert.

“Isle Royale brings out the best in people, as evidenced by friendly and helpful interactions that take place on the trails and in the campgrounds,” Candy said. “My hope is that everyone leaves with their faith in humanity restored. Isle Royale attracts a differ-

ent sort of visitor, partly because you have to invest so much of yourself in it. It’s a humble place that doesn’t overwhelm you, though Lake Superior’s power can be overwhelming. Marcel Proust said, ‘The real voyage of discovery lies not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.’ That’s what Isle Royale is for us. We fell in love there during our first visit in the ’60s, and we continue to love it because we know it so well.”

Rolf added, “I can’t divorce myself from the science. Isle Royale is an extraordinary research site. It’s the only place I can think of in the world where wolves and moose interact in the forest without the overwhelming presence of people directing the show. The moose are quickly coming under control by wolves. That’s good for the forest because moose are trashing their own environment. Each one eats about 40 pounds per day of trees, leaves and aquatic plants.”

Karen Bacula of Marquette has been

the island more than 60 times.

to

Boardwalks across Isle Royale enable park visitors to traverse swampy areas. (Photo by Kristi Evans)

She regularly joins the Petersons and other experienced backpackers on Moosewatch expeditions, week-long treks primarily off trail in search of bones that reveal details about each victim and the moose population in general. Bacula has also adventured on the island solo or with friends and led several Marquette Senior High School biology class trips there before she retired from teaching. The transformation she witnessed as students’ skills, teamwork and self-confidence increased offers further proof that Isle Royale “can become a part of you.”

“I remember a particular student who was going through some difficult times, and we were concerned about how he’d do on the trip,” Bacula said. “He turned out to be an incredible leader and everybody embraced him; that was something I don’t think he’d ever experienced before. I saw many lightbulbs come on when students made the connection between what they were observing to what they had learned in class, and a sense of calmness come over them during the personal time we set aside each day.

“A couple of students shared that the experience changed their minds about what they wanted to pursue in college or their careers, which was startling to me. Another said she wasn’t fazed by living in big cities like New York and Miami because she proved she could subsist on a remote

island. It’s always rewarding when I run into former students on the trail — some are sharing the experience with family members — because it shows how much that first visit impacted them.”

While attending a high school outside of Chicago, Bacula said a teacher relayed stories of an amazing trip on a “barf barge” to an island surrounded by Lake Superior. The teacher didn’t name the location, but Bacula was captivated and determined to go there. When she later enrolled at Northern Michigan University and heard Isle Royale mentioned in a similar context, she figured that was the place.

So she did research and collected the necessary gear. Bacula backpacked for the first time there with a couple

of friends in 1997.

“Isle Royale has this incredible, subtle beauty,” she said. “I fell in love with it right away — not because it was huge and dramatic; there was just something that got into me there that’s hard to pinpoint. I’ve heard that from other people, too. That first visit is exciting, but also nerve-wracking the first time you go to light your stove or filter water, hoping all the gear works and that you didn’t forget something. But the trail fairies [other hikers] are always ready to help, if needed.”

One of Bacula’s most memorable wildlife experiences occurred at a campground on Siskiwit Lake, where she had been watching moose — a cow and two calves — in the water one evening. She entered her tent to

turn in and soon heard a strange roaring sound outside. When she ventured back out to investigate, a man at the next site was yelling “Go away!”

“I asked what he was shouting at, and he said some wolves had emerged from behind my tent; they were waiting for me to go to bed so they could go after the moose,” she explained. “There was a big ruckus in the water with splashing and the scary roar. I later learned that was the cow’s defensive sound as she protected her calves. It was fun to discover that the moose researchers had heard that sound on a recording, but never live in person. I sure did, and it was a frightening moment. But I’m generally far more relaxed than fearful on the island.”

Plan early and practice

The Petersons have circumnavigated Isle Royale multiple times in the wood and canvas canoe they received as a wedding gift 53 years ago. Candy said paddling provides “a different perspective of the park we know so well; relieves us of the responsibility of searching for moose bones farther inland; and is easier on older bodies than backpacking. You need to honor the elements when you’re on the water and respect your partner’s comfort level. I tend to be more gutsy than Rolf.”

“It’s not something I would generally recommend doing,” Rolf countered, adding that, during presentations, he refers to the route as “your last canoe trip, because either it’s the best you’ve ever taken and you don’t do any others afterward, or it’s the

Isle Royale is the site of a major predator-prey study featuring the interactions between wolves and moose. (Photo by Kristi Evans)

last one because you don’t survive. It’s best not to attempt it if you’re not highly experienced or can’t allow at least two weeks for weather. A better option might be portaging the National Park Service’s network of inland lakes at the northeast end. That requires very limited time on Lake Superior.”

The park is actually an archipelago with more than 400 smaller islands. Multiple shipwrecks strewn beneath its waters serve as a big draw for scuba divers. Isle Royale itself is 45 miles long with 165 miles of scenic hiking trails. The island is largely undeveloped, except for a few buildings at both ends where visitors arrive.

U.P. residents can access the island by passenger ferry from Houghton on the National Park Service’s Ranger

III, or from Copper Harbor on the privately owned Queen IV. Both are $80 each way and should be reserved well in advance. A Scoville Point hike is highly recommended to pass the time before the return trip from the Rock Harbor dock to the mainland. An Isle Royale Seaplanes flight from Hancock saves time and offers a bird’seye view on the approach; it costs $360 round trip.

Free camping permits can be obtained upon arrival for the 36 firstcome, first-served campgrounds. Those who prefer not to tent it have options: a day trip; or a paid stay in one of two Windigo camper cabins or the Rock Harbor Lodge. The latter has two restaurants for that rewarding final meal before departure, following days of dehydrated entrees and trail

Candy and Rolf Peterson’s connection to Isle Royale goes back to the 1960s. (Photo courtesy of the Petersons)

Karen Bacula of Marquette has been to Isle Royale more than 60 times. (Photo courtesy of Karen Bacula)

mix. All park visitors pay an entrance fee of $7 per day. Isle Royale is open April 16 to Oct. 31.

“My advice to first-time backpackers is to plan early, practice hiking with an outfitted pack — not just books because that’s a false way to

carry the weight — and don’t overestimate your daily mileage because of the topography,” Bacula said.

A trial backpacking trip on the mainland will help to ensure gear works appropriately and that the pack is stocked with essentials. These in-

clude: first-aid kit, map and compass; water filter and bottles for frequent hydration; stove, eating utensils and a variety of compact, nutritious meals and snacks; and layered clothing suitable for extreme weather shifts (but a conservative amount; you’ll like-

ly change less often than you think). Sturdy, well-broken-in boots with ankle support are ideal for hiking the Isle Royale landscape.

“The park is best enjoyed at a relaxing pace by those who want to take it in rather than race through it just to check another national park off their list,” said Candy Peterson, in advising visitors to add an extra day or two to their itineraries. “Maybe you want to pause a hike if you come across an amazing view, or you stayed up late stargazing and want to rest longer. Perhaps you want to spend an extra day in one area you really like to fish, read, write in a journal or just relax.”

A willingness to become a part of the island and embrace the unexpected will make any visit more enjoyable and meaningful. Soak it all in and let Isle Royale “become a part of you.”

MM

Kristi Evans is a public relations professional, writer and hobby photographer who spends much of her free time outdoors.

Ojibway Tower offers a stunning panoramic view of the northeastern end of Isle Royale National Park. (Photo by Kristi Evans)

conversation

Veteran broadcaster Jim Koski promotes and preserves the history of his hometown

Unearthing Marquette’s lore

By Jennifer Champagne

At the heart of uncovering Marquette’s captivating narratives stands Jim Koski, a local luminary whose multifaceted career spans the realms of radio, television and historical preservation. A proud native of Marquette, Koski exhibits not only a deep-rooted connection to the community but also an infectious excitement for its rich history and storied past. Through Koski’s eyes, even the oldest residents of Marquette would be delighted to experience the town’s heritage anew.

Navigating through the airwaves of WMQT-FM, Q107, Koski has been a steadfast presence for over three decades, his voice a comforting companion to residents spanning the central Upper Peninsula market. Beyond the confines of the radio studio, Koski extends his reach to the small screen as the affable host of “High School Bowl” on WNMU-TV. He also hosts a weekly segment on WZMQ-TV 19 titled “Life in the 906.”

However, Koski’s influence extends far beyond broadcasting. He emerges as a passionate advocate for preserving Marquette’s storied history, leading engaging tours for the Marquette Regional History Center. These excursions not only educate but also breathe life into the center’s mission, offering participants a glimpse into the rich tapestry of people and places that have shaped the city’s identity.

In the digital realm, Koski harnesses the power of video to animate Marquette’s history. Through his series of “Pieces of the Past” shorts, he delves into various facets of the city’s heritage, expertly blending archival footage with personal anecdotes to enthrall audiences.

Yet, Koski’s impact goes beyond his professional pursuits, intertwining with his personal passions. A fervent history enthusiast and self-professed chocoholic, Koski shares escapades with his wife, Lorraine, that often merge with his love for European travel and indulgent cocoa creations,

painting a vivid portrait of a man whose zest for life mirrors the vibrancy of his beloved community.

As Koski gazes toward the horizon, his steadfast commitment to Marquette’s history remains an enduring source of inspiration. Whether through his broadcasts, tours or videos, he continues to unearth the tales of yesteryear, ensuring that the voices of the past resonate in the present and echo into the future. In an ever-evolving world, Koski stands as a stalwart guardian of Marquette’s timeless narratives, reminding us all of the profound significance of preserving our collective heritage.

Koski spoke recently with Marquette Monthly about his professional and personal pursuits.

Jennifer Champagne: Can you tell us a little bit about your background and how you became in-

terested in history, particularly the history of Marquette?

Jim Koski: Yeah, like almost everyone who grows up in Marquette, I left when I was old enough. And like the smart ones, I came back. And when I came back, I guess I had kind of an appreciation for just how amazing of a place Marquette really is. I don’t know, maybe there was one moment that crystallized things. One day, I walked into my friend Jack Deo’s shop, Superior View, and he had a picture there that was taken from the top of Front Street. The corner of Front Street and Ridge, looking down Front Street from 1870 or 1880, and there were no recognizable buildings there. There was just a dirt road, but you could still tell exactly where the picture was taken because you could see the topography and everything off in the background. Something about that picture just made me go, “I won-

der what else there is to know about Marquette.” All of these years later, look what happened.

As an unofficial historian for Marquette, what motivated you to take this role? What drives your passion for preserving and sharing the history of our community?

Well, first of all, I don’t know that I took on the role so much as the role took on me, if that makes any sense. It’s just one of those things that organically happened over the years. I seem to have very few talents in life, and one of them is finding and then telling weird stories about history, and everyone seems to enjoy it. No one’s told me to stop yet, so I just keep doing it.

Could you share some memorable moments or interesting stories from your time as a quiz bowl host?

Jim Koski waits onstage as the audience gathers at Kaufman Auditorium for “Lights, Camera, Marquette,” a presentation in 2023 featuring Koski, Jack Deo and pianist Robert Buchkoe. (Photo courtesy of Jack Deo)

Sure! It’s hard for me to believe that I just finished my ninth season hosting [“High School Bowl”]. We’ve had a blast over the years. People sometimes refer to it as my TV show, but it’s not. I just happen to host a show with some amazing teenagers on it. I’m in awe of how smart some of these kids are. They answer questions about particle physics, ancient Chinese history and poetry that I’ve never heard of. It’s been a blast doing the show, and I’ve made some friends through it. I’ve been invited to high school graduation parties and have gotten to know a lot of these young people. It’s incredible to see them grow and succeed in their lives.

Throughout your research and studies, what are some of your favorite historical facts about Marquette that you think every resident should know?

As I always joke, you can never go wrong telling stories about prostitutes, killers and bootleggers. There are a lot of stories like that around. But there are a couple of stories that I personally would have thought that everyone would have known about, but for some reason they just don’t. One of them would be the great fire of 1868 when most of Marquette burned down, and the entire city could have been burned if it wasn’t for the fact that one street was 90 feet wide and stopped the fire. There are also stories of individual war heroes from World War I or World War II that are always fascinating. These are just little stories about people that I find interesting, and those are the stories that I most like to tell.

Marquette has been home to many notable personalities over the years. Are there any individuals, past or present, who have left a significant impact on the community that you find particularly fascinating?

Ifind Peter White fascinating, if only because of the reputation that he seems to have built up over the years. He came to Marquette at the age of 18 and spent several winters taking sled dogs down to Green Bay to get the mail. He founded the First National Bank, and it burned in the fire of 1868. He sent all of the money in a boat to Lower Harbor so it wouldn’t get burned. That money went to help rebuild Marquette after the fire. He then built a second First National Bank, which burned a few years later. He once again took the money out and saved it, and rebuilt the bank, after which it didn’t burn again. Louis

Kaufman is also interesting, not only for his part in Marquette history but also for his involvement in founding the First Branch banking system and the Empire State Building in New York City.

In your opinion, what are some of the things that every Marquette resident should know about our community’s history to truly appreciate its present and future?

People should realize that Marquette in the past 50 or 60 years has done a 180. It’s no longer the city it used to be. Up until the late ’60s and early 1970s, Marquette was a railroad town — dirty, grungy, with railroad lines running through it. Since 1972, when they stopped shipping ore out of Lower Harbor, Marquette has undergone an amazing renaissance. It has transformed from a dirty, grungy industrial town to one of the most beautiful places on the planet, filled with artists, educators, medical professionals, IT people and beer brewers. If you had asked someone from Marquette in 1924 what they would have thought the city would be like in 2024, this would not have been on their radar.

In 2018, you were recognized for your dedication to preserving the history of Marquette County with the prestigious Helen Longyear Paul Award from the Marquette Regional History Center. What did receiving this award mean to you?

Well, first of all, my thought was, “What, they ran out of deserving people to give this award to me?” But it was nice to get the award and be acknowledged. I’m not doing this for the laurels. I do it because I enjoy it. I really enjoy finding out new things

and sharing the stories. For example, during the “High School Bowl” this season, someone mentioned an arcane piece of Marquette history that piqued my curiosity. I did some research, found out it was a great story, and when Jack Deo and I did our “Legends and Lore” show at Kaufman Auditorium back in January, that was one of the highlights of the show. More than getting awards or recognition, that’s why I do this history thing.

What are your plans for the future? Do you have any projects or initiatives in mind to continue your work as a historian and broadcaster?

Ihave an inability to say no, apparently, and I get bored really easily. I’m continuing with radio and both of my TV jobs, and I have a walking tour coming up this summer with the history center, called “A Walk on the Wild Side: The Slightly Sleazy History of Founders Landing.” I’m also getting ready to do another season of the “Pieces of the Past” short videos for the history center. In the back of my head, I am developing another full-length documentary, probably about bars, because people have told me some great bar stories over the years, and maybe 10 percent of them are shareable with the general public. So, I’m seeing if I can sit some people down and see if they remember what they did. That’s something I’m thinking about for the future.

Any memorable moments or interesting discoveries from the walking tours you’ve done for the Marquette Regional History Center? There was a hotel in downtown Marquette, where Upfront &

Jim Koski has been program director and on-air personality for WMQT-FM, Q107, for more than three decades. (Photo by Doug Garrison)

Company used to be, called the Adams Hotel. In the 1930s, a lot of Marquette’s working women worked there. The way you could always tell was the hotel would have a basket of fruit in the window. I was giving a tour maybe 15 to 20 years ago to some [individuals] who had come back to Marquette for the first time in 30 or 40 years. There was an elderly gentleman on the tour who actually grew up in Marquette. I told that story, and he looked at me, looked at the building, and said, “You know, when I was 13 years old, I worked at the Adams Hotel. One of my jobs was to put fruit in the window, and I never knew why.” This was like 60 or 70 years after it actually happened.

Can you tell us more about the “Legends and Lore” event and its impact on raising awareness and support for the preservation of local history?

The “Legends and Lore” event, which takes place every January at the Kaufman Auditorium, serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it raises a significant amount of money for the history center, which is crucial for supporting the preservation of local history. Secondly, it has attracted a diverse audience not only from Marquette but also from other areas, including Menominee, Escanaba and the Copper Country. The event has sparked interest in history and encouraged people to research and learn more about the background of this great place. It’s a way of paying it forward and ensuring that the stories and

heritage of Marquette are preserved for future generations.

How do you approach researching and uncovering historical facts and stories about Marquette?

This is a fascinating process. I rely heavily on the resources available to me, such as the J.M. Longyear Research Library at the Marquette Regional History Center. The librarians there, Beth and Hunter, are incredibly helpful. I can reach out to them with a quick question, even though they know it won’t be quick, and they always provide me with the information and pictures I need. Their support is invaluable to my work. Another valuable research tool ...

is the UPLINK website at NMU. The Peter White Public Library has been digitizing Mining Journal issues from 1868 to 1966, making it easier for me to access historical information. Instead of having to go to the library or rely on others, I can now search through the digitized journals myself. For example, I was able to follow the story of an NBA game at Negaunee in real time by going through these Journals It allowed me to uncover amazing facts and create an engaging presentation. The Marquette community is fortunate to have resources like the research library and the UPLINK website.

Is Jack Deo your longest collaborator in your career?

Yes, Jack Deo is my longest and favorite collaborator, with whom I have worked on numerous shows at the Kaufman Auditorium. However, I must also mention my wife, who is a World War II researcher and has pointed me towards some of the stories I have discovered. Her insights and knowledge have been invaluable in my work.

Can you tell us more about your relationship with Jack and what makes it so special?

My collaboration with Jack is truly magical. We both share a deep passion for the history of Marquette. Jack has been collecting old photos since the 1970s, and his archive is

Jim Koski’s walking tours for the Marquette Regional History Center often draw large crowds. (Photo by William Thum)

truly remarkable. Without his pictures and his willingness to provide them to me, I don’t think my work would have been as good. I can simply ask him if he has a picture of something, and within a few hours, he’ll present it to me.

But it’s not just about the resources he provides; it’s also our dynamic as collaborators. We complement each other very well. Jack has this boyish enthusiasm and charm, while I bring a slightly snarky and sarcastic edge to our discussions. This yin and yang dynamic creates a unique chemistry that works exceptionally well for us. It feels like historical magic when we click and bring our different perspectives together.

How do you collaborate with others to promote and preserve the history of Marquette?

While my collaboration with Jack is a significant aspect of my work, I also collaborate with other organizations and individuals. Occasionally, I am approached by service groups, schools or other organizations seeking to learn more about history. If I have the time, I am always happy to talk about it. I have adapted many of the walking tours I’ve done into presentations for such groups. For example, I recently presented to one of the Rotary clubs in Marquette about buildings burning in the city, as it aligns with one of my interests. I showed them a collection of photos depicting buildings burning in Marquette, sparking their interest and engagement.

What advice would you give to someone interested in exploring and learning more about the history of their community?

My advice would be to start by talking to your grandparents, great-grandparents or any elderly individuals living in your neighborhood. Living history is a valuable resource and an excellent starting point for anyone wanting to delve deeper into the history of their community. Hearing stories directly from those who experienced or heard them from their parents provides a unique perspective and sets the foundation for further research.

While books and old newspapers are also important sources, connecting with people who have firsthand knowledge can provide a rich and personal understanding of the community’s history. Once you have gathered their stories, you can embark on a research journey to uncover more facts and details that align with those

narratives. With luck, you may even create an amazing project that contributes to preserving and sharing the history of your community for future generations.

I understand that you enjoy traveling with your wife, Lorraine, and would consider yourself a chocolate enthusiast. What are some of the highlights of your adventures, and how often does chocolate play a key role in your travels?

Chocolate is a significant passion in my life. It has played a key role in many of our adventures. Initially, we started traveling to Europe because Lorraine was conducting research for her World War II books, focusing on individuals from that region who lost their lives. However, over the past decade or so, our travels have evolved into a combination of visiting friends, exploring places we love and, most importantly, indulging in chocolate. European chocolate and American chocolate are distinctly different, and we find great joy in exploring European chocolate stores.

Can you share one of your memorable trips that revolved around chocolate?

Certainly!

One of our most memorable trips was in 2015 when we traveled to Germany with our parents. We actually got all four of them together. We visited a charming town called Bad Reichenhall, where the Reber Chocolate Co. has its factory and a large store. As we walked into the store, my parents, particularly my mother, couldn’t help but laugh at Lorraine and me. We stood at the entrance, jaws dropping, in awe of everything around us. My mom even remarked that she had never seen anyone so excited, like kids in a candy store. It was a delightful experience.

What message or legacy would you like to leave behind as a historian and broadcaster who has dedicated so much of your career to preserving the history of Marquette?

That’s a great question. I hope that people remember me with fondness, as someone who made them laugh, made them think and exposed them to aspects of their family or their city’s history that they were unaware of. More than anything, I want my legacy to be that history can be fun if you make it fun.

Jennifer Champagne is an accomplished visual effects and entertainment trade press writer based in the U.P.

back then

Long-awaited honor for ‘Big Annie’

Copper Country residents to recognize labor leader with statue

By Joyce Wiswell

Of all the colorful characters who make up Calumet’s history, one who really stands out is Anna Klobuchar Clemenc — and not just because of her height.

Known as “Big Annie,” Clemenc was a leading figure, community organizer and morale booster in the copper mine strike of 1913-14 that rocked the Keweenaw Peninsula. “She was so young, and it was a time when women had no voice and no vote,” Lake Linden resident Vada Riederich said. “She was very brave.”

Though Clemenc was the first person nominated for the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame, earned induction into Labor’s International Hall of Fame and was honored by the state House of Representatives — which designated June 17, 1980, as “Annie Clemenc Day” — little has been done locally to honor her legacy.

“I thought that was sad,” said Riederich, who decided about a year ago to remedy that situation by raising funds for a Big Annie statue in Calumet. She put a call out on Facebook, was pleasantly surprised by the positive response and now spearheads the committee that is raising $150,000 to erect a bronze statue.

An American girl Clemenc (pronounced Clements) was born in Calumet in 1888 to George and Mary Klobuchar, who had immigrated from Slovenia earlier that decade as part of a wave of Eastern Europeans. When Annie was 2, her family went back to Slovenia — for reasons lost to history — and remained there for six or seven years. The family eventually made its way back to Calumet, where George was a miner and Mary took in boarders, a common practice at the time.

Despite her U.S. birthright, Annie was often considered a foreigner, said Lyndon Comstock, who wrote one of the several books about her. (She also stars in the fictionalized historical novel, The Women of the Copper Country.)

At the time, some 80 percent of

Calumet’s population were immigrants from Finland, Croatia, Sweden, Italy, Hungary, Poland, Austria, Germany and Cornwall, England. People lived in segregated neighborhoods, each with its own churches, bars and even newspapers.

Annie attended school in Calumet and got as far as the eighth grade,

“which at the time for a girl was a pretty good accomplishment,” Comstock said. “She could read and write in English.” She was active in the Slovenian community and, at age 18, married Joe Clemenc, a copper miner 16 years her senior. The union was not happy and they never had children, which was unusual for the time.

More than auxiliary

Grueling and dangerous working conditions were a fact of life in the copper mines. In 1908, the Colorado-based Western Federation of Miners started organizing in Calumet. Clemenc founded and served as president of the Women’s Auxiliary No. 15 of the federation, though, as Comstock said, “there was nothing auxiliary about them. They were very active.”

By 1913, the situation came to a head over poor wages and unsafe conditions. “People were injured and dying every week,” Comstock said. Things boiled over when the mines switched from two-man drills to those that had just a single operator, which, Comstock said, “felt a lot more dangerous.”

In the summer of 1913, the miners made a demand for collective bargaining. The mine owners did not even bother to respond, and about 10 days later the miners went on strike.

Despite their enthusiasm, they were a rather naive lot and did not fully realize what they were getting themselves into. The 9,000 strikers successfully shut down the mines — but not for long. Within a week, Houghton County Sheriff James Cruse and the mine owners brought in the Waddell-Mahon Co., a strikebreaking firm.

The strikebreakers were a rough lot, many recruited from New York gangs and given carte blanche to use violence and intimidation against the miners. Several murders were committed. Adding to the bedlam were 2,500 Michigan militia members brought in to keep the peace.

Leading the parade

Large daily marches, known as parades, became the strike’s signature events — “the very heart and soul of the strike,” Comstock said. Leading the way each day was Clemenc toting a 10-foot-tall American flag. “This was highly controversial and very much a political statement because the immigrant miners were viewed as foreigners,” Comstock said. “They were saying, ‘We are Americans,’ and the people opposed were saying, ‘No, you’re not.’”

Anna Klobuchar “Big Annie” Clemenc was the first person nominated for the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame. (Photo courtesy of Superior View)

At 6 feet, 2 inches tall, Clemenc was soon dubbed Big Annie and became an iconic, beloved figure in town and beyond. Famous labor leaders like John L. Lewis, Mother Jones and Clarence Darrow marched at her side.

The strike dragged on for months with no progress. Calumet’s English-speaking community even formed its own anti-union organization. Clemenc was arrested several times and served multiple stints in jail and was once even cut with a sword by a National Guardsman while carrying the flag.

“Kill me,” she reportedly said. “Run your bayonets and sabres through this flag and kill me, but I won’t move. If this flag will not protect me, then I will die with it.”

Christmas tragedy

Things were looking bleak as Christmas 1913 approached. Nearly everyone, including the local union, was out of money. To raise spirits, the Women’s Auxiliary organized a big party at a local community center called the Italian Hall. The plan was to entertain the children of striking miners with sorely needed Christmas presents in the afternoon, with an adults-only party that evening.

Clemenc was on stage as master of ceremonies on the afternoon of Dec. 24 as some 500 people enjoyed the merriment on the second floor. But when a man wearing an anti-union button yelled “fire!” into the building, pandemonium broke out.

In a panic, dozens of partygoers raced down the stairs and quickly became logjammed at the doorway. Men from the saloon downstairs tried to pull people out, but they were wedged so tightly and deeply that they couldn’t extract even one. (Contrary to lore, Comstock said, the doors did not open inward, and there is no evidence that anyone held them shut.)

When it was over, 73 people had died from suffocation on the stairway, 59 of them children. They were so tightly jammed that firemen and other rescue workers had to use ladders to enter the second floor and extract victims from the top downward.

Clemenc saw everything from her perch on the stage, and it was she who carried the flag during the two-milelong funeral procession to Lake View Cemetery. Despite the frozen ground, two trenches were dug — one for Protestants and the other for Catholics.

“I don’t think she ever got over this,” Comstock said. “These were her kids.”

Broken spirit

Very little was done in the way of criminal investigation, and the man who yelled fire was never identified. “It was very striking that during congressional testimony, when Annie came in to watch, the miners all … gave her a standing ovation,” Comstock said. “But she was not called to testify even though she was the principal organizer and master of ceremonies on stage when the false alarm of fire was given.”

The strike lingered on, but the spirit of the community was gone. “I think the heart of that town was broken,” Comstock said, “and I don’t feel like it ever recovered.”

By the time the strike officially ended on April 13, 1914, with no gain whatsoever for the workers, an increasing number of people had left town. Clemenc was one of them. After serving a 10-day jail term, she traveled the Midwest on a pro-union lecture tour to raise funds for the survivors of the disaster. But the effort did not amass much money.

During the strike, Clemenc had begun a relationship with a journalist, Frank Shaw. She divorced Joe and moved to Chicago with Shaw in 1914, where their daughter, Dawina, was born in the fall. In Chicago, Clemenc was active in Slovenian leftist organizations. She worked in men’s hat shops and eventually opened one of her own. Tragedy came when Dawina, who was known as Dot, lost an arm after being struck by a vehicle.

Not a lot is known about Clemenc’s later life. Shaw ended up being an alcoholic abuser, a pattern repeated by

her third husband, Andrew Robleck. That marriage ended in 1938 after just two years.

Clemenc died of cancer in Chicago in 1956 at the age of 68. Her great-grandchildren live in the Chicago area and only in the past decade learned about her legacy.

‘She should not be forgotten’

Clemenc’s great-grandchildren will be on hand at a fundraiser for the statue on June 22 at the Calumet Theatre. The evening will include speakers, live music and an ethnic buffet dinner. Riederich said organizers are encouraging, but not requiring, attire of 1913. Only 125 tickets will be sold at $100 each. Visit facebook.com/ BigAnnieStatue for details.

More information about the statue fund can be found at keweenawcommunityfoundation.org/big-annie.

“You talk to young people, and they don’t know who she is or what she did. We are going to turn that around,” Riederich said. “She should not be forgotten. Annie Clemenc marched with the striking miners daily for nine long months speaking out for fair wages, job safety and social justice when women had no vote and no voice. Progress has been made, but the same issues still apply today.”

Comstock added, “People tend to think of her as a flash in the pan, but there was some significant substance there — especially for a woman at the time.”

Joyce Wiswell is a freelance writer and editor in Hancock.

Copper Country residents are raising funds to create a bronze statue commemorating the life and work of “Big Annie” Clemenc. (Photo courtesy of the National Park Service, Keweenaw NHP)

lookout point

Program recognizes military veterans with D.C. visits

‘We call it Honor Flight magic’

By Renee Prusi

Emmett Berken was a World War II Army veteran living in Wisconsin who wanted to visit the World War II Monument in Washington, D.C., in 2008. He was lucky as he was able to travel and had family willing to take him there. That family included daughter Barb Van Rooy, who lived in Gladstone at the time.

“While we were at the monument, I saw all these people in the same shirts, and it fascinated me,” Van Rooy said. “I talked to them and found out they were an Honor Flight group from the Dakotas.”

When she returned home, Van Rooy did some research and found there were similar groups all over the United States, including Old Glory

HAbout Honor Flight

onor Flight Network is a nonprofit organization created solely to honor America’s veterans for all their sacrifices. Honor Flight transports these heroes to Washington, D.C., to visit and reflect at their memorials. Top priority is given to the senior veterans — World War II and Korean survivors — along with those other veterans who may be terminally ill. Vietnam veterans are also encouraged to apply. Honor Flight is accepting applications from all veterans who served from 1941 to May 1975 whether they served during wartime or peace, stateside or overseas. Visit upperpeninsulahonorflight.org for more information. The U.P. Military Museum in Escanaba features a display on the U.P. Honor Flight. MM

Honor Flight of Appleton, Wisconsin. She learned that Honor Flight is a program that brings veterans to the nation’s capital to visit monuments in their honor at no cost to the veterans.

“I contacted Appleton and said we could use an Honor Flight in the Upper Peninsula,” Van Rooy said. The folks involved with the Appleton program offered guidance that was invaluable,

Upper Peninsula Honor Flight participants visit the World War II Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. (Photo courtesy of Barb Van Rooy)

but Van Rooy found skepticism when feeling out potential assistance.

“People laughed,” she said, “but we had a core group of women who helped with all the work. We started planning in February 2011 and on Sept. 22, 2011, the first Upper Peninsula Honor Flight went to Washington, D.C.”

After that first flight, Van Rooy said, more people stepped up to volunteer to help with future flights. “It was a miracle we got that first flight off the ground,” she said. “Raising money for that flight involved every kind but car washes, I think. But we had fun, too.”

Since that first trip, U.P. Honor Flight has completed 22 missions, with two more set for 2024. Van Rooy spearheaded the first nine missions and carries many happy memories of the trips. “My best memory? It was bringing those World War II veterans to their memorial,” she said. “They were humble and appreciated every little thing that we did for them. They truly were the greatest generation.”

While Honor Flight was founded initially to transport WWII veterans, it has continued on its mission by taking Korean Conflict and Vietnam War vets to Washington, D.C.

Scott Knauf has taken over leadership of U.P. Honor Flight. He learned about the program through family.

“My great-uncle [Ed “Sonny” LeBeau] went on the first mission. When I’d take him out for breakfast after that, he would bring up Honor Flight every time,” Knauf said. “I didn’t understand how they could do all they did in a one-day trip. … The next mission, I went to the airport when that flight returned, and I got my first taste of what Honor Flight was all about.”

Knauf got his name on the waiting list for guardians. Honor Flight guardians pay to be assigned to a veteran and help them throughout the trip in whatever way the veteran needs. Family members can serve as guardians, but many guardians are “free agents,” assigned to a veteran they haven’t met before.

“I was chosen to be a guardian on Mission V and was assigned to World War II veteran Leon Anderson of Crystal Falls,” Knauf said. “It was my first time in D.C., and I had a wonderful experience. I knew what I wanted to do: help the Honor Flight in any way I could.”

The two flights scheduled for this year — on May 2 and Sept. 18 — are full. There are 165 veterans on the waitlist for a chance to make the journey.

Palmer native John Piirainen is happy and grateful he was able to par-

“

IT WAS ORGANIZED EVERY STEP OF THE WAY. I AM SO GRATEFUL I WAS ABLE TO GO.

—John Piirainen

ticipate in an Honor Flight, traveling with the September 2023 mission accompanied by his daughter Melissa as guardian. Piirainen, who now lives in Gwinn, served in the U.S. Navy from 1959 to 1963.

“I found out about Honor Flight from some friends from the American Legion post in Little Lake who had gone on [a flight]. I submitted my application and was chosen,” he said. “I saw some of the most memorable things in my lifetime. I especially enjoyed the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery. It was a long day but a beautiful one.”

Piirainen was impressed with how organized the trip was. “It was organized every step of the way. We had a police escort all the way around Washington,” he said. “I am so grateful I was able to go.”

So was veteran Larry Dillman of Negaunee, who encourages veterans to sign up for the flight if they haven’t already. A native of Virginia, Dillman served in the Air Force from 1966 to 1990, doing two tours in Vietnam. He met his now-wife, Linda, while he was stationed at K.I. Sawyer, staying in this area after retiring as a master sergeant.

Dillman and his guardian, his son Paul, were part of the September 2019 Honor Flight. His daughter Tanya Johnson was on the same trip, serving as guardian for two Marquette County veterans. “It was wonderful to see all those sites with both of them,” Dillman said. “Especially the Vietnam wall.”

Dillman, too, was touched by the greeting U.P. Honor Flight received upon landing in D.C. “We got off the plane and went into the terminal, and there had to be 300 people there to greet us,” Dillman said. “We received a welcome the guys coming home from Vietnam never got. … All day we were treated like dignitaries.”

That’s how it should be, Knauf said. “Veterans meet up on Honor Flight; different family members

surprise them on arrival; stories are shared,” he said. “We call it Honor Flight magic, and it happens on every single mission.”

In its first 22 missions through 2023, Upper Peninsula Honor Flight has transported 1,706 veterans to Washington. “Honor Flight is an amazing program, and it’s amazing how the U.P. supports it,” Knauf said. “The community does the fundraising. Each flight in 2024 is going to cost $140,000, and the U.P. comes through when Honor Flight needs its support.”

Much time and effort goes into each flight, and Knauf said something he received helps motivate him for the missions. “I received a note from a wife after a flight, and all it said was, ‘I sent a man and I got back a husband and father.’ I think about that often when I need to energize myself to carry on this mission.” MM

Renee Prusi was a newspaper journalist for more than 42 years before retiring in November. She lives in Negaunee.

Vietnam veteran Larry Dillman participated in an Honor Flight in 2019. On the same trip were his daughter Tanya Johnson and son Paul Dillman. (Photo courtesy of Larry Dillman)

nity has always been strong, the physical space to unify things was once a challenge.

50 years and counting Bonifas Arts Center celebrates a milestone anniversary the arts

By Kristy Basolo

The William Bonifas Arts Center in Escanaba is celebrating “50 Years in the Making” and its mission to enhance and inspire the cultural and creative life of the community with a series of events and exhibits throughout 2024.

From a high tea with a costume fashion show to a gala held at the newly renovated House of Ludington, there should be something for everyone to enjoy and help the art center volunteers celebrate their five decades of success.

“I don’t think people realize that the Bonifas is for everyone,” said Beth Noreus, vice president of the Bonifas board of trustees. “Our classes start

with toddler art and go all the way through your lifespan. It’s not as intimidating as what some people might think to sign up for a class — it’s all your neighbors and friends there, just people who are looking for a new avenue to explore their creativity.”

With two galleries, a performing arts stage, dozens of classes, concerts, fairs, festivals and even culinary classes, all the arts are embraced by the center and its staff.

“I don’t think people realize how much the Bonifas has done for the community,” Noreus said. “They’ve put murals on buildings, art at parks and even sculptures. More than 3,000 school-aged students have participated in a collective art project.”

While the presence in the commu-

According to the center’s website, “Big Bill” Bonifas came to the U.P. from Luxembourg with his Irish-born wife, Catherine. In the 1880s, he cut timber and made his fortune, while Catherine “returned another kind of wealth to the area with her donations of cultural and educational value.” She sponsored the construction of an auditorium and gymnasium for St. Joseph’s parish school in 1938 in memory of her husband. When the school closed, this building eventually became the hub for fine arts in the area.

The Bonifas Fine Arts Center was born in 1974 when the Diocese of Marquette donated the former St. Joseph’s school building containing the gymnasium and auditorium for cultural activities in the Delta County community.

Previously, artistic interest was

The William Bonifas Arts Center in Escanaba is celebrating its 50th anniversary with events throughout 2024. (Photo courtesy of the Bonifas Arts Center)

high in the area, but there was no space dedicated to classes, performances and exhibits. The Bay Art Association would put up exhibits at a local nursing home, and classes and performances would be held at whatever venue would have them.

Players de Noc is a community theater organization that is solely run by volunteers. They now are the theater affiliate of the Bonifas, but were founded before the Bonifas Center came to be — in February 1965 by a group of theater-minded educators who wanted their students to have a venue to keep acting after graduation.

“Sometimes we’d have shows at the high school when the stage was available,” said Lynn Soderberg, longtime Players de Noc member and former Bonifas trustee. “We would use the Terrace’s nice big ballroom and a few other places in town that weren’t as suited.”

On April 9, 1974, Escanaba’s mayor, Bob Bink, gave a check for $1 to the priest at St. Joseph’s Church, Soderberg said. “They made an agreement with the Diocese of Marquette to rent the building for $1 per year.”

At that time, the building had been vacant for the previous 20 years, so having someone using and maintaining it was a win-win for the diocese, she said. Over the years, renovations have been made to create galleries,

classroom space, offices, a suitable stage for theater with an orchestra pit and even a kitchen. Soderberg said while it was home to an auditorium, volunteers have turned it into a true theater.

“The space for the orchestra pit had to be dug out by hand,” Soderberg said. “They had more than 50 volunteers who carried over 1,000 wheelbarrows full of sand from in front of where the stage was. They had a ramp system and had to fill and drag them out the door to clear this whole space. Then, 75 yards of cement had to be carried in. Thank God people were willing to do that.”

The community rallied to bring this cultural center to life, and 50 years later, the impact the Bonifas has made on its community is tangible.

Noreus started taking classes in the ’70s and ’80s, always went to gallery openings and was just curious as to what was happening at the Bonifas.

“In 2016, I was invited to become a board member. That started my real involvement,” she said.

“The value of the arts is so important,” said Noreus, who served as president for four years. “The Bonifas serves as that creative arm in the community that is very critical to have. It’s such a blessing to have such a vibrant art community in Escanaba.”

It’s critical — and appreciated.

Even after a half-century, enthusiasm is still high for what the Bonifas has to offer. Classes continue to be filled, and attendance at events increases each year. “We are having 10 Music Mondays at Ludington Park this summer; we started with six, then went to eight,” Noreus said. “Bands have requested to participate this year, and the number of people that attend just continues to amaze me.”

This summer, the Bonifas will be coordinating with the Escanaba Downtown Development Authority to have youth art on display every Tuesday at the marketplace as well as culinary classes there every Thursday.

“We really feel like we represent arts in the central Upper Peninsula,” Noreus said, “so our goal is always to expand what we offer into our surrounding areas for people who can’t drive into the Bonifas. It has been part of our mission and strategic plan, and down the road we are looking for those opportunities.”

The Bonifas also continues to reach out to different ages and demographics in an attempt to bring everyone to find their creative calling. Through a grant from the Veterans Administration, veterans are encouraged to attend classes. “Any adult classes are free for veterans,” Noreus said. “About 120 veterans so far have taken at least one class.”

Bonifas Arts Center offerings include a variety of classes, such as this one featuring hand-built luminaries with Dawn Delaney in the center’s pottery room. (Photo by Kaylee Hubert)

While the Bonifas has plans for the future, organizers are still living in the moment of celebrating their milestone. Noreus, Soderberg and Bonifas treasurer Deb Skerbeck are coordinating the High Tea at 2 p.m. on April 27, featuring a Players de Noc Flashback Fashion Show. Tickets are $25 each, and seating is limited. “Lynn and I had been brainstorming this tea event for a while,” Noreus said. “We wanted to do something fun, and when the 50th came up, we decided we’re going to do it this year.”

Catered by Dawn Martin, the event will feature Players de Noc models displaying costumes from the last 50 years of shows at the Bonifas. “They are going through the costumes and see who will fit in what,” Noreus said. “We’ve done some iconic plays that will be included.”

For Soderberg, who has participated in countless Players de Noc productions as an actor or director, this is a trip down memory lane. “Every time I look through the costumes, I’m seeing things I’ve worn multiple times,” she said. “We went over to the theater the other day and went through all the photo files and looked at potential shows that we thought we might be able to offer some costumes.”

Highlights include the beautiful costumes made for 1776 by local volunteers, no doubt contributing to the production being a huge success, Soderberg said. Some Shakespearean productions will have great get-ups to offer as well as Guys & Dolls, Evita and many more.

“It’ll be my job to put everything in order and write a script,” she said. “I’ll include a little history about the show itself, the time period and who

wore the costume originally, as well as why it was selected for the show.”

The Golden Gala, the Bonifas’ major fundraiser for the year, will be held at 6 p.m. on June 1 at the House of Ludington in Escanaba. Tickets are $50 each and go on sale April 1.

The “50 Years in the Making” exhibit, originally planned for April and May, has been postponed until August to host the art of the East Ludington Gallery, which closed in downtown Escanaba after a fire in late January. More than 45 area artists displayed their art in the gallery. The Bonifas opened their walls for these artists to display their work as the gallery attempts to find a new home, thus delaying its own exhibit.

For details about the Bonifas or to buy tickets for any of their offerings, visit bonifasarts.org.

Soderberg hopes that area youth will participate in the year’s celebrations and get involved with the arts at a young age. “If they get involved when they’re younger, they’re going to stick with it,” she said. “That’s a really good thing.”

Soderberg said the Bonifas has been fortunate to receive big donations at key points in the past but reminds the art-minded members of the community that the building is getting older and needs a lot of repairs. “Don’t forget about us,” she said. “We’re doing great work, but we need your support to continue it.”

Kristy Basolo has a master’s degree in writing from NMU and has worked for MM for almost two decades. Her day job is as senior center director in Negaunee.

The Bonifas Arts Center depends on the generosity of community members to participate in fundraising activities, such as this themed event titled “Derby Days.” (Photo by Kaylee Hubert)

back then

From ‘woodies’ to research

Henry Ford’s vision lives on in MTU’s forestry education

By Jennifer Donovan

You — or your grandmother — may be old enough to remember “woodies” — those Ford station wagons with wooden sides, dashboards, tailgates and inner door panels, manufactured in the 1940s and early ’50s. Some of the wood in those wagons came from Alberta Village, a sawmill surrounded by thousands of acres of forest located 10 miles south of L’Anse and about 60 miles west of Marquette, just off U.S. Highway 41.

Henry Ford built Alberta Village. The story goes that in 1935, he happened to be driving — in a Ford, undoubtedly — through the wooded wilds south of L’Anse on Highway 41. According to a Michigan Tech student’s 1997 master’s degree thesis, Ford stopped and, gazing around him, said, “Why not have a plant here? Why can’t we have a plant here? We should build a plant here.” Within

two days, the bulldozers were hard at work.

In 1936, Ford carved out a lake at Alberta Village, fed by the waters of Plumbago Creek. He built a two-story, white clapboard wooden sawmill that year and started constructing houses for his workers.

Ford named his village Alberta after the daughter of his chief engineer of U.P. operations, Alberta Johnson. Dave Stimac, a woodworker who was head sawyer at the sawmill for many years and still lives in Alberta Village, remembers meeting Alberta at a celebration of Henry Ford’s 150th birthday. “Meeting Alberta was very exciting,” Stimac said. “She was quite the gal. We sat and talked for a very long time. She was really interesting.”

A model mill town

The original village consisted of 12 houses, two schools and a steam-driven sawmill built to the

Ford Motor Co. operated its sawmill at Alberta Village from 1936 to 1956. Michigan Technological University later ran the mill for research purposes. (Photo courtesy of The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation)

most modern standards of the day. “It was the cleanest sawmill you’d ever want to see, not a speck of sawdust,” Stimac said. That’s because the mill was built on two levels, with all the machinery on the second level and chutes through the floor that emptied the sawdust down to the first level.

Ford’s workers dammed Plumbago Creek to create a reservoir to serve the town and the mill’s water supply needs. The houses, built on the reservoir side of Highway 41, nestled up

against the surrounding forest. They included all kinds of conveniences unusual in housing in that day: hot air heating systems, basements, modern bathrooms and kitchens with built-in cupboards. With attractive exteriors and large lots, they were nothing like most of the rough logging communities of the time. The schools were constructed of white clapboard and fieldstone, just a stone’s throw from the children’s homes.

Alberta Village was not actually

designed to be a production sawmill, Stimac said: “It was a PR project. Ford wanted to demonstrate what a model mill town would be like.” But the sawmill did supply wood for Ford vehicles. It had the capacity to produce 14,000 board feet of hardwood and 20,000 board feet of softwood per day. The mill employed 22 to 25 workers who were expected to do logging and farming as well as milling. Each man logged a 60-acre section and farmed a 20-acre plot.

IT WAS A PR PROJECT. FORD WANTED TO DEMONSTRATE WHAT A MODEL MILL TOWN WOULD BE LIKE.

Trees were harvested in what was called selective logging, a new conservation concept in the mid-1930s. In selective logging, only the most mature trees are cut, preventing them from decaying or spreading disease. The process also thinned the forest, promoting growth in the younger trees coming up. Unfortunately, new trees were never planted, and by the early 1950s, the supply of timber was dwindling fast.

The ingenuity of Ford’s engineers

Ford built its sawmill at Alberta Village to provide wooden components for its automobiles. (Photo courtesy of The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation)

assured that fuel for the mill itself never had to be trucked in from elsewhere. According to a 1937 issue of Ford News, sawdust, wood scraps and other leavings of the mill’s timber processing were swept up, stored and fed to a 125-pound steam pressure Titusville locomotive boiler, keeping it running without the need for outside fuel.

Ford News’ 1937 story about Alberta predicted that as long as Ford made cars and trucks, lumber would be needed, but with steel rapidly replacing wood in cars, Ford closed the Alberta sawmill in 1956. The company donated the mill and 3,700 acres of forest land surrounding it to the Michigan College of Mining and Technology, now Michigan Technological University’s College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science.

Michigan Tech operated the sawmill for research milling of logs for grade and yield until 1980, when the mill closed for good. The university continues to operate Alberta Village to this day as a research and educational center.

Ford Center and Forest

Now called the Ford Center and Forest, Alberta Village serves as a forest research field station as well as home to technical training, business workshops, meetings, retreats, reunions and even weddings. The university’s forestry and natural resources students do residential field-camp training, and faculty conduct yearround research there, ranging from cold-weather testing of coating materials and high-energy biomaterials to remote-sensing data collection.

Students in several majors are required to spend a summer or fall semester in Integrated Field Practicum, better known as “forestry camp,” said Mark Rudnicki, a professor at Michigan Tech and director of the Ford Center and Forest. He added, “It’s really a singular experience because we’re the last university in the country where students go for an entire semester in the field. Our mission is

Michigan Tech continues to operate Alberta Village, above, as a research and educational center. The original village, below, included two schools for the children of workers. (Photos courtesy of Michigan Technological University, above, and The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation)

to keep delivering this unique experience. Our record enrollment numbers suggest that the students really value and appreciate what we’re doing.”

The Michigan Tech College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science website calls the forest surrounding the conference center, dorms and sawmill “a classroom as big as the great outdoors.” The site describes the field-camp students as “Huskies getting hands dirty and feet wet.”

Educational opportunities at the Ford Center extend well beyond the university’s students and faculty. Teachers and natural resources professionals bring what they learn in the Ford Forest back into the K-12 science curriculum and the work they do in the environmental professions. Events such as making maple syrup bring forest resources to life for youth groups and the general public. “The center connects with the natural resource stewards of the future,” the Ford Center website says.

Working sawmill to museum

With a $100,00 donation from Ford in 1997, the sawmill it-

self was renovated and reopened as the Alberta Village Museum, attracting, informing and intriguing visitors for two decades. But it never was self-supporting, and after a health and safety inspection called for major upgrades, Michigan Tech closed it to visitors in 2017.

When the university began talking about tearing the sawmill down, some local residents formed a committee to try to save it, working with the Baraga County Historical Society. Their goal is to restore the sawmill and reopen it as a museum. Rudnicki said Tech would consider a long-term lease of the sawmill if the group comes up with the funding and a viable plan. “It would be nice to have it open again,” he said.

Jennifer Donovan is a freelance writer based in Houghton. She has decades of experience as a newspaper reporter, magazine writer and university communications specialist, most recently as director of news and information at Michigan Technological University.

locals

Collector’s passion for nostalgia gave birth to BAY-CON in Escanaba

Meet ManCave Dave

By Brad Gischia

Pop culture is big business. A quick preview of the movie releases for the upcoming season reveals that the entertainment industry has caught the nostalgia bug. Only three of the scheduled “blockbuster” films aren’t in some way connected with a franchise that already exists.

In the Upper Peninsula, we are not immune. Although there are no huge conventions, no giant stores dedicated to nostalgia, the movement has found a home.

At Bay College in Escanaba, BAYCON will be celebrating its third annual show this month. Houghton has the Geek U.P. Convention in the fall. There are rumors that Marquette will

someday dip its toe into the convention market.

You never can tell when you might catch the pop culture bug. It could be weeks or even months before you realize that it has gotten into your system, has taken over parts of you or maybe morphed into something completely different. At that point, it may be too late.

“I remember seeing part of The Empire Strikes Back on TV, about 1984,” said Dave Laur, avid pop culture collector and creator of BAY-CON. “I would have been about 5 years old, and I was like, ‘What is this?’”

That experience of seeing a portion of a movie on television has changed Laur’s life. What was a chance viewing of a rerun movie turned into fan-

dom. “At that time, there weren’t that many [Star Wars] toys in the stores anymore. I was able to find a clearance speeder bike at Kay-Bee Toys in the mall in Saginaw,” Laur said. “It blew my mind.”

Laur grew up in a golden age of cartoons. In the 1980s, toy manufacturers like Hasbro and Mattel turned their ad executives into cartoon makers, pairing with animation houses like Sunbow and Filmation to create half-hour-long commercials for the toys the companies were producing.

These pairings resulted in cartoons built for toys. He-Man, Voltron, G.I. Joe, M.A.S.K. and Transformers were just some of the big names that drove parents to toy stores, looking for the action figures that their children want-

It’s not difficult to see how Dave Laur acquired the moniker “ManCave Dave.” (Photo courtesy of Dave Laur)

ed so badly for birthdays and Christmases.

Laur was no different. “We didn’t have a lot of money when I was growing up,” he said. “We did have love, which was the most important thing.”

For Laur, that love came in part from going to rummage sales and thrifting with his father on the weekends. “My dad loved books, so he would be all over those,” he said. “We’d go to a lot of used bookstores, and it was always a thrill if I happened to find a He-Man guy or a Star Wars toy.”

That passion continued into his adulthood, and he found himself continuing to frequent garage sales as he got older. He said, “I still love it today — garage-saling and finding those old treasures.”

What changed the game for Laur was finding out that his wife was going to give birth to his first child, a son. “I decided that it would be kind of cool to collect some of those items that I had as a kid, or always wanted, so that I could share them with him,” he said.

you have an emotional connection to. It’s a hard thing to decide sometimes.”

With each streaming service and film company looking for the next big franchise, intellectual property is in high demand. Several G.I. Joe films have been made. There is a new He-Man cartoon exclusively on Netflix. IP is a hot commodity in the industry, and the people who grew up in the ’80s are a large part of their target audience.

His fever worsened. Laur got his family’s Nintendo and cleaned it and fixed it up. “That soon bloomed into more Nintendos and Super Nintendos and toys,” Laur said. “It was at that point that I found out I could sell doubles of things I had, to pay for things I wanted. … That’s turned into a pretty large collection.”

Refining the collection

Laur’s basement has filled with his collection. Whether it be action figures or accessories, new or old, he has a passion for all things that are related to pop culture. “I built more connections, started buying and selling and trading with other collectors, and it really became something where I thought it could be more than just a hobby,” Laur said. He started an LLC and became “ManCave Dave.”

Jessica Beaver is director of admissions at Bay College and a colleague of Laur’s. The first time she saw the man cave, she said, “I was awestruck. And then I thought, ‘Dave is a big nerd, and he’s proud of it.’”

Since that time, Laur has worked to refine his collection, to hew it down to a more manageable size, to create something better out of it all in the process. “It’s nice to make a little money,” Laur said, “but it’s the connections I’ve made, seeing the delight in people’s eyes when they find that toy they forgot all about until they happen upon it. It’s like a time machine that can take you back to when you were 6.”

That time machine is working for Laur. The 6-year-old Dave loved Star Wars and Voltron and He-Man. Adult Dave loves those very same things, but his collection is still evolving. “There have been a few things that have sort of become new passions for me,” he said. “I just got into laserdiscs, so I keep an eye out for those. Some of the other toy lines like M.A.S.K. and Thundercats, I knew they existed when I was a kid, but as I find them now I see how cool they are. While it might not be something I collected then, I find that I’m collecting them now.”

There are pitfalls to collecting, though, traps that ManCave Dave freely admits he’s fallen into. “It’s tricky,” he said. “You can’t collect everything. You have to decide what

Toy companies are not above focusing on their original target market. There have been several instances where Hasbro and Mattel have reissued figures, sometimes complete redesigns, sometimes remolds of the originals. They have evolved so that there are high-end, limited-run versions of toys they made in the 1980s, and those versions can sell for hundreds of dollars.

As toy companies have begun to focus on the 40-something market, Laur said he noticed something about himself and the way he was collecting. “I was buying two of everything,” he said, “and I found that I was just looking at it and putting it in a box in a closet because I didn’t have space for them. I realized that I didn’t have the attachment to the new ones, so I focused my collecting on the originals.”

The focus on these new shows and toys has brought about a resurgence of the old. “I recently started rewatching Voltron,” Laur said. “That was rough. Even my kids were like, ‘What is this?’ It made me realize that you can’t go home again.”

Laur’s youngest has developed a love for the He-Man franchise. “It’s cool to see how excited he gets and to watch the new shows that are coming out,” he said. “It’s been great to share those with my kids, and some of them have really great storylines, but it makes it hard to go back and enjoy the originals.”

‘It’s all about the connections’

Laur wears many hats at his day job. He is the executive director of student life, the Title IX coordinator

Dave Laur’s pop culture collection has filled his basement. (Photo courtesy of Dave Laur)

and in charge of campus security for Bay College in Escanaba. As if those jobs didn’t keep him busy enough, he is also the creator of BAY-CON, a pop culture convention based at the college. The third annual show, “Return of the BAY-CON,” is scheduled for Saturday, April 20.

Beaver, Bay’s admissions director, has been working with Laur for three years. “He is a dreamer,” she said. “He really cares about the students. He can turn any idea he has into reality.” For example, “He turns our conference room into a laser tag venue, and when you walk in you’d never be able to tell it’s a conference room.”

She added, “BAY-CON sort of exploded into something none of us were really ready for. It’s an opportunity for people to be exposed to something they haven’t seen before, and that’s sort of what the higher education experience is supposed to be — learning about things you wouldn’t have learned about, meeting people you wouldn’t normally meet.”

There will be treasures aplenty at BAY-CON. From original art, comic books and records to the kinds of pop culture goodies that ManCave Dave will have on display, there will be something for everyone. Visitors will be able to browse the selections from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“One of the reasons I like BAYCON so much,” Laur said, “is that while it’s a ton of work to put on, you see so many smiles, and people are happy. That time machine thing that I mentioned is happening all over the place. Vendors are happy that people

are excited. People are excited.”

Laur has spent a lot of time at these kinds of shows. Over the years, the garage sales and flea markets and thrift stores have yielded some amazing finds.

“I responded to a Craigslist ad five or six years ago,” Laur said. “It just said, ‘old G.I. Joe.’” Laur went to the address and found a couple in their 70s whose kids had grown and moved on. He went into their basement. “There was a U.S.S. Flagg [a G.I. Joe aircraft carrier] and a Terrordrome [a Cobra base]. There were boxed Star Wars and Transformers toys.” The couple was on the verge of throwing it away

and decided they would post an ad before they did that, much to Laur’s, and their own, benefit.

“I was able to make them an offer that they couldn’t believe,” Laur said. “They didn’t think the stuff was worth anything.” Laur took two truckloads of “amazing plastic memories” out of their basement, and the couple was happy they didn’t have to haul it upstairs.

Another time, Laur was browsing a flea market and found a box of wrestling figures. “In the bottom of the bin,” he said, “there was a ‘Wonderbread He-Man.’” This is the name given to a “buy-three-get-one-free”

deal that Mattel offered in 1982 and 1983. If customers sent in three proofs of purchase for Mattel toys, Mattel would send a Savage He-Man, later colloquially renamed Wonderbread He-Man because of the “W” on his chest plate. The figure had a different paint scheme and came with a few accessories. A quick search of eBay shows that the figures can sell for anywhere from $1,000 to, wait for it, $7,000.

“I was like, ‘What?’ My friend asked me what I was doing, and I realized I was holding up this plastic man’s fuzzy pants to my eye to examine it,” Laur said, laughing. “I probably looked pretty silly.”

Most important to Laur, however, are the relationships that are created through the love of a thing.

“For me, it’s all about the connections,” he said. “I stopped at a garage sale and asked if they had any toys. The two women there kind of gave me a side look and asked me to come into the house.” Laur followed the women inside and found that their mother had a collection that had more than 10,000 dolls, including action figures. Laur and a friend were able to go in and pick through them. He said, “There were G.I. Joes ‘on card’ [still in original packaging], Mego, Over the Top … it was like a time capsule in this house.”

Laur said, though, that the best part was hearing the women talk about their mother as he went through the collection. “They even lent us a DVD they had of their mom talking about her collection,” he said. “It was like

One of the things Dave Laur enjoys about collecting is making personal connections with other collectors. (Photo courtesy of Dave Laur)

we got to know her a bit, like we were part of their family for a little while.”

Laur’s collecting has a few moments that he sees as “holy grail” type events, those times when he found something he wasn’t expecting. One is the Wonderbread He-Man. Another happened when he worked at Marquette University in Milwaukee. “There was a store in Milwaukee called Atomic Records that was going out of business,” Laur recalled. “They had a sealed Guns N’ Roses Appetite for Destruction album. It was pricey. I would go in and visit it all the time. Then one day I went in, and it was gone.”

Later that week, Laur was at a staff meeting with his students, and they pulled out a boombox and started playing the song “Paradise City” from that album. They brought out a pizza box, and inside was the record. “Someone must have been cutting onions in there or something,” Laur said with a laugh. “It was so touching.”

Always on the lookout

Despite the fact that Laur’s collection has spread through his house, he’s always keeping his eyes peeled for new “old” stuff. If you have things that have been sitting unused in your basement for years, you can get in touch with him by email at mancavedave906@gmail.com or text at 920-728-2773.

Laur cautions people before they call, however. “If anyone is looking to get rid of your stuff, myself and others are always on the lookout,” he said. “But be sure you’re ready to really get rid of it, because it’s a lot harder to get back once you’ve let it go. I’ve found out with some of the items I’ve gotten rid of.”

If anyone is interested in volunteer-

ing for BAY-CON this year, there are always opportunities to help. Interested parties should contact BAY-CON’s Facebook page to get that ball rolling.

“Dave’s job is very demanding,” Beaver said. “He sees some of the darkest parts of being a college student. We’re a community college in a small community, so money is tight and everyone wears a million hats. I think this is an opportunity for Dave to put something good out into the world that he can put his name on. BAY-CON is a positive, light sort of event that is open to everyone.

“Dave is interested personally, of course, but he really wants to make it affordable and something fun for people to come to. No matter your age or economic status, you can come to this event and have a good time. It’s a fun, unique thing that is happening in the U.P.”

Laur added, “I know at the end of the day it’s just plastic. It doesn’t really matter. For me, I think it’s all about the memories of simpler times. The world can be a dark place. We all know that, we’ve all gone through a lot of stuff and there is always a lot of stuff ahead to go through. Finding a way to reconnect with simpler times when you didn’t have all those worries and fears, that’s what collecting is about, for me and for a lot of others. It’s more than just the toys. It’s the fun memories and the connections. It’s a lot of fun, and the people part is the best part of all of it.”

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.

Dave Laur is always on the lookout for new items to add to his collection. (Photo courtesy of Dave Laur)

sporting life

Reviving the Wildcats

Matt Majkrzak sparks a new golden age of NMU men’s basketball

By Jim LaJoie

For nearly two decades from 2000 to 2018, the Northern Michigan University men’s basketball program languished in obscurity. Struggling to find a consistent winning edge, the Wildcats won only 43 percent of their games, with 223 victories against 295 defeats.

Fast forward to the 2023-24 season, and the status of the program has improved substantially under the direction of fifth-year coach Matt Majkrzak.

Since he took over the coaching reins in 2019, the Wildcats have gone 86-56 for a 60.6 winning percentage. In 2022-23, Majkrzak led the Wildcats to their first tournament championship in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in 23 years. That team defeated Hillsdale in the first

round of the NCAA tournament and finished with 25 victories, the most in program history.

In the 2023-24 season, the Wildcats’ resurgence under Majkrzak has continued. NMU captured the GLIAC regular-season title for the first time since 1993, posted back-to-back 20-win seasons for the first time in 24 years and earned consecutive berths into the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1999 and 2000. (The Wildcats dropped their firstround NCAA matchup against Ferris State after defeating the Bulldogs twice in the regular season.)

In recognition of these accomplishments, Majkrzak was named GLIAC Coach of the Year. In addition, guard Max Weisbrod earned Player of the Year honors in the conference and forward Dylan Kuehl was named to the First Team and All-Defensive Team.

Strides. Progress. Building a winning culture. All three were high priorities for Majkrzak when he accepted the job in 2019 at the tender age of 28. At the time, he was the youngest Division II men’s head

Matt Majkrzak celebrates the Wildcats’ GLIAC regular season title by cutting down the net at the Berry Events Center. (Photo by Jim LaJoie)

basketball coach in the country.

“When I got here and went through the interview process, I asked, ‘What is wrong? Why are we not winning?’ We had everything in place,” Majkrzak said. “It’s a really cool town, a great college campus, great facilities, a tradition that went back many years. That was what put me over the edge because I knew we could win here. It just fit.”

Fit it has. Attendance for NMU’s final seven home games at the Berry Events Center, including two in the GLIAC tournament, averaged about 1,700. The team’s matchup against Michigan Tech at the end of January drew 2,535. The fans are back. At watering holes and restaurants across the region, supporters are again talking about Northern Michigan University men’s basketball.

Majkrzak came in with a plan to restore NMU basketball, and by all indications, that plan has succeeded. “It had been down for a 10- or 12-year period,” Majkrzak said, reflecting on his early days with the program. “The talent wasn’t where it needed to be to compete at the higher end of the league. … When you aren’t used to winning, you have to find a way where you believe you’re going to win before you actually win.”

To get the program back on track, Majkrzak and his coaching staff made it an “over-the-top” priority to recruit kids who had won in high school or in AAU leagues. “We wanted guys who expected to win,” he said. “That trumped talent early on because we needed to develop a winning culture here.”

That approach has resulted in several high-caliber players setting foot on the NMU hardcourt. “We definitely recruit earlier than everyone else,” said Majkrzak, who owns a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay and a master’s in organizational management from Chadron State. “We try to get kids committed early and be everyone’s first [scholarship] offer. We are early and consistent with the recruiting process. We have to identify the kids before others do.”

To that end, Majkrzak and his assistants “focus on things we don’t like”: “If a player is selfish, not athletic enough to baseline guard, takes shots we don’t value or bad shots … well, they’re off the table,” he said. “If a player complains about his high school or AAU coach, he’s off the table. We get picky. And we recruit the families. We want to meet Mom and Dad and find out what they are about.”

Majkrzak noted that for some kids

WE WANTED GUYS WHO EXPECTED TO WIN. ... WE NEEDED TO DEVELOP A WINNING CULTURE HERE.

—Matt Majkrzak “

who are being recruited from outside the Upper Peninsula, their perception of the U.P. is misleading. “Their minds go somewhere else, but that isn’t Marquette,” he said. “Once they get here, their perspectives change and they say it’s pretty cool living here.

“Our seniors deserve all the credit in the world because they committed to our vision. They had to believe in it and what we could build together. They made it happen, and now it’s a bit easier to recruit. … The right kids want to be here. It’s starting to recruit itself.”

For many, taking over a Division II program at the age of 28 would seem intimidating. Not for Majkrzak. “There was definitely some surrealness to it,” he said. “I said, ‘I’m so young and can’t believe this is hap-

pening.’ I do think I was uniquely prepared for this job, and having coached at Bemidji definitely helped.”

During his four years as the top assistant at Bemidji State in Minnesota, Majkrzak helped increase the Beavers’ win totals every season. In his final year in Bemidji, he led the Beavers’ defense and helped the team improve from 13th to second in the league in defensive field goal percentage.

Majkrzak then spent a single season as head coach at Bryant & Stratton College in Wisconsin. His connections and ability to recruit in that state sold NMU on his candidacy for the Wildcats’ job. “I knew we could recruit there better than anyone,” he said. “That gave us a lot of confidence.”

Forrest Karr, who was NMU’s director of athletics when Majkrzak was hired, said that although Majkrzak lacked head coaching experience at the Division II level, he more than made up for it with his knowledge of the game.

“Matt’s experience was limited, but everything we had learned during the search process made sense and we decided to offer him the opportunity,” said Karr, who is now the director of athletics at Minnesota–Duluth. “I will never forget watching Matt connect with NMU legend Stan Albeck and a group of Northern’s all-time greats at an NMU basketball alumni gathering within a few weeks of being hired. It was clear from the start that Matt was the right person at the right time for the program.”

Karr added that insights from people who had previously worked with Majkrzak really sold the search committee. “Every coach and administrator who I talked with about Matt mentioned his natural ability to connect with people and build relationships, his work ethic and recruiting, his attention to detail and his ability to focus on what is important,” Karr said. “Matt has a detailed understanding of NCAA bylaws and prioritizes the academic success of student-athletes. Perhaps most important, Matt articulated a clear plan for moving our program forward and explained exactly where he will recruit and how he will use resources to maximize success. He is exceptionally organized, and his communication skills are outstanding.”

Ryan Reichel, an NMU basketball alumnus and the varsity girls basketball coach at Ishpeming High School, was on the selection committee that chose Majkrzak. “His philosophy on recruiting was unique,” Reichel said.

“He had a method that stood out and was different than what is traditional. It’s obviously been working by getting [Division I]-caliber players to put on a Wildcat uniform.”

With the program on the rise and national attention flowing freely in the northerly winds, one wonders what the future might hold for the NMU men’s basketball program. Can it maintain this level of consistency on a year-in, year-out basis? What might the future look like?

“Where we are right now is so close to the top,” Majkrzak said. “Now, as we get later in the year, we’re thinking, ‘How can we make next year’s team better than this year’s?’ At some point, you are going to be at the highest level. Big picture? We’re focused on this year and next year.

“It hit us earlier this year, after we went down to Texas and beat a team and lost a close one to a team from Oklahoma, when we said we’re legitimately as good as anyone in the country. Now, there is still a mindset that we are little ol’ Northern Michigan and there is no way we should be beating Grand Valley State or Ferris State. The flip side is our players are good.”

And, like many fans, who understandably had taken a hiatus from attending NMU home games, Majkrzak’s players are enjoying the fruits of their labor. “My favorite thing is watching our kids and seeing them grow up … [and seeing] what [winning] does for the community and all the alumni who are really proud of Northern,” he said. “Some went away and didn’t love it as much as they used to. It’s changed, and people are genuinely excited to talk about it. If you

Dylan Kuehl has been an all-conference performer for Northern Michigan University. (Photo by Jim LaJoie)

build it, they will come.”

Next season, NMU’s men’s and women’s basketball teams will begin play in a new home, Vandament Arena. The current home of the NMU women’s volleyball team, Vandament is being renovated to accommodate all three squads. The updated complex will seat between 1,400 and 1,700 fans, creating an intimate setting that will presumably spur a raucous environment to give NMU a clear-cut home-court advantage.

“Practicing in there every day is going to be monumental,” Majkrzak said. “That was the biggest drawback to our program [in playing at the Berry, which is the home for Wildcat hockey]. Basketball, more than any other sport, benefits from having noise and the crowd feeling part of the game. At the Berry, I’m sure there are fans who are further away and not really drawn into the game. It will be right on top of you and will be loud. It will be good for us.”

With a new home on the horizon and with the notoriety of recent success in his back pocket, Majkrzak —

viewed by many in basketball circles as an up-and-coming coach — is often asked whether he plans to leave Marquette for a better opportunity.

“Every year I get asked that more and more, and other schools use it against us in recruiting,” said Majkrzak, whose wife, Lindsey, is the head coach of NMU’s women’s lacrosse team. “Throughout the last five years, Northern is a better job than what it was. We’re trying to elevate the program big-picture-wise to get this program to a spot where you’re not leaving. That’s made it easy to stay.

“We are seeing the progress and growth, and you ask yourself, ‘Where would I actually go to?’ We have it better than most. We’ve elevated our program, and for us to leave, it would take something kind of crazy.” MM

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.

The Northern Michigan University men’s basketball team under Matt Majkrzak has won 71.2 percent of its games over the past two seasons, which included back-toback trips to the NCAA tournament. (Photo courtesy of NMU)

Forging an identity

The Toledo War and the Upper Peninsula’s place in Michigan back then

By Jennifer Champagne

In the annals of American history, few conflicts are as peculiar as the Toledo War — a nearly bloodless skirmish that pitted Michigan against Ohio in a battle for territory and identity. Beyond the surface of this historical footnote lies a tale of political maneuvering, socioeconomic shifts and enduring rivalries that continue to shape the region to this day.

The Toledo War, spanning from 1835 to 1836, emerged from the murky waters of a poorly defined border between the burgeoning Michigan Territory and the state of Ohio. At the heart of the dispute lay the Toledo Strip — a 450-square-mile stretch of land coveted by both parties. Michigan’s repeated applications for statehood were met with denials, as it refused to relinquish its claim to the coveted strip, setting the stage for a showdown that would test the resolve of both states.

The origins of the Toledo War lie in the vagueness of the border demarcation between Ohio and the Michigan Territory, as stipulated in the Northwest Ordinance of 1787. However, the conflict intensified as Michigan sought statehood and the contentious Toledo Strip, with its commercially valuable port at the mouth of the Maumee River, became a stumbling block. Stevens T. Mason — Michigan’s “Boy Governor,” who’d been named acting territorial governor in his early 20s — emerged as a central figure, adamantly asserting his state’s claim to the disputed land.

In 1835, tensions escalated as Ohio Gov. Robert Lucas mobilized militia forces, while Mason countered by occupying Toledo with Michigan militiamen. Despite these confrontations, the conflict remained largely devoid of violence, with only one minor skirmish at Phillips Corners, where Michigan militia captured several members of an Ohio surveyor team.

President Andrew Jackson’s administration, led by Attorney General Benjamin Butler, initially supported Michigan’s claim. However, Michigan’s residents remained dissatisfied

The Toledo War pitted the political fortunes of Stevens T. Mason, Michigan’s territorial governor, left, against those of Ohio’s governor, Robert Lucas. (Illustration by Mike McKinney)

with the suggestion of jointly administering the region with Ohio. Consequently, Mason enacted the Pains and Penalties Act of 1835 in the Michigan Territory to counter Ohio’s jurisdiction claims over the disputed strip. This law allowed Michigan authorities to arrest and punish Ohio officials and individuals found in the contested area without a trial. The act escalated tensions between Michigan and Ohio during the conflict.

The turning point came with the intervention of Jackson, who relieved Mason of his duties and signed a bill in 1836 allowing Michigan to achieve statehood on the condition of ceding the Toledo Strip to Ohio. In return, Michigan was granted the western three-quarters of the Upper Peninsula — a piece of the Northwest Territory that would prove to be immensely valuable due to its abundant natural resources.

The resolution of the Toledo War came not on the battlefield but in the hallowed halls of Congress after Michigan eventually accepted Jackson’s terms. The compromise, while initially contentious, laid the groundwork for Michigan’s admission to the Union on Jan. 26, 1837.

Dr. Russell Magnaghi, a professor emeritus at Northern Michigan University and a leading authority on Michigan history, sheds light on the enduring rivalry between the two states. “There wasn’t significant tension between the two states following the resolution,” he said. “However, there may have been some lingering animosity, as evidenced by humorous incidents like the inclusion of ‘Go Blue’ on a Michigan map near Toledo in the 1970s.”

Indeed, the rivalry between the University of Michigan Wolverines and the Ohio State University Buckeyes is deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of both states. Although there is no evidence that the competitive spirit stems from the Toledo War, this collegiate clash does seem to transcend mere athletics, symbolizing the enduring competition and occasional friction between Michigan and Ohio.

Beyond the gridiron, however, the Toledo War had far-reaching implications for both states, particularly in reshaping their demographics and economic landscapes. The acquisition of the Upper Peninsula, initially met with hesitation on Michigan’s part, proved to be a boon for the state, unlocking a treasure trove of natural resources.

Magnaghi elaborates on the socioeconomic conditions of the Upper Peninsula at the time of its inclusion

in Michigan. “Despite misconceptions about the U.P. being a barren land, there was already knowledge about its valuable resources, including copper and timber,” he said. “However, even as late as the early 20th century, perceptions of the U.P. as a frozen wasteland persisted, hindering its development.”

The discovery of minerals and timber in the Upper Peninsula sparked a wave of migration, transforming the region into a melting pot of ethnic diversity. By around 1900, the U.P. was home to a diverse mix of ethnic groups, drawn by the promise of economic opportunity and a chance to carve out a new life in the wilderness.

“When considering a place like Calumet and the Copper Country, the area around Calumet had about six Catholic churches for different ethnic groups, along with Lutheran churches for Scandinavians, Swedish Methodist churches, Swedish Baptist churches and so on,” Magnaghi said. “This diverse population developed in what was essentially a wilderness area.”

Yet, despite the rich tapestry of cultures that emerged in the U.P., preservation efforts of the region’s history remain limited. While initiatives like the commemoration of the U.P.’s “birthday” on Dec. 18 offer glimpses into the past, there’s a palpable sense that the full extent of the region’s historical significance has yet to be realized.

As Magnaghi notes, the lessons of the Toledo War extend far beyond the borders of Michigan and Ohio. They serve as a cautionary tale against the pitfalls of political maneuvering and the importance of thorough deliberation before taking action.

“I think the major point is not to get caught up in the politics and the political philosophy,” Magnaghi said. “Before you act in some sort of political philosophical anger, it would have been wise to sit down and consider all the evidence.”

The Toledo War, with its blend of political intrigue and cultural complexity, serves as a microcosm of the broader struggles that define American history. It’s a reminder that behind every boundary line and territorial claim lies a story — a story of ambition, rivalry and the enduring quest for identity. And as long as the annals of history continue to turn, the legacy of the Toledo War will endure, a testament to the enduring spirit of two states bound by a shared history and an ongoing feud.

An accomplished visual effects and entertainment trade press writer based in the U.P., Jennifer Champagne has contributed articles to Millimeter Magazine, Visual Magic, DCC, Digital Media Net, Interactivity Magazine, Animation Magazine, AWN and Ambassador Magazine

locals

Promoting democracy

League of Women Voters encourages informed participation in government and public policy

By Erin Elliott Bryan

On Feb. 14, 1920 — six months before the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which granted women the right to vote — the national League of Women Voters was formally organized in Chicago. Carrie Chapman Catt, president of the National American Woman Suffrage Association, described the purpose of the new organization:

“The League of Women Voters is not to dissolve any present organization but to unite all existing organizations of women who believe in its principles,” Chapman Catt said. “It is not to lure women from partisanship but to combine them in an effort for legislation which will protect coming movements, which we cannot even foretell, from suffering the untoward conditions which have hindered for so long the coming of equal suffrage. Are the women of the United States big enough to see their opportunity?”

More than a century later, women (and men) in Marquette County continue to see — and seize — that opportunity. “The League’s mission is to encourage participation in democracy,” said Laura Sabo, communication coordinator and spokesperson for the League of Women Voters of Marquette County. “It’s extremely important to participate at the local level as that has the biggest impact on your life.”

The League of Women Voters of Marquette County, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

The League organizes candidate forums, registers new voters and observes local government meetings, among other activities. It does not support or oppose any political party or candidate. Monthly membership meetings are open to all.

In February, the League partnered with Peter White Public Library on its Community Conversations series

titled “Media Smart” to help community members understand information literacy. As part of the series, the League moderated a panel discussion on misinformation in the media that included Andrew LaCombe, news director of TV6 and FOX UP, Walt Lindala, network news director of Media Brew Communications, and Nicole Walton, news director of WNMU-FM.

The event drew about 75 people despite the fact that local schools were closed that day because of the weather. The full video of the discussion can be found on the library’s YouTube channel.

Roots in women’s suffrage

The League of Women Voters of Marquette County was first organized in September 1968 with 46 charter members. Like all Leagues around the country, the local group traces its roots to the women’s suffrage movement.

In Marquette County, women had been active in the suffrage movement since the early 1900s with local efforts led by Abby Roberts, daughter of business leader John M. Longyear. Roberts helmed the Woman’s Welfare Club, an early local suffrage

group, which sent a delegation to the Michigan State Equal Suffrage Convention in Saginaw in 1915. She also participated in speaking engagements, parades and other activities that culminated in the ratification of the 19th Amendment five years later.

“Various suffrage organizations realized that there was a whole new batch of people — women — who had to be educated as new voters,” Sabo said.

Beginning with its founding in 1968, the League of Women Voters of Marquette County organized candidate forums, compiled voter guides with The Mining Journal and held a 1969 fund drive for the Know Your County booklet project that described the functions and operation of governmental units.

That same year, the Marquette County group took up the question of “Taxation and the Financing of Public Education in Michigan,” an in-depth study of the options for paying for schools through income, property or other taxes, and the appropriate allocation of that responsibility among federal, state and local units of government.

By the late 1970s, membership had grown to some 120 members. A 1994

Members of the League of Women Voters participate in many activities, such as this Promote the Vote event at the Marquette Commons. (Photo courtesy of the League of Women Voters of Marquette County)

event at the Historical Society Museum (now the Marquette Regional History Center) celebrated the struggle for women’s rights, the passage of the 19th Amendment and some of the pioneers who had helped to establish the League in Marquette County and throughout the U.P.

But over time, membership began to dwindle as more women entered the workforce and there was less participation from younger women. The local group disbanded in 2006. “People are just not particularly concerned with this kind of stuff anymore,” a member noted at the time. “Maybe it will arise that they’ll need us one more time.”

Following the 2016 election, a new group of five women and one man sought to revive the local League. In April 2017, the group began meeting with the League of Women Voters of Delta County, which provided guidance and leadership.

The League of Women Voters of Marquette County became a unit under the League of Women Voters of Delta County for a year, then was monitored by the state organization for another year. The League of Women Voters of Marquette County became independent in November 2019.

The local League has a growing membership of about 114 members and is a 501(c)4 nonprofit, nonpartisan organization. Yearly dues are $70 for an individual, $105 for a household and free for students 16 and older. Membership in the local League also includes membership in the state and national Leagues.

In addition to Delta County, other U.P. Leagues exist in the Houghton and Sault Ste. Marie areas.

“My interest in joining the League of Women Voters was because they’re nonpartisan,” said Sabo, who also values the organization’s emphasis on policy education. “We want voters to make educated decisions. That is most important to me, to get as many people as possible voting.”

Convener Jo Foley described her first League meeting as “one of the best-run meetings I’d ever been to” and was inspired by the people who were willing to volunteer. “There was a palpable energy and enthusiasm for working together,” Foley said. “I wanted to stick with the group and see where it went.”

Sabo and Foley now serve in leadership positions. Together with David Allen, who serves as liaison to the state and national Leagues, the three share the organization’s presidential duties. “I wouldn’t have done it in an organization that didn’t give support,”

Foley said. “You can’t achieve your goals if you can’t organize yourselves well and work together.”

The board of directors also includes the secretary and treasurer and five additional members.

A wide range of activities

To further its mission of voter education, particularly in election years, some of the League’s most important and public events are candidate forums. In October 2023, the League hosted dual forums with the candidates for the Marquette City Commission and the Marquette Board of Light and Power. “It helps voters discern the difference between candidates live and in their own voices,” Foley said.

The League also compiles its Voter Guide, which is available in print, and offers candidates’ answers to questions posed by the local League on a variety of policies. “A lot of people are working hard on that when elections are coming up,” Foley said.

The Voter Guide is set to come out right before absentee ballots are mailed, which is 40 days before the election. “We want to have that information out there in time for people to use it,” Sabo said.

Voter information is also available online at vote411.org, a website of the national League of Women Voters Education Fund, a 501(c)3 nonpartisan, nonprofit education organization. Sabo describes the site as a “one-stop shop for nonpartisan election information” that provides “factual information on candidates and issues.”

Members of the League’s Observer Corps attend local governmental meetings to observe, summarize and report back to the League and the community. These meetings include those of the Marquette City Commission, the Marquette Board of Light and Power, the Marquette Township Board, the Marquette County Transit Authority and the Marquette County Solid Waste Management Authority. “This project strengthens citizens’ right to know about local officials and their official decisions and provides an opportunity to learn about county, city and township governments,” Sabo said.

Many League members also serve as election workers, and some serve on the Marquette County Board of Canvassers. “We try to keep a light on everything we can happening locally,” Foley said. “When people know how things work, they’re less susceptible to disinformation about the process.”

The League also works to register new voters and partners with other organizations such as NMU’s Northern Votes, the coordinator of which is

a local League member. The League also participates in National Voter Registration Day each September.

For children in preschool through middle school, the League has hosted its Hooked on Voting program at Peter White Public Library, the Negaunee Public Library and the U.P. Children’s Museum to educate kids about citizenship, elections and government through hands-on activities. The students vote for a project to improve their own neighborhood, and it is then proposed to their local government. “Kids get a sense of what voting can mean in real time,” Foley said.

The League also partners with organizations such as Voters Not Politicians, which engages with state legislators “to pass good-governance reforms to protect voting rights, strengthen our democracy and ensure political power remains in the hands of the voters,” according to its website.

It may seem like a lot of work, but the local League members have fun, too. Members participate in Adopta-Highway cleanups, have served as backup timers for the NMU swim team, marched in the Fourth of July parade and decorated Christmas trees for Peter White Public Library’s Winter Wonderland. They also hosted an event at the MRHC to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the national League of Women Voters and the 19th Amendment that included costumes and skits.

But, above all, members of the League of Women Voters of Marquette County are committed to staying nonpartisan.

“The League of Women Voters is very firmly nonpartisan, and we take it very seriously,” Foley said. “We train each other to stay calm and not engage in political conversations. We’re here to educate on issues and assist people in voting. And how we

stay nonpartisan in public events, people have come to trust that of us and trust our integrity.”

The next meeting of the League of Women Voters of Marquette County will take place on Wednesday, April 3 at Peter White Public Library. Social time will begin at 6:15 p.m., followed by the meeting at 6:30 p.m. The public is welcome to attend.

In the last year, the League initiated a land acknowledgement before meetings and began recording meetings and special events. The videos are posted on the League’s YouTube channel so closed captioning can be utilized.

Among the education programs that have been presented to the membership or the community were those that focused on the Electoral College, gun violence, challenges to women running for office in Michigan, local environmental issues and recycling in Marquette County.

The League’s annual meeting will take place on June 5 at Ore Dock Brewing Co., which will include awards and a celebration of the year’s accomplishments. Looking further ahead, the League will host a forum featuring all candidates for Michigan’s 109th state House district on June 25 and an event with Mark Brewer, legal counsel for the League of Women Voters of Michigan, on Aug. 14.

Additional events are planned on local governance, voting rights and “soft spots and potential vulnerabilities” of the state and federal electoral system.

The League is active on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. For information, visit lwvmqt.org. MM

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

The League of Women Voters hosted candidate forums at Kaufman Auditorium last October before the Marquette City Commission and Marquette Board of Light and Power elections. (Photo courtesy of the League of Women Voters of Marquette County)

the arts

Lena Maude builds a following through introspective lyrics, evocative vocals and expert use of a looping pedal

‘My songs are wonky’

Back in the seat of a Lumina van, year 95 slips into fashion again. Flintstone orange sorbet pop fell on the blacktop filled in the cracks that lead to the deeplands where Beetlejuice sand snakes hunt for those who can see compared to daylight the dark isn’t scary. It’s unbridled fear that has no boundaries. I’ve stepped outside. Swallow me up.

—“Swallow Me Up”

by Lena Maude

By Lily Venable

In the heart of the Keweenaw resides multi-instrumental “freak folk” singer-songwriter Lena Maude, who has carved her place into the bedrock of the local music scene. Her unique blend of lyrical verbosity, melodic vocals and use of a looping pedal all combine to produce an eclectic sound with an overarching ethos that dances between morose sincerity and incredible playfulness.

Ethereal yet grounded, raw yet sincere, haunting yet visceral, her work weaves colorful tales of memory, dreams and the intimately personal. But who is Lena Maude?

Hailing from Holton, a tiny town outside of Muskegon, Maude grew up in a musically inclined, church-going family, many of whom were also self-taught guitar players. “I was the youngest, relegated to playing bass on our church’s praise team,” she said. “My middle sister was the drummer of the family, and the eldest played guitar.”

Having spent much of her childhood listening exclusively to Christian rock, Maude remembers very clearly the first time she heard secular music. It was a copy of Jewel’s Pieces of You album, a gift discreetly bequeathed by her eldest sister. Alongside a copy of Enya’s A Day Without Rain, checked out from the local library, she developed a burgeoning love of music as a creative outlet and a form of self-expression.

Maude journaled religiously as a child and was a voracious reader and writer, having kept a journal as long as she’s been able to write. “Starting in fourth grade, I began writing my own poems,” she said. “My first writ-

ing tree, I had to climb and use a rope to swing up to a branch to write. There was a red oak I wrote and napped in a lot, too. I would walk around fields singing little songs to myself. I would walk to the library and rent bags of books. I read all the time. I would copy words I didn’t know and write the definitions from the dictionary.

“Around 15, I announced [to my father] I wanted to play guitar, and one day I came home to find a guitar on my bed. The best gift my mom and dad ever gave me. It is the guitar I still gig with today.”

Despite a genetic predisposition to the art form, Maude has created music that strikes a chord that’s entirely her own. She recollects that at one point, the world just wasn’t quite ready for it.

“I actually cried because I tried out for choir,” she said. “I can’t hit a clear, straight note that well. I quit piano lessons because [the teacher] wouldn’t let me pass because I couldn’t hit a chord perfect; it always had a little swing on it. My songs are wonky, and that makes it somehow work out. It’s far from perfect.”

Maude’s immersive musical style

involves multitasking between singing, strumming and the use of a six-channel looping pedal through which she puts different instrumental sounds. Coupled with her songwriting skills, Maude is a one-woman show often affecting the sounds of a full band. The looping pedal was an instrument she picked up and mastered intuitively, using it like a third limb, turning idea into art like a chef with her favorite cutting knife.

If you’ve ever had the fortune of witnessing a live show of hers, you’ve also been entranced by Maude’s playful vocals that push the boundaries of what sounds humans can make. She traces her quirky use of vocals to a formative time of her childhood.

“My sister had a speech impediment,” she said. “When we were young, people couldn’t understand us, so I think it might have come from that. From [birth to age 5], no one could understand us! We communicated with noises a lot. We played a lot of make-believe.”

Maude commented that from birth

to age 7, you’ve become who you were always going to be. And because of her childhood, Maude would always be a bookworm, naturally inclined to song, and a wistful dreamer who sought out wilderness — which is why she headed to the Keweenaw.

Maude attended Michigan Tech, where she graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. She also studied environmental engineering and spent many years in nature-based circles of the Keweenaw.

So, she was asked, why make music? “Ugh, ’cause I can’t help it! Because if I don’t write, I’m a horrible, nasty little person,” she said with a laugh. “I’m just a sad little sack of shit if I don’t write music.”

Maude is driven by a desire to explore the intersection of wilderness, mythology, psychology and dreams and is heavily influenced by writers like Joseph Campbell, whose work in mythology and comparative religion, she believes, “brings a playfulness to the deep.”

Lena Maude performs at the Orpheum Theater in Hancock. Her next show there is scheduled for April 6. (Photo courtesy of Jenna De Lisle)

Other inspirations stem directly from the musings of German-Swiss poet and novelist Hermann Hesse, author of the classic texts Steppenwolf and Siddhartha, and American naturalist Edward Abbey, specifically Desert Solitaire, a memoir about his days as a park ranger, and Black Sun, a western and romance novel.

Drawing inspiration from these mythopoeic sources, along with what she refers to as the “ponderances” of nature, Maude weaves tales that resonate with the sometimes murky depths of the soul. Each strum of her guitar and reverberation of voice carry with it the weight of human emotion, guided by her self-reflective lyricism.

“I have really detailed, long dreams,” Maude said. “A chunk of ‘Damned Pout’ and ‘Swallow Me Up’ are about the same dream. I walked into a dingy thrift store with a friend from high school.”

In these two songs on her Demigoddess Dealers album, Maude describes a dimly lit and claustrophobic space, windowless and crammed full of precariously stacked boxes, tended by a mysterious woman who seemed indifferent to their presence. “There was a beaded curtain, and she was like, ‘There’s more back there.’ When I went through the beaded curtain, what I saw was big cathedral windows,” she said. “It opened up into an immaculate space.”

Maude’s lyrics explore the depths of dreams and the hints of childhood nostalgia they radiate, with mentions of ’80s favorites like Beetlejuice and Flintstone push-pops.

As for future compositions, Maude admits to having a massive backlog of songs written and a constant stream of new ideas. She traces her major influences to Juana Molina, Regina Spektor and Tierra Whack, particularly her album Whack World

“[Whack’s] got this grungy aspect that I like, but in a clean sort of fun way,” Maude said. “Like the cute sides of Deadpool. Or like the dark side of The Last Unicorn. It’s kinda dark and creepy but not disgusting. But Tierra tackles tough topics, this quirkiness mixed with style but also touching on the deep.”

Maude said she feels a sense of responsibility to use her talents to be a functioning part of her community. “This is a gift I’ve been given,” she said. “Gotta use it, because people are inspired by it, even if to me it seems like the musings of a mad person.”

She added, “I was afforded a lot of free play and free time to cultivate and channel creativity in my youth.” Just like the untamed wilderness the

populace wishes to conserve, Maude continues to protect her free time and play: “I wish it for every human. … I wish awe and reverence, curiosity, brilliant ‘aha’ moments and recognition of one’s passion, to everyone.”

Maude’s artistic transfusions aren’t limited to music. She is also a print artist and muralist for hire, working with tile, oil, watercolor and chalk, and makes original artwork for many of her songs and albums. She can also occasionally be found tabling at events like the Copper Harbor Art Fair. Selling her artwork helps further her career as a solo musician.

Maude’s music can be streamed on SoundCloud, Bandcamp, Spotify and via her own website, lenamaude.com, where visitors can find information on upcoming shows and purchase some of her whimsical prints and other artwork.

The music video for her song “Sometimes I’m Fine” has been storyboarded with the help of volunteers from Michigan Tech. Stay up to date on the shooting schedule by following Maude on Instagram @lenamaude.

Upcoming shows include April 6 at the Orpheum Theater in Hancock; April 12 at Superior Culture in Marquette; and May 7 at Blackrocks Brewery in Marquette.

Lily Venable is a community-oriented creative in the Keweenaw. Her favorite song by Lena Maude is “Same Galaxy,” and it’s on Spotify.

Lena Maude says she feels a sense of responsibility to share her talents with her community. (Photo courtesy of Adam Johnson, brockit inc.)

in the outdoors

Spring ephemerals: Nature’s gifts

Story and photos by Scot Stewart

“Springtime flowers bloom like colorful arrows piercing their way to the sun.”

—Terri Guillemets

Enduring an Upper Peninsu-

la winter is usually a test of strength, patience and faith. Some years it may stretch from mid-October until early May. While this winter is definitely an anomaly, it has offered storms and freezing temperatures. In some ways, it has been even more challenging because of the lack of opportunities to enjoy many winter activities while still leaving questions about the season’s outcomes. May 2023, after all, saw the biggest single storm of the entire winter in some areas of the U.P.

Winter, we know, will come to an end at some point, and the page will turn to a new season: spring. A walk through the woods in early spring — just as the leaves of maple, beech, birch and poplar trees begin to open

— always offers the wonder of fragrant, beautiful surprises.

Fluttering like gleams of afternoon sunshine, over curled brown leaves and patches of snow, are American lady and mourning cloak butterflies, stopping in sunlit glades to warm their sleepy bodies. A blue-spotted salamander may still be slipping surprisingly quickly to a nearby pond to look for a mate and a chance to continue the species. Small sprigs of green begin to peek through the rich-smelling soil. And in a few spots, there is the splash of new colors — flowers.

The earliest flowers in April and May are called ephemerals — meaning they last just a short time. The success of these flowers depends on their ability to find suitable insect partners, mostly bees, flies, wasps and ants, to discover and pollinate them before they are shrouded in the shadows of the trees overhead.

By the time most hikers get out for walks in these woods, the flowers have bloomed and set seed and their leaves have withered, done for the

season. A few, like Jack-in-the-pulpit, have bright, colorful seeds or fruits meant to attract animals to eat and carry the seeds off to new locations. Mother plants of most species may be difficult to find unless hikers have a good knowledge of habitat, know exactly what to look for in remnant plant parts or have the sheer luck to find a late-blooming plant.

Earliest appearances

In just a few Upper Peninsula spots, the earliest flowering plants are found growing in wet, swampy areas with standing water. Eastern skunk cabbage is one of the most remarkable wildflowers found in Michigan and is the first flower to bloom in the areas where it is found in the U.P. Tough, durable flowers wrapped in a bright or mottled yellow burgundy red, skunk cabbage flowers have a thick spathe or outer covering that protects a spadix, the bright yellow reproductive part of the flower inside.

What makes them so remarkable is their hardiness. They often emerge

during a full covering of snow on their surroundings and have the ability to produce the heat necessary to melt the snow around them, rising up from roots that can be up to a foot long. The flowers can raise the temperature within the spathe up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit for two weeks, melting through a special chemical process in the cells of the flower called cyanide-resistant respiration.

The cells produce heat instead of ATP, a chemical needed to regulate metabolism that burns sugar that was stored in the roots. The heat melts any snow around it and keeps the inside warm enough to help the flower complete its maturation because the spathe never completely opens. It is actually a challenge to see the inner workings of the yellow spadix in most flowers because of the small opening in the flowers.

The powers of skunk cabbage don’t stop there. They produce a skunky aroma to accompany their fleshlike color. This smell attracts flies fooled into thinking they are visiting decom-

Spring ephemerals found in the Upper Peninsula include, from left, the trout lily, red trillium and large-flowered trillium (up close). (Photos by Scot Stewart)

posing flesh. Other insects may also wander into the spathes because of the warmth. As they explore the spadix inside, they pick up pollen grains. Calcium oxalate in the leaves and flowers discourages the nibbling of animals like snowshoe hares and deer looking for newly sprouted vegetation after a long winter. Native peoples frequently boiled or dried leaves and roots to break down the poison to produce medications for treating asthma, whooping cough and a variety of other respiratory ailments.

Skunk cabbage often grows in colonies. This is especially true in Marquette, where an individual planted a few plants years ago in Harvey; that patch entails hundreds today. The swamps of Isle Royale National Park also include a number of skunk cabbage colonies.

Another early bloomer with an entirely different approach to spring is an evergreen shrub with one of the most fragrant aromas of the season. Trailing arbutus is classified as an ev-

ergreen shrub but rarely stands more than two or three inches tall. They live under pines or mixed forests with maple, birch, poplar and pine and produce clusters of small white or pinkish flowers in April. They are scented with an intoxicatingly sweet aroma similar to gardenias. They require an “on your knees, get down and stick your nose in the flowers” fragrance, with a reward to keep the admirer coming back for more.

Because they are evergreen, they are easy to find in very early spring, but their flowers bloom early; not all plants bloom every year; and they are a tough find once May arrives. They may provide an early source of food for bumblebees and spruce grouse. Fruits are white and fleshy providing food for ants. In summer their leaves host larvae of hoary elfins — delicate, small butterflies.

A flood of wildflowers

After skunk cabbage and trailing arbutus bloom, there is a flood

Trout lilies and spring beauties bloom under an American beech tree at Laughing Whitefish Falls State Park. (Photo by Scot Stewart)

of early forest wildflowers. Maple, beech and aspen forests surrounding Laughing Whitefish Falls State Park and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore hold a wonderful diversity of these early flowers. Hairy-stemmed round and sharp-lobed hepaticas, with their evergreen leaves, are among the first of these deep forest flowers to bloom. They are amazing plants because the color of their flowers is an incredible spectrum of hues ranging from white to pink to magenta to lavender and purple. Their hairy flower stems may discourage some animals from nibbling on the new growth.

Because these flowers have a gamble every spring — hoping to bloom and be pollinated after the insects emerge and before they get shaded out — most have bright colors. Besides white and the purple-to-pink of the hepatica, there are plenty of yellows.

Trout lilies — small lilies with marbled brown and green leaves — come in two species. A white species is found in only a few spots in the Upper Peninsula, like the Sturgeon River Canyon of Houghton County. It is

The natural range of Dutchman’s breeches includes central and eastern North America. (Photo by Scot Stewart)

also found in Ontonagon County and most of the southern Lower Peninsula. The more common yellow trout lily is found in all but six Michigan counties, including Iron County in the U.P. It is common in the forests growing over limestone in much of the southern and eastern U.P. A third lily, the bellwort, is a taller plant, blooming later than the trout lilies with bright yellow flowers. It is found across parts of the central and western U.P. and most of the Lower Peninsula.

Perhaps the gentlest of all the early spring flowers is the spring beauty. Its pink-lined flowers grow atop stems reaching above the leaves. Flowers produce a sweet, light fragrance and close on cool nights and reopen on warm days. These flowers often produce a wonderful aroma across the forest floor across many places in the U.P. each spring.

Spring beauty flowers attract a wide variety of bees seeking nectar

and flies collecting pollen. These are insects active as soon as spring begins to warm in April and early May. Chipmunks and mice may also dig up and eat corms, underground tissue connected to roots storing starches. Native peoples ate the corms too, but corms are extremely small and require a great deal of energy to secure.

White and yellow make up the two colors of one of the tallest spring flowers, the large-flowered trillium. Familiar to most residents of the central U.P. because of the large patches they often create, they are common across great spans of Alger and Luce counties along U.S.-41 and M-28. The petals are pure white, and the reproductive parts including the pollen are intensely yellow.

It has two similar U.P. relatives, the nodding trillium and the red trillium. The former has a single white flower that droops below its three leaves and often goes unnoticed. Seed pods are

Marsh marigolds, above, bring wetlands to life with their vibrant yellow. Trailing arbutus, below, is classified as an evergreen shrub. (Photos by Scot Stewart)

brilliant red. The red trillium is similar to its large-flowered cousin except the flowers are deep magenta. In the U.P., it is found only in Alger County; downstate, it is in counties close to the Great Lakes. What might confuse some is the fact that the large-flowered trillium’s white petals have a habit of turning deep pink as they mature; but they are still far lighter and larger than the red trillium flowers.

Other U.P. species

Two really interesting spring ephemerals are the Dutchman’s breeches and squirrel corn. Both have similar leafy growths, and the flowers are grouped in bunches on long stems. Each takes its name from its flowers’ shapes. Dutchman’s breeches look like a string of yellow and white pants hanging upside down on a long stalk. The squirrel corn flowers are creamy white and look like bunches of hominy kernels. Both are common across most of the state. Dutchman’s breeches have no scent, but squirrel corn produces a fragrance similar to hyacinths. A relative, the wild bleeding heart, a magenta-colored flower, is found in a few places around Marquette as it apparently escaped from samples brought to the area from the east.

Squirrel corn plants have leaves similar to those of Dutchman’s breeches but tend to be a little more bluish in color. Like the Dutchman’s breeches, the leaves are described as fernlike. Unlike the Dutchman’s breeches, squirrel corn flowers do have a delicate, sweet fragrance.

Bloodroot is another ephemeral with pure white petaled flowers,

like shining stars on the forest floor, each wrapped in a leaf that does not completely open until the flowers are nearly done blooming. Those pure white flowers look like single blossom bouquets, each wrapped in a fanshaped leaf. The plant gets its name from the bright orange-red sap in the roots. While the root sap can irritate the skin, Native peoples used it as an antiseptic, insect repellent, war paint

and dye for clothing and baskets. Waxy white fruits dry and split to release seeds. It is found across the U.P. except in Gogebic County.

Jack-in-the-pulpit is one of the most unusual spring flowers and, as part of the arum family, is related to skunk cabbage. The flowers are striped in green and brownish-purple with a brown columnlike spadix with the plants’ reproductive parts hidden in the middle. Flowers often can be a challenge to find, as they grow on separate stalks below the plant’s one to two leaves each divided into thirds. As young perennials, the plants’ flowers may only produce male sex organs. They need to be at least five years old to have flowers with both female and male organs, and large mature plants may have flowers with only female parts. Flowers with organs of both sexes can produce a group of fruits. They are also capable of switching back and forth between male and female plants depending on how much energy is stored in the main root during the previous growing season.

Jack-in-the-pulpits can also reproduce through cormlets, growing from the roots and producing colonies of plants. Like the skunk cabbage, the purplish parts of the flower can at-

Hepatica americana, the round-lobed hepatica, is a member of the buttercup family. (Photo by Scot Stewart)

tract flies and gnats looking for rotting flesh; by crawling over the spadix, the insects collect pollen on their feet and legs to carry to other flowers and pollinate them. They also share the characteristic of producing calcium oxalate to discourage browsers. Jackin-the-pulpits are found in very moist soil often close to streams and in deep wet draws between hills. They will produce bright red fruits, each with five seeds, that are visible later in the summer and are occasionally eaten by small mammals and birds.

A few other flowers like the two-leaved toothwort, small-flowered plants, may also appear with some of these forest flowers. Their white flowers grow in bunches on upright stems and have peppery flavored roots that have been grated, mixed with vinegar and used as a substitute for horseradish. Bright yellow marsh marigolds bring swamps and other wetlands to life with their intense yellow flowers.

Spring challenges

Spring ephemerals run a race each year with two challenges. Because they are among the first plants appearing on the forest floor each spring and advertise their presence with bright flowers, they must provide some measure of protection against herbivory. Dutchman’s breeches and squirrel corn contain large amounts of strong alkaloids, making them all but unpalatable. For the former, voles may eat their tubers while two-spotted bumblebees, bees with long tongues, may find their nectar. Contact with sap and leaves can irritate the skin of humans; if cattle eat it, they can develop breathing problems and experience other health issues that can lead to death. As a result of those alkaloids, most animals avoid the plants altogether.

For the squirrel corn, limited contact can cause irritation to human skin lasting only a few moments, but most

animals avoid them too. Jack-in-thepulpits and skunk cabbage, as mentioned, contain calcium oxalate so nearly all animals take a single bite at most before backing off and looking elsewhere for food.

The other challenge spring ephemerals have is finding pollinators before the canopy of tree leaves shade over the flowers and make it too difficult for the insects to find them. With all the changes in the climate, that timing can get even trickier as the sequence for insect emergences, flower blooming and the opening of tree leaves must all be just right for pollination to be successful.

Those lovely flowers do all they can to be ready with their welcoming notes in the first opportunities to usher in the new season. Each year it may become more and more of a chance to appreciate their surroundings and the timing of their return. Look quickly for these beauties to start each spring. Their season is short, and they too depend on that same strength, patience and faith that nature will follow with everything in its place.

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.

Dicentra canadensis, or squirrel corn, is native to the deciduous woodlands of eastern North America. (Photo by Scot Stewart)

on campus

NMU professor contributes to study on wildlife activity

One of the largest studies on wildlife activity — involving more than 220 researchers, 163 mammal species and 5,000 camera traps worldwide — reveals that wild animals react differently to humans depending on where the animals live and what they eat. Diana Lafferty, Northern Michigan University biology associate professor, is among the coauthors of a paper that was published last month in Nature Ecology and Evolution

“I’m really grateful to have a team of dedicated and ambitious undergraduate and graduate students that made it possible to collect, process and share data generated from hundreds of thousands of images captured on camera traps from my longterm Yooper Wildlife Watch project,” Lafferty said. “The data we generated from Yooper Wildlife Watch contributed to this massive international collaborative effort to increase our understanding of how wildlife respond to variation in human activities across myriad ecosystems. Ultimately, the knowledge we gained from this collaborative effort will help in the development of effective wildlife conservation initiatives from local to global scales.”

Bigger herbivores — plant-eating animals like deer or moose — tend to become more active when humans are around, while meat-eaters like wolves or wolverines tend to be less active, preferring to avoid risky encounters.

Urban animals like deer or raccoons may become more active around people, as they get used to human presence and find food like garbage or plants, which they can access at night. But animals living farther from cities and other developed areas are more wary of encountering people.

The new study, a collaboration involving researchers from 161 institutions, used data from before and during the Covid-19 lockdowns to examine wildlife behavior amid changing human activity levels.

“Covid-19 mobility restrictions gave researchers a truly unique opportunity to study how animals responded when the number of people sharing their landscape changed drastically over a relatively short period,” said lead author Cole Burton, an associate professor of forest resources management at the University of British Columbia and Canada Research Chair in Terrestrial Mammal Conservation.

“And contrary to the popular narratives that emerged around that time, we

did not see an overall pattern of ‘wildlife running free’ while humans sheltered in place. Rather, we saw great variation in activity patterns of people and wildlife, with the most striking trends being that animal responses depended on landscape conditions and their position in the food chain.”

In Canada, researchers monitoring areas such as Banff and Pacific Rim national parks, Cathedral, Golden Ears and South Chilcotin Mountains provincial parks, and the Sea-to-Sky corridor in B.C. found that carnivores

like wolverines, wolves and cougars were generally less active when human activity was higher.

In several of these parks, and in cities such as Edmonton, large herbivores often increased their activity but became more nocturnal with the presence of more humans. Large carnivores were notably absent from the most human-dominated landscapes.

This article was provided by Northern Michigan University.

This black bear image was captured on camera traps from Diana Lafferty’s Yooper Wildlife Watch project. (Photo courtesy of Northern Michigan University)

MTU student uses native fungi to weaken invasive trees

Abe Stone can expertly identify mushrooms. The longtime forager’s affinity for fungi has guided him down a research path that holds promise for suppressing one of the most recent and obstinate invasive species in the forest.

On a metal counter in Michigan Technological University’s forest microbiology lab, a dozen clear glass flasks agitate on a shaker. Each is about one-eighth full of small, saffron-yellow gelatinous balls — solid globs of the fungus Chondrostereum purpureum growing in a malt-extract solution. Stone, propagator of the mycelium, stands nearby, regarding the fresh batch of fungi balls with a satisfied smile. “Exactly what I wanted to see,” he said.

Chondrostereum purpureum — known in the lab as “SuperPurp” — is a weak forest pathogen commonly known as silverleaf disease. Stone developed his unique propagation technique after digging into online research literature in search of a more efficient way than his former means that resulted in cafeteria-style metal pans of gloppy mush.

“Abe has interesting lab techniques for growing different types of culture,” said Tara Bal, assistant professor of forest health and one of Stone’s faculty advisors in the College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science. “One day he came very excitedly to show me the fungus growing in a new method he found in the literature,

which creates these cute little balls of hyphae.”

Cultivating SuperPurp as Stone does makes it easier to process into a sprayable liquid. Stone uses an immersion blender to whir the solution to the proper viscosity, then pours the broth into a garden-variety sprayer used for application in outdoor test areas.

Stone, an undergraduate majoring in ecology and evolutionary biology, is living proof that you don’t have to wait until you graduate to tackle the complex problems facing the world.

SuperPurp is Stone’s not-so-secret weapon to beat back the widespread Midwest invasion of two species of invasive buckthorn trees: Rhamnus cathartica and Frangula alnus. The trees are gaining a foothold across the upper Midwest and altering the char-

acter of forests. Stone inoculates them with the fungus, weakening the aggressive invaders to give native species a chance to rebound.

The overarching goal is to create a practical and accessible herbicide alternative that zaps buckthorn without causing harm to surrounding plants. “Our fungus only goes after woody tree species, and if we can establish that this is a viable alternative for those looking to only affect invasive buckthorn, then we’ve done exactly what we hoped for,” Stone said.

“My research is focused on alternatives to chemical management of invasive plant species, such as biocontrol with insects, goats — and yes, fungus — as well as proving the efficacy of manual control on invasive knotweed species,” Resh said.

Stone said the native fungus used

in his research is a natural infector of trees throughout the northern hemisphere, from Norway to Siberia to the boreal forests of Canada. “It is present on many hardwood trees but is mostly associated with birch, cherry, alder and aspen trees,” he said. “Typically, it causes an infection that slowly affects the tree, causing a silvering color on the leaves, eventual death of some branches and often the entire tree. It is very much a part of the forest ecosystem and has been around for thousands of years. In its natural state, it only infects trees with significant wounds and wouldn’t wipe out an entire forest. It is merely one of the many actors causing our forests to develop into various types of ecosystems.”

Once you see invasive buckthorn, you can’t stop seeing it. Stubborn and pervasive, it appears as woody shrubs or small trees, rapidly claiming the understory of the landscape, from residential yards to recreational forests.

“Buckthorn is a challenging organism. Humans introduced it to the region, and it does exceptionally well here,” Stone said. “This has come at the cost of many native ecosystems, especially in areas south of us in Wisconsin, Minnesota and southern Michigan. With climate change, we expect to see this species flourish even more strongly in our forests.”

This article was provided by Michigan Technological University.

Abe Stone shows that even undergraduates who have yet to earn a degree can tackle important issues. (Photo courtesy of Michigan Technological University)

poetry

Darning Socks

By Christine Saari

These socks, red and blue striped, made just for me, warmed my feet on my icy walk around Presque Isle. When I take them off, each has a hole.

My friend Ilse from Vienna knit them, for Christmas. She loved sending her hand-made gifts. Greeting cards, embroidered pillows, woolen socks.

Now no more socks will come from Ilse. I must mend them. No better time to darn than this day, when schools, businesses are closed, when everyone is holed up inside.

I find the fat darning needle, stuck in a lace pin cushion. From the porch I retrieve the basket of mending wool. I spy a bright red ball, just what I need, grateful there are no signs of moths.

I sew a circle around the hole, make a tight grid of threads, length-wise and sideways. I sew in and out, until a firm criss-cross pattern closes the gap.

When I was eight, my mother’s friend Christi taught me how to mend. From then on I repaired our torn woolens, prolonged their life in post-war Austria. My mother too impatient for this meditative work.

Over the years I have gotten lazy. Have discarded socks in need of repair. Not these socks! I want them to last until it is time for me to join my friend.

Writer and visual artist Christine Saari grew up on an Austrian mountain farm and has lived in Marquette since 1971. She worked initially as a freelance journalist for European and American sources and later took up photography. In 2011 she published a memoir, Love and War at Stag Farm: The Story of Hirschengut, an Austrian Mountain Farm 19381948, which covers the formative years of her childhood during World War II. Her poetry book Blossoms in the Dark of Winter, inspired by her membership in the Marquette Poets Circle, was released in 2018. It deals with her European heritage and four generations of family relationships. Her major body of work as a visual artist, Family Album, composed of mixed media work based on family letters, photographs, documents and artifacts, created in Marquette and exhibited in the Midwest, is now installed in the private Gallery in the Hayloft at the Austrian farm. For the past few years, she has been primarily working on an upcycle project, creating cigar box shrines from found and discarded objects. Saari is a member of the Marquette Poets Circle and The Gallery (the Marquette Artist Collective) and has a studio at Wintergreen Hill Gallery and Gifts. Her poems have appeared in Maiden Voyage, U.P. Reader, Water Music and Me as a Child Poetry Series

superior reads

Revisiting the summer of 1958

Review by Victor R. Volkman

Sharon M. Kennedy may be familiar to many longtime residents of the Upper Peninsula as a writer of anecdotes about Yooper life as well as commentary about current affairs in her decades of columns for various outlets. In 2021, she shifted her authorial focus and has since written two books of personal reminiscences of living in Brimley and most recently the second book in The SideRoad Kids series.

The latter is a planned trilogy about growing up in farm country outside Brimley in the late 1950s. It was an era when having a private landline was a luxury, there was but a single television station in the U.P. and kids were largely left to their own devices — as long as their chores were done first. Book 1 in the series, The SideRoad Kids: Tales from Chippewa County, takes place entirely during the 1957-58 school year. Several of the stories in Book 1 originally appeared as short stories in early issues of the U.P. Reader, an anthology of fiction, memoir and poetry from the U.P. Publishers & Authors Association. However, the stories in Book 2 are all brand-new adventures. In the first book, we meet the SideRoad crew — Flint, Blew, Candy, Squeaky, Katie, Daisy and their friends — as they are navigating the sixth-grade school year. It’s an age when most kids aren’t really into adolescence and its obsessions with boyfriends and girlfriends.

was a callow youth who many took for being slow because he was in his late teens and still liked to hang out with the much younger crew. In this new book, he’s joined the Army after getting into some trouble, and so his dialogue is portrayed as letters from boot camp. He’s still a man-child in many ways, although now he’s excited by the trappings of military life — learning to drive a tank instead of pretending to drive the abandoned car in the field featured on the cover of Book 1.

Although the book is ostensibly about the lives of the kids, it’s not all fun and games — and that’s where Kennedy’s prose shines through. Life’s hardships and tragedies are never more than a moment away. Flint’s mom may be an alcoholic; his father casually deserted the family to “look for work,” but he’s on a one-way trip. His uncle Leo, whom he is literally farmed out to for a whole summer, is a humorless bastard who won’t let Flint even set foot in the house, except to eat, so Flint stoically sleeps in his uncle’s barn.

Book 2, subtitled A Summer of Discovery, has a much more compressed timeline, as it is confined to June through September of 1958. There is a lot going on, however, and it can be said that many of the characters’ lives will be changed forever by what they learn and experience. The second book includes a few new characters, but the focus remains on the original gang.

Francis “Fenders” Powell has the most growing up to do. In Book 1, he

Rachel, Sarah and Sam, a half-brother, are siblings from Neebish Island who just moved to the county. Their mother was a Polish war bride, brought back with their G.I. father after World War II ended. However, she is almost certainly suffering from what would be called PTSD (had it been discovered) and is often hiding out from Nazis she thinks are coming to take her away. The death of the cow named Broken Horn is the most poignant moment. Shirley and her mom set out to search for the lost cow only to find it quietly moaning over its dead newborn calf, which is now flyblown and full of holes from crows. The cow is in a bad way, and Pap must be called to put her down and clean up the mess.

Like the first volume, Summer of Discovery stories are a series of self-contained short stories that slowly weave together to form a larger

Kennedy

narrative. The stories rotate through protagonists, so sometimes I have to refresh my memory on who’s giving the narrative. This means rewinding to the chapter title or to the first few lines of dialogue to establish it. In the first chapter, it’s easy to grasp that Flint is describing his workday; Kennedy makes that obvious. She stays out of the descriptions and dialogue and allows her characters to do the hard work. Sometimes they succeed and other times they fail.

Her characters are likable. They’re honest. They’re kids we all know whether we were 12 years old in 1958 or in 2024. Don’t be fooled into thinking the youngsters in this series are indicative only of kids who live on farms and have chores. These characters have universal appeal. They have the same problems, challenges, doubts and joys of kids everywhere — those in the cities, foreign countries or as

yet undiscovered planets.

So take a chance and pick up a copy of The SideRoad Kids–Book 2: A Summer of Discovery. You might enjoy it.

MM

Victor R. Volkman is a graduate of Michigan Tech (Class of ’86) and is current president of the U.P. Publishers & Authors Association. He is senior editor at Modern History Press and publisher of the U.P. Reader.

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.

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 May events by Wednesday, April 10 to: calendar@marquettemonthly.com.

Index

on the town ……………………………………………………………70-71

art galleries …………………………………………………………… 74-75 museums ………………………………………………………………….. 80 support groups…………………………………………………………… 86

end of march events

27 WEDNESDAY

sunrise 7:39 a.m.; sunset 8:11 p.m.

Ishpeming

• Adult Horror Book Club. This month’s selection is How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix. 6 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.

Marquette

• Congregate Meals for Seniors–Dine

30 | Marquette

in or Curbside Pickup. Meals available to those age 60 and older. Call to reserve a meal. $3.50 suggested donation. Noon to 1 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. 906-228-0456.

• The Great Fire of Seney. Gregory Lusk, author of his recently self-published book The Great Seney Fire: A History of the Walsh Ditch Fire of 1976, will tell the story of the largest fire in Michigan since 1908, which burned from late July until it was extinguished by winter snow. Suggested donation, $5. 6:30 p.m. Marquette Regional History Center, 145 W. Spring St. 906226-3571 or marquettehistory.org.

• NCLL: A Multicultural Perspective of Current NMU International Students. International students from

Upper Peninsula Beekeeping Conference | March

Photo by Boris Smokrovic on unsplash

on the town

Baraga

• Ojibwa Casino–The Press Box.

- Friday, April 5: Nolium. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

- Friday, the 12th and Saturday, the 13th: OZ. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

- Saturday, the 27th: Rising Phoenix. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

16449 Michigan Ave. 906-353-6333.

Gwinn

• Hideaway Bar.

- Monday, April 29: The Hideaway All-Stars. 7 p.m.

741 M-35. 906-346-3178.

Marquette

• 906 Sports Bar and Grill.

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

145 W. Washington St. 906-273-0706 or 906barandgrill.com.

• Blackrocks Brewery.

- Thursday, March 28: Jim and Ray. 6 to 9 p.m.

- Friday, the 29th: The Palestras. 7 to 10 p.m.

-Saturday the 30th: Flat Broke Blues Band. 7 to 10 p.m.

- Friday, April 12: Outlaw’d. 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.

- Tuesday through Thursday: Karaoke. 9:30 p.m.

Cover charge on weekends only.

429 W. Washington St. 906-228-8865.

• Kognisjon Bryggeri.

- Friday, April 5: Leave No Trace Trivia. 4 to 6 p.m.

- Saturday, the 6th: DayDreamers Band. 6 to 10 p.m.

- Monday, the 8th: Bevs and Bingo with Habitat for Humanity. 6 to 8 p.m.

- Saturday, the 20th: Resinator Fest.

6 to 8 p.m.

- Saturday, the 27th: Beatrix and the Hand. 7 to 9 p.m.

- Mondays: Beer Study Hall. 2 to 7 p.m.

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

- Wednesdays: Brewery Bazaar. 6 to 8 p.m.

- Thursdays: Game Night with Iron Golem Games. 6 to 11 p.m.

- Sundays: Open Mic Night. 6 to 10 p.m.

1034 N. Third St. 906-273-2727.

• Lake Superior Smokehouse.

- Friday, March 29: Delta Duo. 6 to 9 p.m.

- Saturday, the 30th: Whiskey Ryan. 6 to 9 p.m.

- Friday, April 5: The Reveal. 6 to 9 p.m.

- Saturday, the 6th: Black Hats. 6 to 9 p.m.

- Friday, the 12th: Delta Duo. 6 to 9 p.m.

-Saturday, the 13th: DayDreamers. 6 to 9 p.m.

- Friday, the 19th: Lifters. 6 to 9 p.m.

- Saturday, the 20th: Make Believe Spurs. 6 to 9 p.m.

- Friday, the 26th: Chris Valenti. 6 to 9 p.m.

- Saturday, the 27th: Big Lake. 6 to 9 p.m.

200 W. Main St. 906-273-0952.

• Ojibwa Casino.

- Saturday, April 6: Tom Katalin and Highway 41. 8 p.m. to midnight.

- Friday, the 12th and Saturday, the 13th: Ember. 8 p.m. to midnight.

- Saturday, the 20th: Bear Creek Band. 8 p.m. to midnight.

- Saturday, the 27th: Soul Shine. 8 p.m. to midnight.

105 Acre Trail. 906-249-4200.

• Ore Dock Brewing Company.

- Friday, March 29 and Saturday, the 30th: New Nostalgia. 8 p.m. Students with ID, $5; general admission, $10.

- Sunday, the 31st: Pop-culture Trivia with Jon. 6 p.m.

- Tuesday, April 2: Euchre. 7 to 10 p.m.

- Saturday, the 6th: Bimbo, The Chanteymen, Fence Crows and John Beere. 18 and older. $5. 8 p.m.

- Friday, the 12th: The Make Believe Spurs (Taproom Show). 7 p.m.

- Saturday, the 13th: Festival of the Angry Bear Block Party. 21 and older. 3 p.m.

- Tuesday, the 16th: Euchre. 7 to 10 p.m.

- Wednesday, the 17th: Hiawatha on Tap: Kids Concert. Members, $5; general admission, $10. 6 p.m.

- Friday, the 19th: Buds, Brews and Beats Fundraiser for the Great Lakes Expungement Network (GLEN) featuring Ghoul for A Goblin, No

Expectations and Realms. No cannabis sales or consumption. 21 and older. $5. 6 p.m.

- Tuesday, the 23rd: Euchre. 7 to 10 p.m.

- Thursday, the 25th: Djangophonique. In advance, $12; day of show, $15. 7 p.m.

- Friday, the 26th: Comedy Night. 18 and older. $20. 8:30 p.m.

- Saturday, the 27th: Distant Stars. 18 and older. In advance/students, $5; day of show, $8. 9 p.m.

- Sunday, the 28th: Trivia. 6 p.m.

- Tuesday, the 30th: Euchre. 7 to 10 p.m.

All shows are free unless noted.

(continued on page 71)

Beechgrove and Blacksmith | March 31, April 13 and 21 | Rippling River Resort, Marquette

on the town

114 W. Spring St. 906-228-8888.

• Rippling River Resort.

- Thursday, March 28: Adam Carpenter. 6 to 9 p.m.

- Friday, the 29th: Troy Graham. 6 to 9 p.m.

- Saturday, the 30th: The Remenants.

6 to 9 p.m.

- Sunday, the 31st: Beechgrove and Blacksmith. 5 to 8 p.m.

- Thursday, April 4: Adam Carpenter.

6 to 9 p.m.

- Saturday, the 6th: Troy Graham.

6 to 9 p.m.

- Thursday, the 11th: Adam Carpenter. 6 to 9 p.m.

- Friday, the 12th: Keith Janofski. 6 to 9 p.m.

- Saturday, the 13th: Beechgrove and Blacksmith. 6 to 9 p.m.

- Sunday, the 14th: Troy Graham. 5 to 8 p.m.

- Thursday, the 18th: Adam Carpenter. 6 to 9 p.m.

- Friday, the 19th: Troy Graham. 6 to 9 p.m.

- Sunday, the 21st: Beechgrove and Blacksmith. 5 to 8 p.m.

- Thursday, the 25th: Adam Carpenter. 6 to 9 p.m.

- Saturday, the 27th: Keith Janofski. 6 to 9 p.m.

NMU will share information about their home countries and cultures. NCLL members, $5; nonmembers, $10. 7 p.m. Shiras Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906458-5408 or csteinha@nmu.edu.

• Music Performance Scholarship Competition. Several of NMU’s music students will perform a piece of their choice to vie for scholarship awards. 7:30 p.m. Reynolds Recital Hall, NMU. nmu.edu/music.

Negaunee

• Knitting Group. Those interested in crocheting, knitting and other fiber arts are welcome to bring their projects and share with others. Coffee provided. 1:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-4757700, ext. 18.

• Wings of Fire Interest Group. Youth ages eight and older are invited to discuss the series, write fanfiction, make crafts and other activities. 3 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18.

28 THURSDAY

sunrise 7:37 a.m.; sunset 8:13 p.m.

Calumet

• Preschool Story Time. Bring your little ones for storytime. 10:15 a.m. Calumet Public Library. 906-337-0311.

4321 M-553. (906) 273-2259 or ripplingriverresort.com.

• Superior Culture.

- Tuesdays: Open Mic night. 8 to 10 p.m.

717 Third Street. 906-273-0927 or superiorculturemqt.com.

Republic

• Pine Grove Bar.

- Friday, April 5: Money Shot

Acoustic. 8 to 11 p.m.

- Saturday, the 6th: Money 2 Burn. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

- Friday, the 12th: Brad and Warren. 7 to 10 p.m.

- Saturday, the 13th: Chad Borgen and the Collective. 8 p.m. to midnight.

- Friday, the 19th: DayDreamers

Acoustic. 8 to 11 p.m.

- Saturday, the 20th: Diversion. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

- Friday, the 26th: Iron Daisy

Acoustic. 8 to 11 p.m.

- Saturday, the 27th: Toni Saari. 3 to 6 p.m.

- Saturday, the 27th: Chicken

Stanley. 8 p.m. to midnight.

286 Front St. 906-376-2234. MM

Ishpeming

• West End Winter Playgroup. Families and caregivers with young children are invited to attend for free play and snacks. Presented through a partnership with Great Start. 10 a.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. tmeinhold@greatstartma.org or 906-486-4381.

• Garden Planning and Seed Starting Workshop. In collaboration with Partridge Creek Farm, this workshop for gardeners of all levels will discuss seed starting and garden planning. 5:30 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.

Marquette

• Blood Drive. NMU’s Multicultural Student Nurses Association is partnering with the American Red Cross to address the nationwide blood shortage. All community members are welcome to donate. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Peninsula I, Northern Center, 504 W. Kaye Ave. To schedule an appointment, redcrossblood.org/give.html/donation-time.

• Geoff and Jon’s Record Show. Noon to 11 p.m. Ore Dock Brewing Company, 114 W. Spring St. 906-228-8888.

• 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.

• Powerful Tools for Caregivers

(Online). This six-week workshop will help caregivers learn how to reduce stress, make tough decisions, reduce guilt and communicate more effectively, along with setting goals and problem solving. 2 p.m. Via Zoom. To register, visit upcap.org or call 2-1-1.

Negaunee

• Music, Movement and More. This parent-led storytime is for children of all ages and their caregivers. 10:30 a.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18.

• Building Club. Youth ages five and older will discuss a topic that will be the focus of their creations and then have time to build with blocks such as LEGO bricks. Participants can have their creations displayed in the library until the following meeting. 4:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18.

29 FRIDAY

sunrise 7:35 a.m.; sunset 8:14 p.m.

Marquette

• Geoff and Jon’s Record Show. Noon to 11 p.m. Ore Dock Brewing Company, 114 W. Spring St. 906-228-8888.

• 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.

30 SATURDAY

sunrise 7:33 a.m.; sunset 8:15 p.m.

Marquette

• Upper Peninsula Beekeeping Conference. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Meghan Milbrath, coordinator of the Michigan Pollinator Initiative, and concurrent sessions will offer topics for beekeepers of all experience levels. There will also be vendor rooms and a catered lunch. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Seaborg Center, NMU. To register, upbeekeepingconference. weebly.com.

• Geoff and Jon’s Record Show. Noon to 11 p.m. Ore Dock Brewing Company, 114 W. Spring St. 906-228-8888.

• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. Lessons, 10 a.m. Games, 11:30 a.m. Citizens Forum, Lakeview Arena, 401 E. Fair St. superiorland_bridge.tripod.com.

• Superior String Alliance Chamber Players Concert. The Tuuli Quartet, featuring Danielle Simandl, Lauren Pulcipher, Ria Hodgson and Kelly Quesada, will perform works by Beethoven and Caroline Shaw, and will be joined by the TaMaMa Dance Company. 7 p.m. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 201 E. Ridge St. superiorstringalliance.org.

31 SUNDAY

sunrise 7:31 a.m.; sunset 8:17 p.m.

Marquette

Easter

• Geoff and Jon’s Record Show. Noon to 11 p.m. Ore Dock Brewing Company, 114 W. Spring St. 906-228-8888.

• Pop-Culture Trivia with Jon. 6 p.m. Ore Dock Brewing Company, 114 W. Spring St. 906-228-8888.

april events

01 MONDAY

sunrise 7:29 a.m.; sunset 8:18 p.m.

Marquette

• Craft Magic Series: Felt Magic with Jody Trost. Fiber artist Jody Trost will teach basic needle felting and participants will create their own handmade felted owl. 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, 906-226-4322 or pwpl.info.

• The Joy of Sound Meditation. This evening of sound meditation will feature bronze singing bowls and metal gongs. 7 p.m. Chapel, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 201 E. Ridge St. 906-362- 9934 or ckitchenmqt@gmail. com.

Negaunee

• All-Ages Online Storytime. Miss Jessica will lead stories, songs and rhymes on Facebook Live. 11 a.m. facebook.com/NegauneePublicLibrary. 906-475-7700, ext. 18.

02 TUESDAY

sunrise 7:27 a.m.; sunset 8:19 p.m.

Escanaba

• Tech Tuesday. Appointments or walk-ins are welcome. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906-789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.

Houghton

• Keweenaw Natural History Talk (Zoom). George Schriver will present “Local Mines and Minerals.” 7 p.m. Via Zoom. 906-482-7140 or carnegiekeweenaw.org.

Ishpeming

• Tot Tuesday Storytime. Stories, songs, and movement activities will be followed by an optional craft and playtime for toddlers and preschoolers. 11 a.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.

Marquette

• Book Babies. Newborns and toddlers up to 17 months and a loving adult can enjoy songs, rhymes, stories and finger plays. Older siblings are welcome. 9:45 a.m. Great Room, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.

• Dementia Caregiver Training (Zoom). The Dementia Caregiving Series is designed for caregivers of people with dementia. 10 a.m. Via Zoom. To register, visit www.upcap. org or call 2-1-1.

• 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 12:30 p.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. To register, 906-226-4311.

• Preschool Storytime. Preschool-age children and a loving adult can enjoy stories, songs, finger plays, crafts and other school-readiness activities. Siblings are welcome. 10:45 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.

• Director Chat. Stop in to chat with Library Director Andrea Ingmire. 11 a.m. to noon, and 5 to 6 p.m. Circulation Lobby, 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.

• 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.

• Dumbledore’s Army. Students in fourth through sixth grades will attend transfiguration class. 4:30 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl. info.

• Maritime History on Tap. Susan Hill and Trish Kautz of Haunted 906 and Yooper Paranormal will share their experiences from paranormal tours and investigations of the Marquette Lighthouse during the summers of 2021 through 2023. $5 suggested donation. 7 p.m. Ore Dock Brewing Company, 114 W. Spring St. 906-226-2006.

• What’s Up? (Zoom). Scott Stobbelaar of the Marquette Astronomical Society will provide a virtual monthly guide to what can be seen in the skies of the Upper Peninsula. 7 p.m. Via Zoom. 906-226-4322 or pwpl.info.

03 WEDNESDAY

sunrise 7:25 a.m.; sunset 8:21 p.m. Escanaba

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

• Poetry Reading with Lisa Fosmo. This event will celebrate Poetry Month. 5:30 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906-789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.

Gwinn

• Adult and Teen Canvas Painting. Skye Migda will lead participants in painting a spring-themed canvas. All supplies will be provided. 5 p.m. Forsyth Township Library, 180 W. Flint St. To register, 906-346-3433.

Ishpeming

• Solar Eclipse Drop-In. Conor from the Michigan Learning Channel (NMU PBS) will discuss solar eclipses. Attendees can pick up a free pair of eclipse glasses to wear while watching the Great American Eclipse on April 8. 4:30 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.

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

Marquette

• Toddler Storytime. Children ages 18 to 36 months and a loving adult can enjoy stories and songs, followed by sensory play activities. Siblings are welcome. 10:45 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. Call to reserve a meal. $3.50 suggested donation. Noon to 1 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. 906-228-0456.

• 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. 1 to 3:30 p.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. To register, 906-226-4311.

• Teens Game On! Youth in sixth through 12th grades can drop in for a selection of video games, board games and more. 3 to 6 p.m. Teen Zone, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4321 or pwpl.info.

• United Way of Marquette Business After Hours. 5 p.m. Ore Dock Brewing Company, 114 W. Spring St. 906-228-8888.

• League of Women Voters of Marquette County Meeting. All interested community members are welcome. Social time, 6:30 p.m.; meeting, 6:45 p.m. Lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St.

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.

Curtis

• Erickson Center for the Arts–Waterfront Gallery. The annual student art show, featuring artwork created by students of all ages from Tahquamenon Area Schools, Three Lakes Academy, Engadine Consolidated Schools, Manistique Area Schools and local home-schooling programs, is on display through the 12th. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 9224 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.

- Celebration of Student Success: Winter 2024 Student Art Exhibition will be on display April 23 through Aug. 31 with a reception and awards ceremony at 2 p.m. on the 25th. Days and hours vary. Bay College, 2001 N. Lincoln Rd. baycollege.edu.

• 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.

- Work by artists of the East Ludington Gallery will be on display April 4 through May 2 in the Powers Gallery with an opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. on the 4th. There will be a bucket raffle throughout the run of the exhibit with items donated by the East Ludington Gallery artists and community artists. Tickets can be purchased at the front desk and funds raised will go to the East Ludington Gallery Association.

- 13 Woman of the Blue Moon Clan, featuring work that must incorporate at least one Blue Moon bottle cap by Mary Penet, Pasqua Warstler, Carol Irving, Victoria Shirley, Rose

Peltier, Phyllis Fleury, Diane KribsMays, Donna Thurston, Kate Oman, Stella Larkin, Patricia Frueh, Ginnie Cappaert and Cynthia Coté, will be on display April 4 through May 2 in the Studio Gallery. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3p.m. 700 First Avenue South. 906-786-3833 or bonifasarts.org.

Hancock

• Finandia Art Gallery.

- Requiem for the Overlooked, an installation of drawings, collage, beadwork and fiber art constructions by Cynthia Coté, is on display through the 3rd. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Located in the Finnish American Heritage Center, 435 Quincy St. 906-487-7500 or gallery@finlandiafoundation.org.

• Kerredge Gallery.

- Art in Silico will be on display April 2 through 6.

- Work by Bill and Edith Wiard will be on display April 9 through May 4 with an opening reception from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on the 11th.

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.

Houghton

• The Rozsa Galleries. Michigan Tech Art will present the Spring Fling Student Art Showcase, which will be on display April 12 through 16 with an opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on the 12th. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays, 1 to 8 p.m. Rozsa Center, 1400 Townsend Dr. mtu.edu/rozsa

Marquette

• Art—U.P. Style. Art by Carol Papaleo, works by local artists, gifts,

classes and more. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. 130 W. Washington St. 906-225-1993.

• DeVos Art Museum.

- By Design: Looking at Living, an exhibition that considers our relationship to design using objects from the gallery’s permanent collection, is on display through June 1.

- The NMU School of Art and Design Senior Exhibition, featuring works by graduating seniors in a variety of media, will be on display April 20 through May 3, with a closing reception on the 3rd from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and Friday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.; Thursday, noon to 8 p.m. Corner of Seventh and Tracy streets. NMU. 906-227-1481 or nmu.edu/devos.

• Graci Gallery. Featuring works by award-winning artists from across the country. Monday, Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 110 N. Third St. gracigallery. com.

• Huron Mountain Club Gallery.

- Arts in Education Student Exhibit by MARESA, Great Lakes Recovery and Amber Dohrenwend, is on display through the 30th with an opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. on the 11th. 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.

- North Country Images, featuring oil paintings by John Hubbard, is on display through the 30th with an opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. on the 11th. Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, 9:30

John Hubbard| Island Sunrise | Deo Gallery, Marquette

art galleries

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.

• Presque Isle Station. This working pottery studio features pottery by Michael Horton and Terry Gilfoy, along with works by local artists. Days and times vary. 2901 Lakeshore Blvd. 906-225-1695.

• The Gallery: A Marquette Artist Collective Project. Works by local and regional artists. Monday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 1 to 4 p.m. Suite U7, 130 W. Washington St. mqtartistcollective.com.

• The Studio Gallery at Presque Isle. Works by local and internationally acclaimed artists. Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. 2905 Lakeshore Blvd. 906-360-4453.

• Wintergreen Hill Gallery and Gifts. Photography by NMU art students Ashlyn Nichols, Ryan Boos, Jack Chronowski, Alexis Hart, Rose Jackson, Jennifer Jerome, Hunter McArthur, Anna Melnikoff, Shelby Sanders and Cheryl Schroeder will be on display through the 30th with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m. on the 4th. 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. Works by guest artist Amelia Pruiet on display through the 30th.

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. Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 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.

John Hubbard | Morning Glow | Deo Gallery, Marquette

lwvmqt.org.

• Marquette County Quilters Association Meeting. All skill levels are invited for socialization, program events and show and tell. Yearly membership fee, $20. 6:30 p.m. Lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. marquettequilters.org.

• NCLL: I Was a War Child in Sweden. Boli Soderberg will share her experience as one of 60,000 Finnish children who were taken in for safekeeping by Sweden in June 1944. NCLL members, $5; nonmembers, $10. 7 p.m. Shiras Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906458-5408 or csteinha@nmu.edu.

Negaunee

• Knitting Group. Those interested in crocheting, knitting and other fiber arts are welcome to bring their projects and share with others. Coffee provided. 1:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18.

• Wings of Fire Interest Group. Youth ages eight and older are invited to discuss the series, write fanfiction, make crafts and other activities. 3 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18.

04 THURSDAY

sunrise 7:23 a.m.; sunset 8:22 p.m.

Calumet

• Preschool Story Time. Bring your little ones for storytime. 10:15 a.m. Calumet Public Library. 906-337-0311.

Crystal Falls

• Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra. The award-winning Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra, comprised of Michigan Tech students and faculty and community musicians, is the oldest orchestra in the U.P. Students, $5; adults, $23. 7 p.m. Crystal Theatre, 304 Superior Ave. 906-875-3208 or thecrystaltheatre.org.

Ishpeming

• West End Spring Playgroup. Families and caregivers with young children are invited to attend for free play and snacks. Presented through a partnership with Great Start. 10 a.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. tmeinhold@greatstartma.org or 906-486-4381.

• Book Club. This month’s selection will be The Last Green Valley by Mark Sullivan. 11 a.m. Ishpeming Senior Center, 121 Greenwood St. 906-4864381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.

Marquette

• Toddler Storytime. Children ages 18 to 36 months and a loving adult can enjoy stories and songs, followed by sensory play activities. Siblings are welcome. 10:45 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.

• NCLL: Planned Giving: Building a Legacy. Patricia “Trish” Davis, managing partner and attorney at Kendricks Bordeau, will discuss the primary options for planned giving, tax consequences and what makes it unique. NCLL members, $5; nonmembers, $10. 3:30 p.m. Shiras Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-458-5408 or csteinha@nmu.edu.

• Fandom Fun: Heroes and Villains. Youth who love Marvel and DC heroes and villains can participate in crafts and activities. 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl. info.

• MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Meeting. Discussion includes the ups and downs of motherhood and everything in between. Open to moms of children of any age. Childcare typically provided. 5:30 p.m. Messiah Lutheran Church, 305 W. Magnetic St. renee.n. jewett@gmail.com.

• Great Lakes Poetry Festival: Raymond Luczak Reading. Raymond Luczak, editor of the recently published Yooper Poetry anthology, will read from Far from Atlantis, his current collection of poems. 7 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4322 or pwpl. info.

• NMU Jazz Fest Concert. The evening will feature pianist and composer Ellen Rowe, the Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Jazz and Contemporary Improvisation at the University of Michigan, and the NMU Jazz Band and Jazz Combo. NMU students and students 18 and younger, free; adults, $12. 7:30 p.m. Reynolds Recital Hall, NMU. 906-227-1037 or tickets.nmu. edu.

Negaunee

• Music, Movement and More. This parent-led storytime is for children of all ages and their caregivers. 10:30 a.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18.

• Building Club. Youth ages five and older will discuss a topic that will be the focus of their creations and then have time to build with blocks such as LEGO bricks. Participants can have their creations displayed in the library until the following meeting. 4:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18.

05 FRIDAY

sunrise 7:21 a.m.; sunset 8:23 p.m.

Gwinn

• Storytime. Preschool-age kids can enjoy stories, crafts and light snacks. This week, there will be a moon craft to commemorate the eclipse on April 8.

10:30 a.m. Forsyth Township Library, 180 W. Flint St. 906-346-3433 or forsythtwplibrary.org.

Ishpeming

• Afternoon Movie: Elemental . Popcorn and water will be provided; attendees can bring their own snacks or drinks. 1 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.

Marquette

• Preschool Storytime. Preschool-age children and a loving adult can enjoy stories, songs, finger plays, crafts and other school-readiness activities. Siblings are welcome. 10:45 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.

• NCLL: Vango’s Lunch Bunch Interest Group. NCLL members and nonmembers are invited to gather for lunch and to learn more about the group. 11 a.m. Vango’s, 927 N. Third St. To register by April 2, call 906-4585408 or email csteinha@nmu.edu.

• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com.

• LEGO Club. Participants can meet other LEGO enthusiasts and build 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.

• NMU Jazz Fest Concert. The evening will feature pianist and composer Ellen Rowe, the Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Jazz and Contemporary Improvisation at the University of Michigan, and the NMU Jazz Band and Jazz Combo. NMU students and students 18 and younger, free; adults, $12. 7:30 p.m. Reynolds Recital Hall, NMU. 906-227-1037 or tickets.nmu. edu.

Negaunee

• Poetry Reading. The event will feature U.P. Poet Laureate Beverly Matherne and local poet Troy Graham. 4 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18.

06 SATURDAY

sunrise 7:19 a.m.; sunset 8:25 p.m.

Escanaba

• Ink Society Local Writers’ Group. Free for ages 16 and older. 10:30 a.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906-789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.

Gwinn

• Soil Workshop. Steve Finley, of the Gwinn Seed Library, will lead this workshop to discuss soil basics and new soil research. Open to gardeners

of all levels. 1 p.m. Gwinn Community Church, 85 N. Pine St. gwinnseedlibary@gmail.com.

Ishpeming

• Silent Book Club. Guests can bring their own book or pick out something at the library to read silently for one hour, followed by time to socialize and talk about books. Pajamas or loungewear are welcome and snacks will be provided. 2 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.

Marquette

• Saturday Storytime. Babies and toddlers and a loving adult can enjoy songs, rhymes, stories and finger plays. Older siblings and older children are welcome. 10:30 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.

• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. Lessons, 10 a.m. Games, 11:30 a.m. Citizens Forum, Lakeview Arena, 401 E. Fair St. superiorland_bridge.tripod.com.

• U.P. Pride Fundraiser. Intended for ages 18 and older. $5. 8 p.m. Ore Dock Brewing Company, 114 W. Spring St. 906-228-8888.

07 SUNDAY

sunrise 7:17 a.m.; sunset 8:26 p.m.

Escanaba

• Chorale Concert. The Bay de Noc Chorale Society will join with the Escanaba High School Chorale for a spring concert titled “To Music.” A free will offering will be collected with a portion going to the High School Chorale. 1:30 p.m. Bethany Lutheran Church, 202 S. 11th St.

Gwinn

• All Thing Wedding. Visit with different wedding vendors, sample foods and stay for the fashion show. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Up North Lodge Wedding and Event Center, 215 S. CR-557. 906-346-9815.

Ishpeming

• Bingo. Doors open at noon. Ishpeming VFW, 310 Bank St. 906-486-4856.

Little Lake

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

Marquette

• NMU Percussion Ensemble Concert. 3 p.m. Reynolds Recital Hall. nmu.edu/music.

• Anatomy of a Murder Screening

This screening of Otto Preminger’s 1959 film, based on the book by Robert

Traver, is part of a three-day program titled “Anatomy of a Murder After #metoo.” 4:30 p.m. Mead Auditorium, NMU Science Building. 906-227-2940.

08 MONDAY

sunrise 7:15 a.m.; sunset 8:27 p.m.

Marquette

• Wiggle Worms Storytime. This storytime is geared toward wiggly children and their loving adult. Stories will be intermixed with hands-on and interactive activities. 9:45 a.m. Great Room, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.

• Senior Theatre Experience: Monthly Theatre Workshop and Discussion. Intended for ages 55 and older. Free for City of Marquette and neighboring township residents. 4 p.m. City of Marquette Arts and Culture Center, lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. To register, 906-225-8655.

• Film Scholar Dr. Christian Keathley. Keathley, a film scholar at Middlebury College, will present “Scene/Unscene: Enigmas of Plot and Character in Anatomy of a Murder.” Part of a three-day program titled “Anatomy of a Murder After #metoo.” 5:30 p.m. Art and Design Room 165, NMU. 906-227-2940.

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.

09 TUESDAY

sunrise 7:13 a.m.; sunset 8:29 p.m.

Calumet

• Friends of the Library Meeting. New members are welcome to learn about programming ideas, volunteer opportunities, the Red Jacket Readers book club and more. 5:30 p.m. Community Room, Calumet Public Library. 906-337-0311.

Escanaba

• Tech Tuesday. Appointments or walk-ins are welcome. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906-789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.

• Digital Parenting: Safeguarding Youth in the Online World. The Michigan State Police Computer Crimes Unit and Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force will provide expert advice on online safety. 6 p.m. Besse Theater, Bay College, 2001 N. Lincoln Rd. amy.reddinger@baycollege.edu.

Gwinn

• Literature at the Lodge. This month’s selection will be The Senator’s

Wife by Liv Constantine. 7 p.m. Up North Lodge, 215 S. Co. Rd. 557. 906346-3433 or forsythtwplibrary.org.

Houghton

• Keweenaw Natural History Talk (Zoom). Bob Wheeler will present “Early Use of Copper in the Lake Superior Region.” 7 p.m. Via Zoom. 906-482-7140 or carnegiekeweenaw. org.

Ishpeming

• Tot Tuesday Storytime. Stories, songs, and movement activities will be followed by an optional craft and playtime for toddlers and preschoolers. 11 a.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.

• Adult Book Club. This month’s selection is Anxious People by Fredrik Backman. 2 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.

Marquette

• Book Babies. Newborns and toddlers up to 17 months and a loving adult can enjoy songs, rhymes, stories and finger plays. Older siblings are welcome. 9:45 a.m. Great Room, 217 N. Front St. 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 12:30 p.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. To register, 906-226-4311.

• Preschool Storytime. Preschool-age children and a loving adult can enjoy stories, songs, finger plays, crafts and other school-readiness activities.

Marquette and neighboring township residents. 4 p.m. City of Marquette Arts and Culture Center, lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. To register, 906-225-8655.

• Muggles for Potter. Students in second and third grades can attend transfiguration class. 4:30 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl. info.

• Roundtable Discussion: Anatomy of a Murder After #metoo. Middlebury College film scholar Dr. Christian Keathley will be joined by NMU faculty and staff Caroline Krzakowski, English, Gabby McNally, Art and Design, Tim O’Neill, History, Dan Truckey, Beaumier Heritage Museum, and Anna Zimmer, Languages, Literatures and International Studies. 5:30 p.m. Art and Design Room 165, NMU. 906-227-2940.

• 906 Adventure Team Volunteer Meet. 6:30 p.m. Ore Dock Brewing Company, 114 W. Spring St. 906-228-8888.

10 WEDNESDAY

sunrise 7:12 a.m.; sunset 8:30 p.m.

Siblings are welcome. 10:45 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.

• Tasty Reads Book Group. This month’s selection will be The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan. 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. Participants will learn how to do a Magic Knot as well how to use the Magic Loop. All are welcome to expand their knitting skills. The group is made up of all age groups and levels of knitting, and members mentor each other and socialize. Suggested donation of $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: Positive Aging (Flexibility) Part 2. Speech-language pathologist Chris Harkness will discuss how to maximize cognitive endurance and incorporate mental flexibility into your normal routines. A 30-minute cognitive assessment may be arranged at a later date for $25. 1:30 p.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-475-4252 or bbraden@ consultant.com.

• Senior Dance Class. Intended for ages 55 and older. Free for City of

Escanaba

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

• An Evening with Civil Rights Icon Bettie Mae Fikes. Gospel and blues performer Bettie Mae Fikes, known as “the voice of Selma” and a founding member of the Freedom Singers, will share her melodies and stories of resilience and activism. 7:30 p.m. Besse Theater, Bay College, 2001 N. Lincoln Rd. events.baycollege.edu.

Gwinn

• Forsyth Township Public Library Board Meeting. The public is welcome. 5:30 p.m. Community Room, Forsyth Township Library, 180 W. Flint St. 906-346-3433 or forsythtwplibrary. org.

Houghton

• Purple Hearts . Michigan Tech Theatre will present this play by C.S. Wallace that tells the story of three men who, in the wake of the attack on Pearl Harbor, find themselves trapped aboard the now-sunken USS West Virginia. Includes mature topics. Pay As You’re Able ticketing. 7:30 p.m. McArdle Theatre, MTU. mtu.universitytickets. com.

Ishpeming

• Adult Book Club. This month’s selection is Anxious People by Fredrik Backman. 6 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.

Marquette

• Toddler Storytime. Children ages 18

Fandum Fun: Dinosaurs | April 11 | Marquette

Photo by Markus Spiske via unsplash

to 36 months and a loving adult can enjoy stories and songs, followed by sensory play activities. Siblings are welcome. 10:45 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. Call to reserve a meal. $3.50 suggested donation. Noon to 1 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. 906-228-0456.

• 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. 1 to 3:30 p.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. To register, 906-226-4311.

• unTITLEd Teens. Teens in sixth through 12th will deconstruct books and create different pieces of art from them. 3 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906226-4321 or pwpl.info.

• Township Advisory Council Meeting. The public is welcome at this quarterly meeting of the library’s Township Advisory Council. 5 p.m. Shiras Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4321 or pwpl.info.

• Community Knit/Crochet Club. 5:30 p.m. Alley Kat’s Quilt Shop, 1010 W. Washington St. 906-315-0050.

• Henry Ford: Pestered by the Press. When Henry Ford and some friends went to Lake Michigamme for a few days in 1923, reporters were barred from the camp. Local historian Bill Van Kosky will share details of the articles written based on gossip, hearsay and misinformation, or simply made up. Suggested donation, $5. 6:30 p.m. Marquette Regional History Center, 145 W. Spring St. 906-226-3571 or marquettehistory.org.

• Bird Migration: Spring Refresher. Laughing Whitefish Bird Alliance (LWBA) board member Gary Palmer will discuss the diverse birds that will be returning to the U.P. this spring as well as tips to help identify birds in the field. 7 p.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-362-4811.

• The Derrell Syria Project Concert. 7 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906226-4322 or pwpl.info.

Negaunee

• Knitting Group. Those interested in crocheting, knitting and other fiber arts are welcome to bring their projects and share with others. Coffee provided. 1:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18.

• Wings of Fire Interest Group. Youth ages eight and older are invited to discuss the series, write fanfiction, make crafts and other activities. 3 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18.

11 THURSDAY

sunrise 7:10 a.m.; sunset 8:32 p.m.

Calumet

• Preschool Story Time. Bring your little ones for storytime. 10:15 a.m. Calumet Public Library. 906-337-0311.

Crystal Falls

• U.P. Notable Books Club (Zoom). The guest will be Tyler R. Tichelaar, author of Odin’s Eye: A Marquette Time Travel Novel 7 p.m. Eastern, 6 p.m. Central. Via Zoom. 906-875-3344 or egathu@crystalfallslibrary.org.

Escanaba

• Bay Film Series: The Taste of Things. Starring Juliette Binoche, the film examines the “love story” of two chefs and was France’s submission to the Oscars for Best International Film. K-Bay tickets, $2; general public, $5. 7 p.m. Besse Theater, Bay College, 2001 N. Lincoln Rd. baycollege.tix.com.

Houghton

• Purple Hearts . Michigan Tech Theatre will present this play by C.S. Wallace that tells the story of three men who, in the wake of the attack on Pearl Harbor, find themselves trapped aboard the now-sunken USS West Virginia. Includes mature topics. Pay As You’re Able ticketing. 7:30 p.m. McArdle Theatre, MTU. mtu.universitytickets. com.

Ishpeming

• West End Spring Playgroup. Families and caregivers with young children are invited to attend for free play and snacks. Presented through a partnership with Great Start. 10 a.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. tmeinhold@greatstartma.org or 906-486-4381.

• Graphic Novel Book Club. Students in fourth through eighth grades will discuss Duel by Jessixa Bagley. 4 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.

• Tree Grafting Workshop. Ray Bush will discuss apple and pear tree grafting. Presented by Partridge Creek Farm. 5:30 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906376-4171 or partridgecreekfarm.org.

• Great Lakes Great Books Club. Students in fourth and fifth grade will discuss Strikers by Kiel Phegley and Jacques Khouri. 6 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary. info.

Marquette

• Downtown Development Authority Board Meeting. 8 a.m. Marquette Commons, 112 S. Third St. downtownmarquette.org.

• Toddler Storytime. Children ages 18 to 36 months and a loving adult can

enjoy stories and songs, followed by sensory play activities. Siblings are welcome. 10:45 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.

• NCLL: Overview of History and Purpose of Bay Cliff Health Camp–A Treasure of the U.P. Camp director Claire Lutgen will share the history and purpose of this long-running health camp, which is in its 90th year of operation. NCLL members, $5; nonmembers, $10. 3:30 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-458-5408 or csteinha@nmu.edu.

• Fandom Fun: Dinosaurs. Intended for youth of all ages who love dinosaurs. 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.

• Second Thursday Creativity Series. This month’s theme is “Creepy Crawly Critters.” Guests can enjoy hands-on craft activities and free Culver’s frozen custard. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum, 123 W. Baraga Ave. 906-226-3911 or upchildrensmuseum.org.

• Marquette Art Muses Meeting. Open to the public. 5:30 p.m. The Courtyards, 1110 Champion St. lbuckmar2@yahoo.com or 906-399-9824.

• Yarn Winders Fiber Guild of Marquette. 6 p.m. City of Marquette Arts and Culture Center, lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St.

• Marquette Poets Circle. Local poets, writers, and poetry enthusiasts gather to workshop their current work, followed by an open mic. New and experienced poets are welcome for either or both events. Workshop, 6:30 p.m.; open mic, 7:15 p.m. Shiras Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4322 or pwpl.info

• NCLL: Tour of the Longyear Building. Jason Povey will share the life and contributions of J.M. Longyear and participants can tour the Longyear Building, which was originally built in 1917 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. NCLL members, $5; nonmembers, $10. 6:30 p.m. 210 N. Front St. 906-250-3883 or mlichtmallo@charter.net.

• Anything Goes. Set aboard the ocean liner S. S. American, this age-old tale of boy meets girl features a love triangle, elaborate disguises, tap-dancing sailors, blackmail and lots of laughs. It includes music and lyrics by Cole Porter. NMU students, $5; students, $13; NMU faculty/staff, seniors and military, $15; general public, $20. 7:30 p.m. Forest Roberts Theatre, NMU. tickets.nmu.edu.

Negaunee

• Music, Movement and More. This

parent-led storytime is for children of all ages and their caregivers. 10:30 a.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18.

• Building Club. Youth ages five and older will discuss a topic that will be the focus of their creations and then have time to build with blocks such as LEGO bricks. Participants can have their creations displayed in the library until the following meeting. 4:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18.

12 FRIDAY

sunrise 7:08 a.m.; sunset 8:33 p.m.

Gwinn

• Storytime. Preschool-age kids 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

• Purple Hearts . Michigan Tech Theatre will present this play by C.S. Wallace that tells the story of three men who, in the wake of the attack on Pearl Harbor, find themselves trapped aboard the now-sunken USS West Virginia. Includes mature topics. Pay As You’re Able ticketing. 7:30 p.m. McArdle Theatre, MTU. mtu.universitytickets. com.

Ishpeming

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

Marquette

• Preschool Storytime. Preschool-age children and a loving adult can enjoy stories, songs, finger plays, crafts and other school-readiness activities. Siblings are welcome. 10:45 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.

• Great Lakes Poetry Festival Docu Cinema: Poetry Is an Island, Derek Walcott. This portrait of Nobel Prizewinning poet Derek Walcott is set on his native island of St. Lucia. 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.

• Baby Bear. As part of the Festival of the Angry Bear, all ages are encouraged to take part in a costume contest, face painting, balloon animals, cookie decorating, door prizes and sing-a-longs. Presented with the U.P. Children’s

museums

Big Bay

• Big Bay Lighthouse. The grounds of the 1896 lighthouse are open year-round. 3 Lighthouse Rd. 906-345-9957.

Calumet

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

Escanaba

• Upper Peninsula Honor Flight Legacy Museum. The museum chronicles the history of the U.P. Honor Flights with the history of the trips. Donations appreciated. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by request. Inside the Delta County Chamber of Commerce, 1001 N. Lincoln Rd.

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

Houghton

• A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum. New exhibit on Yooperlites, sodalite-bearing syenites that possess fluorescent properties. View the largest collection of minerals from the Great Lakes region and the world’s finest collection of Michigan minerals. Prices vary. Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1404 E. Sharon Ave. museum.mtu.edu or 906-487-2572.

• Carnegie Museum of the Keweenaw. New exhibits are Message in a Bottle, featuring artifacts long buried beneath Houghton’s streets that were found during excavations in 2021; and Celebrate the Lift Bridge, which includes building activities and the 1960s-era video about building the Lift Bridge.

Tuesday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. 105 Huron St. 906-482-7140 or carnegiekeweenaw.org.

• MTU Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections. Features a variety of historical memorabilia, highlighting life in the Copper Country. Open by appointment. Lower level of the J.R. Van Pelt Library, MTU. 906-487-3209.

Ishpeming

• Ishpeming Area Historical Society Museum. Displays include a military exhibit and artifacts from the Elson Estate. Open by appointment. See website for updates. Gossard Building, Suite 303, 308 Cleveland Ave. ishpeminghistory.org.

• U.S. National Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum. The museum features more than 300 Hall of Fame inductees, presented in photographs and biographies, and displays and exhibits of skiing history and equipment, an extensive library, video show, gift shop, special events and more. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. US-41 and Third Street. 906-485-6323 or skihall.com.

K.I. Sawyer

• K.I. Sawyer Heritage Air Museum. The museum promotes and preserves the aviation history the air base brought to the area. Air Force-related materials are on display, including photographs, flags, medals and more. Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 1 to 4 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. Monday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m. and by appointment. 615 S.

Fourth St. 906-227-9117.

• Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center.

- Extraordinary Women of the U.P., which commemorates 60 influential women native to the U.P. or who settled in the area later in life and their significant contributions in the fields of education, the arts, politics, medicine, activism and public service, is on display through Aug. 3. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 12 to 4 p.m. Corner of Seventh St. and Tracy Ave. NMU. 906-227-1219 or nmu.edu/beaumier.

• Marquette Regional History Center.

- Consumer Co-operatives in the Central Upper Peninsula: A Middle Way, which highlights the history of organizing consumer cooperatives and how they were involved in more than just selling goods, is on display through the 27th. The museum also includes interactive displays as well as regional history exhibits. Youth 12 and younger, $2; students, $3; seniors, $6; adults, $7. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 145 W. Spring St. 906-226-3571 or 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. In the forested ravines of the Marquette Iron Range, the museum overlooks the Carp River and the site of the first iron forge in the Lake Superior region. Museum exhibits, audio-visual programs and outdoor interpretive paths depict the largescale capital and human investment that made Michigan an industrial leader. The museum is one of 10 museums and historic sites administered by the Michigan Historical Center. Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking. Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 73 Forge Rd. 906-475-7857.

South Range

• Copper Range Historical Musuem. Exhibits recreate life from the early 1900s to mid-1950s of the immigrants who built the town and villages of the area. Collections include photographs, books and artifacts. Open by appointment. 44 Trimountain Ave. 906-482-6125 or 906-487-9412.

Marquette Regional History Center | Marquette

Photo courtesy of Marquette Regional History Center

Museum. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Ore Dock Brewing Company, 114 W. Spring St. 906-228-8888.

• NMU Student Recital. 1 p.m. Reynolds Recital Hall. nmu.edu/music.

• LEGO Club. Participants can meet other LEGO enthusiasts and 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.

• Anything Goes. Set aboard the ocean liner S. S. American, this age-old tale of boy meets girl features a love triangle, elaborate disguises, tap-dancing sailors, blackmail and lots of laughs. It includes music and lyrics by Cole Porter. NMU students, $5; students, $13; NMU faculty/staff, seniors and military, $15; general public, $20. 7:30 p.m. Forest Roberts Theatre, NMU. tickets.nmu.edu.

13 SATURDAY

sunrise 7:06 a.m.; sunset 8:34 p.m.

Calumet

• Second Saturday Market. Featuring local handcrafted items. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Calumet Art Center, 57055 Fifth St. 906-934-2228 or calumetartcenter. com.

Chatham

• Storytime. The storytime will also include songs and crafts. 10 a.m. Rock River Township Library, E3667 State Hwy. M-94. 906-439-5360 or rrtlibrary@gmail.com.

Escanaba

• LEGO Club. This month’s theme is “Spring Has Sprung.” 1 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.

Hancock

• Upper Penisula Enivronmental Coalition 2024: Celebrate the U.P. Following a general membership meeting, presentors will discuss environmental topics of interest about U.P. lands. 12:30 to 7:30 p.m. Orpheum Theater, 426 Quincy St. upenvironment.org

Houghton

• Purple Hearts . Michigan Tech Theatre will present this play by C.S. Wallace that tells the story of three men who, in the wake of the attack on Pearl Harbor, find themselves trapped aboard the now-sunken USS West Virginia. Includes mature topics. Pay As You’re Able ticketing. 7:30 p.m. McArdle Theatre, MTU. mtu.universitytickets. com.

Iron Mountain

• NSDAR Meeting. This is the monthly meeting of the Onagomingkway Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR). Please bring a dish to pass. Noon CT. Dickinson County Library,

401 Iron Mountain St. 906-226-7836.

Ishpeming

• Christina King Storytime and Author Visit. Christina King, a kindergarten teacher at Aspen Ridge Elementary, will read and talk about her recently published picture book The Little Piggy. 11 a.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary. info.

• Young Adult Book Club. This month’s selection is Sadie by Courtney Summers. 3 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.

• Courage Incorporated Fundraiser. This community fundraiser will include a spaghetti dinner, prize raffles, a 50/50 drawing, door prizes and more. Proceeds will help Courage Incorporated provide free all-inclusive outdoor excursions for physically disabled individuals and veterans, as well as those living with chronic or terminal illness. Kids ages six and younger, free; adults, $10. 5 to 8 p.m. River Rock Lanes and Banquet Center, 1011 North Rd. courageincorporated.org.

Marquette

• Genealogy Workshop. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday-Saints will host a RootsTech genealogy workshop. The Marquette County Genealogical Society will be on hand to assist with research. 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Family Search Center, 350 Cherry Creek Rd. marquettecountymigeniesociety@ gmail.com or lakesuperiorroots.org.

• Climate Advocate Workshop. This is an opportunity to learn about the Marquette Chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby, which is undergoing a recharge. 10 a.m. to noon. Shiras Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. mqtccl@gmail.com.

• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. Lessons, 10 a.m. Games, 11:30 a.m. Citizens Forum, Lakeview Arena, 401 E. Fair St. superiorland_bridge.tripod.com.

• Saturday Storytime. Babies and toddlers and a loving adult can enjoy songs, rhymes, stories and finger plays. Older siblings and older children are welcome. 10:30 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.

• Story Time at MooseWood. Night Gliders by Joanne Ryder will be read, followed by an activity or craft. Suggested age range is five to eight years old, but all are welcome. $5 per child or $10 per family. 11 a.m. MooseWood Nature Center, Shiras Pool Building at Presque Isle Park. To register, moosewoodnc@gmail.com.

• Angry Bear 5K. This family friendly fun run is an out-and-back race, starting on the bike path at Main Street and following the bike path to Picnic Rocks and back. Costumes are not required, but encouraged. Donations and a portion of proceeds will go to Special

Olympics of Michigan Area 36. $25. 1 p.m. Ore Dock Brewing Company, 114 W. Spring St. events@oredockbrewingcompany.com or runsignup.com.

• Anything Goes. Set aboard the ocean liner S. S. American, this age-old tale of boy meets girl features a love triangle, elaborate disguises, tap-dancing sailors, blackmail and lots of laughs. It includes music and lyrics by Cole Porter. NMU students, $5; students, $13; NMU faculty/staff, seniors and military, $15; general public, $20. Theatre for All matinee, 1 p.m.; regular performance, 7:30 p.m. Forest Roberts Theatre, NMU. tickets.nmu.edu.

• Marquette Symphony Orchestra. The performance is titled “Soul Force.” Ticket prices vary. 7:30 p.m. Kaufman Auditorium, 611 N. Front St. marquettesymphony.org. For tickets, 906-227-1032 or nmu.universitytickets.com.

14 SUNDAY

sunrise 7:04 a.m.; sunset 8:36 p.m.

Houghton

• The Greatest Movie and Video Game Music. The performance will feature the Superior Wind Symphony and Campus Concert Band. Presented by Michigan Tech Music. Pay As You’re Able ticketing. 7:30 p.m. McArdle Theatre, MTU. mtu.universitytickets.com.

Ishpeming

• Bingo. Doors open at noon. Ishpeming VFW, 310 Bank St. 906-486-4856.

Little Lake

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

Marquette

• NMU Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble Concert. 1 p.m. Reynolds Recital Hall. nmu.edu/music.

Rock

• Senior Dance. Red River Band will perform. The event raises money for the Rock Senior Center. $7. 1 to 4 p.m. Rock Senior Center, 3892 W. Maple Ridge 37th Rd.

15 MONDAY

sunrise 7:02 a.m.; sunset 8:37 p.m.

• Wiggle Worms Storytime. This storytime is geared toward wiggly children and their loving adult. Stories will be intermixed with hands-on and interactive activities. 9:45 a.m. Great Room, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.

• Comic Creators. Youth in second through sixth grades can gather with other graphic novel and comic book fans, talk about favorite books and create graphic novel crafts. 4:30 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.

• Great Lakes Poetry Festival: Josh Brindle Reading. Poet, artist and typewriter collector Josh Brindle will read from While the Morning Stars Sang Together, his recently published collection of poems. 6 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4322 or pwpl. info.

• Quick Fics Book Group. This month’s selection is All Systems Red by Martha Wells. 6 p.m. Dandelion Cottage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.

• The Joy of Sound Meditation. This evening of sound meditation will feature bronze singing bowls and metal gongs. 7 p.m. Chapel, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 201 E. Ridge St. 906-362- 9934 or ckitchenmqt@gmail. com.

Negaunee

• All-Ages Online Storytime. Miss Jessica will lead stories, songs and rhymes on Facebook Live. 11 a.m. facebook.com/NegauneePublicLibrary. 906-475-7700, ext. 18.

16 TUESDAY

sunrise 7:00 a.m.; sunset 8:38 p.m.

Escanaba

• Tech Tuesday. Appointments or walk-ins are welcome. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906-789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.

Ishpeming

• Tot Tuesday Storytime. Stories, songs, and movement activities will be followed by an optional craft and playtime for toddlers and preschoolers. 11 a.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.

Houghton

• Student Art Exhibition Reception with Studio Here Now. Students from across campus will present this exhibition of their artworks. 6 to 7:30 p.m. Studio G04W, Wadsworth Hall, MTU. events.mtu.edu.

Marquette

• Ely Township Senior Center Outreach. Attendees can learn what resources and services are available to the aging community on the West End of Marquette County. Meet the executive director and case worker from the Ishpeming Senior Center as well as staff from Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice, Trillium House and the Alzheimer’s Association. 1 to 3 p.m. Ely Township Hall, 1555 Co. Rd. 496. 906-485-5527.

Marquette

• Book Babies. Newborns and toddlers up to 17 months and a loving adult can enjoy songs, rhymes, stories and finger plays. Older siblings are welcome. 9:45 a.m. Great Room, 217 N. Front St. 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 12:30 p.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. To register, 906-226-4311.

• Preschool Storytime. Preschool-age children and a loving adult can enjoy stories, songs, finger plays, crafts and other school-readiness activities. Siblings are welcome. 10:45 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.

• 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.

• NMU Open Mind Ensemble Concert. 3 p.m. Reynolds Recital Hall. nmu.edu/music.

• Senior Dance Class. Intended for ages 55 and older. Free for City of Marquette and neighboring township residents. 4 p.m. City of Marquette Arts and Culture Center, lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. To register, 906-225-8655.

• Dungeons and Dragons. Jordan from Iron Golem Games, will lead a group of teens in sixth through 12th grades on a quest with this role-playing game. Registration is required. 4 p.m. Teen Zone, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4321 or pwpl. info.

• Dungeons and Dragons Junior. Staff members Cat and Thayer will lead youth in fourth and fifth grades on a quest with this role-playing game. Registration required. 4:30 p.m. Conference Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.

• Jr. Explorers. Curious kids in kindergarten through third grade will explore a new topic each month with activities and books from the library’s nonfiction collection. 4:30 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.

• PWPL Board of Trustees Meeting. This monthly meeting of the board of trustees of the Peter White Public Library is open to all. 5 p.m. Shiras Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. pwpl.info.

• NCLL: History of Brewing Beer in the U.P. The speaker will be Dr. Russ Magnaghi, author of Upper Peninsula Beer: A History of Brewing Above the Bridge NCLL members, $5; nonmembers, $10. 6:30 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-361-5370 or jhigbie@ nmu.edu.

17 WEDNESDAY

sunrise 6:59 a.m.; sunset 8:40 p.m.

Escanaba

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

Gwinn

• After School LEGO Club. Children ages five and older are welcome to drop in and build. 4 to 5 p.m. Forsyth Township Library, 180 W. Flint St. 906346-3433 or forsythtwplibrary.org.

Houghton

• The Kids Consignment Sale. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Copper Country Mall, 47420 Hwy. M-26. thekidsconsignment@gmail.com or thekidssale.net.

Ishpeming

• Wellness Wednesdays Presents Aging U.P. Part 1. Participants will learn about the benefits of positive attitudes toward aging and ways to improve decision making and memory. 11:15 a.m. Ishpeming Multi-Purpose Senior Center, 121 Greenwood St. 906-225-7760.

Marquette

• Toddler Storytime. Children ages 18 to 36 months and a loving adult can enjoy stories and songs, followed by sensory play activities. Siblings are welcome. 10:45 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. 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. This month’s book will be Underground Girls of Kabul: In Search of a Hidden Resistance in Afghanistan by Jenny Nordberg. 1 p.m. Conference Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4311 or refdesk@ 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. 1 to 3:30 p.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. To register, 906-226-4311.

• Outword. Intended for LGBTQIA youth and ally students in seventh to 12th grades. 4 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4321, apierce@pwpl.info or pwpl.info.

• Marquette County Genealogical Society Meeting. 6:15 p.m. Family Search Center, 350 Cherry Creek Rd. marquettecountymigeniesociety@ gmail.com or lakesuperiorroots.org.

• Cross Country Closser. Bruce Closser will share stories and photos of his 4,200-mile journey on the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail. Suggested donation, $5. 6:30 p.m. Marquette Regional History Center, 145 W. Spring St. 906-226-3571 or marquettehistory. org.

• MSHS Jazz Band. Music will be performed by the Marquette Senior High School Jazz Band led by Dr. Matt Ludwig. The event will also be livestreamed. 6:30 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4321 or pwpl.info.

• NMU Orchestra Concert. 7:30 p.m. Reynolds Recital Hall. nmu.edu/music.

Negaunee

• Knitting Group. Those interested in crocheting, knitting and other fiber arts are welcome to bring their projects and share with others. Coffee provided. 1:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18.

• Wings of Fire Interest Group. Youth ages eight and older are invited to discuss the series, write fanfiction, make crafts and other activities. 3 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18.

18 THURSDAY

sunrise 6:57 a.m.; sunset 8:41 p.m.

Calumet

• Preschool Story Time. Bring your little ones for storytime. 10:15 a.m. Calumet Public Library. 906-337-0311.

Escanaba

• Mardi Rouge Jazz Concert. This jazz ensemble features Patrick Booth, Ryan Dart, Lorne Watson and John Beck, and focuses on original music from its rotating cast of members. K-Bay tickets, $5; general public, $10. 7 p.m. Besse Theater, Bay College, 2001 N. Lincoln Rd. baycollege.tix. com.

Houghton

• The Kids Consignment Sale. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Copper Country Mall, 47420 Hwy. M-26. thekidsconsignment@gmail.com or thekidssale.net.

Ishpeming

• West End Spring Playgroup. Families and caregivers with young children are invited to attend for free play and snacks. Presented through a partnership with Great Start. 10 a.m.

Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. tmeinhold@greatstartma.org or 906-486-4381.

• Adult Fantasy Book Club. This month’s selection is Once and Future Witches by Alix Harrow. 6 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.

Marquette

• NMU’s Celebration of Student Scholarship. This 28th annual event recognizes the scholarly activity of undergraduate and graduate students in all disciplines. Students share their work with the NMU and Marquette communities by presenting research posters and oral presentations, including creative written work and artwork. 9 a.m. Jamrich Hall. nmu. edu/studentcelebration.

• Toddler Storytime. Children ages 18 to 36 months and a loving adult can enjoy stories and songs, followed by sensory play activities. Siblings are welcome. 10:45 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.

• NCLL: Making Baklava. Baker Kristen Mowafy will share how to make baklava, a dessert made with phyllo dough, nuts and honey. Supplies will be provided. NCLL members, $15; nonmembers, $20. 3 p.m. Marquette Food Co-op, 502 W. Washington St. 906-361-5370 or jhigbie@nmu.edu.

• Marquette Rug Hookers Meeting. Anyone interested in the art of rug and art hooking can gather for technique and resource sharing, instruction, show and tell, and fellowship. Participants may bring dinner. 4 p.m. Marquette Arts and Culture Center Studio Room 2, lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-360-8700.

• LWBA Birds and Brews. The Laughing Whitefish Bird Alliance and MI Birds will host this special event where guests can play bird trivia and learn about the importance of public lands to birds. 6 p.m. Ore Dock Brewing Company, 114 W. Spring St. 906-362-4811.

• Gifts from the Past: Uncovering the Story of the People at Goose Lake Outlet #3 Site. Local archaeologist and historian Jim Paquette will discuss the story of the Indigenous people who once lived at the Goose Lake Outlet #3 site. The Teal Lake Singers will perform at the beginning of the program. 6:15 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4322 or pwpl.info.

• Anything Goes. Set aboard the ocean liner S. S. American, this age-old tale of boy meets girl features a love triangle, elaborate disguises, tap-dancing sailors, blackmail and lots of laughs.

It includes music and lyrics by Cole Porter. NMU students, $5; students, $13; NMU faculty/staff, seniors and military, $15; general public, $20. 7:30 p.m. Forest Roberts Theatre, NMU. tickets.nmu.edu.

Negaunee

• Music, Movement and More. This parent-led storytime is for children of all ages and their caregivers. 10:30 a.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18.

• Building Club. Youth ages five and older will discuss a topic that will be the focus of their creations and then have time to build with blocks such as LEGO bricks. Participants can have their creations displayed in the library until the following meeting. 4:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18.

19 FRIDAY

sunrise 6:55 a.m.; sunset 8:42 p.m.

Gwinn

• Storytime. Preschool-age kids 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

• The Kids Consignment Sale. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Copper Country Mall, 47420 Hwy. M-26. thekidsconsignment@gmail.com or thekidssale.net.

Ishpeming

• Afternoon Movie: The Lego Movie. Popcorn and water will be provided; guest can bring their own snacks or drinks. 1 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.

Marquette

• Preschool Storytime. Preschool-age children and a loving adult can enjoy stories, songs, finger plays, crafts and other school-readiness activities. Siblings are welcome. 10:45 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.

• Global Cinema: Chen Kaige’s Farewell My Concubine . This award-winning Chinese film follows two lifelong friends from the early days of the Republic of China through the Cultural Revolution. Rated R. 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.

• LEGO Club. Participants can meet other LEGO enthusiasts and 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.

• Spring Contest Powwow. Hosted by the Keweenaw Bay Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe. Kids ages five and younger and elders ages 62 and older, free; daily admission, $5; weekend admission, $15. Registration, 4 to 7 p.m.; Grand Entry, 7 p.m. Superior Dome, NMU. 906-201-2297 or 906353-4278, or kbic-nsn.gov.

• Anything Goes Set aboard the ocean liner S. S. American, this age-old tale of boy meets girl features a love triangle, elaborate disguises, tap-dancing sailors, blackmail and lots of laughs. It includes music and lyrics by Cole Porter. NMU students, $5; students, $13; NMU faculty/staff, seniors and military, $15; general public, $20. 7:30 p.m. Forest Roberts Theatre, NMU. tickets.nmu.edu.

20 SATURDAY

sunrise 6:53 a.m.; sunset 8:44 p.m.

Escanaba

• Return of the Bay-Con. This pop culture convention will include vendors, food, vintage video gaming, cosplay contest, zombie lab, trivia, celebrity guests and more. BAY-CON raises funds for Bay College’s student organizations and athletic teams who staff the event. Free, though a donation of $5 for those 10 and older is recommended. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Room 952, Joseph Heirman University Center, Bay College, 2001 N. Lincoln Rd. baycollege.edu.

Mosaic for Earth, a new 14-movement work that celebrates the wonders of nature. Pay As You’re Able ticketing. 7:30 p.m. Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts, 1400 Townsend Dr. mtu.universitytickets.com.

Marquette

• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. Lessons, 10 a.m. Games, 11:30 a.m. Citizens Forum, Lakeview Arena, 401 E. Fair St. superiorland_bridge.tripod.com.

• Preschool Prom: Candyland Dreamland. Intended for ages 7 and younger with an adult, this event will include dancing, snacks and more. Registration opens April 6; attendees may only register for one session. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. or 1 to 2 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. To register, 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.

• Saturday Storytime. Babies and toddlers and a loving adult can enjoy songs, rhymes, stories and finger plays. Older siblings and older children are welcome. 10:30 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.

Gwinn

• Coffee and Conversation: Boundaries. Participants will create their own stained glass art using paint mixed with glue. Coffee and treats will be provided; bring your own mug for refills. 10 a.m. Forsyth Township Library, 180 W. Flint St. 906-346-3433 or forsythtwplibrary.org.

• Companion Planting and Diversity. Grace AaltoRosenbaum will discuss eliminating synthetic herbicides and pesticides as well as companion planting. Instructions, demonstrations and samples will be provided. 1 p.m. Gwinn Community Church, 85 N. Pine St. gwinnseedlibary@gmail.com.

Hancock

• SiSu Shuffle. This 5K fun run/ walk/jog/shuffle is a non-competitive event to encourage community members to be active. 9 a.m. UP Health System Portage, 500 Campus Dr. 906-483-1187, aluskin@portagehealth.org or uphealthsystem.com/ community-health-events.

• Buellwood Weavers and Fiber Arts Guild Meeting. All fiber artists are welcome. 1 p.m. Fiber Arts Studio (Room 105), Finnish American Folk School, lower level, Jutila Center, 200 Michigan St. jegale@att.net or 906-221-5306.

Houghton

• The Kids Consignment Sale. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Copper Country Mall, 47420 Hwy. M-26. thekidsconsignment@ gmail.com or thekidssale.net.

• Mosaic for Earth. The Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra and Michigan Tech Choirs will celebrate Earth Day with a presentation of Dwight Bigler’s

• Spring Contest Powwow. Hosted by the Keweenaw Bay Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe. Kids ages five and younger and elders ages 62 and older, free; adults, $5. Registration, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Grand Entry, 1 and 7 p.m. Superior Dome, NMU. 906-2012297 or 906-353-4278, or kbic-nsn. gov.

• Brits and Brews Benefit. Brits and Brews: Music of the British Invasion and Beyond will feature five bands and open mic performances showcasing music by many of the most influential British rock bands, from the 1960s to 1980s. This event will raise funds for JJ Packs to provide nutritious food to students in all seven schools in the MAPS district. Admission is by donation at the door. 5 to 11 p.m. Ore Dock Brewing Co., 114 W. Spring St. 906-226-8762.

• Anything Goes. Set aboard the ocean liner S. S. American, this age-old tale of boy meets girl features a love triangle, elaborate disguises, tap-dancing sailors, blackmail and lots of laughs. It includes music and lyrics by Cole Porter. NMU students, $5; students, $13; NMU faculty/staff, seniors and military, $15; general public, $20. 7:30 p.m. Forest Roberts Theatre, NMU. tickets.nmu.edu.

• Marquette City Band Spring Concert. 7:30 p.m. Kaufman Auditorium, 611 N. Front St. marquettecityband.com.

21 SUNDAY

sunrise 6:52 a.m.; sunset 8:45 p.m.

Ishpeming

• Bingo. Doors open at noon. Ishpeming VFW, 310 Bank St.

Photo by Bruno Guerrero via unsplash

906-486-4856.

Little Lake

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

Marquette

• Spring Contest Powwow. Hosted by the Keweenaw Bay Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe. Kids ages five and younger and elders ages 62 and older, free; adults, $5. Grand Entry, noon. Superior Dome, NMU. 906-201-2297 or 906-353-4278, or kbic-nsn.gov.

• Glass, Beads and Charms Workshop. Participants will learn to bend and work with wire while making a hand-made piece of jewelry. Youth 14 and younger can create a necklace or backpack charm; adults can create a necklace or earrings. All tools and materials will be provided. $10 for each jewelry piece. 12:30, 1:30 or 2:30 p.m. MooseWood Nature Center, Shiras Pool Building at Presque Isle Park. To register by April 19, moosewoodnc@ gmail.com.

• Great Lakes Poetry Festival KickOff. Peter White Public Library will launch the Great Lakes Poetry Festival with readings by Troy Graham, current U.P. Poet Laureate Beverly Matherne, Gala Malherbe and Marty Achatz. Musician Lillian Pressnell will also perform. 3 to 6 p.m. Provisions MQT, 401 S. Lakeshore Blvd. 906-226-4322 or pwpl.info.

• NMU Choral Concert. 3 p.m. Reynolds Recital Hall. nmu.edu/music.

22 MONDAY

sunrise 6:50 a.m.; sunset 8:46 p.m.

Marquette

• Wiggle Worms Storytime. This storytime is geared toward wiggly children and their loving adult. Stories will be intermixed with hands-on and interactive activities. 9:45 a.m. Great Room, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.

• Senior Theatre Experience: Monthly Theatre Workshop and Discussion. Intended for ages 55 and older. Free for City of Marquette and neighboring township residents. 4 p.m. City of Marquette Arts and Culture Center, lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. To register, 906-225-8655.

• Great Lakes Poetry Festival

Headline Poet: Diane Glancy

Reading. Poet Diane Glancy, winner of the American Book Award for Poetry and author of 34 poetry collections, will read from her recently published book Psalm to Whom(e) 7 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906226-4322 or pwpl.info.

Negaunee

• All-Ages Online Storytime. Miss Jessica will lead stories, songs and rhymes on Facebook Live. 11 a.m. facebook.com/NegauneePublicLibrary. 906-475-7700, ext. 18.

23 TUESDAY

sunrise 6:48 a.m.; sunset 8:48 p.m.

Escanaba

• Tech Tuesday. Appointments or walk-ins are welcome. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906-789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.

Houghton

• Keweenaw Natural History Talk (Zoom). Tom Wright will present “Quincy Mine: The Place, The Problems, The Project!” 7 p.m. Via Zoom. 906-482-7140 or carnegiekeweenaw.org.

Ishpeming

• Tot Tuesday Storytime. Stories, songs, and movement activities will be followed by an optional craft and playtime for toddlers and preschoolers. 11 a.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.

Marquette

• Great Lakes Cannabis Collaboration Conference. This event will showcase developing trends in cannabis education and scholarship, as well as insights from industry leaders and experts. Ticket prices vary. 8 a.m. Northern Center, NMU. To register, nmu.edu/cannabisconference.

• Book Babies. Newborns and toddlers up to 17 months and a loving adult can enjoy songs, rhymes, stories and finger plays. Older siblings are welcome. 9:45 a.m. Great Room, 217 N. Front St. 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 12:30 p.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. To register, 906-226-4311.

• Preschool Storytime. Preschool-age children and a loving adult can enjoy stories, songs, finger plays, crafts and other school-readiness activities. Siblings are welcome. 10:45 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.

• Lake Superior Knitters. Open to all ages skill levels to mentor and share knowledge. If new to knitting, bring a skein of a worsted weight yarn (avoid

dark yarn) and a Size 7 circular needle that is 24-inches long to make a cowl. The basic pattern will be provided. Suggested donation of $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. Intended for ages 55 and older. Free for City of Marquette and neighboring township residents. 4 p.m. City of Marquette Arts and Culture Center, lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. To register, 906-225-8655.

• Art After Loss. Participants will explore art as a means of healing after death and loss and will create remembrance flags to honor the memory of an experience or loved one. 5 p.m. Marquette Arts and Culture Center, lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-225-7760.

• Great Lakes Poetry Festival: Yooper Poetry Anthology Book Launch Reading. In celebration of the release of Yooper Poetry: On Experiencing Michigan’s Upper Peninsula edited by Raymond Luczak, several of the award-winning poets included in the anthology will gather for this reading and book-signing event. 7 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4322 or pwpl.info.

24 WEDNESDAY

sunrise 6:46 a.m.; sunset 8:49 p.m.

Escanaba

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

Ishpeming

• Wellness Wednesdays Presents Aging U.P. Part 2. Participants will learn about the benefits of positive attitudes toward aging and ways to improve decision making and memory. 11:15 a.m. Ishpeming Multi-Purpose Senior Center, 121 Greenwood St. 906-225-7760.

• Adult Horror Book Club. This month’s selection will be Come Closer by Sarah Gran. 6 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary. info.

Marquette

• Toddler Storytime. Children ages 18 to 36 months and a loving adult can enjoy stories and songs, followed by sensory play activities. Siblings are welcome. 10:45 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. Call to reserve a meal. $3.50 suggested donation. Noon to 1 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. 906-228-0456.

• 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. 1 to 3:30 p.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. To register, 906-226-4311.

• Homeschool Chapter Book Discussion. Homeschool students ages 11 and older are invited to a book discussion; check website for this month’s selection. 1 p.m. Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4321 or pwpl.info.

• Great Lakes Poetry Festival: Lynn Domina Poetry Workshop. Poet Lynn Domina, author of the recently published collection Inland Sea, will lead this workshop for writers (poets and non-poets) of all skill levels and abilities. 2 p.m. Shiras Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. To register, 906-226-4322 or pwpl.info.

• Teens Cook! Teens in sixth through 12th grades will learn easy-to-prepare recipes. Registration required. 4:30 p.m. Marquette Food Co-op, 502 W. Washington St. 906-226-4321 or pwpl. info.

• Earth Day Trivia. Hosted by the Marquette County Conservation District, participants can compete for prizes with questions on the environment, the outdoors and conservation. 7 to 9 p.m. Iron Bay Restaurant and Drinkery, 105 E. Washington St. marquettecd.com/events.

• Great Lakes Poetry Festival: U.P. Poets Laureate Reading. Current U.P. Poet Laureate Beverly Matherne and first U.P. Poet Laureate Russell Thorburn will present a poetic celebration of their works and voices. 7 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906226-4322 or pwpl.info.

• Superior A Cappella Concert. 7:30 p.m. Reynolds Recital Hall. nmu.edu.

Negaunee

• Knitting Group. Those interested in crocheting, knitting and other fiber arts are welcome to bring their projects and share with others. Coffee provided. 1:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18.

• Wings of Fire Interest Group. Youth ages eight and older are invited to discuss the series, write fanfiction, make crafts and other activities. 3 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18.

25 THURSDAY

sunrise 6:45 a.m.; sunset 8:50 p.m.

Calumet

• Preschool Story Time. Bring your little ones for storytime. 10:15 a.m. Calumet Public Library. 906-337-0311.

Ishpeming

• West End Spring Playgroup. Families and caregivers with young children are invited to attend for free play and snacks. Presented through a partnership with Great Start. 10 a.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. tmeinhold@greatstartma.org or 906-486-4381.

Marquette

• Toddler Storytime. Children ages 18 to 36 months and a loving adult can enjoy stories and songs, followed by sensory play activities. Siblings are welcome. 10:45 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.

• Fandom Fun: Pete The Cat. Intended for youth of ages who love the coolest, chilled out cat, Pete the Cat. 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.

• AAUW Book Sale Pre-Sale Event.

$5. 5 to 8 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, 120 N. Front St. rmleow@ charter.net or 906-250-5503.

• Great Lakes Poetry Festival: Celebration of Indigenous Poets. Writers April Lindala, Marty Reinhardt, Shirley Brozzo and Tyler Detloff will read from their works. The event will also honor the poetry and memories of Sally Brunk and Rosalie Petrouske. 7 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906226-4322 or pwpl.info.

• Interfaith Holocaust Memorial Service. The guest speaker will be Ishpeming native Dr. Ellen J. Narotzky Kennedy, founder and executive director of World Without Genocide, which is headquartered at Mitchell Hamline School of Law in St. Paul, Minn. There will also be speakers from several faith groups and local choral groups will present musical selections. A reception will follow at Temple Beth Sholom (diagonally across Ridge Street). 7 p.m. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 201 E. Ridge St. apsmd@aol.com.

Negaunee

• Music, Movement and More. This parent-led storytime is for children of all ages and their caregivers. 10:30 a.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18.

• Building Club. Youth ages five and older will discuss a topic that will be the focus of their creations and then have time to build with blocks such as LEGO bricks. Participants can have their creations displayed in the library

until the following meeting. 4:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18.

26 FRIDAY

sunrise 6:43 a.m.; sunset 8:52 p.m.

Crystal Falls

• Djangophonique. This award-winning project delivers the joy and expressive freedom born out of Django Reinhardt’s jazz manouche style. Students, $5; adults, $23. 7 p.m. Crystal Theatre, 304 Superior Ave. 906-875-3208 or thecrystaltheatre.org.

Gwinn

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

• Adult Tai Chi Class. Certified instructor Irina Tarbeeva will lead an hour-long Tai Chi class for beginning and intermediate levels of practice. 2 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. To register, 906-486-4381.

Marquette

• AAUW Book Sale. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, 120 N. Front St. rmleow@charter.net or 906-250-5503.

• Great Lakes Poetry Festival Block Busting Cinema: Dead Poets Society. This Oscar-winning film stars Robin Williams and Ethan Hawke. Rated PG. Noon. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906226-4322 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.

• NMU Student Recital. 1 p.m. Reynolds Recital Hall. nmu.edu/music.

• LEGO Club. Participants can meet other LEGO enthusiasts and 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.

• Great Lakes Poetry Festival: Harvard Square Press Night. Publisher Harvard Square Press will host an evening of readings and music by some of its award-winning authors. 7 to 9 p.m. Superior Culture, 717 N. Third St. 906-226-4322 or pwpl.info.

• Spring Fling: The Library Era

Silent Disco. Intended for students in sixth to eighth grades, guests will listen to music on wireless headphones and will have the choice of two stations. Attendees can dress in their favorite Taylor Swift Era or spring attire. Online registration is required. $5. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4321 or pwpl.info.

27 SATURDAY

sunrise 6:41 a.m.; sunset 8:53 p.m.

Marquette

• AAUW Book Sale. The day will feature a $5 bag sale and half-price books after 12:15 p.m. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, 120 N. Front St. rmleow@charter.net or 906-250-5503.

• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. Lessons, 10 a.m. Games, 11:30 a.m. Citizens Forum, Lakeview Arena, 401 E. Fair St.

• Saturday Storytime. Babies and toddlers and a loving adult can enjoy songs, rhymes, stories and finger plays. Older siblings and older children are welcome. 10:30 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.

• Great Lakes Poetry Festival Teen Reading/Poetry Contest Award Ceremony. Winners and participants from the Great Lakes Teen Poetry Contest will read from their works. 11 a.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906226-4322 or pwpl.info.

• Great Lakes Poetry Festival: 2023 International Three-Day Chapbook Contest Reading and Award Ceremony. The three winners of the 2023 Three-Day International Chapbook Competition, judged by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Diane Seuss, will read from their works. 1 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906226-4322 or pwpl.info.

• Marquette Choral Society Concert. The evening will feature the work of contemporary composer Eric Whitacre. As part of the program, MCS will highlight the work of local organizations that support cancer patients and their families and present the 2024 Upper Peninsula Choral Leadership Award to the Society’s charter members. Students, $5; adults, $15. 7:30 p.m. Reynolds Recital Hall, NMU. marquettechoralsociety.org.

1835 E. M-35. 906-346-6000.

Marquette

• AAUW Book Sale. 9 a.m. to noon. First Presbyterian Church, 120 N. Front St. rmleow@charter.net or 906-250-5503.

• Marquette Choral Society Concert. The evening will feature the work of contemporary composer Eric Whitacre. As part of the program, MCS will highlight the work of local organizations that support cancer patients and their families and present the 2024 Upper Peninsula Choral Leadership Award to the Society’s charter members. Students, $5; adults, $15. 3 p.m. Reynolds Recital Hall, NMU. marquettechoralsociety.org.

• Story Time at MooseWood. The Bumblebee Queen by April Pulley Sayre will be read, followed by an activity or craft. Suggested age range is five to eight years old, but all are welcome. $5 per child or $10 per family. 11 a.m. MooseWood Nature Center, Shiras Pool Building at Presque Isle Park. To register, moosewoodnc@ gmail.com.

• Great Lakes Poetry Festival Afterglow Event. Peter White Public Library will close the 2024 Great Lakes Poetry Festival with this afterglow reading by Marquette Art Awards 2022 Writer of the Year B. G. Bradley, poet Gala Malherbe and two-time U.P. Poet Laureate Marty Achatz. Marquette Art Awards 2022 Performing Artist of the Year Troy Graham will also perform. 5 to 8 p.m. Rippling River Resort, 4321 M-553 906-226-4322 or pwpl.info.

29 MONDAY

sunrise 6:38 a.m.; sunset 8:56 p.m.

Marquette

• All Booked Up (Online). Upper Michigan Today’s Elizabeth Peterson and Tia Trudgeon, along with Peter White Public Library staff and author John Smolens, will lead a discussion of Smolens’ A Cold, Hard Prayer 9 a.m. Via the TV6 Facebook page. 906-2264322 or pwpl.info.

• Wiggle Worms Storytime. This storytime is geared toward wiggly children and their loving adult. Stories will be intermixed with hands-on and interactive activities. 9:45 a.m. Great Room, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323.

Negaunee

28 SUNDAY

sunrise 6:40 a.m.; sunset 8:54 p.m.

Little Lake

• Bingo. A concession stand will be available. Doors open at 11 a.m.; Early Bird games begin at 1:30 p.m. American Legion Auxiliary Post 349,

• 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.

30 TUESDAY

sunrise 6:36 a.m.; sunset 8:57 p.m.

Escanaba

• Tech Tuesday. Appointments or walk-ins are welcome. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906-789-7323.

Iron Mountain

• Estate Planning Seminar. Attorney’s Scott Brogan, John Yonkers and Eryka Symington will discuss important estate planning topics for families. 6 p.m. C.T. Room 231 A, Bay College West, 2801 US-2. 906-228-6212.

Ishpeming

• Tot Tuesday Storytime. Stories, songs, and movement activities will be followed by an optional craft and

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 Family Groups. A fellowship offering strength and hope for friends and families of problem drinkers. al-alon.org or 888-425-2666.

• Alcoholics Anonymous. Meetings throughout Marquette County, open daily, at many locations and times. Twenty-four-hour answering service, aa-marquettecounty.org or 800-605-5043.

• 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.

• Caregiver Support Group— Gwinn. April 9. 1:30 p.m. Forsyth Senior Center, 165 Maple St. 906225-7760 or lakesuperiorhospice.org.

• Caregiver Support Group— Marquette. April 10. 2 p.m. Lake

playtime for toddlers and preschoolers. 11 a.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381.

Marquette

• Book Babies. Newborns and toddlers up to 17 months and a loving adult can enjoy songs, rhymes, stories and finger plays. Older siblings are welcome. 9:45 a.m. Great Room, 217 N. Front St. 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 12:30 p.m.

Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. To register, 906-226-4311.

• Preschool Storytime. Preschool-age children and a loving adult can enjoy stories, songs, finger plays, crafts and other school-readiness activities. Siblings are welcome. 10:45 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323.

• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St.

• 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. Intended for ages 55 and older. Free for City of Marquette and neighboring township residents. 4 p.m. City of Marquette Arts and Culture Center, lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. To register, 906-225-8655.

• Bluesday Tuesday. This monthly concert is sponsored by the Marquette Blues Society. 7 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4322.

MM

Superior Life Care and Hospice, 914 W. Baraga Ave. 906-225-7760 or lakesuperiorhospice.org.

• Divorce Care—Ishpeming. This non-denominational group is for people who are separated or divorced. New members are welcome.

Tuesdays, 6 p.m. Northiron Church, 910 Palms Ave. 906-475-6032 or northiron.church.

• Grief Share—Ishpeming. This non-denominational group is for people dealing with grief and loss.

Mondays, 2:30 p.m. Northiron Church, 910 Palms Ave. northiron. church or 906-475-6032.

• Grief Support Group— Ishpeming. 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. Second and fourth Thursdays. 2 p.m. Ray Leverton Room, Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-225-4545.

• 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—Gwinn. People dealing with grief and loss are encouraged to attend. Individual grief counseling is available. April 10. 2 p.m. Forsyth Senior Center, 165 Maple St. 906-225-7760 or lakesuperiorhospice.org.

• Grief Support Group— Marquette. People dealing with grief and loss are encouraged to attend. Individual grief counseling is available. April 17. 5:30 p.m. Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice, 914 W. Baraga Ave. 906-225-7760 or lakesuperiorhospice.org.

• Grief Support Group—Marquette. U.P. Home Health and Hospice will offer support for those caring for a loved one with a life-limiting diagnosis or who recently experienced the loss of a loved one. First and third

Thursdays. 3 p.m. Dandelion Cottage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-225-4545.

• iCanQuit. Smokers are invited to learn more about quitting with the help of a quitting coach. 800-480-7848.

• Internet and Technology Addicts Anonymous. Tuesdays, 12:05 p.m. Upstairs, The Crib Coffee House, 401 N. Third St., Marquette. ITAAMQT@ zohomail.com.

• Marquette Codependents Anonymous Meeting. Mondays, 7 p.m. LoveMarq Church, 728 W. Kaye Ave. coda.org.

• Michigan Tobacco Quit Line. This free quit smoking coaching hotline provides callers with a personal health coach. 800-784-8669.

• Motherhood Support Group— Marquette. This free group meets the second Thursday of each month. 6 p.m. Suunta Integrative Health, 1209 N. Third St. 906-273-0964.

• Nar-Anon Meetings—Ishpeming. Family and friends who have addicted loved ones are invited. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. Mission Covenant Church, 1001 N. Second St. 906-361-9524.

• Narcotics Anonymous Meetings— Marquette. Family and friends who have addicted loved ones are invited. Open meetings on Wednesdays and Sundays, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Closed meeting on Fridays, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Downstairs Social Room, Marquette Hope First Campus, 111 E. Ridge St. (use the 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. April 8 and 18 (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. April 11 (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. April 17. 2 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. 906-228-0456.

• Sexual Health and Addiction Therapy Group. Those interested should call Great Lakes Recovery Centers for more details. Dates, times and locations vary. 906-228-9696.

• SMART Recovery—Calumet. A self-help group for alcohol and substance abuse and other addictive behaviors. Mondays, 7 p.m. Copper Country Mental Health, 56938 Calumet Ave. smartrecovery.org.

• SMART Recovery—Hancock. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 p.m. Conference Room No. 5, U.P. Health Systems–Portage Hospital, 500 Campus Dr smartrecovery.com.

• SMART Recovery—Marquette (Zoom). Mondays. Noon. Via Zoom. smartrecovery.com.

• Take Off Pounds Sensibly. This is a non-commercial weight-control support group. Various places and times throughout the U.P. 800-932-8677 or TOPS.org.

• Virtual Caregiver Support Group. U.P. family caregivers are welcome to join. A device with an internet connection, webcam, microphone and an email address are required. Advanced registration required. Second Tuesday of each month. 2 p.m. 906-217-3019 or caregivers@upcap.org.

• Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Supplemental Food Program. Clinics include nutritional counseling and coupon pick-up. Appointments required. Call for Marquette County schedule. mqthealth.org or 906-475-7846. MM