January 2023 Marquette Monthly

Marquette Monthly, published by Model Town Publishing, LLC, located at PO Box 109 Gwinn, MI, 49841, is locally and independently owned. Entire contents Copyright 2023 by Model Town Publishing. All rights reserved. Permission or use of editorial material in any manner must be obtained in writing from the publishers. Marquette Monthly is published 12 times a year. Subscriptions are $65 per year. Freelance material can be submitted for consideration to editor@marquettemonthly.com. Events can be submitted to calendar@marquettemonthly.com. Ad inquiries can be sent to jane@marquettemonthly. com or james@marquettemonthly.com.

About the Cover Artist

This month’s cover artist is Marquette native and current Negaunee resident Brock Micklow. Since retiring from owning several local businesses, this watercolor artist has found Marquette the perfect place to find subject matter, including this piece showcasing the Noquemanon Ski Race.

city notes

History center seeks preservation award nominees

The Marquette Regional History Center is seeking nominees for our 2022 Helen Longyear Paul Award, and Peter White Award.

Marquette County has a rich history and cultural heritage that inspires many to interpret, preserve and share it. As a history institution it is our responsibility to recognize those efforts and promote the achievements of people and organizations making history today.

The Marquette Regional History Center began an awards program in 1984. The Helen Longyear Paul Award recognizes individuals, and the Peter White Award honors foundations, companies, organizations, and institutions. Both recognize exceptional effort in the enhancement, restoration, conservation, or interpretation of the history of our area.

Nominations should be a page long and delivered by mail or in person to 145 W. Spring Street, Marquette, MI 49855, or, use mrhc@marquettehistory.org to nominate by email. Each letter should include the award category, how the individual/organization has shown dedication and commitment to local history, and the projects they have worked on. The deadline for entry is February 1.

Huron Island Shipwreck talk set for January 3 at Ore Dock

The waters off Marquette County’s northern shore are the resting place of at least 10 shipwrecked vessels. From a wooden sidewheel steamboat to a steel ore freighter, these vessels all succumbed to the vagaries of Lake Superior’s weather.

Join the Marquette Maritime Museum’s latest installment of Maritime History on Tap to hear the tales of these wrecks, rescues and “gone missing” mysteries from historian Dan Fountain. The event will take place at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 3 at the Ore Dock Brewing Company. There is a $5 suggested donation at the door.

The event is sponsored in part by We Energies Foundation, The National Endowment for the Arts, and the Michigan Arts and Culture Council.

Women voters set next meeting for January 4 via Zoom

The League of Women Voters of Marquette County will hold its next membership meeting at 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday, January 4 via Zoom. This meeting will allow attendees

ease of attending a meeting no matter how far they live from Marquette and no matter the winter weather. Members will receive the Zoom link via email. Visitors are welcome and may get the link by contacting the League ahead of time at lwvmqtco@gmail. com.

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. For details, visit www.lwvmqt.org or visit their Facebook page.

Lantern-Lit Ski & Snowshoe hosted by Van Riper park

Join the staff of Van Riper for the return of the Lantern-Lit Ski & Snowshoe at Blueberry Ridge at 7 p.m. on January 6.

For one night only, the lights will be shut off allowing the kerosene lanterns to illuminate your way. The self-guided trail starts at the Lighted Loop Trailhead, and follows the 1.7mile Lighted Loop winding through the snow-filled woods.

The trail will be groomed and track-set; please bring your skis or snowshoes. You will not be allowed onto the trail without skis or snowshoes on. There will be a limited supply of snowshoes available on a firstcome, first-served basis. A Recreation Passport is required for entry.

Visit the Blueberry Ride or Van Riper State Park Facebook pages for details.

Gwinn racing organization announces 2023 schedule

The Upper Michigan Ice Racing Association (UMIRA) has announced its 2023 race schedule.

Races are held in Gwinn every Saturday, starting January 7 and ending March 11. Regular races begin at 11:30 a.m., with gates opening at 10 a.m.

Night races this year are set for January 28 and February 25. Night races will start at 5 p.m., with gates opening at 3:45 p.m. for spectators.

Open to all ages, visitors can either take part in or be a spectator for this high-adrenaline and unique winter sport in Marquette County. For those that have been looking for a new way to have some fun during the winter season, this is a truly distinctive experience to the area.

Racing takes place in a variety of

Community Heroes

Governor Gretchen Whitmer presented the Governors Community Heroes Award to Superior Watershed Partnership (SWP) Executive Director Carl Lindquist. SWP was recognized for Great Lakes Climate Corps (GLCC) and SWP staff assisting communities during the height of the pandemic. Superior Watershed Partnership staff stepped up as COVID-19 infections began to rise in the spring of 2020. At a time before the vaccine, SWP mobilized their Great Lakes Climate Corps (GLCC) to staff food distribution events and deliver food and basic necessities to those with mobility impairments, the elderly and others at increased risk for severe complications from COVID-19. GLCC Corps members later transitioned to partnering with tribal, federal, state and local partners including Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Hiawatha National Forest and Marquette County to reopen outdoor recreational access that had previously closed due to the pandemic and faced challenges reopening with limited staff. Michiganders and visitors seeking outdoor adventure after COVID-19 stay-at-home orders ended. Many SWP staff transitioned to serving as contact tracers with the Marquette County Health Department to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community. SWP also provided its large tent and staff to assemble it to NMU and other community groups to host socially-distant outdoor entertainment including movie nights, theater and live music performances to preserve the sense of community Marquette is known for. (Photo courtesy of SWP)

classes, from studded dirt bikes to non-studded quads, including kids classes. Spectators are asked for a $5 donation per carload for non-club members, or $10 per person for a day pit pass.

To get to the land-based track, take M-35 through Gwinn and turn south and follow the signs. For details, email uppermichiganiceracing@gmail.com or visit UMIRA’s Facebook page.

UPCAP offers caregivers workshop set for January

Powerful Tools for Caregivers, a six-week online workshop, designed for the non-professional, informal family caregiver, will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesdays,

January 18 through February 22, with an optional Zoom orientation at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, January 11.

Research studies find high rates of depression and anxiety among caregivers and increased vulnerability to health problems. Caregivers frequently cite restriction of personal activities and social life as problems. In addition, caregivers often feel a lack of control over events and a sense of powerlessness which can have a significant negative impact on their physical and emotional health.

The Powerful Tools for Caregivers online program will provide caregivers tools to help reduce stress and increase relaxation, make tough decisions, reduce guilt, anger and de-

pression, communicate effectively, set goals and problem solve, and take better care of themselves while caring for a relative or friend.

Caregivers will benefit from the class whether they are helping a parent, spouse, or friend living at home, in long-term care or across the country.

The workshop focuses on selfcare for the caregiver, not on specific diseases or hands-on caregiving. Powerful Tools for Caregivers is offered by Upper Peninsula Commission for Area Progress (UPCAP) in partnership with Tri-County Office on Aging.

There is no charge for this online workshop, but registration is required. Participants must also have a computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet, microphone, webcam and email address to participate. Class size is limited.

Registration ends on January 8 or until the class is full. To register, visit www.upcap.org or call 2-1-1 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., for assistance.

Calumet celebrates Copper Dog race with film premiere In

preparation for dog-sled race season, the Village of Calumet is hosting a celebration of winter and community on January 14 with the first Lumi Revel.

The event will feature free kids sled dog rides from 2 to 4 p.m. in Agassiz

Park, cocktails and appetizers from 4 to 6 p.m. at Shute’s and the Calumet Theatre premiere of A CopperDog Film, a documentary from Brockit Inc. that showcases the CopperDog 150, the beauty of the Keweenaw Peninsula and the spirit of community.

In partnership with and through a grant from Visit Keweenaw, additional partners include Keweenaw Coffee Works, High’s Adventure Gear, Iron Fish Distillery and the CopperDog 150. Proceeds benefit the Calumet Theatre.

Great Lakes Ice Racing event resumes in Delta County

Great Lakes Ice Racing (GLIR) is back in action in Gladstone this year, with its first race set for Sunday, January 15.

Racing continues every Sunday through March 12, ice conditions permitting. Oval-track racing is held on the Escanaba River near the boat launch off County 21st Road in Wells Township by the West Gladstone Bridge. Racing begins at 1 p.m.

The night races are on February 4 and March 4, beginning at 5 p.m. Admission is $5 per carload. For details, visit the GLIR Facebook page.

Hiawatha concerts planned for January at two venues

Two concerts are scheduled in January to benefit the Hiawatha Music Co-op (HMC).

On January 18, Dan Truckey &

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

Friends will present U.P. Folk Songs at 6 p.m. at Ore Dock Brewing Co. in Marquette. Local musician and historian Dan Truckey, director of the Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center at NMU, explores the fascinating universe of U.P. folk songs.

Truckey will be accompanied by a variety of local musicians who will make these historical songs come alive in authentic performances. There is a suggested minimum $5 donation per person.

The Papa Crow and Kerry Yost kids concert will be held live at The Fold at 6 p.m. on Thursday, January 26. The Fold Doors open at 5:15 p.m. for BYO family dinner. To reserve a table or half a table, call the HMC office at (906) 226-8575, or email hiawathamc@gmail.com.

Live at The Fold suggests a minimum $5 donation per person, and children younger than 12 are free. All proceeds help to support the Co-op and traditional music artists.

’80s Prom Gone Wrong benefits Tri-County Safe Harbor

Tri-County Safe Harbor presents ’80s Prom Gone Wrong Mystery Dinner on Saturday, January 14 at the Island Resort and Casino.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., the Mystery/Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. and music starts at 8:30 p.m. Raffles, auctions and 50/50 drawings will be available. Participation and ’80s attire is encouraged.

Tri-County Safe Harbor in Escanaba provides assistance to survivors of domestic and sexual abuse.

Only 200 tickets are available, and they are $60 each. Tickets can be purchased from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday at Garceau Insurance and Tri County Safe Harbor. Call (906) 553-7357 for more information and sponsorship opportunities.

Negaunee Senior Citizens Center to host blood drive

The Negaunee Senior Citizens Center will host a blood drive on Monday, January 23.

The U.P. Regional Blood Center is the sole provider of blood products to 13 hospitals across the U.P. All blood donations stay in the Upper Peninsula, and a single donation could save up to three lives.

The blood drive is open to the public. Those interested in donating can call to make an appointment, or drop by between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Donors must wait eight weeks between donations, be at least 17 years old, be free of flu, colds or sore throats and weigh at least 110 pounds. Donors should bring a picture ID with

them when they come.

Donors will be eligible for a door prize drawing as a thank you for supporting the regional blood bank.

If you have questions about whether or not you can donate, call the U.P. Regional Blood Center at (906) 4491450. If you would like to make an appointment to donate at the Negaunee Senior Center on January 23, call (906) 475-6266.

Noquemanon ski race set for January 27 and 28

The Noquemanon Ski Marathon (the “Noque”), an annual pointto point cross-country ski race from Ishpeming to Marquette, takes place January 27 and 28.

The race showcases the rugged and challenging terrain of northern Marquette County and is known for its remote course and beautiful views. It is part of the American Ski Marathon Series and CXC Marathon Cup Series.

More than 1,200 skiers will come to the area to compete in various races through the rugged hills and forests. Competitors will race anywhere from the 50k marathon and 50k relay to a 24k Half Noque and Noque 12. A 15mile snowshoe is also available, as well as adaptive ski and junior Noque for kids and more.

Visit www.noquemanon.com for details.

2023 Annual Young Trappers Workshop set for February 4

The Community Center in Hermansville will be the site of the 18th Annual New Trappers Workshop. This event will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST on February 4.

There will be a number of local veteran trappers on hand willing to share tips, techniques, stories and maybe even some secrets of the sport of fur harvesting.

Along with all the experienced trappers on hand, this event will feature trapping demonstrations by Jim Fornetti (Weasels/Ermine) and Bob Steinmetz (Beavers). Both demonstrators will engage the audience, and encourage questions and dialog. They will stress the legal, humane methods of harvest, safety on the trapline, sportsmanship in the woods along with the enjoyment of being outdoors.

Admission is free; food and refreshments will be available. All beginning trappers will be treated to a trapping “starter kit.” Raffles, prizes and other fun things will be happening. Each youngster in attendance will be guaranteed a door prize.

Barnes Hide and Fur will be on hand offering a wide variety of trap-

ping supplies for sale. Richard and Maryanne Clark will be buying fur (stretched and dried and green only— no carcass animals other than ermine). To ensure sellers bring the proper supplies, call Trevor at (269) 967-4475.

For more information on this event, visit www.uptrappers.com or contact event coordinator Mike Lewis at (906) 774-3592.

Registration open for winter outdoorswoman outings

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced registration is open for the annual February Becoming an Outdoors-Woman winter weekend event, as well as several smaller “Beyond BOW” activities.

The winter weekend, set for February 24-26, is for women 18 and older who are seeking an opportunity to improve their outdoor skills in a relaxed, noncompetitive atmosphere.

The BOW program is sponsored by the DNR and offers instruction in up to two dozen different types of indoor and outdoor activities, including cross-country skiing, archery, winter camping and shelter building, ice fishing, fly tying, winter biking, wilderness first aid, wood burning, snowshoeing along with several new features, such as wild game preserving and canning.

Instructors provide basic and advanced teaching that is tailored to each participant’s individual ability. The program also includes special evening programs during the weekend.

BOW participants stay and take their classes at the Bay Cliff Health Camp, a universally accessible facility overlooking Lake Superior, which is situated about 30 miles north of Marquette near Big Bay.

Participants will be housed in a dorm-style facility with amenities, including a sauna and hiking trails with access to northern hardwood forests and Lake Superior.

The $275 registration fee includes all food and lodging, as well as most equipment and supplies, except as noted in the registration materials. Scholarships are also available on a limited basis.

In addition to the winter weekend event, three Beyond BOW outings are scheduled for early in 2023, as well as a film event at the Peter White Public Library in Marquette.

“Do-it-yourself Backcountry Meals” will be held on 5:30 p.m. on January 9. Expect this to be a handson class and to go home with recipes to use in the future.

Evening snowshoe hikes will be held at 5:30 p.m. on February 9 and 5:45 p.m. on March 7.

Class information, registration materials and scholarship applications, are available online to print at www. Michigan.gov/BOW.

UP Health System finalizes health needs assessments

UP Health System (UPHS) announced the release of its 2022 Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs), which detail the health status, behaviors and needs of people living in Marquette and Houghton counties.

A CHNA is a systematic collection, assembly, analysis, and dissemination of information about the health of the community, that helps to identify factors that affect the health of a population and determine the availability of resources within the community to address those factors adequately.

Throughout 2022, UPHS—in collaboration with local health professionals and stakeholders—analyzed public health data, interviewed many local subject matter experts, and conducted online surveys with the community, hospital staff and providers to gain a better understanding of the healthcare needs in our region.

Results yielded significant health needs for both Marquette and Houghton counties in mental health, access to care, substance use disorder, childcare/youth, housing, and healthy eating/active living. The full reports are available for viewing and download at www.UPHealthSystem.com.

Implementation plans that detail specific goals and actions to address the needs identified will be available in the spring of 2023.

SHF accepting health-centered grant applications

The Superior Health Foundation is accepting grant applications for its spring 2023 funding cycle through January 16.

SHF will award more than $140,000 in grants during the spring cycle. Eligibility information and online application forms are available at www.superiorhealthfoundation.org.

The Superior Health Foundation’s Grants Committee will review the applications and will make its recommendations to the SHF Board of Directors at its March board meeting.

The Superior Health Foundation is interested in receiving grant applications for health-centered projects or equipment purchases in the Upper Peninsula. In the past, the average fall grant award has been between $10,000 and $15,000.

SHF’s mission is to assist with unmet healthcare needs, with health education and with programs and re-

search on preventing illness and promoting health throughout the Upper Peninsula. Its vision is to improve the health of the residents of the Upper Peninsula.

For details, call (906) 225-6914 or email shf@superiorhealthfoundation. org.

West End Health Foundation announces fall grant awards

The West End Health Foundation provided $30,000 in funding to seven organizations on the West End for its Fall Programmatic Grant Cycle. The board of directors presented the following grants:

• Cancer Care of Marquette County was awarded $4,691 for Patient Care Services.

• Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes was awarded $1,750 for Leadership Experience.

• Greater Ishpeming Commission of Aging was awarded $4,500 for Senior West End Wellness and an additional $4,500 for West End Seniors Congregate Meal Program.

•Ishpeming-Negaunee-NICE Community Education Division was awarded $4,580 for Beyond 26.

• Superior Shore Systems Inc. was awarded $3,280 for the Feeding America Program boxes.

• Women’s Center, Inc. was awarded $6,699.

The Board of Directors also took the opportunity to award the Marquette County Cares Coalition $16,974 from the 2022 Golf Outing event partnership, and to award Start the Cycle $24,236 for the 2022 Bike Raffle.

Marquette Habitat celebrates 108th home dedication

Marquette County Habitat for Humanity celebrated the dedication of the 108th Habitat home at 1718 Woodland Ave in Marquette.

The path to homeownership for

Angela Flynn and her two sons, Jax and Leo, began with their approval as a partner family in 2019. A partner family must demonstrate a need for safe, affordable housing and be willing to partner with Habitat, including putting in 250 sweat equity hours, or invested time, into the project.

Groundbreaking happened at the end of August in 2021 and construction commenced. True to all Habitat builds, the organization hosted multiple local and out-of-town volunteer groups and it was with their many hands, including Angela’s, that walls were raised, windows installed, and interiors were finished.

The beginning of this winter saw the last of the to-do list checked off and where once there was an empty lot, now stands an affordable, decent and energy efficient home; the 108th home that Marquette County Habitat for Humanity has built in its 30 years of operations.

If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities, or to inquire about how to apply for a Habitat partner home, call (906) 2283578 or email info@mqthabitat.org.

EGLE initiative advances state’s circular economy

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) announced the selection of 16 teams from around the state to participate in two upcoming NextCycle Michigan Innovation Challenge program tracks: Foods, Liquids, and Organic Waste Systems (FLOWS), focused on organics recovery; and Recycling Innovation and Technology (RIT), focused on novel recycling technologies.

NextCycle is an EGLE initiative that provides tools, resources, expert consulting and investment pathways to support growing businesses and organizations focused on material recovery, reuse, recycling and manufac-

DiD You Know

What five U.P. attributes caused its settlement?

At the time of statehood in 1836-1837, when people said that the U.P. was a worthless piece of frozen property, Henry R. Schoolcraft, “Mr. Yooper,” came to its defense in an article in the Detroit Free Press. He said that the U.P. would develop around: mining, lumbering, fishing, farming and tourism. From subsequent history, he was right on the mark.

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

turing using recycled content to advance Michigan’s circular economy.

Projects can create Michigan jobs, have positive environmental and climate impacts and provide equitable opportunities for individuals and communities from all corners of the state. NextCycle is designed to connect entrepreneurs, companies, organizations and communities to technical support, financial resources, and capacity building for recycling, recovery, and reuse initiatives.

The 16 teams were chosen from among 36 applicants based on potential to address the waste material stream gap analysis, advance equity, and leverage collaboration and partnerships.

U.P. teams chosen for the FLOWS track are:

• Partridge Creek Farm, Ishpeming, an organic waste hauling service seeking to create an aerobic digester to increase production and capacity.

• ZE Place, Hancock, a testing facility using anaerobic digestion to produce biomethane and fertilizer while recovering waste food.

U.P. teams chosen for the RIT track care:

• Nion Metals, LLC, Houghton, ready to scale the process of supplying critical metal materials into U.S. electric vehicle market from synergizing lithium-ion battery recycling and mineral waste products.

NextCycle Michigan Innovation Challenge teams have received more than $6 million in funding to date.

Marquette County snowmobile trail closed temporarily Asegment of Snowmobile Trail No. 5 between Trails 14 and 310 in Marquette County will be closed until the end of January due to active logging operations in the area.

The closure is located southwest of Big Bay. An alternate route is available via Snowmobile Trail No. 310 and 14. The reroute will add additional travel miles to snowmobiler trips.

For the latest information on Michigan Department of Natural Resources trail and other closures, visit www. Michigan.gov/DNRClosures.

DNR agreement helps reroute snowmobile trail

is managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Gogebic Range Trail Authority.

After several weeks of work trying to develop a reroute, an agreement was reached. A key to finding the reroute solution were private landowners Cory and Sandra Leuzzo, who granted permission for the trail to be rerouted over their property.

Marquette master plan process continues, input sought

The City of Marquette is working on its master plan, and is beginning Phase 2 this winter.

A Master Plan is a community-driven policy document used by elected and appointed community leaders to guide land use decisions, including those related to transportation, development, recreation, economy, natural resources, and arts. Communities are required to update their Master Plan every five years, per the Michigan Planning Enabling Act (MPEA).

The community will be asked to participate in a variety of ways throughout the project, including in-person and online events and online surveys to reach as many voices as possible during this process.

A community event will be set in late January or early February. Visit www.marquettemasterplan.org to sign up for updates.

Negaunee library plans Valentine’s Day Tea, book sale

The Friends of the Library group is holding its annual Valentine’s Tea & Media Sale from noon to 3 p.m. Tuesday, February 14, at the Negaunee Public Library.

The public is invited to attend, learn more about the library and the Friends group, enjoy refreshments and purchase books. The event is free, and all book sales are by donation.

Senators secure major water infrastructure investments

Atrail

reroute agreement has been reached in Gogebic County that will allow an important snowmobile trail segment to remain open this winter.

The closure along Snowmobile Trail UP 2 eliminated trail access between Wakefield and Ironwood, affecting the communities of Bessemer and Ironwood most directly. The trail

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation recently announced the recipients of the inaugural America the Beautiful Challenge, a $1 billion grant program launched to fund diverse, landscape-level conservation projects. Michigan has been awarded $5 million, to be administered by the state’s DNR.

Michigan’s award will fund removal of 27 stream barriers to restore the passage of fish and other aquatic organisms. Additionally, this work will benefit several at-risk species, such as the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, pickerel frog, and freshwater mussel species including the fluted shell and elktoe.

Choral Award-Winner

Marquette Choral Society has presented its 2022 Upper Peninsula Choral Leadership Award to John Ignatowski, director of Sacred Music and Liturgy at St. Joseph & St. Patrick Parish in Escanaba. Ignatowski was honored as a musician who has made a long-time impact on numerous sacred and secular choral groups. In addition to the Escanaba parish, Ignatowski served at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Wells, St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette and Holy Name of Mary Proto-Cathedral in Sault Ste. Marie. He was the co-founder and director of the Soo’s community choral society and music director of the Algoma Fall Festival Choir of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. He has been a chorusmaster for Lake Superior State University, Soo Theatre and Escanaba’s Holy Name School stage productions. Ignatowski’s experience also extends to the Catholic Diocese of Marquette liturgies, where he served as music director and conductor of the choir for the episcopal ordination of Bishop Alexander Sample in 2006, as well as for the Sesquicentennial Mass at the Superior Dome. His principal instruments are the piano, organ and harpsichord, but he also plays the violoncello, bass viola and traditional fiddle. Among Ignatowski’s published works are several choral compositions and the text for “Shepherds Toiling in the Wilderness.”

U.P. streams that will benefit from the grant include: Carr Creek, Little Bay de Noc and Dana Lake in Delta County; Two-Mile Creek in Gogebic County; and Silver Lead Creek in Marquette County.

Senators secure major water infrastructure investments

sage of the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act.

U

.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan), a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, and Gary Peters (D-Michigan) announced Senate pas-

The senators secured major water infrastructure investments for Michigan in the final bill. The Water Resources Development Act authorizes projects through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to modernize the Soo Locks, stop invasive carp, prevent coastal erosion and flooding, and improve water quality in Michigan. The bill now heads to President Biden’s desk.

The

Governor Whitmer awards funding for small businesses

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced 35 communities around Michigan have been awarded a total of $807,673 in grants aimed at supporting small local businesses to create resiliency and strengthen downtowns under the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Match on Main grant program.

MEDC’s Match on Main program provides funding to communities that participate as a select and master level community in the Michigan Main Street program or are considered an Essentials or Certified Redevelopment Ready Community. The communities, who receive the grant funding from the MEDC, in turn award grants of up to $25,000 to eligible businesses seeking support.

The grants are expected to create or retain 296 full-time jobs, and the projects are expected to generate total private investment of more than $2.7 million.

Of the 35 grant recipients, 26 are existing and nine are new business. Eight of the 35 communities are firsttime recipients of the Match on Main grants.

Awards coming to the U.P. include:

$25,000 to Red Jacket Enterprises, LLC in Hancock; $25,000 to Great Northern Title & Abstract in Marquette and $25,000 to Prim Aesthetics in Sault Ste. Marie.

News & notes from the desk of Governor Whitmer

• Governor Gretchen Whitmer awarded 14 communities a total of $1,906,100 in Recreation Passport grants for projects including $150,000 to the Village of L’Anse for hockey boards and glass at Meadowbrook Arena, and $83,600 to Ford River Township Park in Delta County.

• Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that they recommended 13 community parks, trails and sports facilities and a state lock and dam to receive a combined $7,477,100 in Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grants. Funds coming to the U.P. include $183,200 to Michigamme Township Park dock access and tennis rennovation and $250,000 to Tourist Park day-use access road and parking area in Marquette.

• Whitmer attended the Tribal Summit in Sault Ste. Marie. She met with Tribal leaders to address shared priorities and to continue an open dialogue

between the State of Michigan and sovereign tribal governments. She also announced her appointment of Judge Allie Greenleaf Maldonado to the Michigan Court of Appeals. Judge Maldonado will be the first Tribal citizen ever appointed to the Michigan Court of Appeals.

• Whitmer announced that the Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP) was again rated one of the country’s best performers in Morningstar Inc.’s annual ratings of 529 college savings plans, retaining its “Gold” status for the third straight year. The governor is committed to working with anyone to lower costs for working families and ensuring everyone can get on an affordable path to higher education through the MESP, programs like Michigan Reconnect, and the Michigan Achievement Scholarship.

• Whitmer awarded grants to help construct 145 new homes and rental housing to increase the supply of housing units for Michiganders in six counties. The local organizations will receive $8.4 million to build 76 new homes and build or upgrade 69 rentals. The grants come as part of the Missing Middle program, which is administered by the Michigan State

Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) and uses federal resources allocated under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and provides funding to developers investing in, constructing, or substantially rehabbing properties. The program encourages economic mobility and increases the attainable housing stock of both rental and for-sale properties in Michigan. The grants will reduce the amount charged to the buyer or renter, making the housing unit affordable for folks between 185% and 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Local business news…in brief

• Marquette Alger Regional Educational Service Agency (MARESA) received the Michigan Community Service 2022 Governor’s Service Award, which recognizes significant efforts on behalf of young Michiganders; MARESA was recognized for its CTE program, which helps recruit and retain young talent as they leave high school and head into the work force.

• Local artist Stella Larkin and the Superior Watershed Partnership (SWP) were recently featured in Arts Link, a national arts magazine whose latest issue is focused on climate change and the arts.

• The American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) has again selected Northern Michigan University for its list of Top 200 Colleges for Indigenous Students; the 2022-23 list appears in the 29th annual Special College Issue of AISES’ quarterly magazine, Winds of Change.

• The Community Foundation of Marquette County welcomed Gail Anthony and Shannon Edmark to its Board of Trustees; they will each serve three-year terms.

• The Fire Station Cannabis Company opened at 611 Palms Avenue in Ishpeming; it will share a building with Ralph’s Italian Deli.

• Governor Whitmer appointed Jamie L. Glenn of Marquette, to the Barrier Free Design Board; Glenn is an accessibility advocate for SAIL with the Disability Network of the Upper Peninsula.

• Marquette Area Public Schools received a donation from the Kaufman Foundation for its “Coats for Kids” campaign aimed at outfitting schoolaged children with the basic necessities to withstand our harshest season; with the donation, Marquette schools were able to purchase 47 coats, 46 snow pants, 55 pairs of boots, 62 hats and 82 sets of mittens and gloves.

• Beth Millner Jewelry has released new pendants for its fundraiser program to benefit the Upper Peninsula Land Conservancy and the Yellow dog Watershed Preserve; $50 from the sale of each pendant will be donated back to its respective organization.

• Northern Michigan University was among 18 higher education insti-

U.P. Pride

Field in Detroit, and watch parties were packed throughout the area. The run comes on the 20th anniversary of Negaunee’s 2002 state championship victory. (Photo

tutions nationwide featured in an Outside Magazine article titled “These Schools Can Help You Break into the Outdoor Industry.”

• NMU senior Chloe Holt received a Student Honor Award from the Society for Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) Michigan at its annual conference in Traverse City.

• Paul Clarke recently joined Lasco in the financial services area as an account manager.

• Andrew Fiss of Michigan Tech has received a 2023 CCCC Technical and Scientific Communication Award for Performing Math: A History of

Communication and Anxiety in the American Mathematics Classroom; Fiss received an award for Best Book in Technical or Scientific Communication.

• The Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame in Ishpeming has launched their new online store at www.skihall. com/shop.

• Jake Witt, an offensive tackle at Northern Michigan University, declared himself eligible for the 2023 National Football League Draft.

• Beth Millner Jewelry, in partnership with the National Forest Foundation to plant a tree for each

artisan good sold, has planted 770 trees to date: Beth Millner Jewelry is committed to following eco-friendly and ethical production practices. This includes ensuring safe and fair business practices, ethical labor, and environmentally friendly products and production. MM

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.

Despsite losing to the Grand Rapids West Catholic Falcons, 59-14, in the Division 6 Finals, the 2022 Negaunee Miner football team (13-1) has been lauded by the U.P. community for everything from teamwork and character to athletic accomplishments. Senior Miner defensive back Phil Nelson returned the opening second half kickoff for a 98-yard touchdown, the first kickoff return for a touchdown in Division 6 finals history. The community donated unprecedented funds to help subsidize the trip to Ford

courtesy of Negaunee Public Schools)

on campus

Anonymous donation relaunches gallery

Arecent donation to the Finlandia University Gallery will carry on the legacy and promotion of Finnish-American artists with the continuation of all operations and functions.

The donor, who chose to remain anonymous at this time, was joined by an abundance of support from local community members.

“I am so thrilled to be able to continue providing contemporary art exhibits for our campus, community and alumni,” Gallery Director Carrie Flaspohler said. “There has been an outpouring of affirmation from people that the gallery programming makes a real difference in their lives in terms of enrichment and community. This really motivated us to look for a path forward for the gallery to continue its good work.”

Flaspohler, who has been serving as gallery director for the past 20 years, has hosted more than 50 Finnish artists and exhibitions.

“Contemporary art is a powerful agent in the search for understanding and in our individual growth,” she said. “It demands that we thoughtfully question, that we open ourselves to new ideas, and that we strive to view the work through a multitude of perspectives and lenses. As gallery director and curator, my goal is to continue celebrating Finnish American, Finnish and a diverse line up of artists who will bring new perspectives to Fin-

landia. Let’s meet back in the gallery in 2023 and continue to be inspired by these talented artists.”

A leading exhibitor of Finnish and Finnish-American art nationwide, the Finlandia University Gallery offers educational resources for students, faculty, alumni, and the community and provides a gathering place for people to discuss and reflect upon art.

Finlandia President Tim Pinnow was thrilled to share the news.

“I am absolutely thrilled that Finlandia’s Art Gallery will continue to provide a cultural resource for the Upper Peninsula,” Pinnow said. “To have a truly international gallery space here at Finlandia is an incredible benefit to our students, staff, and regional community and we hope it continues for years to come. The fact that a donor was willing to step forward with a substantial gift to underwrite the gallery is a testament to the importance and power of the arts in our lives.

“The arts help us contextualize our relationship to ourselves, others, and the world, and I would encourage everyone to spend some time in the gallery for those reasons.”

Fiber artist Bonnie Peterson’s exhibit opens January 9, and continues through February 17, with an artist reception at 7 p.m. on January 26.

Stay up-to-date on all Finlandia University Gallery happenings at www.finlandia.edu/gallery.

NMU debuts semester-long cold case course

Alumni teach interagency collaboration

Northern Michigan University students enrolled in a new course this semester had to interview for a spot on the limited roster, undergo a background check and sign a non-disclosure agreement.

They also lock up their cell phones and laptop computers before they enter the associated classroom/lab, and pore over materials retrieved from a storage room that was re-keyed for restricted access. Such precautions are necessary because the students are tasked with re-examining and digitizing the entire file for an actual U.P. cold case that began as a missing person’s report and shifted to a homicide.

Two NMU alumni are leading this inaugural collaboration between NMU’s Criminal Justice Department and the Michigan State Police. Course instructor Christopher MacMaster retired after 25 years with the MSP as a trooper, investigator and polygraph examiner. Detective-First Lt. Paul Campbell works in the special investigation section of MSP’s Eighth District Headquarters in Marquette.

“It’s such a valuable experience for students to be able to give a real cold case a fresh look before they start their careers, with the potential to solve it or create actionable leads to move the investigation forward,” MacMaster said. “That’s also a win for law enforcement and the victim’s family. Another component is the full digitization of the case file, which is a major undertaking. This will create immediate access to any element. Literally from their cell phones, detectives can review photos, lab reports,

interview statements and police reports from multiple agencies.”

Most details of the case cannot be disclosed publicly during the ongoing investigation. Campbell could only divulge that the homicide happened many years ago.

“Even though one fairly good suspect was identified, it’s important for students to look at the big picture and not get hyper-focused on one person,” Campbell said. “Our hope was that the students would uncover details that might bolster the case and they’ve offered excellent leads. We intentionally wanted students from other fields beyond criminal justice in this class, so there are forensic biochemistry, anthropology and psychology majors as well. I’ve really appreciated how they’re looking at the case. When you get different perspectives together, it

creates a lot of good conversation.”

Campbell presented an overview of the MSP and its protocols during the initial session, then students spent weeks reviewing copies of police and lab reports that spanned decades to see the case as it unfolded.

“It was good to see how investigations evolve over time with advances in technologies, like DNA, and different strategies,” said Aidan Pascoe of Marquette, one of eight students in the class. They analyzed lists and photos of evidence, rather than original items, to preserve the chain of command.

“It was an eye-opener to see the different perspectives and connections you’d need to make for the case to move closer to being solved,” said Autumn Combs, a criminal justice major from Spring Lake Park, Minn. “We all have different abilities. I

specialize in photography, so that’s where I came in, helping to enhance old 35mm photos. My ultimate career goal is to be a forensic photographer or part of a cold case unit.”

Students spent about 1,000 hours in the lab, which Campbell said equates to roughly six months that it would take a detective to work through a case alone. “Organizing, digitizing and indexing a cold case file are three tasks required to properly reopen an investigation, but they can take months for one detective to accomplish,” Campbell said. “The lack of available personnel and resources has stopped previous attempts to address the cold case backlog we have. These tasks have been completed in a fraction of the time, and at no cost to the Michigan State Police.”

Students in the cold case class spent about 1,000 hours in the lab, which equals about six months of work by a detective working through the case, a high value in a time of police staff shortages. (Photo courtesy of Northern Michigan University)

Michigan Tech, Eagle Mine partner for battery funding

On November 16, the Biden Administration announced a $74 million funding package to advance domestic battery recycling and reuse that will strengthen the nation’s battery supply chain.

Michigan Tech and Eagle Mine are co-recipients of part of this funding. $8.1 million will be used to prove new research technologies that develop sustainable processes to supply critical minerals for battery manufacturing.

An additional $2.5 million from the Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Project Agency-Energy (DOE ARPA-E) grant program was also awarded to MTU and Eagle Mine, which will enable MTU to study CO2 mineralization opportunities in Eagle Mine’s tailings facility. The money will be used to develop new technologies that enable accelerated carbon mineralization using mine tailing minerals.

“Eagle Mine is proud to partner with Michigan Tech and support sustainable technologies that will create critical mineral pathways for future demand,’’ said Darby Stacey, managing director of Eagle Mine. “Eagle Mine is the only nickel mine in the United States, and the availability of our experience and use of our resources, waste streams, and nickel concentrates are essential to understanding the societal impact of the nation’s transportation needs.”

“The State of Michigan is the home to the automotive industry, nickel mining industry, and future lithium-ion battery industry in this nation,” said Dr. Lei Pan, associate professor of chemical engineering at Michigan Tech and principal investigator (PI) of both funded projects. “Addressing both the supply of critical minerals and reprocessing and reuse of mine tailings is critical to advance sustainability in the mining industry.”

MTEC SmartZone (Houghton) and the Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) also contributed towards the successful grant application. MTEC was intimately involved in helping establish Nion Metals LLC and worked in concert with Nion Metals in the development of pro forma budgets, market analysis, competitor due diligence, and technology commercialization planning. MTEC also provided assistance with the grant writing; developed presentation materials; and obtaining letters of support.

“This was a collaborative effort between Nion Metals, Michigan Tech’s Office of Innovation and Commercialization, MTEC SmartZone, and Eagle Mine,” said David Rowe, CEO of MTEC SmartZone. “MTEC SmartZone’s mission is to accelerate hightech business growth, and this project is a prime example of that function.”

“This robust investment will support Michigan Tech’s researchers, faculty, and students’ continued efforts to develop and deploy the next generation of technologies to recycle electric vehicle batteries that will guide the future of the auto industry in Michigan and nationwide,” said Rick Koubek, President of Michigan Technological University. “We thank our industry partners and Eagle Mine for supporting this research that will lead to new critical mineral technologies.”

The funding for the project, called “Nion Project,” will help MTU and Eagle Mine address economic and technical challenges in the industry, including low payable metals, difficulty in achieving specifications for battery-grade lithium from mixed secondary feedstock and high operational costs and environmental impact of current state-of-the-art recycling practices.

The funding will support MTU in moving its research from the lab to a pilot-scale facility that will be newly constructed in the Upper Peninsula.

The project team consists of engineers and experts in subject matter, commercialization, permitting, and investor/community engagement to ensure the success of this project, with the end goal of enabling the commercialization of these technologies to the benefit of the electric vehicle lithium-ion battery supply chain in the United States.

Potential project impacts include:

• Reducing total energy use and total greenhouse gas (GHG) emission by at least 25 percent per nickel unit produced compared to the current state-of-the-art recycling practice.

• Establishing a profitable battery recycling business regardless of the types of cathode chemistry.

• Supplying additional nickel and cobalt minerals from unconventional resources. If further successful, an additional 56 million pounds of nickel and two million pounds of cobalt from Eagle’s Humboldt Tailing Disposal Facility (HTDF) could be recoverable.

REPRINtEd fRom thE New York Times

By

Slangy thing that may be ‘‘dropped’’ in a serious relationship

Gustie Owens/edited By will shOrtz

then & now

The Houghton County Courthouse, circa 1890, is show, located at 401 East Houghton Street in Houghton, Michigan. The cornerstone, with a miner’s coat of arms, was laid on July 24, 1886, and the courthouse was dedicated on July 28, 1887.

The Houghton County Courthouse was designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1974 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. The architects were Charles Eastlake and John B. Sweatt. It was built at a cost of $75,568.

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

Unraveling the story

This is the second in a two-part series about a significant archaeological site that has helped rewrite the history of the Upper Peninsula. The first can be found in the December 2022 issue of Marquette Monthly.

By Erin Elliott Bryan

On November 28, 2022, avocational archaeologist Jim Paquette of Negaunee sent an email to his professional colleagues with whom he has worked on the excavation of the Goose Lake Outlet #3 (GLO3) site in Marquette County. He attached the updated site inventory, which includes “all cultural materials” that were recovered during excavations in 1999-2000, 2012-2013 and 2021-2022.

“Our 2022 excavation at the protohistoric occupation feature(s) concludes our years-long professional excavations at that specific locale,” Paquette wrote. “Based upon our field work and site mapping there in 2021 and 2022, I feel confident that we have excavated all ‘undisturbed occupation feature’ areas that we can.”

The 20-page inventory meticulously catalogs and documents every bone fragment, glass bead, metal flake, spear point, stone and more that were recovered from GLO3. It also includes a location map, and each artifact is identified by where it was found at the site.

Together, the items indicate that GLO3 was a protohistoric Anishinaabe short-term winter camp site dating from the mid- to late-1600s, and represents the earliest contact between Native peoples living in this region and French explorers and traders.

“I would like to thank with all of my heart and spirit the many incredible people who worked so hard on this project,” Paquette said. “All of them were volunteers who gave so much of themselves—always with a smile—to make this archaeological project such a monumental success.”

Paquette will present his findings from this site in June at the Marquette Regional History Center (MRHC), where he formerly served on the board of directors. Many of the artifacts recovered from GLO3 are in the permanent exhibit at MRHC, which Paquette helped to develop as part of an agreement with Cleveland-Cliffs,

Even more than human artifacts, the moose bones from GLO3 (in the upper right of the picture) were crucial in telling the site’s story. This comparison of the specimens to modern whole reference skeletons was used to verify identifications to anatomical bone. (Photo courtesy of Doug Carr)

Inc. (CCI), which owns the Goose Lake Outlet land.

“Yes, it’s about the artifact, but it’s also about the story,” said Jo Wittler, MRHC curator. “It’s wonderful to have so much history and understanding.” Wittler visited the site in 2012 and returned in 2021 with MRHC staff. She said it’s exciting to learn more about the site and the artifacts as techniques evolve.

“It’s just really a feeling of pride and understanding of the people who lived here,” she said. “In Michigan, we’re separated by straits; we have a different story in the U.P. It’s a really important part of our history and it’s important to show it.”

The Goose Lake Outlet #3 location was first identified by Paquette in the late 1980s as a potential archaeological site. But it wasn’t until the early 1990s, when logging was done in the area, that the land was disturbed and cultural material was uncovered.

The site was formally designated “20MQ140,” the Paquette site, and is described as a campsite from the Woodland Period, which is recognized as 2,000 years ago, lasting until

the arrival of Europeans in the 1600s.

Over some 26 years, and from three separate excavation seasons, Paquette and his teams of volunteers and professionals uncovered thousands of artifacts, including five Jesuit iconographic rings, glass trade beads and a large quantity of moose bone.

Among the first professionals to become involved with this project was Dr. Marla Buckmaster, a retired professor of archaeology at Northern Michigan University, and her former student, the late Dr. John Anderton, a geoarchaeologist and NMU professor. Both Buckmaster and Anderton worked closely with Paquette on previous sites, including an excavation of the north shore of Negaunee’s Teal Lake after Paquette discovered Native American copper tools there in 1984.

Anderton referred to himself, Buckmaster and Paquette as “the three amigos.” Anderton made the comment during a presentation about GLO3 at NMU’s Sonderegger Symposium in September 2013. Anderton, who had secured a faculty research grant to excavate at the site, died unexpectedly in March 2014.

A transcription of Anderton’s presentation (including minor revisions to make it more readable), titled “Native American Camp in Marquette County, Michigan,” was edited by NMU professor Dr. Russell Magnaghi and published in Upper Country: A Journal of the Lake Superior Region in 2019. In the editor’s note, Magnaghi writes that this presentation was Anderton’s “only report on a significant archaeological excavation.”

As Anderton noted in his presentation, and other experts agree, GLO3 is unique because it covers a rare period of transition. During this time, in the early 1600s, there was little direct contact with Europeans, but trade material was coming into the area.

During the presentation, Anderton described what was found on the first day of the “full-blown” Phase III excavation in August 2012.

“We found a Madison-style projectile point; that’s a true arrowhead and that is interesting about the site, you have trade material, European manufactured, but you also get the prehistoric materials overlapping,” Anderton said. “At most sites you don’t see that; the prehistoric material gets left behind fairly quickly, but it takes a few decades for that to happen. And we’re right in that transition.”

Anderton also described finding fire-cracked rock in what is believed to be an open-air hearth on the southern side of the site. They were even able to identify that the rock was taken from an outcrop of kona dolomite about a mile away, which further supported the winter camp site theory.

“Maybe going on sleds and then breaking off pieces of the rock,” Anderton said. “You can’t get down to the ground to collect rocks in the winter—too much snow—but they’re going for the rock outcrop.”

Anderton returned to the site in 2013 and continued to excavate around the hearths. There, he found a grooved stone hammer, which would have been used to break animal bones.

“They are usually found with Archaic sites,” Anderton explained, describing it as made of quartzite with a big groove across it. “It is probably the last documented use of a grooved stone hammer, ever. People thought they were done with them 3,000 years ago, and we got one in this site.”

Anderton acknowledged the team was wowed by the artifacts that were found, but, he said, “the story here is the bones.”

“This is primarily a moose hunting camp,” Anderton said, describing the site as a “sweet spot” between a sandy area of acidic soil and a wetland where no one would want to camp. “Luckily, it has preserved all of the material.”

Dr. Terrance Martin concurred with Anderton’s assessment. “When you’re working in Upper Michigan, it’s much shallower,” Martin said. “Things freeze and thaw, and it’s acidic. Bone preservation usually isn’t that great.”

Martin, a native of Muskegon, is curator emeritus of the Illinois State Museum whose specialty is zooarchaeology, which studies animal bones in an archaeological context. He was first contacted about the GLO3 site by Buckmaster around 1999 when she sent him some of the bones that were found during limited Phase II field investigations.

“Usually, the bone is a lot more diverse, but this was very focused on moose,” Martin said. “It speaks to the seasonality pattern of the site.”

Using radiocarbon dating, Martin has confirmed the bone fragments to be from the early 1600s. Further, based on what skeletal parts are present, Martin could determine overall hunting patterns and whether the Indigenous people were hunting locally or bringing back smaller parts of the animal from a longer distance.

“Animal bones can offer other perspectives that you can’t get from pottery or stone tools,” he said. “We can determine how they traveled and how selective they were.”

More than a decade later, in the summer of 2013, Martin worked at the site with students from the Grand Island Archaeological Program, a cooperative project between Illinois State University and the Hiawatha National Forest, near Munising. He returned to the site in 2021 and 2022.

Studying samples from GLO3, Martin was able to determine that the moose bone found there—which accounted for 75 percent of the more than 8,700 animal bone artifacts—

were from three individual moose. It further supported the theory that this site was seasonal, most likely a winter camping site for a family or a hunting party looking for moose.

Martin reiterated the importance of this unique site and how it offers a different perspective on what the Indigenous people were doing during this time and at this inland location.

“It’s a first glimpse of what people were doing in the early 1600s,” Martin said. “Excavations are the fun part, but the analysis you get afterwards is important. You don’t always see everything at the site.”

Following Anderton’s sudden death, Dr. Scott Demel, an archaeologist and NMU professor, finished the faculty research grant and helped the team test and submit samples taken from the site. Demel is an expert in lithics, which focuses on stone tools, chert, fire-cracked rock and other stone materials modified by humans.

Demel described the concept of “preferred places,” where groups of people would go and have access to water, travel corridors and other resources. This would describe GLO3 as it is situated along an established Indian trail where moose could congregate into “yards” in the winter.

“We have found that these sites do go back even further into the Archaic Period,” Demel said. “It’s likely this is an ancient trail as well.”

The late John Anderton lives on through his work at GLO3 and other sites, and the contributions his expertise made to the field. (Photo courtesy of Jim Paquette)

He said the site also reflects the Chippewa settlement pattern of winter dispersal, in which smaller family groups would hunt on their own and then reconnect with the larger community in warmer weather, moving their camps to take advantage of the resources in each season. The Goose Lake Outlet site could also have been revisited over several winter seasons.

Demel partnered with fellow NMU professor Dr. Robert Legg, who conducted a ground-penetrating radar survey of the site. They co-authored an article titled “Ground Penetrating Radar in the Northern Great Lakes: A Trial Survey of a Contact Period Occupation in Marquette County, Michigan,” which was published in the Midcontinental Journal of Archaeology in 2020.

“It’s one of the earliest known protohistoric sites we have up here,” Demel said. “It’s pretty exciting. It’s very, very rare.”

Dr. Carol Mason, an archaeologist and professor of anthropology at Lawrence University, offered a similar observation. “That little site is assuming greater and greater importance as time goes on,” Mason said, referring to Goose Lake Outlet. “It’s so critical because there are so few of them.”

Mason has previously worked on an archaeological dig at the Rock Island II site in Door County, Wisconsin, from 1969 to 1973. That site, which is classified as an early historic site, produced Jesuit iconographic rings, among other artifacts. Since then, she seeks to work with others who have found similar rings.

Mason connected with Paquette after he found four of the five iconographic rings in 1996. She said that finding similar artifacts at different sites can help determine the direction and origin of trade between Native populations and Europeans. She described these types of artifacts as “chronological markers.”

“I have seen those designs from other sites, and I knew they had relevance,” Mason said. “It’s easy to make assumptions about what they mean; it’s harder to really describe what they are. It’s a very, very interesting artifact.”

Mason and Paquette co-authored an article titled “Early Iconographic Rings From Goose Lake Outlet #3 (20MQ140), Marquette County, Michigan,” which was published in The Wisconsin Archaeologist in 2009.

“The four Goose Lake rings are all ‘engraved,’ meaning that the designs look as if they were cut or engraved into the surface of the plaque,” Mason and Paquette wrote. “Exactly how the designs were put on the plaques is

still a matter of some discussion. The style of engraving, however, is consistent: it belongs at the earliest part of the ring sequence and represents the earliest known rings in New France.”

Mason and Paquette further noted that these earliest rings come in two basic patterns, IHS and L-Heart, with a third but much less common kind of heart motif, known as the Markman style. The first four rings recovered from GLO3 included two IHS, one L-Heart and one Markman.

Each of the rings featured ridges on the bands and the diameters measured between 17 and 20 millimeters.

“Taken as a group, these rings all belong to the time period before the Huron dispersal or immediately afterwards; they are associated with Huron sites in Ontario that were not occupied after about 1650,” Mason and Paquette wrote. “How early the Goose Lake rings could be is another question. They might have arrived with the first French traders and missionaries, or they might have preceded them during the time when trade in European-derived artifacts spread through Indigenous trade routes and through the hands of local people.”

Additional rings have been found in the south-central U.P., along the Menominee River, and nearly identical rings have been found at sites further east, including the Fort Hill site in New Hampshire, which dates to 1663, and Lot 18 in New York, which is thought to be before 1660.

Similar rings have also been recovered from several sites in Wisconsin, one site in Minnesota, from areas in northwest Iowa, and from the Utz site in Missouri. “Considering that Utz and the Iowa sites are ‘down’ the Mississippi [River] from a possible Huron source of supply, these rings indicate how widespread such early trade might have been,” the article notes.

Through Mason’s work on the project, she introduced Paquette to Dr. Heather Walder, an academic archaeologist. She looked at GLO3 as part of her doctoral dissertation, which examined the chemical composition of glass beads and metal artifacts found at Native American sites.

Walder used a process called Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICPMS), a minimally invasive method that allows researchers to understand the tiny beads’ elemental components.

GLO3 was one of many sites Walder visited in 2013, funded by a National Science Foundation Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grant. She used instrumentation at the Field Museum in Chicago, where she is a current research associate, and ana-

lyzed additional samples in 2019.

“This is one of the oldest sites that has European-made materials present,” Walder said of GLO3. “These were coming down the line, they were coming from the east.”

Walder explained that different kinds of beads are common at specific times, and archaeologists have sorted the styles of beads into “glass bead periods” to identify the age of sites where they are found. Yet, beads that look the same may have been made with different glass recipes.

Walder’s work tells time on archaeological sites in a different way because it looks at the ingredients that make up glass, such as their stabilizer, colorants and opacifier, the element that makes glass opaque, not clear. White beads, for example, were first opacified using tin, then antimony. If tin is present, the bead most likely came from a European glass house prior to around 1650, when the transition to antimony began.

In 2017, Walder and Paquette co-authored “Glass Trade Beads from the Goose Lake Outlet #3 Site (20MQ140), Marquette County, Michigan,” which was published in the Midcontinental Journal of Archaeology. The article describes Walder’s analysis, which employed the Kidd and Kidd classification system and compared the GLO3 beads with other bead assemblages recovered from excavated pre-1650 Ontario Iroquoian Wendat (Huron), Tionontati (Petun) and Attiwandaron (Neutral) sites.

Based on this, Walder dated the beads found at Goose Lake Outlet to within the 1630s, “making it one of the oldest, if not the oldest, known assemblages of glass trade beads found within the modern boundaries of Michigan,” according to the article.

Walder said she has always been interested in interregional interactions and how people communicated over long distances. She has narrowed her focus to the Upper Great Lakes and

explores how many different Native American groups moved westward from Ontario and Michigan to Illinois and Wisconsin.

“It’s a better way to understand the people,” Walder said. “It’s not about the beads, it’s about the people and their interactions.”

Walder noted that this type of study is insignificant in Europe, but it informs Native trade networks in America. She is currently working on an article to make these connections all the way back to the places where beads were produced.

“We can tell the stories of those who lived and thrived and prospered during colonial periods. They developed robust trade networks and alliances, and they made active choices to move,” Walder said. “GLO3 is but a glimpse of the Indian people on this landscape, and their descendants are still here today.”

Like Walder, Kathryn Parker, of KP Archaeobotany, also has an interest in relationships, but she explores the relationship between humans and plants from an archaeological perspective, a

field she has worked in since 1984.

Parker was also contacted about GLO3 by Buckmaster and visited the site in 2012 and 2013. Parker employed the flotation method to extract small-scale plant material from the site. Soil samples were immersed in water; while metal, stone and glass pieces sink to the bottom, smaller and lighter pieces float to the top.

“For my part, I’m setting the background for why people were there,” Parker said. “It’s a little patch of high ground between two swampy areas where moose would have been.”

At GLO3, Parker found almost entirely wood pieces—maple, birch, cedar—which was most likely used for fuel in the winter. It reflects the habitat and would have been prevalent and easy to collect.

Parker acknowledged that “botanical data rarely offers more than a glimpse” into a site like this, but it helps inform the Indigenous people’s mobility, seasonality, length of activities and storage and use of resources.

And when Parker’s data is taken together with data compiled from other

professionals, it offers a richer, more detailed picture of who was there, when they were there, and why they were there.

“Without the rings, without the beads, this would be indistinguishable among other sites,” Parker said. “This was right on the cusp of a European invasion on the Great Lakes.”

Paquette recently delivered the last of the samples recovered from the 2021 excavation to Parker. She said she is “touched by Jim’s feeling of kinship with this site.”

Paquette is Métis (mixed European and Indigenous ancestry) and has served as an unofficial caretaker of this site for more than 25 years. Now that he finished the final inventory of what was found at Goose Lake Outlet, he has reflected on its significance.

“This project to recover the true daily treasures of an early 17th century Anishinaabe family trying to live through another Lake Superior winter by hunting and trapping will be remembered forever as one of the most important archaeological studies that was ever undertaken here in the state of Michigan,” Paquette said. “They left for us timeless testimony to their courage, their resilience and their love for one another as they lived out their lives right here in the very same places we live today. It was, and is, for them that we labored and learned at the Goose Lake Outlet #3 site. Miigwech/Merci to my ancestors for sharing this incredible gift of knowledge from the distant past.”

Jim Paquette will present “New Findings, New Conclusions: The GLO Marquette County Archaeological Site” at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 14 in the Gathering Hall at the Marquette Regional History Center. MM

Erin Elliott Bryan grew up in Ishpeming and was the MM calendar editor from 2001 to 2005. She is now a freelance writer.

The glass beads discovered at the Goose Lake Outlet site, all of which predated 1650, helped tell the story of early inhabitants. (Photo courtesy of Jim Paquette)

sporting life

Unfinished Business

Comley comes out of retirement to lead NMU athletics

By Michael Murray

The nature of collegiate athletics in our time means that the coach of a school’s most prominent sports team is often the institution’s best-known employee, more easily identified than even the president and certainly the longest-tenured professor.

Tom Izzo at Michigan State and Jim Harbaugh at the University of Michigan provide a pair of obvious examples. Their popularity dwarfs that of their schools’ presidents—whoever they happen to be.

The three men who have served as head hockey coach at Northern Michigan University have understood this dynamic. Along with recruiting athletes, leading a staff, raising funds and actually coaching the team, they each realized they were, for a wide swath of the public, the face of the university.

Rick Comley, who coached the NMU hockey team for the first 26 years of its existence, beginning in 1976, achieved even greater stature by concurrently serving as athletic director during a period of broad departmental success capped by his own squad winning a national championship in 1991.

For many residents of the Upper Peninsula, especially sports fans, Comley was Northern Michigan University.

The news coming out of East Lansing in March 2002, therefore, was nothing less than shocking: Comley was leaving NMU to become the hockey coach at Michigan State. Longtime MSU coach Ron Mason was ascending to the athletic director role, and he handpicked as his successor Comley, who’d played for and coached under him at Lake Superior State in the late 1960s and early ’70s.

This old story is suddenly relevant again because of a series of announcements that were made just before the start of the 2022-23 school year. First, NMU athletic director Forrest Karr departed for the same job at Minnesota-Duluth. Second, NMU plucked Comley out of retirement to lead its athletic department in Karr’s stead, initially on an interim basis and even-

tually on a two-year agreement.

“We are thrilled that a person of Rick’s qualifications for this position is available to return to campus and guide our Wildcat athletics department, National Training Site programs and recreational sports services,” NMU interim president Kerri Schuiling said at the time. “Having someone who understands NCAA requirements

from both the AD and coaching perspectives is a tremendous benefit.”

Credentials and credibility Comley’s credentials speak for themselves—and his career-long success gives him instant credibility as he enters his new position at his old school.

A native of Stratford, Ontario,

Comley was team captain, most valuable player and an All-America selection at Lake Superior State. After graduation, he served as an assistant coach for the Lakers under Mason before taking over the program in 1973. The team won the NAIA national championship in his first season.

In 1976, NMU recruited Comley to lead its foray into NCAA varsity hockey. The record shows the university made the right choice. In the program’s fourth season, the Wildcats advanced to the national championship game, where they lost to North Dakota. A year later, they finished fourth in the country.

The crowning moment of Comley’s tenure at NMU arrived in 1990-91, when the ’Cats went 38-5-4 on their way to league and national titles. The national championship game in March 1991 remains one of the most thrilling in NCAA history: Northern overcame an early three-goal deficit to defeat Boston University, 8-7, in triple overtime. Sixteen players who were on the ice that night eventually made it to the National Hockey League.

In addition to his role as head hockey coach, Comley served as NMU’s AD from 1987 to 2000, a period that included two NCAA Division II titles in volleyball (1993 and 1994) and construction of the Superior Dome and Berry Events Center.

In nine years at Michigan State, Comley added a second NCAA title to his resume, in 2007. His 783 coaching victories rank fifth all time, and he is one of only three coaches to win national championships at two Division I schools.

After leaving East Lansing, Comley worked as a scout for the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks. In his 10 years in Chicago, the team won a pair of Stanley Cups. Comley retired in 2021 and moved back to Marquette with his wife, Diane. But, by his own admission, “I don’t think I’m a good retirement person. … I would say I was very mediocre at it.”

So when Gavin Leach, NMU’s vice president for finance and administration, approached him about the AD job, he jumped at the opportunity.

“It didn’t take a lot of thought,” he

Rick Comley coached the NMU hockey team for the first 26 years of the program’s existence, winning a national championship in 1991. He now serves as athletic director...for the second time. (Photo by Tom Buchkoe)

said. “Gavin called, asked if I was interested, and after about 10 seconds I said yes. … It’s a perfect scenario to come back in.”

Comley said his move to Michigan State in 2002 left him with a sense of unfinished business regarding Wildcat athletics.

“There was a part of me that when I left to go to Michigan State, I felt guilty going,” he said. “There were good reasons that I went, but I never lost that feeling of guilt, and there was still a void with Northern. Then this opportunity came along.”

The early months of his second tenure as AD indicate that Comley’s role is not merely that of a caretaker. His two-year appointment will give newly hired president Brock Tessman some time to settle into his position before having to find a new athletic director, but Comley has also been tasked with significant priorities in the meantime.

Clear priorities

One item on his to-do list is hiring a new football coach after Kyle Nystrom’s resignation in November. Comley acknowledged the team has simply not won often enough in recent years.

During Comley’s first stint as AD, the NMU football team finished with a winning record in 10 of 13 years. The Wildcats went 75-55-3 in that stretch, including the team’s most recent NCAA playoff appearance, in 1987.

In the 22 seasons since Comley

stepped down as athletic director in March 2000, NMU football has achieved a winning record just three times, including only once in the past 19 years (2009).

Comley knows interest in a university’s athletic program—and the attendance and donations that go with it—ultimately comes down to winning.

“Marquette’s no different from most communities,” he said. “If you give them a reason to come, they come. But if you’re not good enough, they don’t come. It’s like that everywhere, right? Only winning will impact your home crowds. … But you can work to send a positive message: that you care, that you listen, that you want to create a good fan experience.”

Comley spent two and a half decades as the face of the university, and he embraces the public-relations aspect of his job. His visibility and accessibility remind NMU staff and the Marquette community that he is a winner who can get things done.

“When you spend 26 years of your life building something from scratch into a nationally successful program, there’s some credibility there,” he said. “We worked hard to establish that, and I think they can appreciate and respect it.”

The goodwill Comley established through the years will be beneficial as he tackles some of the other items on his task list, including capital improvements that are dependent at least in part on donations.

Rick Comley meets with NMU hockey coach Grant Potulny. He meets with NMU’s head coaches biweekly to talk shop. (Photo by Tom Buchkoe)

The Berry Events Center’s ice plant needs to be replaced, and that job will begin at the conclusion of the 202223 hockey season. In that process, the rink’s ice surface will be narrowed by about six feet.

Comley also said he would like to see the NMU basketball teams move from the Berry to Vandament Arena, which they would share with women’s volleyball. Any relocation would depend on university approval, but he envisions the court in Vandament being modified from its current northsouth orientation for volleyball to an east-west layout. The projected capacity would be 1,500 to 1,900 seats.

“I don’t want rollout bleachers,” he said. “I want rollout individual seats. It won’t look like a high-school gym. You have to really be able to project the fact that it’s a legitimate national-contending Division II sport … and these coaches do want this.”

A third facility challenge is the athletics weight room, currently located on a second-floor area in the dome.

“The floor is cracked,” Comley said, “so now you’re really limited. … We have to come up with a new location for the weight room and have to come up with new equipment. We’re using weights that were given to us by Michigan State about 15 years ago. That means we have to go out and find donors that are willing to help. With the proper weights and proper training methods, this will help every sport.”

Comley is also applying the experience gained in a 38-year head-coaching career to help the individual Wildcat teams build for success.

He meets with NMU’s head coaches biweekly to talk about every aspect of their teams: “I told them, ‘You have to tell me everything you’re concerned about. Tell me your pluses. Tell me your negatives. Tell me your goals. Tell me your wishes. I can’t promise I can meet them all, but I assure you that we will discuss them. Because if I don’t know them, I can’t help.’

“I’ve got certain beliefs on how a program should be run. … I believe in accountability. I believe in doing things the right way. I believe if you really put your time in and do it properly, you’ll be successful.”

And what does success look like in Comley’s eyes?

Beat Tech

“Like I told the whole department,” he said, “our No. 1 goal is to beat Michigan Tech in every sport. If we can accomplish that, we will have credibility again. I put it that way because they have done a great job and deserve a tremendous amount of respect. But you must beat your neighbors.”

MM

Michael Murray, a writer and editor in Marquette, has covered Upper Peninsula sports for more than 25 years.

NMU athletic director Rick Comley spent many years as the face of the university’s athletic programs, and embraces the public relations aspects of being available to staff and the community. (Photo by Tom Buchkoe)

at the table

Easy, delicious & healthy

By Katherine Larson

“B

ut it’s so easy,” she said. “And so delicious. And so healthy.”

Linda Carlson of Harvey was talking with some friends as I overheard her words, and I made my way into the conversation—I had to hear more.

What is, in fact, so easy and delicious and healthy is breakfast. At a time of life when some people let slide the task of feeding themselves, Carlson has doubled down with a combination of great nutrition and great flavors.

Central to her structure is a handsome little tray, just the right size to hold six pint jars. Each jar holds its own stash of nuts or seeds: almonds, cashews, walnuts; sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds.

Come morning, Carlson “gets the coffee going right away, of course,” and gets out two mugs: one for coffee, the second (deeper and—“my hedgehog mug”) for breakfast. Into that second mug goes a third of a cup of oats—not instant, not even “regular,” but the kind sold in bulk at the Marquette Food Co-op as “thick-cut” (my own favorite kind, for its nutty flavor and toothsome texture)—plus twothirds of a cup of water. A quick stir and off goes the mixture into the microwave oven for its two-minute zap.

Now for the tray. “I always add chia, because it thickens the oatmeal beautifully, and then decide which other jar or jars to choose from,” she said. “Whatever I feel like that day.”

Then she adds a few spoonfuls of yogurt or cottage cheese, and perhaps a sliced banana or a handful of raisins.

Can you imagine a healthier and more delicious start to the day? And the key is in organization: instead of having to fuss around wondering what to do and what might be where and ending up settling for a morsel of toast and jam, Carlson assembles her restaurant-quality breakfast parfait while the coffee is still brewing.

It helps, of course, that she loves to cook. Still, cooking regularly and well just for oneself can be a challenge even for the most passionate

chef. This is the problem that Carlson’s morning routine, anchored by her special tray, has solved.

There’s more, of course. For example, she makes her own yogurt.

“I’ve done it for years, but when I was in Finland in 2017 with the Marquette Choral Society I learned this even easier way,” Carlson said.

She takes more pint jars, empty and clean, and puts a scant teaspoon of yogurt culture into each one.

“Then I just pour whole milk in slowly, to fill the jar,” she said. “You can put it on a heating pad, but I like to turn on the light in the oven and put the jars in there. The light gives enough warmth so that, after two days, you have yogurt. And if you leave it in a little extra, it tastes even better.”

I tasted some. She’s right: this is how yogurt ought to taste.

With her late husband John, she traveled throughout Scandinavia extensively over the years. “I’m 100 percent Norwegian, and he was first-generation Swedish,” she said. “Everywhere there were those marvelous breakfast buffets. I always had yogurt, because it was so wonderful.”

Sustained by her daily breakfast, Carlson continues her healthful eating through the day: “Three regular meals, like you’re supposed to.” Lunch will be two pieces of whole-wheat bread with cheese, cucumber, tomato if it’s in season, some good mustard. The bread now comes from the co-op, too.

Healthy food enthusiast Linda Carlson shows off the hedgehog mug that anchors her breakfast. (Photo by Katherine Larson)

This clay cooker was used to make whitefish and vegetables, seasoned with herbs and spices. (Photo by Katherine Larson)

“My husband was an expert bread-baker,” she said. “He even ground his own flour. On Saturdays he would bake eight or ten loaves. Some would go into the freezer, some to neighbors.”

Carlson regrets not having learned his techniques: “I’ve tried, but it’s not the same,” she said. “The local bread is pretty good.”

Also on her lunch table will be a dollop of hummus with “whatever vegetable is in the drawer— carrots, celery, zucchini.”

I asked about those tomatoes “in season” only. “I’ve never bought a tomato from the store, and I never will,” she said.

Carlson maintains a plot in the community garden and grows tomatoes there, along with kale, chard and collards.

“I’ve learned that you don’t have to process tomatoes to preserve them,” Carlson said. “Just rinse, wipe, put in a plastic bag and freeze. Then, when you want to cook with them, just take a tomato out and run it under the faucet with warm water. The skin comes right off, and the tomato is ready to go

into whatever you’re cooking.”

The cooking would be for the third meal of Carlson’s day, dinner.

“I love to cook,” she said. “It’s not a hardship, it’s a joy.” Her cookbook collection includes about 300 volumes, but her favorite is Moosewood Restaurant Cooks at Home. That book, like some of her favorite co-op newsletter recipes, is covered with penciled annotations memorializing her experiences: “v.g.,” “excell,” “wonderful,” and all the little tweaks and improvements that mark an experienced and imaginative cook.

She shared some of her favorites: squash and lentil soup, curried chickpeas with tofu.

“People don’t think they like tofu, and then they try this one and ask for more,” she said. “I also like to treat tofu like scrambled eggs, using some turmeric to make it orange and then adding onion, garlic, mushrooms, kale, bell peppers and some mustard. And I love to make a big pot of beans and have some just about every day. They’re very good for you.”

A recent treat was beans with garlic toast.

Linda Carlson makes her own yogurt. (Photo by Katherine Larson)

“I sautéed some onions and garlic, then threw in about a cup of cooked beans along with salt and a little olive oil and poured it over toast rubbed with garlic. Topped it with parsley, Parmesan cheese and a boiled egg.”

Carlson doesn’t eat meat.

“I don’t object to meat, I just find that I don’t need it,” she said.

Carlson does eat fish, about once a week. I asked for a sample recipe.

“Well, the last time I used my clay cooker,” she said. “You know, you soak the lid before you put the dish in the oven. In the base of the cooker, I made a bed of vegetables—onions, carrots, celery, and so on. Then I laid a nice piece of whitefish on top, along with whatever herbs and spices. With the soaked lid, the whole thing goes into the oven to bake.”

And, of course, she loves pickled herring.

“I get it from Lofaro’s, the local grocery store, and enjoy a piece just about every day,” she said.

Dessert? “Not really,” Carlson said. “Maybe a frozen banana, sometimes dabbed with a bit of peanut butter. Usually I have one cookie a week, at church.”

Church is Messiah Lutheran, an important part of Carlson’s life since she and John retired to Marquette 23

years ago. They had lived in eight different cities as he pursued his career, and chose Marquette for its seasons and natural beauty.

“I love winter.” Previously, Carlson herself grew up on a farm, then attended St. Olaf College, where she did a lot of singing. She has sung in choral societies everywhere she lived, including the prestigious audition-only Collegiate Chorale in New York City, and continues to sing weekly with the Marquette Choral Society as well as Messiah’s church choir.

“I also play the piano every day, for about an hour,” she said.

She loves her garden and her cats, her friend—and cooking.

How about going out to eat? “Oh yes, I love to eat out, but I’ve been to so few restaurants in the last three years, what with the pandemic and all,” she said. “And I don’t like to eat solo in restaurants.”

But at home, solo eating is fine.

In fact, that’s the theme of this article: solo eating at home can indeed be deeply rewarding. Thanks to Linda Carlson for showing us how.

MM

Katherine Larson is a teacher and writer who loves to cook, to talk about cooking and to eat good cooking.

Making homemade yogurt is one thing Linda Carlson enjoys; she learned an easy way to make it while in Finland. (Photo by Katherine Larson)

locals

After decades teaching of Escanaba students, Phil Lynch has started a new career

In tune with retirement

By Brad Gischia

Phil Lynch knew he loved music from a young age. What he didn’t know was where that love would bring him.

“I was a public school educator for 30 fine, happy years,” he said. “I was doing music on the side; it was always in my life.”

Lynch taught social studies in Escanaba. He led a jazz trio through the 2000s and 2010s, which became a quartet that traveled around the Upper and Lower Peninsula, playing gigs.

“I had always been a songwriter,” he said. “I did a lot of what I called one-offs, songs that I would do in churches or sometimes in other settings, that kind of thing.”

He continued to travel around, teaching during the day.

In 2014, playing a gig with Marquette singer Kristen Gustafson at the Marquette Medical Center, Lynch had “a big epiphany.”

“It was a really good gig, and it was the first time I felt like I deserved to be there,” he said. “This story only works in the south central U.P. I was leaving the Holiday store in Marquette, I had a diet Vernors and a Klondike bar and I got this flash for a song.”

After 30 years of teaching social studies at Escanaba High School, musician Phil Lynch has focused on his second movement in life: writing and performing his own music (Photo courtesy of Phil Lynch)

Lynch pulled off to the side of the road and that snippet “comin’ home, coming home to a place I’ve never

been before,” inspired him to write a song.

A few years passed. Lynch contin-

ued to labor away, filling the minds of Escanaba-area youths with the facts and figures that represent a good Upper Michigan public education.

“My kids were growing up and leaving,” he said. “I started writing more, and in 2018 I found that I had enough of my own compositions that weren’t ballads—it’s hard to carry a gig on ballads—and I felt like I had a good set. Right around that time, I found this thing someone left on the copier at work. It was a piece of paper that said, ‘if you’re lucky enough to get a second chance at something, don’t waste it.”

Lynch never thought of music as a career. He’d been teaching for 28 years at this point, and said he really felt called to music in a more concentrated way. After he saw the note on the copier, he made it his mission to retire as soon as possible so he could focus on music full time.

“Thanks to my union and the good taxpayers of Michigan, I was able to retire at 30 years,” he said.

Since that time, Lynch has released two albums, “Comin’ Home” and most recently “U.P. Love Letter,” which dropped on September 6 of last year for “906 Day.” He’s also pub-

lished a book called Live Like Louis: Life lessons from Satchmo in which he takes part of the famous musician’s life and shows how to use those lessons to help navigate your own problems.

Aaron Kippola, a saxophonist and percussionist, has played with Lynch in the past and did sound design at Bay College when Lynch played there.

“I knew him from playing jazz,” Kippola said. “He told me he was working on this project and I really urged him to keep at it. He already had a bunch of songs written and they had that regional influence. They’re catchy.”

The new album is comprised of songs that will be familiar to Yoopers past and present. The aforementioned “Escanaba Lullaby,” “M-26,” and “Someplace Special” to name a few. “I kind of found that I had a bunch of songs. I like conciseness, I had 10, and that’s a good length for an album,” he said.

In the age of the digital download Lynch thinks it’s still important to have the physical copy. “It’s kind of about your standing you know?” he said. “To have ‘an album’ or ‘two albums.’ It’s nice to have something to put into people’s hands at a gig. It’s just another way to get your music out there.”

Lynch’s style is very much in the vein of Billy Joel or Elton John—piano-driven singer-songwriter sort of things, but those aren’t his only influences.

“I’ve never been cool, so I never have to worry about lowering my coolness quotient, but Barry Manilow was a big influence,” he said. “Listening to his music really taught me about song structure and how you can play with it.”

The Beatles songwriting skills put them on top of his list, along with classical music and Broadway soundtracks of the ’70s and ’80s. “I wore the grooves off of some of those records,” he said.

All of the work on the albums can be attributed to Lynch. The drums are proprietary and he plays the bass parts on his keyboard at home, where he does all of his recording.

“Background vocals are hard,” Lynch said. “You have to line them up with the main vocal piece. It’s fun and a whole lot of hard work.”

His songwriting technique varies per the song.

“I usually care more about the music,” he said. “I like writing melodies and chord sequences. Sometimes there’s a hook, that combination of lyrics and melody, and then I build a song out of that.”

As an example, he quoted his song “Escanaba Lullaby.” A friend of his in New York wrote one called Brooklyn Lullaby, and he liked the sound of it, and a song was born. “I wrote that one all at once,” he said.

“I think he’s really coming into his own,” Kippola said. “It’s a new endeavor for him, and I like the track he took in it. He’s being himself. I like his voice; it’s got a unique character to it. He’s sometimes compared to Randy Newman but I thought he sounded true to himself. Sometimes you hear music and it sounds forced, but it seems like he is on a natural path.”

In a post-pandemic world, when it’s hard to get people to leave their houses, much less come out to a public place to hear live music, Lynch has found that getting gigs are always one of the biggest challenges he has.

“As a teacher, your calendar is pretty much prescribed to you,” he said. “Once you’ve taught your course a few times, you know what the sequence is. In the indie music world, it’s sort of a blank slate; it’s up to you to get things lined up.”

It also falls to the individual to mar-

ket themselves. Lynch is constantly querying theaters, concert halls, bars, anywhere that might host live music.

“There are a lot of places in the U.P. that sit dark 300 days a year,” he said. “I thought, why not call them?”

Luckily, over the years, Lynch has made a lot of connections. One of the gigs Phil dreamed about doing was playing the Besse Center at Bay College.

“Sometimes gigs kind of grow out of one another,” Lynch said. “I played a lunchtime gig at Bay College, and was then asked if I would ever consider playing the Besse. It’s a big room. I was worried about filling it.”

Kippola was running the sound when Lynch was at the Besse.

“He puts on a good show,” Kippola said. “He’s funny and engaging with the audience. A lot of big acts tell the same jokes every night, and I don’t know if Phil had it planned out or if he’s just a natural from being a teacher, but he’s comfortable and engaging in front of people. Musically, underneath his singing and songwriting is very musical. He played a pretty long show solo, but it went by really fast

Phil Lynch recently released “U.P. Love Letter,” which is available in hard copy and streaming at various services. (Photo courtesy of Phil Lynch)

because he knew what he was doing.”

The future is always on Lynch’s mind.

“I’m big into envisioning and goal setting—I always try to have outlandishly huge goals,” he said. “My tenyear goal is to be a repeat performer on the Mountain Stage on Public Radio.”

To get to the ten-year, you have to go through the five-year goal as well, and Lynch is looking to expand. “The five-year goal is important because it can motivate you to figure out what you have to do to get to the ten-year goal,” he said. “I want to expand out of the U.P. I want to play packed theaters. I want more people to hear my music.”

In the meantime, Lynch has got upcoming gigs at the Crystal Theatre in Crystal Falls on January 19, a night involving music and the spoken word. He’s also got another gig at the Besse in the future.

On the composing level, Lynch is unsure of what the next project is.

“I have a hobby of taking the hymn texts of Charles Wesley, who helped found Methodism, and putting them in contemporary settings,” he said. “I’d like to take those and maybe work on them. It’s a huge undertaking. I also have two songs that I think have com-

mercial legs, so I’d like to try and find somebody to record those.”

Kippola said as much about Lynch. “His musicianship is strong so it supports him as he’s doing his own work. He’s knowledgeable about music because he’s been at it his whole life.”

Lynch’s attitude is only getting better as he explores his musical career. “My overall thing in life is my mission to help people recognize and remember the good that’s all around us,” he said. “My songs for the most part are deliberately life-affirming. My drift and aim for all of this is not just to present cool music, but it’s also to really add value to people’s lives and to inspire them.”

Kippola said he hopes Lynch continues to get the chance to do more shows. “I think he’ll get a following. He’s a nice guy to know, a really kind person, and I like what he’s doing.”

For more information about Phil Lynch and his calendar of events and music, visit www.phillynchmusic. com.

MM

Brad Gischia is a writer and artist native to Upper Michigan. He has published two children’s books and done illustrations for both comic books and novels.

Goal-setting is a big part of Phil Lynch’s life. A future goal is playing on the Mountain Stage on Public Radio. (Photo courtesy of Phil Lynch)

sporting life

Jumping back in time

Negaunee ski hill prepares for 136th annual tournament

By Brad Gischia

At the end of the 19th century— yes the 19th—a small group of Norwegian immigrants formed the Ishpeming cross-country ski club. A few years later the first ski jump tournament was held at a hill near Lake Angeline; the winning jump was 35 feet.

More than 100 years later, that tournament is still happening. Organized by the Ishpeming Ski Club and held at the Nordic Ski Complex, home of Suicide Hill, the event has weathered turbulent times. It has hosted jumpers who fought in world wars, who were seriously hurt and who excelled to Olympic status.

That history is returning to form this year. On Friday, January 20 and Saturday, January 21, the 136th Annual Ski Jumping Tournament will take place, a weekend tournament that once drew people from all over the world.

“People used to walk to the hill from Ishpeming and Negaunee,” said Bob Hendrickson, member of the ski club and director of the Greater Ishpeming/Negaunee Chamber of Commerce. “They’d come out to the hill and stay the whole weekend.”

Hendrickson said the history of

such a tournament is important to the area. “It’s really a return to what it used to be,” he said. “There were jumpers from around the world.”

Dick Ziegler, president of the club, has a history in skiing.

“I competed in Alpine skiing when I was in elementary school, then took up and competed in cross-country skiing through high school and college,” he said.

Ziegler has been living in the Upper Peninsula for the past 12 years.

“My brother-in-law jumped at Suicide Hill, and we went to check it out,” he said. “Somehow or other my kids decided they wanted to get involved. That led to helping out with projects and getting on the board.”

Ziegler said since he’s been involved with the club, he’s seen growth in numbers.

“The year we started it was only my two boys jumping, and maybe only five or six kids total doing anything with the club,” he said. “Last winter we had 70 kids either cross country skiing or jumping.”

No small feat, as ski jumping is expensive.

“Jumping is a hard sport for kids to get into nowadays,” Hendrickson said. “There are so many other sports

competing for their attention, and the gear for ski jumping is not financially viable to keep in stock for many businesses.”

Hendrickson said that a lot of the gear used at the Ishpeming Complex is ordered a year in advance from overseas.

“We get some grant money coming in, and that helps to defray those costs for our jumpers, since in the U.S. jumping is not subsidized by the government like in other countries,” he said. “It’s pay-to-play here.”

On January 4, the ski club starts its youth cross-country ski program.

“If we get the same amount of kids we had last year, we’ll have around 40 in that program,” Ziegler said.

There are some requirements for young skiers.

“We ask that our jumpers also be Nordic combined, meaning both cross-country and jumping,” Ziegler said. “Most of the jumpers are really young, so it’s good experience and training for them to get out on the trails as well.”

Anyone can jump. Ziegler said jumpers start as young as they can.

“We’ve had four-year-olds jumping,” he said.

The biggest problem he’s encountered is that there is a disconnect between the training and the competition at that level. “In cross country, you don’t start competing until middle school, so it gets hard for the kids to see what they’re training for,” he said.

As the kids age, though, they become eligible for local races. There is a Marquette County Cup Series, which involves five races per winter. Jumping is a little different as far as competition goes, as the jumpers have to travel.

“We’re the only club in Michigan with a youth program for jumping,” Ziegler said. “There are clubs in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois that we can travel to and compete at.”

That program is the continuation of a cultural heritage. “The National Ski Association was founded here,” Hendrickson said. “It’s part of the fabric of this area.”

In the past, the Central U.P. was home to many ski hills.

“In the ’50s and ’60s, Munising had two jumps, Manistique had two jumps and there were probably a dozen in the Negaunee/Ishpeming area,” Hendrickson said. “Al Quaal had three jumps by itself, and there

were

Shane Kocher, ISC skier Timothy Ziegler and Auggie Schinne perform a triple jump in Westby, Wis. (Photo courtesy of Dick Ziegler)

The Ishpeming Ski Club Nordic Ski Team—head coach Dick Ziegler, Max Larson, Eli Nicholas, Riley Lovern, Izzy Prusi, Lucy Ampe, Maija Rourke, Abbey Ampe, Kaija Copenhaver, Caden Pontius, James Dank, Henry Plummer and assistance coach John Carlson—get ready for a race at the Forestville trailhead in Marquette. (Photo courtesy of Dick Ziegler)

a lot of little hills around town, just things that kids built. Those kinds of things are frowned upon now. It’s not as free-forming as it used to be.”

It is a very time-consuming sport, Hendrickson said.

“Jumpers in the old days would have to come out here, probably walking out from town after school, and then they would stamp the hill down, maybe get a couple of jumps in before dark, and then walk home. We have the rope pull now, so they can get a few more in and aren’t quite as exhausted from walking up the hill after each jump.”

Ziegler has seen a resurgence in numbers though, and expects that both the jumping and cross-country ski programs will have a bright future in Ishpeming.

“The ski jumping nationwide has grown dramatically. It seems to be experiencing a real resurgence,” he said.

Hendrickson agrees, and thinks that part of the draw for kids to jump is simple.

“They’re flying,” he said. “They’re literally forming an aerodynamic foil, and creating lift by how they position themselves. They’re defying gravity.”

Jumpers from across the country will travel to the Ishpeming Nordic Ski Complex in January.

“There’s been some difficulty in bringing jumpers, or any athletes I think, from overseas,” Ziegler said. “During the pandemic, we weren’t able to have a big tournament, so we held a junior competition in 2021 on all of our smaller hills. This year we’ll be on the big hill.”

What is a “big hill”? Suicide is a K90, or 90-meter hill, which is known as an “Olympic Normal” hill. There is one hill larger than that on the Olympic level, an “Olympic Large,” which is a 120-meter hill. Iron Mountain’s jump is just such a hill.

Ishpeming is in the Central Division, which comprises five hills

in what is known as the “Five Hills Tournament.” The other sites in that division are outside of Chicago, Westby, Wis., Eau Claire, Wis., and Bush Lake, Minn. Unfortunately, this year two of those hills are out of commission.

“There’s been a lot of interest because our hill is the same size as the hill in Eau Claire, which is down this year, and because we’ve switched the tournament to a full weekend instead of the weeknight jumps we’ve done in the past,” Ziegler said.

He also said there will be jumpers from clubs across the country, and the expanded weekend days aren’t the

only differences this year.

“Parking is going to be very different from what it’s been in the past,” Ziegler said.

In the past, the spectators have driven right into the bowl area, which caused a bit of a traffic nightmare.

“This year we’ve got Checker Bus running shuttles from the Negaunee High School parking lot out to the hill,” he said. “They’ll pick you up and drop you right at the bottom of the hill. The buses will have priority; there won’t be a wait in traffic, and we want to encourage people to use the shuttle.”

Ziegler also said if you have a need

to get close to the hill, there will be a limited number of vehicles let in to park there, but they will be charging for those spots, and it will be firstcome, first-served. Once they’re gone, the free shuttle will be the only option.

The Ishpeming club is bringing back the Paul Bietila Memorial Tournament this year as well, an event named for an Ishpeming native and ski legend from the area. The Bietila brothers, known as “the Flying Bietilas,” were all great jumpers. Paul died in 1939 after colliding with a restraining post during a practice jump in Minnesota, and the event was named in his honor.

During the day on Saturday, the bowl will host a junior tournament on the smaller hills. Both Friday and Saturday night will be for jumpers on the big hill.

There will be food trucks at the jump, as well as a beer tent and limited concessions at the clubhouse.

Because of the expanded weekend, the club is looking for volunteers as well.

“It’s a two-day event, so we need crews for both days. Everything is totally different than in the past,” Ziegler said.

Hendrickson said he’s looking forward to the weekend. “I hope that we’ll really see the community rally around this event, to see people kind of hanging around out there.”

Information about the Ishpeming Ski Jump Tournament can be found on the club’s Facebook page, www. facebook.com/Ishskiclub.

To volunteer at the jumps or with the ski club, or for details about the club, call Dick Ziegler at (906) 7885794.

MM

Brad Gischia is a writer and artist native to Upper Michigan. He has published two children’s books and done illustrations for both comic books and novels.

Max Larson, Isaac Larson and Kaija Copenhaver, are geared up for jumping with suits and helmets. (Photo courtesy of Dick Ziegler)

the arts

Celebrating Sisu

Heikinpäivä will return to Copper Country in January 2023, after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19.

Established by the Finnish Theme Committee in 1999, Heikinpäivä is a Finnish American celebration. The event has grown to encompass communities from Calumet to South Range and includes programs related to Finnish culture, film, music, history, art and crafts.

Heikinpäivä will be held on Saturday, January 28, but related events will take place from January 12 through 28.

Jim Kurtti, retired director of the Finnish American Heritage Center (FAHC) and Historical Archivist, has been involved with the celebration since its inception.

“Heikinpäivä is based on themes taken from Finnish folk sayings associated with the Saint’s Day for Finland’s Bishop Henrik,” Kurtti said. “In Finland, they celebrate name days and Saint Henrik’s Day is January 19. Our Heikinpäivä celebration takes some liberties with the date to avoid other long-standing events held locally in January. We also try to hold the majority of the festivities after students have returned to Finlandia University and Michigan Tech.”

Saint Henrik’s Day is the traditional halfway mark of winter among rural

Finns. This time has also been called Keskitalvi (mid-winter). Heikinpäivä signifies the time of the year when farmers took stock of hay, grains and other supplies to make sure they still had enough to last the winter. Folk sayings related to midwinter abound and are still commonly heard in Michigan’s Copper Country: “Karhu kääntää kylkeä” (the bear rolls over to the other side), “Talven selkä taituu” (Winter’s back breaks) and “Heikki heinää jakaa” (Heikki divides the hay). The bear is an ancient Finnish and Saame symbol, and Heikinpäivä tries to include the bear in each year’s festival.

According to Kurtti, “These sayings and folklore traditions have faded in Finland over time, but they can still be heard in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula today. They have been passed on from generation to generation. Persons of Finnish descent are still the largest ethnic group in Michigan’s Copper Country. Thirty-three percent of the population of Hancock, Michigan claim Finnish ancestry. Heikinpäivä was established to preserve and collect the treasure trove of folklore, stories and traditions still found in communities across the Upper Peninsula as well as to celebrate Finnish culture and the midpoint of winter.”

Saint Henrik (Henry or Heikki) of Uppsala is the patron saint of Finland.

He was asked to accompany the papal legate, Nicholas Cardinal Breakspear (later Pope Adrian IV) to Scandinavia in 1151. He was consecrated Bishop of Uppsala, Sweden by Cardinal Breakspear.

Henrik traveled with King Erik of Sweden during his invasion of the Finish territory in 1155, to punish Finnish pirates. King Erik returned to Sweden, but Henrik stayed. According to legend, Bishop Henrik was killed while on a missionary journey.

Bishop Henrik’s body death date of January 19 is the highest feast day in the calendar of saints of the Diocese of Turku, which covered Finland in its entirety at that time. Great masses were said on Saint Henrik’s day and the cult and legends of Henrik have influenced both the ecclesiastical art and literature of Finland.

A variety of individuals, organizations and businesses have joined together to plan Heikinpäivä and to develop a diverse calendar of programming centered around Finnish culture, traditions, art, and music. There is virtually something for everyone of any age—whether of Finnish descendent or not. Information on all events can be found on the FAHC website Finlandia.edu/Heikinpaiva and Finlandia.edu/Heikinpaiva/enrichment-classes/ or from the FAHC at (906) 482-0248.

Finnish Theme Committee members finish making karjalan piirakka, a favorite Heikinpäivä treat, from left: Maija Stadius, Barbara Worrell, Kay Seppälä, Mary Brunet, Deb Kurtti and Gary Worrell. (Photo courtesy of Jim Kurtti)

Families look forward to Family Fun Night and the Hobby Horse Hoedown at the Finnish American Heritage Center (FAHC) on January 20. Held from 6 to 8 p.m., this family-friendly event features music and Finnish dancing. Participants are encouraged to bring their hobby horse, or borrow one for the hobby-horse indoor games and obstacle arena. Themed games and dances will keep everyone moving. There is a family fee of $5 and participants are encouraged to ride their hobby horse in the Heikinpäivä parade.

The dead of winter is not usually considered prime parade season, but the Heikinpäivä parade is one that must be seen to be believed. Spectators are often surprised by the size and scope of the parade. Finnish and Finnish American mythical characters-Heikki Lunta, Väinämöinen, St. Hendrik, Louhi and Lemminkäinen with his ever-vigilant mother are brought to life with the Finnish Theme Committee’s costume collection.

The festival committee names a Hankookin Heikki (The Heikki of Hancock) each year. This honor recognizes someone who has contributed to the preservation and enhancement of Finnish American cultural life in Michigan’s Copper Country. In addition to the prestige the honor bestows, the Hankookin Heikki rides the world’s largest kick sled named “Big Louis” in the parade. There are also official robes, crown and copper scepter for the Hankookin Heikki.

Themes for the parade include Finnish, Nordic and winter, and prizes are awarded to the best entries. The parade will begin at 11 a.m. on January 28. Following the parade there

will be a karhunpeijaiset (bear cubs) spiral dance, with the costumed characters. The public is invited to join in.

The Finnish-inspired outdoor games will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2023, immediately following the parade on the Quincy Green (Heikin Huvipuisto). Games include vipuklekka or whipsled. The day’s events also give participants an opportunity to try out an extensive collection of potkuri more commonly known as Nordic kicksleds. The wife carrying contest is a crowd favorite. The Nokia rubber boot throwing contest and children’s kicksled races fill out the competitive games. Of course, Finnish-themed prizes will be awarded.

Prior to the parade and during the day, the Tori markets will be set up at the FAHC and United Methodist Church from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Tori features a variety of vendors selling wares evocative of Finnish, Nordic and winter themes. Shoppers can enjoy a warm cup of coffee and Finnish delicacies. Finnish baked goods such as nisu and rye bread will be offered, as will candies from Finland. Artists and craftspeople will offer their rag rugs, hand knit socks and mittens, and jewelry. Live traditional music will be played at the Finnish American Heritage Center.

North Wind Books at Finlandia University will feature a book talk and signing by Mark Munger. Munger is a retired district judge from Minnesota. His book Suomalaiset and the sequel Sukulaiset follows Finnish immigrants in Northern Minnesota and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Suomalaiset is a love story intertwined with the history of the U.S. labor move-

Mark Hepokoski pushes the vipukelkka (whip sled) for his daughters Anna-Maija and Greeta. (Photo courtesy of Jim Kurtti)

ment, heroism and combat in the Great War. Sukulaiset follows Elin Gustafson from the shores of Lake Superior to the shores of Lake Onega in the Soviet Republic of Karelia during the great depression. Both books have received accolades for the extensive research into Finnish immigration, historical accuracy, and compelling characters. This program begins at 1 p.m. at North Wind Books.

The FAHC will close out the day’s festivities with the Iltamat, a dance and buffet from 7 to 10 p.m. This event will feature music by the Back Room Boys and Finnish treats prepared by the Finnish Theme Committee. Tickets are $15 per person and are available at the door. If your dance skills are rusty, join Kay Seppälä for Vanhimmat (folk and ballroom dancing lessons) from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 17 at the FAHC. Polka, schottische, mazurka and raatikkoon lessons will be given. No partner is needed, and pre-registration is not required. There is a $5 fee per student.

For those more attuned to indoor pursuits, the Finnish American Folk School is offering a variety of classes to inspire creativity. Ginger Alberti of Sew Cranky will provide two classes. Participants will use unique handcranked sewing machines to create a piece for the Snowflake Challenge. Artists will create a snowflake pattern on a black felt square. Each square will be entered into a contest offering cash and gift prizes. The Snowflake Challenge will run through February 14, and one can participate anytime during Sew Cranky business hours: 1 to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Entry fee is $3 per person.

Alberti will also lead a class for those wishing to make a handcrafted linen laudeliina (sauna seat cover) or placemat. The class will be offered on January 14. The class fee is $35 per person.

Phyllis Fredendall will present a class on Inkle weaving at the Jutila Center. Participant fee will be $60, and each artist will create a woven strap. This class is offered on Wednesday, January 11 and again on Wednesday, January 18.

The traditional straw mobile or himmeli is often seen in Finnish homes. Alice Margerum will lead a workshop on Thursday, January 19, at the Finnish American Heritage Center for those wishing to create a mobile of their own. The class fee is $30.

Get ready for Heikinpäivä by knitting a neck warmer under the direction of Clare Zuraw at the Jutila Center. Traditional Finnish sweater patterns from Vöyri will be used. The class will run from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Tues-

day, January 24 and again on Tuesday, January 31. Class fee is $50.

Cousins Harri Kurtti and Jim Kurtti will team up to present a Finnish cookie workshop from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 25 at the FAHC. This is an opportunity to learn how to make those sweet treats with hands-on cookie making and taste testing. Class fee is $20 per person.

Heikinpäivä will also feature films. The Nordic Film Series sponsored by the FAHC will feature Sirkka: Past and Present. This award-winning film features Sirkka Tuomi Holm and was a partnership between filmmaker Kristin Ojaniemi and the FAHC. Sirkka has witnessed a century of Finnish American history. From her grandfather fighting for the Reds during the Finnish Civil War to her immigrant parents’ involvement in labor strikes, to being trailed by the FBI and the first woman on the East Coast to be subpoenaed to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee.

She has spent her life fighting for what she believes in and the rights of others. She has devoted her life to progressive and liberal causes. An actress, activist and veteran, Sirkka has written and been involved in numerous books and research on Finnish-America, socialism, labor, peace activities and feminism. Sirkka’s column in the Finnish American Reporter is well read and loved by subscribers. The film will be shown at 2 p.m. on

Wednesday, January 18 at the FAHC.

The Copper Country Community Arts Center will host an opening reception for Animal Life: Art from the Kalevala at their facility at 126 Quincy Street in Hancock. The reception will run from 2:30 to 4 p.m. and will feature refreshments.

The Calumet Theatre’s Club Finndigo will feature the Finnish film Pelikaanimies (The Pelican Man). This 2004 Finnish fantasy film directed by Liisa Helminen follows the story of a pelican that is magically transformed into a young man. He struggles to adapt to human life and befriends tenyear-old Emil. The time and ticket prices for this Saturday, January 21 event will be announced.

After two years of uncertainty, the reprisal of Heikinpäivä to the streets of Hancock will be a welcome return to normalcy for residents of Copper Country. MM

Pam Christensen moved to Marquette 30 years ago when she accepted the position of library director at Peter White Public Library. She served in that post for more than 24 years. Most recently, she was foundation manager for the West End Health Foundation, finally hanging up her formal work shoes in May 2021. She and her husband Ralph are in the process of making an off-grid cabin in Nisula their second home.

Ginger Alberti leads the karhun peijäiset (the bear dance) on Quincy Green in Hancock, with a Finnish hobby horse in hand, during a past Heikinpäivä festival. (Photo courtesy of Jim Kurtti)

lookout point

Tuition-free college program changes students’ lives

By Jaymie Depew

College might not have been in the cards for Kalysta Sormunen if she hadn’t learned about a tuition-free program while she was a student at Marquette Alternative High School.

“I didn’t really consider college because I came from a low-income family and I would’ve had to take on a lot of student loan debt,” Sormunen said. “But then I heard about the middle college program.”

Established in 2014, Marquette-Alger Career and Technical Education (CTE) Middle College is a program available to high school students in Marquette and Alger counties that allows them to earn up to 44 college credits, free of charge, at Northern Michigan University. These credits can be applied to an associate degree or a technical certificate.

Sormunen, now 23, graduated with a welding certificate and an associate degree in applied science-industrial maintenance from NMU in 2018 before joining the Carpenters and Millwrights Local Union 1510 where she recently completed a four-year apprenticeship.

“During the apprenticeship you take classes and work in the field,” she said. “I preferred being hands-on

because it correlated a lot with what I learned with my industrial maintenance degree. I work on machines at paper mills, powerhouses, wind turbines, a bunch of different stuff. So far, I’ve stayed in the country, but you can travel all over the world if you want.”

The middle college is possible through partnerships between Marquette-Alger Regional Educational Service Agency (MARESA), Lundin Mining Corporation’s Eagle Mine, NMU, local school districts, businesses and others. In November, MARESA’s CTE Committee received a 2022 Governor’s Service Award in the Youth Services Impact Award Category, which recognized the organization for its significant effort to go above and beyond for students.

“Not only does the program ease students into college, but they also have to complete 100 community service hours over three years, which opens the door to a lot of different opportunities and helps them get a vision for what’s out there in the world,” said Stu Bradley, chairperson of the CTE Committee. “Seeing the positive impact this program has had on students that didn’t think they would be successful in college is incredibly heartwarming; it’s life changing for many

of them. I’ve been to several graduation ceremonies and everyone’s crying happy tears.”

Early middle colleges became increasingly popular during the last decade, with more than 230 programs now scattered throughout the United States. After attending a conference in the Lower Peninsula that was focused on similar programs, former CTE Middle College Director Brian Sarvello approached his then-employer, MARESA, in 2013 about implementing an initiative locally.

The CTE Committee formed just months after, and it was then announced that Lundin Mining Corporation’s Eagle Mine was signing on as the main stakeholder. The organization currently contributes $75,000 annually to the program for operational costs and donates an additional $50,000 to an endowed fund to help offset expenses after 2026, when mining operations are anticipated to cease.

“We can’t express our gratitude to Eagle Mine enough and their willingness to help fund the program,” Sarvello said. “Without them or NMU, the middle college wouldn’t be possible.”

Currently, 91 students have completed the CTE middle college pro-

The Middle College has been a life-changing program for many students, including those in the 2022 class. CTE is hoping to double enrollment by 2026. (Photo courtesy of Stu Bradley/Marquette-Alger CTE Middle College)

gram with 64 still enrolled. Any student in the respective counties can apply during the second semester of their sophomore year in high school. They are required to submit an essay, letters of recommendation and participate in an interview along with their parents or guardians.

Once enrolled, students take one NMU course during their junior year, then one more during each semester of their senior year before becoming full-time freshmen in college during “Grade 13,” Sarvello said.

“It’s a great alternative for students that can’t afford college or can afford it but need some help navigating it. Those are the groups we really target,” he said. “Most kids struggle with that transition from being a high school student to a college student, but we introduce them to college gradually and build their academic confidence. All of these classes are free to the student, so they’re not going to start their careers with having a bunch of student loan debt for decades.”

Meagan Staton, college and career readiness coordinator for the CTE middle college program at MARESA, said a key component is ensuring the students have whatever they need to meet their goals.

“We do that through individual check-ins…we meet one-on-one with the students frequently. It could be weekly up to monthly, depending on what that student needs,” she said, adding they also participate in monthly success seminars and workshops.

College dropout rates indicate that up to 32 percent of undergraduates do not complete their degree, with freshmen having a 12-month dropout rate of 24 percent. The Lundin Foundation, Eagle Mine’s philanthropic organization, contracted with the University of Wisconsin-Stout to

conduct a third-party evaluation of the impact of the middle college in 2019 which revealed that 63 percent of middle college graduates continued with their education and all students that reported being employed indicated that they were able to obtain employment within three months of leaving the program.

“We don’t have to redefine or redo the way the education system works. This is an innovative solution given with what we have at our disposal right now,” Staton said. “All students should have the opportunity to go to college with this level of support first and foremost. We know that if students can be introduced to college gradually in a supported environment that they’re going to be much more

successful (because) they’re more likely going to reach out if they’re struggling.”

Another great component, Staton added, is the program supports the regional labor market, which includes healthcare, cyber security, manufacturing, hospitality and fields having a difficult time filling open positions.

“They were really the first people to tell me about the trades,” Sormunen said. “It was nice having the support system, and that you weren’t just tossed right into the college world. We did a lot of team-bonding things as well. They taught us how to build resumes, do interviews. They really set you up to be the best person you can be in the world. I went through a lot of traumatic stuff during my high school experience, and they were a big support system. They were really like a family, and it meant a lot having them not only there for my mental stability but rooting for my success, as well.”

Applications for the CTE middle college will be available in Marquette and Alger school districts in February. If you are a business interested in getting involved, contact MARESA at (906) 226-5100.

MM

Jaymie Depew is the Communications and Special Projects Assistant for the Alger County Chamber of Commerce/ Greater Munising Bay Partnership, Munising Downtown Development Authority and Munising Visitors Bureau. A former city beat writer, she has a bachelor’s degree in English writing and journalism from NMU.

Former CTE Middle College Director Brian Sarvello, CTE graduate Kalysta Sormunen and Meagan Staton, CTE career readiness coordinator celebrate Sormunen, who recently completed a local union apprenticeship. (Photo courtesy of Stu Bradley/Marquette-Alger CTE Middle College)

Middle College volunteers embrace fall raking in a local yard. (Photo courtesy of Stu Bradley/Marquette-Alger CTE Middle College Committee)

in the outdoors

Ridin’ in a RAMBA wonderland

By Alex Lehto-Clark

Alittle off the beaten path, a whole multi-purpose trail system winds and gnarls through Marquette County’s hilly red dirt West End. These trails are challenging, scenic and not for the faint of heart.

While summer races keep everybody busy, the fun doesn’t stop in the winter—not by a long shot.

The Range Area Mountain Biking Association (“RAMBA” for short) wants visitors and community members to know that they are working hard outdoors so we can all play outside in the snow. And, contrary to what one might think, winter is the best time for beginners to get out and ride.

“It’s taken a lot of my time over the years, but it’s been well worth it,” says RAMBA Executive Director Danny Hill.

During the warmer seasons, the organization oversees, maintains and expands the 72-mile, all-access trail system. This system mostly runs through and between the wooded areas surrounding the cities of Ish-

peming and Negaunee, offering challenging technical riding on hand-built trails.

RAMBA is one of the oldest trail systems in the area, started by West End bike enthusiasts over three decades ago.

“Three of us, Carol Jackson, myself and Glen Lerlie, we started the whole RAMBA thing,” Hill said. “I’ve been doing it for a long time now. It’s kind of a passion, I guess.”

Snowbiking, on the other hand, is a fairly new outdoor recreational option. Hill said he believes the sport started in another place famous for its cold, snowy atmosphere.

“Well there used to be the Iditabike race in Alaska,” Hill said. “They used to manufacture bikes to ride in the snow. Shortly after that, Surly bikes in Minneapolis came out with their first snow bike around 2008.”

RAMBA began grooming their trails year-round in 2009, right before the great snowbiking zeitgeist really hit the mainstream.

“People from the Midwest have seen what we have for snowbiking and

they see what we have, not just for the race, but for the other stuff also,” Hill said. “It’s been a good thing for all of Ishpeming and Negaunee.”

In fact, the West End of Marquette County is regionally known for winter biking, all thanks to The Polar Roll, which has become one of the region’s premier snowbiking races and usually takes place in mid-January.

Hill says the RAMBA trails system generally offers 30 to 35 miles of groomed snowbiking trails in the winter, although that number varies slightly from year-to-year. Grooming is performed with three snowmobiles and a Rokon, which is a two-wheel drive motorcycle. The model has existed since World War II.

“It’s not the most fun thing to make trails with,” Hill said. “It’s kind of hard to keep going, but it does the job. It has a mind of its own. They have one purpose and that’s slowly moving through the woods.”

In the warmer months, the RAMBA riding experience stands out from other local trail systems because they are built using hand-tools, not machines.

Trail users are in for a root-leaden, rocky, sharp and twisting experience unlike any other in the Upper Peninsula.

Hill says it can be a difficult trail system for beginners during the regular riding season. The winter offers the same exciting level of riding and even more accessible trails for riders who may be new to the sport.

“Riders don’t have to deal with the technical aspects of mountain biking because snow smooths the surface out. You don’t have to watch for rocks and roots and all that.”

Spencer Prusi, owner of West End Ski & Trail, has been a part of the Marquette County biking community for many years both as a business owner and an avid rider. He sees snowbiking as a great gateway to the mountain biking world.

“You often land on soft snow when you fall, so there’s less of a chance of injuring yourself,” Prusi said. His shop acts as a community hub for mountain biking enthusiasts. He enjoys seeing new people get into the sport and agrees it offers a more be-

The RAMBA trails in Negaunee and Ishpeming offer the best of what U.P. winters have to offer riding enthusiasts. (Photo courtesy of Lindsay Bean)

ginner-friendly experience. Interested community members and visitors alike can try out snowbikes before purchasing one. Prusi said West End Ski & Trail has half-day and day-long rentals, and a variety of snow bikes to choose from.

The Marquette County biking community is tight-knit and trustworthy. Prusi said that any bike shop in Marquette County will make sure that you get a safe, good bike that matches your needs and keeps you out having fun.

If the budget allows, going to a specialized bike store will ensure you get a bike that can handle whatever the trails have to throw at you.

“There’s a lot of name-brand bikes out there,” Prusi said. “What I would try to avoid is the real budget bikes from some of the big box stores. The ride is just not going to be as good as it could be. The tires aren’t as good, the shifting isn’t good and generally the bikes are going to be a lot heavier.”

It’s also important to think of the technical components.

“Fat bikes have had a geometry— the way the frame is designed and put together, the angles that have been more of a cross country mountain bike. Those don’t necessarily work for snowbiking. It’s something called ‘auto steer,’ where when you turn the bike it wants to turn back.”

Newer models have changed the

geometry of the frame to meet this need, but they come at a higher price. Prusi emphasized that there are often great used bike options, especially on social media, for those who do not have a couple thousand dollars to invest. Love and Bicycles, Negaunee’s new bike shop, offers used bikes at reasonable prices. Both bike shops are active in the West End riding community.

Hill and Prusi have both done work to get more community members out and comfortable on the trails. RAMBA and West End Ski and Trail offer weekly group rides. And the camaraderie doesn’t stop with the colder months.

“We have Wednesday night bike rides year-round.”

The rides leave the shop at 6:30

p.m., and there are groups for any ability. Hill said these group rides offer more than just a good time to bond with fellow riders, especially in the winter.

“The group rides are a good way to make sure you stay safe in the winter,” he said.

Darkness is the main difficulty and safety hazard for winter biking, and Hills said groups are cognizant of keeping the riding crew together so that everyone can safely have a good time.

Hill said winter grooming generally starts in December—and the end date is all up to Mother Nature. “Snow bike season is so weather dependent.” The season can end as early as February and go as late as April.”

One thing is for sure. Winter biking

Liz Kero, Dillon Vial and Dave Kero enjoy the “Epic Trail” in the West End. Above, there are many options for new and pre-owned snow bikes available in stores throughout the county. (Photos courtesy of Lindsay Bean)

enthusiasts often have a long season in Upper Michigan, and with low temperatures and high amounts of snow, all of the Marquette County trails systems offer premium conditions.

Both Prusi and Hill stressed that it’s important for riders to learn the basic trail etiquette. Both men emphasized that, while the RAMBA trails are proudly multi-use, hikers should be careful when using the trails.

“Normal foot traffic on the trails can really ruin everybody on the trails.” The problem, Hill said, is that the trails need time to firm up and set.

“We call it postholing—four- or five-inch holes in the snow. It’s not fun for anybody. We have to wait for fresh snow to fill everything back in.”

Hill said everyone should feel welcome on the trails, but this problem has caused friction between users in the past. It’s important, he said, to see the trails as community property, and to think about fellow users before stepping out on any trail.

A great way to get on the trails that doesn’t involve biking?

“We really enjoy having snowshoers,” Hill said. “If everybody got a pair of snowshoes for Christmas, that would be perfect.”

Snowshoers do an important task: they pack down the trails. Snowshoes spread the user’s weight more evenly with a wider surface, there are no post holes. Hill encourages snowshoers to get out there, especially early in the season. It’s a great way to help

the RAMBA trails without having to formally volunteer. Hill said they post calls for snowshoers on their Facebook page, where they also regularly update trail information and conditions.

Last but not least, in basic snow bike etiquette: be aware of your tire pressure.

“Make sure to let some air out of your tires,” Prusi said.

Tire pressure is variable.

“You can really go from as high as eight (psi) if it’s nice and solid out there to as low as one psi at times if it’s softer conditions,” Prusi said. “If you’re sinking into the trail, lower the tire pressure and if you’re still sinking into the trail, ride a different day.”

So if you are on the fence about checking out the area trails on a snow bike, the experts agree. Snow biking is the friendly beginner sport that you just have to try for yourself.

Take the drive to Ishpeming or walk out your front door. On the West End, there’s a whole winter wonderland to discover, and a friendly community to make sure it stays that way for years to come.

MM

Alex Lehto-Clark is a poet and essayist who lives in Ishpeming, Michigan. He has called Upper Peninsula home for twelve years and graduated from Northern Michigan University with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in English.

Spencer Prusi and Dillon Vial pause to admire the beauty of U.P. winters while they enjoy the RAMBA trails. (Photo courtesy of Lindsay Bean)

Stories explore U.P. survival through the eras superior reads

Review by Victor R. Volkman

Ifirst encountered the writing of Hilton Everett Moore while pe rusing the U.P. Reader al anthology of the Upper Peninsula Publishers & Authors Association (UPPAA). I was immediately im pressed with the ease of how the U.P. landscape is described in terms of the ravages of generations of mining and timbering.

I was therefore thrilled to see that Moore’s short stories I read were not isolated tales, but part of a bigger pattern on the scale of a Michener saga, like Hawaii or Chesapeake, in the sense that Moore’s book spanned gener ations and more than a centu ry of life in the most rugged of fictional U.P. backwater towns: Nelson, Michigan.

Tonally, it is closer to Phil ip Caputo’s Hunter’s Moon in how it captures the mood of men in desperate straits. Although Moore has been writing for a while, North of Nelson: Volume 1 is his journeyman collection of short stories and is the first publication from Silver Mountain Press. The book is available in paperback, hardcover, eBook and audiobook formats so readers can consume it in their favorite way.

The audiobook edition is narrat ed by veteran narrator of U.P. books Rory Young who has previously voiced Lake Superior Tales, True Tales: The Forgotten History of the U.P., Summers at the Lake and other classic U.P. tales. Moore promises a Volume 2 is well underway and will certainly appear in 2023.

The town of Nelson, as depicted by Moore, lies somewhere in the middle distance between Houghton and Marquette. It is close enough to Lake Superior, but not a lakeside town per se. It is, however, adjacent to a “Lake Baraga” which has a notable appearance in the stories.

The writer himself lives in a remote cabin in “the near wilderness of Baraga County.” The scope of

covers the period from 1850s to present day, roughly 150 years of the multi-generational story of the Martin Family.

Although the village was named for its founder, Horace Nelson, he plays no role in the collection. Rather, the Martins, beginning with Deacon Elwood Martin, form three generations of pastoral men watching over the flock of Nelson, Michigan. This conceit means the Martins will interact with citizens of all social strata and gives Moore a wide scope for drama. Moore himself is the son of a minister, so he has a natural sort of grounding to tell these stories.

If you’re reading this review, you probably need no reminder that the

U.P. can be a harsh mistress and many of the residents of Nelson struggle mightily to carve subsistence from the land itself. This is highlighted in the story “The Silent Mistress,” in which Charlie, an alcoholic sawyer, and Nimkii, his Métis outcast wife, try to eke out a living during the height of the Great Depression. Charlie Swanson and Nimkii eventually settle in a back-forty tarpaper shack off Lake Baraga. Both of them are orphans in one real sense or another. Nimkii was abandoned to a (fictional) Catholic orphanage in Baraga proper while Charlie was born in a logging camp to uncertain parentage to the east of Baraga in the Huron Mountains in the year 1908. Charlie’s mother was the camp cook and his father is anyone’s guess. Nimkii’s mother Aandeg (“Crow”) died shortly after childbirth and her “worthless, arrogant, white” father who dealt in rotgut whiskey wanted no part of her.

Nimkii means “thunder” in the language of the Ojibwe but the nuns quickly re-christen her to be “Elizabeth” to encourage her piety and of course to distance her completely from her mother’s cultural heritage. Nimkii’s life of misery is alleviated in some small part by the nuns who teach her to read and write English and in particular by the worldly Sister Catherine who takes Nimkii/Elizabeth under her wing. Still, by the age of 15, Nimkii has had enough and is

desperate to flee the orphanage, lest she be somehow dragged into accepting orders of the Catholic church.

The couple meet by chance at a service in St. Michael’s church, which is adjacent to the orphanage. Together, they plot their escape by way of a note passed between them in church. Charlie is already living on his own in the aforementioned tarpaper shack. Nimkii is intrigued by the possibilities and the marriage is consummated, although neither of them has the foggiest idea of how it all works. By some miracle, the two manage to rub along reasonably well, until Charlie adopts whiskey as his “Silent Mistress.” Given that the story is told in flashback form from Charlie’s burial, you can imagine how the tale unfolds, to some degree.

The “Silent Mistress” is just one of the six tales from North of Nelson: Volume 1, and there is much variety to be had in terms of the aforementioned timeframe of 1850 onwards. In particular, I think my favorite story was “A Requiem for Ernie,” which describes a young boy growing up in the early 1950s who is ravaged by polio. The story of these permanently damaged survivors is simply never told anymore, so I appreciate the accuracy of Moore’s interpretation.

All of the tales are layered in irony, such as “A Shotgun Wedding,” in which the titular shotgun is given to the preacher in lieu of payment for performing the ceremonial duties. Last, I must warn the gentle reader that suicide is a common thread among the stories, so if that is a trigger for you, this might not be the book for you.

If you’re looking for a brutally honest depiction of the hard life that the U.P. has offered for generations, North of Nelson: Volume 1 will take you on a trip through time to revisit the struggles of yesteryear in a rough and rugged country.

MM

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

in the outdoors

Pecking order: The plight of a species

Advice from a woodpecker

1. Find your own rhythm.

2. Peck away at obstacles.

3. Be colorful.

Photos and story by Scot Stewart

Woody the Woodpecker was inspired by the largest woodpecker in North America and a favorite in the Upper Peninsula, the pileated woodpecker. Nearly the exact same size as American crows, pileated woodpeckers cast impressively large shadows as they glide from tree to tree in the woods.

Their length ranges from just less than 16 inches to almost 20. The signs of work they leave behind are even more evident. They chip away at maples, pines and cedar in search of carpenter ants, larval beetles and wasps. The holes are usually rectangular, but can involve long grooves down the sides of recently deceased trees, leaving huge piles of chips beneath the tree in their wake. But it is its call that will most likely draw attention to it first. They frequently announce their arrival at food,

a

of a

4. Carve out a place for yourself.

5. Make your voice heard.

6. It’s OK to be flashy.

7. Use your head.

The pileated woodpecker is one of only 23 species of woodpeckers in the United States and one of those, the ivory-billed, is now thought to be extinct. The last official sighting in the United States was in Louisiana in 1944 and the last world sighting was in Cuba in 1987. Since then, there have been occasional reports of ivory-billed woodpeckers being seen slipping through the flooded forests of the South, without any photographs, videos or recordings, unfortunately, to back up those exciting, hoped-for reports.

Worldwide, the number of woodpecker species is open to much dis-

“All bad jazz sounds like Woody Woodpecker.” —Leo Kottke

often calling from nearly

quarter

mile away as they approach feeder stations and other important foraging sites.

Pileated woodpeckers range average 18 inches. (Photo by Scot Stewart)

cussion. An internet search will provide a different number from nearly every source, from 180 to more than 200, but the International Ornithological Committee currently recognizes 239 species. Part of the difficulty is in deciding to count species like the ivory-billed woodpecker and the Mexican imperial woodpecker, the world’s largest, both thought to be extinct. Another challenge is watching ornithological taxonomists looking at different tropical species and occasionally splitting one into several different species as more genetic evidence is collected.

The Upper Peninsula is home to five year-round woodpecker residents: the downy, hairy, black-backed, red-bellied and pileated. In addition to those five, there are three more that migrate south in the winter to some degree, although some may stick around to endure the cold and snow of winter. They are the yellow-bellied sapsucker, the northern flicker and last, the red-headed woodpecker, the rarest of the eight. It is not followed too closely because they are now so rare but can leave the area in winter to head to the southern part of the Lower Peninsula. The last two pairs nesting in Marquette, both on Ridge Street, disappeared more than 30 years ago. In recent years, a few have reappeared in the Gladstone area and have occasionally stayed the whole year.

Two other species have wandered here from time to time in the past, but they are extremely rare. The American three-toed woodpecker is similar to the black-backed woodpecker, and has a primary range is the coniferous forest of the northern Rockies, Canada and Alaska. The other may be the most colorful American woodpecker, the Lewis’s woodpecker. It has a

light purple chest, red face and dark green back. Its range extends from the foothills of the eastern Rockies to the Pacific from the southern portion of British Colombia in Canada to the Mexican border. Its behavior is more like that of a flycatcher, as it darts out to catch insects, like flies, dragonflies and butterflies on the wing, and only rarely digs into bark and wood for insects.

“Even the woodpecker owes his success to the fact that he uses his head and keeps pecking away until he finishes the job he started.”

—Coleman Cox

Red-bellied woodpeckers will excavate small holes to seek out insects, look for fruit and take advantage of other opportunities they find. Blackbacked woodpeckers are flakers, chipping away the bark of conifers right after the trees die and dig in a little deeper on trees killed in fires to find food. Find a big forest fire in the U.P. and it is usually easy to find them shortly thereafter.

Woodpeckers

are primarily insect eaters. Some, like red-bellied and pileated will eat mountain ash fruits, apples and crab apples. Acorn woodpeckers out west live up to their name, storing vast galleries of acorns in dead trees for use through colder months. Because of their size, downy, hairy and pileated woodpeckers—the more common three in the U.P.—can all feed in similar areas as their bills and behavior help them find food in different parts of trees. Downies, with their short bills, can probe crevices and dig behind bark to find their food. Hairies have beaks about twice as long and dig deeper into dead wood. Pileated woodpeckers can do some serious excavating and can, over time, cut away most of the side of some trees. A relative newcomer to the U.P is the red-bellied woodpecker. Cornell does not even show it on its range map for the United States, but the species has expanded its range northward. It has been quite successfully in the past 20 years expanding its range northward and has nested in Marquette for at least five years.

As the woodpeckers probe for insects, they use their keen hearing to help them locate the insects often deep in the heartwood of a tree. Then they extend their sticky tongues, usually twice as long as their bills, to draw their prey into their mouths. After catching a bite, their tongues are pulled back in and between their skulls and head tissue. This behavior helps cushion their heads as they peck again. Their nictitating membranes slide over their eyes to protect them from flying debris and feathers over their nostrils keep dust out.

Woodpeckers are not much as singers. Rather, they rely on their drumming for most of their communicating. In spring they will find limbs, hollow tree trunks, even metal chimneys and other surfaces with great resonance to help them defend their territory and attract a mate. And they drum. It can wake a soul up early in the morning, even if it is four blocks away. They do have short calls and churring sounds, especially easy to hear when two males are challenging each other or a male and female are courting.

“I am busier than a woodpecker in a lumber yard.” —Unknown

The three woodpeckers that migrate each have unique feeding habits. Northern flickers are mostly brown

Downy woodpeckers are the smallest in North America, averaging six inches in length. (Photo by Scot Stewart)

with spotted breasts and yellow trim, and feed mostly on the ground. They find ant hills and drill into the colony; as the ants are drawn to the surface disturbance, the flickers use their barbed tongues to gobble them up.

They create an entertaining sight as an entire family gathers along a street curb to have a meal together. Their work can seem extremely intense as they rush to grab as many ants as they can. Pileated woodpeckers have been seen grabbing ants on the ground during the late summer when the elates, the winged new kings and queens, are pouring out of colonies to seek out sites to fly to as they start new colonies.

Sapsuckers are cautious smaller woodpeckers recognized by their catlike calls as they hunt for promising spots in the bark and wood for food. They have a unique strategy for adding to their food options by drilling rows of holes in the bark of many trees to produce wells filling with sap to provide sugars and some minerals to tide them over until it warms enough to find more insects.

“Woodpecker doesn’t take away things from nature to build his comfort. He makes nature his home and tree his house.” —Unknown

Woodpeckers, especially the pileated woodpecker, are known as keystone species. The description, by ecologist Robert Paine, is only 53 years old and details the impact of the role played by some members of biological communities. It is a concept still under study to refine the role and importance. Some believe the idea overestimates the value of importance of single species in a community.

Keystone species have a direct and noticeable effect on a community, making it possible for other species— animals, plants, fungi, protists and bacteria—to survive.

Ecologists often divide keystone species into three categories. The first is predators, usually the big ones like polar bears, wolves and lions. They help maintain healthy populations of animals like seals, and herbivores like deer, caribou, antelope and other ungulates.

The wolves tendered true recognition in Yellowstone National Park after they were reintroduced in the 1990s. As they slowly moved elk away from river edges where they frequently fed on new saplings and enjoyed the proximity to water, the entire landscape changed, encouraging the growth of trees, providing new habitats for birds, like warblers, and

Pileateds average two to four young in each nest. (Photo by Scot Stewart)

other species living in this riparian habitat.

A second type of keystone species are mutualists. They are species that include groups like pollinators— hummingbirds, bats, bees, wasps, flies and even rodents. Their activity helps plant and fungi species produce seeds and spread spores to further propagate those species. A true understanding of the relationships of these species is necessary to know how important they are to each other. This is especially true for pollinators with a wide range of target species throughout a region during the entire year. Today, honeybees and bumblebees are recognized for their incredible ability to fertilize plant flowers and help them reproduce, especially agricultural species like fruit trees, tomatoes, squash and others visited by these insects.

The third type of keystone species is usually referred to as the ecosystem engineers. Perhaps the best known of these is the beaver. They have been recognized for their ability to dam up creeks, streams and rivers, slowing the current down to allow sediment to drop to the bed of the ponds created, provide new habitat for waterbirds, fish and other aquatic species, and create conditions for water plants used by moose, deer, muskrats and other mammals. All serious fly fishermen and fisherwomen know the ability of beaver ponds to produce great conditions in the Upper Peninsula for brook trout.

“Not far from this village, perhaps about two miles, there is a little valley or rather lap of land among high hills, which is one of the quietest places in the whole world. A small brook glides through it, with just

murmur enough to lull one to repose; and the occasional whistle of a quail or tapping of a woodpecker is almost the only sound that ever breaks in upon the uniform tranquility.”

—Washington Irving, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”

Woodpeckers

fall into this last group of keystone species. For most, their work chiseling away at the bark and wood of trees in search of insects helps keep insect numbers down in forest trees. Some may question the value of woodpeckers. They hammer away at trees often creating large holes in living trees, especially white cedar, red and white pines. Many can be seen at Presque Isle Park in Marquette. Often though, they are following insects that have worked their way into the deep core of heartwood, advancing into diseased or damaged trees.

While the work the woodpeckers often works through the living tissue of trees, the effort is in seeking out colonies of carpenter ants, boring beetles and some wasp larvae working beneath the bark and sometimes deep into this heartwood of the living trees. It seems they are damaging living, green trees, but with close examination, it is clear the trees are in trouble. For some, like large pines, the trees may continue for many years because of the size and strength of their trunks.

About 12 years ago, many motorists noticed a group of pileated woodpeckers hard at work on an old sugar maple on County Road 550 just past the Noquemanon Trailhead north of Marquette. Their work was so grand it was apparent to those going 45 mph down the highway. They worked on

The Northern flicker is one of few North American woodpeckers that is strongly migratory; they average 12 to 14 inches. (Photo by Scot Stewart)

that tree several weeks until it was possible to see right through the trunk in many places. What was also clear was that pileated woodpeckers weren’t the only woodpeckers working there. Hairy woodpeckers were also finding their meals there too and continued after the pileated woodpeckers left and moved on. One of the services pileated woodpeckers provide for other species is the opportunity to exploit food sources otherwise not available to them. Remarkably, that maple snag is still standing.

Pileated woodpeckers make very noticeable rectangular holes in tree trunks as they work into areas where carpenter ants are present. Even in winter, they can be observed tilting their heads as they hammer away, listening for the wee sounds of the insects hidden in the dead wood where they have excavated galleries to live. If the galleries are extensive, long grooves may be chopped out by the woodpeckers, occasionally visiting over an extended stretch of days as they root out the large ants.

This also create other opportunities for wildlife. A few years back, a hiker on Presque Isle started following a raccoon trail through the middle of the “Island” in the snow of mid-winter. Curious to see where the trail led, the hiker followed until the trail came to a large red pine. There was evidence of scratch marks on the polished, patterned bark up the trunk nearly 20 feet that led to a fuzzy tail and back section of the raccoon sticking out of the notch. Tucked in on a cold day, it was sleeping in a notch created by a pileated woodpecker about twenty feet up

the large tree.

Woodpeckers also excavate tree cavities for their nests. Usually, dead trees are chosen because the wood is softer, but living trees with heartwood decay are also used, especially by yellow-bellied sapsuckers and pileated woodpeckers. J. Grant Brydle completed an in-depth examination of nesting habits of woodpeckers in Alberta, “Woodpeckers as a keystone species,” written by Brydle’s for Nature Calgary, describes the types of trees various species of woodpeckers most frequently choose and the types of locations in the forest communities they are likely to be found. Also included in the paper is the importance of their nest building to other species of birds and mammals. Woodpeckers may excavate more than one nest, leaving the final choice to the female. This may include a nest from a previous nesting season. More often though, woodpeckers build a new nest each season, and usually use it. This leaves older nests open and available to other species unable to excavate on their own. Unfortunately, their own creations are often stolen putting them at risk. The nesting cavities of flickers, Lewis’s and red-headed woodpeckers are often stolen by European starlings after the woodpeckers have taken breaks upon completing the cavities. The starlings watch from nearby and as the weary woodpeckers take a break the thieves make their move and take over the new nesting site, leaving the exhausted woodpeckers to start over if they hope to have a nesting site of their own.

Male Northern flickers fight during the spring. (Photo by Scot Stewart)

Eighty-five different birds nest in tree cavities. In the U.P. there is a surprising variety of different species using old nests. The long list includes some expected birds—eastern bluebirds, great crested flycatchers and tree swallows. Others may not be so well known—hooded mergansers, wood ducks and common goldeneyes—head up the duck list using pileated woodpecker nests. Northern saw-whet owls and American kestrels also use the nests of pileated woodpeckers. A videographer in Minnesota found a pileated woodpecker nest one summer in Jay Cook State Park and chronicled the nesting season until the young fledged. He returned to the nest in early fall and was surprised to find a northern saw-whet owl pop its head out when he made soft scratching sounds on the bark of the tree. He returned again in winter and was rewarded with the sight of a family of northern flying squirrels peeking out.

Sapsuckers provide an entirely different look at a keystone species.

Upon returning to the U.P. in the springtime, sapsuckers may find food difficult to find. They turn to their excavating skills to create a banquet of foods. By drilling two different kinds of holes in tree trunks, especially birch and maple, they create wells of tree sap, oozing into the holes. Deeper, round holes fill and provide larger quantities over a longer period, while shallow holes fill rapidly that can be licked out but must be maintained and may provide access for the sapsuckers to eat the tender, nutritious, inner cambium bark of some trees. The sap also can attract flies and other insects on warmer days to provide protein supplements, too.

What makes these rows of holes important is the number of other species also looking for spring food able to take advantage of this bounty. Warblers, kinglets, and hummingbirds have all been seen feeding on the sap. There is documentation showing hummingbirds may time their northward migration to shadow the sapsuckers into Canada in the spring. Early butterflies like tortoiseshells find their way to the sap, too. Porcupines, squirrels, and other mammals also utilize the wells that have been found in more than 1,000 different species of trees and other plants.

“The temple of truth has never suffered so much from woodpeckers on the outside as from termites within.”

—Vance Havner

While woodpeckers may enjoy drilling on resonant cedar shakes on homes, or look for food on wood deck rails, their hunting is an

important part of the life and health of the woods. They help reduce the size of the branches and wood of dead trees to speed their decomposition and return the nutrients more quickly to the soil. Their ability to create new homes and provide access to food for other species in their biological communities is incredibly important to the well-being of their neighbors. They frequently serve as bellwethers to indicate changes in the health of forest species. Without their work, many species would face a much more challenging existence and could face serious survival challenges.

Woodpeckers also provide the percussion elements to the forest symphony. Their sounds provide a unique beat to the melodies of other spring singers and a reminder an important part of the forest is present. It fills an important niche in the sounds of summer.

Perhaps most importantly, woodpeckers provide the heartbeat of the forest. Their balancing antics, their renowned hammering, the crucial role in the recycling of Nature’s elements make them an integral and irreplaceable part in our forest world.

MM

Scot Stewart has lived in Marquette long enough to be considered a true Yooper even though he was born in Illinois. He is a teacher and loves to be outdoors photographing and enjoying nature.

Adult red-headed woodpeckers grow to be eight to nine inches in length. (Photo by Scot Stewart)

poetry Memo

Late-day light in late December glows blue beneath my snowshoe imprints, like lily pads on a secret lake peering through.

Late-month thaw reveals the wide conversational dashes of otters trespassing the snow, then a hole in the ice, a period, portal to mollusks below.

The late-arriving jet slices the atmosphere like scissors locked on a wrapping paper’s path.

The late decade’s penultimate week falls like heavy debts of snow from weighted branches, sending sound waves through the still air, ticking nearly imperceptibly.

Late-season blue jays and chickadees command their platoons with a few chosen tunes threaded like a hem through the treetops.

In last-week’s Times, my pen interprets acrostics, transcribing knowledge, or not, on a thin sheet of tree, as if that’s enough to transmit what we know so far.

It’s enough. It’s all enough. The whispering clouds’ indelible tracks, the bubbles rising and bursting from the riverbed, the vermiculated word search underneath the rock.

Late Mom. Late Dad. Late Friend. I search for your message prism, foreign vocalization, shout to the heart from a marching band drum. Let me peer in there for an instant, while the sound and the light is vacant.

Rebecca Tavernini grew up in the U.P. She is publications director at Northern Michigan University. She has been involved in editing such books as Voice on the Water: Great Lakes Native America Now and Northern Border: History and Lore of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Her articles have appeared in various magazines. She writes poetry on a typewriter at camp.

The Marquette Poets Circle is very thankful for the support of Marquette Monthly with respect to its five-year anthology Maiden Voyage The 10-year anthology, Superior Voyage, is available for purchase.

home cinema

Eggers offers Viking classic

Review by Leonard G. Heldreth

Our films this month include a spy action thriller, a gothic film about two men trapped in a lighthouse and a new,Viking take on Hamlet

The Gray Man

For anyone having withdrawal symptoms from the James Bond series, or for those who can’t wait for the next John Wick film, the temporary cure is The Gray Man, the new Ryan Gosling international thriller directed by Anthony and Joe Russo.

Bristling with gunfire, hair-raising chases and double crosses, and splashed across international settings—Prague, Czech Republic, France and Croatia—The Gray Man knows exactly which genre it is imitating and what tropes it wants to include, e.g., the bullet-riddled tram chase through the cobblestone streets looks a lot like a similar bus chase through the streets of San Francisco in Ten Rings, reviewed here last month.

Based on the 2009 novel of the same name by Mark Greaney, “the gray man” is played by Ryan Gosling as a spy who operates in the gray area that is not quite legitimate but isn’t totally rogue; he is referred to as “Sierra Six” because “Seven” was already taken when he came on board (dealing with bad puns is one of the tasks in watching this film, as it is in the Bond films). Chris Evans lays aside his Captain America persona to play the very capable villain, Lloyd Hansen, who has no compunctions about shooting women and children if such actions will advance his cause. This is one of the few films in this genre where the villain is as interesting as the hero—he has more personality.

Most of the action involves finding out who has, or can get, a thumb-drive with critical information on it, and I won’t attempt to trace the plot machinations. The major contestants include Sierra Six, Hansen, Dani Miranda (Ana de Armas), Suzanne Brewer (Jessica Henwick), Sierra Four (Callan Mulvey), also known as “Dining Car,” and a freelance spy, Avik San (Dhanush), referred to only as “the Lone Wolf.”

Billy Bob Thornton nicely handles a small part as Fitzroy, the chief spy. The plot is no more implausible than similar films, the acting is better, the action never lets up, and it looks like

a sequel is in the works. Plus, it looks like the Lone Wolf may get his own spin-off film. That smells like success in the series sweepstakes.

The Northman & The Lighthouse

The Northman is Robert Eggers’ third film. Each of his first two were similar in using stark settings yet different in their subject matter, and they are worth looking back at. All three are currently available on streaming video from Amazon Prime.

His first, The Witch, a supernatural thriller set in colonial times, was discussed in these pages in 2016; a review of the second, The Lighthouse, was also intended for these pages but was dropped when COVID shut Marquette Monthly down for some months. I’ve incorporated that review below to emphasize the film’s stylistic connections to The Northman. Then we’ll focus (pun intended) on Eggers’ most recent film.

The Witch is a dark tale about a family of isolated settlers in early 17th century America whose inability to cope with the wilderness that surrounds them, their firm belief in Satanic activities, and their acceptance of the supernatural, leads them to disaster. The Lighthouse, co-written with his brother Max, is a dark tale about two men in the 1890s isolated in a lighthouse off the Maine coast. They find themselves unable to cope with the loneliness; to hold out against the chaos of rain, howling winds and waves; or to stand up against each other’s personalities; and the result is disaster, especially when they also become unable to distinguish between reality and the hallucinations.

This film was shot in black-andwhite with an old-fashioned 1:85 to one aspect ratio. The demonic goat, Black Phillip, in The Witch, is paralleled in The Lighthouse by a vicious seagull who keeps attacking one of the men. If this sounds like The Lighthouse is a remake of The Witch, rest assured that it is not; in some ways it’s better; in others, not. Clearly, however, both films came from the sharply focused mind of one director interested in the darker side of human nature, and both films are intense.

The Lighthouse opens with the two lighthouse tenders (known as “wickies”) disembarking from a ship and moving their supplies and equipment to the lighthouse; the ship then de-

parts, leaving the men for a four-week stay on the island, if the weather remains navigable; if it doesn’t, they will stay until they can safely return.

The older of the men is Thomas Wake (Willem Dafoe), a veteran lighthouse keeper who looks like an illustration from Moby Dick and who enjoys bossing his subordinate during the day and regaling him with tales of the sea, which seem to be mostly elaborate lies. Wake is almost a stereotype, singing sea shanties as he hops about on his bad leg and toasts his coworker with rum in a tin cup.

The other man on the island is Ephraim Winslow (Robert Pattinson—The Lost City of Z, High Life and that Twilight vampire series), a younger man serving his first lighthouse tour. Winslow says very little in the first half of the film, chafing under Wake’s orders to keep coal in the engines, mop the floors, oil the equipment, keep records and even empty the chamber pots. Wake, in turn, keeps the light going at night, although he refuses to let Winslow climb to the top floor of the tower where the Fresnel lens sends its light out to sea. Sometimes Wake sits nude in the light as though it were recharging him.

As the days go by, the men come to know each other better and to irritate each other more. Wake gets Winslow drunk and finds out what he is running away from; Winslow sneaks to the top level one night and listens to Wake moaning in ecstasy while a great tentacle slaps the floor and slime drips down the wall. Despite warnings from Wake, Winslow kills a seagull, and a mighty storm pounds on the lighthouse for days, even shattering a window of the house (shades of Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s albatross). Consequently, the ship cannot approach the island on its due date.

The growing tension between the two men often verges on the erotic. Winslow finds a scrimshaw figure of a mermaid stuffed in a hole in his mattress and fantasizes about it; then one morning he finds a nude woman wrapped in seaweed on the beach, but she is covered with scales from the waist down. At times there seems to be a dead body in the cistern, or is it just Winslow’s imagination?

This conflict cannot have a good ending, and it doesn’t, but Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson are excellent in their parts, and Jarin Blaschke was

nominated for an Academy Award for best photography. Anyone who enjoys realistic films with an overlay of horror, madness, or the supernatural should enjoy The Lighthouse. Now back to Eggers’ most recent film.

Set in A.D. 895 and shot on location in Ireland and Iceland, The Northman is based on the legend of Amleth, Shakespeare’s source for Hamlet It’s violent and bloody (Shakespeare knew what pleased the “groundlings” who came to see his plays). It concludes with two nude men fighting to the death with swords while an Icelandic volcano erupts around them.

Like Eggers’ first two films, The Northman is set in the past, but the plot is simple enough. King Aurvandill returns to the fictional island of Hrafnsey after his overseas conquests, reuniting with his wife, Queen Gudrún, and his heir, Prince Amleth. To prepare Amleth for his eventual ascension, the father and son participate in a ceremony of chanting in which Aurvandill’s jester, Heimir, warns Amleth that his destiny cannot be escaped. The next day Amleth’s bastard uncle Fjölnir stages a palace coup, kills Aurvandill and carries away Gudrún. Amleth narrowly escapes.

Years later, Amleth discovers that Fjölnir has lost his usurped kingdom and has fled to Iceland; Amleth sets off in pursuit. In disguise as a slave, Amleth finds his uncle and his mother, who now has a teenaged son, and sets about exacting his revenge, de-

spite finding out facts that give him pause. Like Shakespeare’s play, the film ends in bloodshed and dead bodies, but on a positive note, we last see Amleth driving a chariot toward the gates of Valhalla.

The sets and costumes are beautifully done, the historical details seem accurate and even the conflict between Norse mythology and Christianity is sketched in. References to the Norse gods and their domains abound, as well as prophecies and predictions about fate.

The acting is fine, although a bit overdone at times. There’s a plethora of animals—foxes, dogs, sheep, horses—but, as in the earlier films, one species gets emphasized: the ravens. Aurvandill is known as the raven king, and Prince Amleth is freed by a flock of the birds who peck through his bindings. There’s a magic sword that works only after dark, and some dead and dusty corpses come back to life, but mostly this is an action film, and it should please anyone looking for swordplay and a vengeance quest.

Leonard Heldreth became interested in films in high school and worked as a movie projectionist in undergraduate and graduate school. His short “Cinema Comment” aired for some years on WNMU-FM. In 1987, he started writing reviews for Marquette Monthly. He taught English and film studies at NMU for over 30 years.

MM

Answers for the New York Times crossword puzzle, located on Page 18.

Ishpeming

• Open Crafts Night. 6:30 p.m. Makers Marketplace, 113 Cleveland Ave. (906) 458-0626.

Marquette

• Winter Wonderland Walk. View the decorated trees, lights and holiday cheer. 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Peter

White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4322. • 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.

Negaunee

• Natural Track Luge Public Sliding. Learn to luge on the beginner luge track. Instruction, helmets and footwear provided. Youth ages 15 and younger, $15; ages 16 and older, $25. Times to be determined based on weather. Lucy Hill, 230 E. County Rd. upluge.org

• Knitting Group. Those interested in crocheting, knitting and other fiber

on the town

Gwinn

• Hideaway Bar.

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

741 M-35. (906) 346-3178.

Marquette

• Blackrocks Brewery.

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

-Thursday, December 29: Jim and Ray. 6 to 9 p.m.

- Friday, the 30th: Wallens. 7 to 10 p.m.

- Saturday, the 31st: Ryan Dart. 7 to 10 p.m.

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

• Drifa Brewing Company.

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

- Tuesdays: Books and Brews. 3 to 9 p.m.

501 S. Lake St. 273-1300.

• Flanigan’s.

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

Cover charge on weekends only.

429 W. Washington St. (906) 2288865.

• Ore Dock Brewing Company.

- Mondays: Board game night. 7 p.m.

- Friday, December 30: Surf and Turf. 8 p.m.

-Saturday, the 31st: Blanco Suave’s NYE Ball. $5. Age 21 and older.

- Thursday, January 12: Science on Tap. 7 p.m.

- Friday, the 20th: Noah Bauer. 8 p.m.

- Sunday, the 22nd: Trivia. 6 p.m.

- Thursday, the 26th: Jesse Ray and the Caolina Catfish. 8 p.m.

- Saturday, the 28th: Everything Under the Sun.

All shows are free and begin at 9 p.m. unless noted.

114 W. Spring St. 228-8888.

• Rippling River Resort. - Thursdays through Sundays: Fireside music by various musicians. 6 to 9 p.m. 4321 M-553. (906) 273-2259 or ripplingriverresort.com

• Superior Culture. - Wednesday, January 4: Electric words and musics. 7 p.m. - Thursday, the 19th: Poetry open mic. 7 p.m. 717 Third Street. (906) 273-0927 or superiorculturemqt.com

Negaunee

• Pasquali’s.

- Friday, January 6: Comedy night. $7. 8 p.m. 100 Cliff St. (906) 475-4466.

Republic

• Pine Grove Bar.

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 age 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.

29 THURSDAY

sunrise 8:33 a.m.; sunset 5:09 p.m.

Marquette

• Winter Wonderland Walk. View the decorated trees, lights and holiday

- Friday, December 30: Ethan Bott and Alex Teller. 8 to 11 p.m.

- Saturday, the 31st: Diverson. 9 p.m. to 4 a.m.

- Friday, January 6: Whiskey Ryan. 7 to 10 p.m.

- Saturday, the 7th: Swampberry Moonshine. 8 p.m. to midnight.

- Friday, the 13th: DSP. 7 to 10 p.m.

- Saturday, the 14th: Polar Blues Band. 8 p.m. to midnight.

- Friday, the 20th: Matt Byce.

- Saturday, the 21st: Money Shot Acoustic. 3 to 6 p.m.

- Saturday, the 21st: Stetson. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

- Friday, the 27th: Lillian Manceau. 7 to 10 p.m.

- Saturday, the 28th: Ethan Bott. 3 to 6 p.m.

- Saturday, the 29th: Diversion. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

286 Front St. (906) 376-2234. MM

cheer. 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4322.

• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com

• Holiday Lasers on the Ore Dock.

Diversion| December 31 & January 29 | Pine Grove Bar, Republic

Courtesy of Angel Anderson

Lasers will project references to the holidays and the season, abstract materials, themes and overall appreciation of the natural Marquette surroundings. 6 to 9 p.m. Ore Dock.

Negaunee

• Natural Track Luge Public Sliding. Learn to luge on the beginner luge track. Instruction, helmets and footwear provided. Youth ages 15 and younger, $15; ages 16 and older, $25. Times to be determined based on weather. Lucy Hill, 230 E. County Rd. upluge.org

• Music, Movement and More. This parent-led story time is for all ages. 10:30 a.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. (906) 475-7700.

30 FRIDAY

sunrise 8:33 a.m.; sunset 5:10 p.m.

Marquette

• Winter Wonderland Walk. View the decorated trees, lights and holiday cheer. 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4322.

• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod.

com

• Holiday Lasers on the Ore Dock. Lasers will project references to the holidays and the season, abstract materials, themes and overall appreciation of the natural Marquette surroundings. 6 to 9 p.m. Ore Dock.

Negaunee

• Natural Track Luge Public Sliding. Learn to luge on the beginner luge track. Instruction, helmets and footwear provided. Youth ages 15 and younger, $15; ages 16 and older, $25. Times to be determined based on weather. Lucy Hill, 230 E. County Rd. upluge.org

31 SATURDAY

sunrise 8:34 a.m.; sunset 5:11 p.m.

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. Pine St. superiorland_bridge.tripod.com

• Holiday Lasers on the Ore Dock. Lasers will project references to the holidays and the season, abstract materials, themes and overall appreciation of the natural Marquette surroundings. 6 to 9 p.m. Ore Dock.

• New Year’s Eve Ball Drop. Join others and ring in the New Year during the annual ball drop. 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. Washington St. travelmarquette.com

Negaunee

• Natural Track Luge Public Sliding. Learn to luge on the beginner luge

track. Instruction, helmets and footwear provided. Youth ages 15 and younger, $15; ages 16 and older, $25. Times to be determined based on weather. Lucy Hill, 230 E. County Rd. upluge.org

january events

01 SUNDAY

sunrise 8:34 a.m.; sunset 5:12 p.m.

New Years Day

02 MONDAY

sunrise 8:34 a.m.; sunset 5:13 p.m.

Marquette

• Joy of Sound Meditation. Enjoy a relaxing meditation with sounds produced by Tibetan singing bowls and metallic gongs. 7 p.m. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 201 E. Ridge St. (906) 362-9934.

03 TUESDAY

sunrise 8:34 a.m.; sunset 5:14 p.m.

Marquette

• Tech Coaching for Seniors. Learn to customize your electronic devices with the help of Christine Ault. Bring your charged device and passwords. Sign up for a 15-minute time slot. Noon to 2 p.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4311.

• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com

• Oil Painting, Pastels and Drawing Classes with Marlene Wood. Bring your own supplies. $20. 1 to 3 p.m. Marquette Arts and Culture Center, lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 225-8655.

• What’s Up? Astronomy Series. Scott Stobbelaar of the Marquette Astronomical Society will discuss what can be seen in the U.P. skies. 7 p.m. via Zoom. Visit pwpl.info for Zoom link.

• Maritime History on Tap. Dan Fountain will discuss the shipwrecks around Huron Island. $5. 7:30 p.m. Ore Dock Brewing Company, 114 W. Spring St. (906) 226-2006.

04 WEDNESDAY

sunrise 8:34 a.m.; sunset 5:15 p.m.

Ishpeming

• Open Crafts Night. 6:30 p.m. Makers Marketplace, 113 Cleveland Ave. (906) 458-0626.

Marquette

• 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.

• Visual Art Class: Drawing with Marlene Wood. This class is for those age 55 and older. Register in advance. Marquette city and surrounding township residents, free; nonresidents, $5 donation. 1 p.m. Marquette Arts and Culture Center, lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 225-8655.

• Teens Game On. Youth in grades 6 to 12 are invited to play video games, board games and other games. 4 p.m. Teen Zone, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4321.

• Junior Graphic Novel Geeks. Youth in grades 1 to 3 will look at graphic novels that feature animals as characters, and have time to draw characters as well. 4:30 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323.

• Zoom League of Women Voters of Marquette County Membership Meeting. All interested community members are welcome. 6:45 p.m. Email lwvmqtco@gmail.com for Zoom link.

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 age 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.

05 THURSDAY

sunrise 8:33 a.m.; sunset 5:16 p.m.

Marquette

• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. s• Marquette Drumming Circle. No drumming experience necessary, as all skill levels welcome. A limited number of hand drums and percussion instruments will be available. 2 p.m. Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 555 Riverside Road. (906) 339-9824.

• Wings of Fire. Youth in grades 4 to 6 are invited to play games inspired by Wings of Fire 4:30 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323.

Negaunee

• Music, Movement and More. This parent-led story time is for all ages. 10:30 a.m. Negaunee Public Library,

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

06 FRIDAY

sunrise 8:33 a.m.; sunset 5:17 p.m.

Gwinn

• Story Time. This story time is geared towards preschool-age children with stories, crafts and a light snack. 10:30 a.m. Forsyth Township Library, 180 W. Flint St. (906) 346-3433.

Marquette

• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com

• LEGO Club. Meet other LEGO enthusiasts and build LEGO projects using the library’s LEGO blocks. Youth age 7 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. 4 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323.

• Superior String Alliance Chamber Players Performance. The Tuuli Quartet will perform with Adam Hall. Donations appreciated. 7 p.m. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 201 E. Ridge St. superiorstringalliance.org

Negaunee

• Natural Track Luge Public Sliding. Learn to luge on the beginner luge track. Instruction, helmets and footwear provided. Youth ages 15 and younger, $15; ages 16 and older, $25. 6 to 9 p.m. Lucy Hill, 230 E. County Rd. upluge.org

Sands

• Lantern Lit Ski & Snowshoe. Ski or snowshoe the Lighted Loop which will be lit by kerosene lanterns. 7 p.m. Blueberry Ridge Pathway, 900 M-553. (906) 339-4461.

07 SATURDAY

sunrise 8:33 a.m.; sunset 5:18 p.m.

Escanaba

• Story Hour. Youth ages 5 and older are invited for stories .1 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. (906) 789-7323.

Gwinn

• Upper Michigan Ice Racing Association Races. Racers of all ages will compete during more than 20 classes of racing. $5 per carload. Registration, 8 a.m. Practice, 10 a.m. Racing, 11:30 a.m. Forsyth Township Ball Park, off of Johnson Lake Rd. uppermichiganiceracing.com

Marquette

• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. Lessons, 10 a.m.

Calumet

• Calumet Art Center. Works by local and regional artists. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 57055 Fifth St. (906) 934-2228.

• 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. Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 205 Fifth St. (906) 3371252 or ccaartists.org

• Gallery on 5th. Works by local and

regional artists. Days and hours vary. 109 Fifth St. (906) 369-0094.

Copper Harbor

• EarthWorks Gallery. Featuring Lake Superior-inspired photography by Steve Brimm. Daily, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 216 First St. (910) 319-1650.

Escanaba

• Besse Gallery. Featuring works by local, regional and national artists. Days and hours vary. Bay College, 2001 N. Lincoln Rd.

• East Ludington Art Gallery. Works by local artists. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 1007 Ludington St. (906) 786-0300 or eastludingtongallery.com

• Hartwig Gallery.

- Small Sketches: A Midwestern Woman, featuring found object sculptures by Mary Sundstrom, will be on display through December 31. Days and hours vary. 2001 N. Lincoln Rd. baycollege.edu

• William Bonifas Fine Arts Gallery.

- Northern Exposure XXIX will be on display through December 29.

- New Works, featuring oil paintings by John Hubbard, will be on display through December 29. 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

• Finlandia University Gallery. Works by fiber artist Bonnie Peterson will be on display through January 31, with a reception at 6 p.m. on the 26th.

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays, noon to 4 p.m. 435 Quincy St. (906) 487-7500.

• Kerredge Gallery.

- Animal Life: Art from the Kalevala, featuring works by various artists, will be on display January 28 through February 28, with a public reception at 2:30 p.m. on January 28.

Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Community Arts Center, 126 Quincy St. coppercountryarts.com or (906) 482-2333.

• Youth Gallery. Featuring works from area 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. coppercountryarts.com or (906) 482-2333.

Marquette

• Art—U.P. Style. Art by Carol Papaleo, works by local artists,

(continued on page 81)

(continued on page 60)

Julie Highlen | Superior Tranquility | Marquette Arts and Culture Center Deo Gallery

art galleries

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.

- 2023 Faculty Biennial, featuring works by NMU faculty, will be on display through March 31, with a opening reception at 6 p.m. January 20.

- Snowdrift, featuring works from the permanent collection, will be on display through June 30. Monday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Corner of Seventh and Tracy streets. NMU. (906) 227-1481 or nmu.edu/devos

• Graci Gallery. Works by regional and national artists. Featuring fine craft, contemporary art, and jewelry. Thursday and Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, by appointment or chance. 555 E. Michigan Street. gracigallery.com

• Huron Mountain Club Gallery.

- Winter Wonderland Walk, featuring trees decorated by community members, will be on display through January 31. 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.

- Painting the Seasons of the Wild U.P., featuring works by Julie Highlen, will be on display through January 31. 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.

• Peter White Public Library Reception Gallery.

- Winter Wonderland Walk, featuring trees decorated by community members, will be on display through January 31. 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.

• 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.

local

regional artists in varying mediums. 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.

- Works by Bill Water will be on display January 9 through February 3, with a public reception at 5 p.m. on the 13th. Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 810 N. Third St. (906) 273-1374.

• Zero Degrees Gallery.

- Works by Shantina Hatfield will be on display through December 31.

- Works by jeweler Kalil Zender will be on display January 2 through February 28, with a public reception at 1 p.m. on January 14. The gallery features works in oils, watercolors, mixed media, jewelry, photography, metals, woods, recycled and fiber arts and much more. Tuesday 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. By appointment or by chance. 109 W. Superior Ave. upscaleart.org or (906) 387-3300.

Rapid River

• The adhocWORKshop. Owner Ritch Branstrom creates sculptures with found objects inspired by the land in which the objects were found. By appointment or chance. 10495 South Main Street. adhocworkshop.com or (906) 399-1572.

Sand River

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

Featuring works by

and

Games, 11:30 a.m. Citizens Forum, Lakeview Arena, 401 E. Pine St. superiorland_bridge.tripod.com

Negaunee

• Natural Track Luge Public Sliding. Learn to luge on the beginner luge track. Instruction, helmets and footwear provided. Youth ages 15 and younger, $15; ages 16 and older, $25. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lucy Hill, 230 E. County Rd. upluge.org

08 SUNDAY

sunrise 8:33 a.m.; sunset 5:19 p.m.

Marquette

• The Ultimate Bridal Event 2023. Visit with wedding vendors, gather information, register to win prizes and watch the fashion show. 1 to 5 p.m. Fashion show, 4 p.m. Ojibwa Casino, 105 Acre Trail. abrideschoice. com

09 MONDAY

sunrise 8:33 a.m.; sunset 5:20 p.m.

Marquette

• Senior Theatre Experience: Monthly Workshop and Discussion. This workshop is for those age 55 and older. Register in advance. Marquette city and surrounding township residents, free; nonresidents, $5 donation. 4 p.m. Marquette Arts and Culture Center, lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 225-8655.

• Craft Magic Series: Felt Magic. Join Jody Trost to learn basic needle felting techniques and leave with your own handmade felted snowman. Bring a pair of small scissors. Materials provided. Space is limited. 6:30 p.m. Shiras Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4322.

Negaunee

• All-Ages Online Storytime. Enjoy stories, songs and rhymes from the comfort of your own home. 11a.m. via Facebook Live. facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary

10 TUESDAY

sunrise 8:32 a.m.; sunset 5:21 p.m.

Marquette

• Tasty Reads Book Group. The group will discuss Finding Freedom by Erin French. Noon. Shiras Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4303.

• Tech Coaching for Seniors. Learn to customize your electronic devices with the help of Christine Ault. Bring your charged device and passwords. Sign up for a 15-minute time slot. Noon to 2 p.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906)

226-4311.

• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com

• Oil Painting, Pastels and Drawing Classes with Marlene Wood. Bring your own supplies. $20. 1 to 3 p.m. Marquette Arts and Culture Center, lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 225-8655.

• Ham Radio. Learn the history of the Hiawatha Amateur Radio Association along with the services the group provides to the community. NCLL members, $5; adults, $10. 1:30 p.m. Room B101, Superior Dome, NMU. (906) 360-5352.

• Dumbledore’s Army. Students in grades 4 to 6 are invited for Harry Potter-related crafts. 4:30 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323.

11 WEDNESDAY

sunrise 8:32 a.m.; sunset 5:23 p.m.

Ishpeming

• Open Crafts Night. 6:30 p.m. Makers Marketplace, 113 Cleveland Ave. (906) 458-0626.

Marquette

• 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.

• Junior Teen Advisory Board. Students in grades 5 to 8 are invited to meet new people, plan events and gain volunteer experience. 4:15 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4321.

• Why and How to Unclutter. Professional organizer Dar Shepherd will discuss how clutter causes stress and how to put our home in order. 6:30 p.m. Lions Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 360-3000.

• LWAS: My Accidental Big Year of 2022. Bird lover and naturalist Skye Haas will discuss his work with the Whitefish Point Bird Observatory, The Nature Conservancy and other non-profit research groups. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Shiras Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 361-9255.

• Sierra Club: Arctic Ocean Expedition. Michael Neiger of the Michigan Sierra Club, will discuss snowshoeing and sledging with the Cree Indians down the Abitbi and Moose rivers in northern Canada. 7 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4322.

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 age 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.

12 THURSDAY

sunrise 8:31 a.m.; sunset 5:24 p.m.

Escanaba

• Switchback Concert. The award-winning duo Brian FitzGerald and Martin McCormack will perform traditional Celtic and original Americana songs. Youth and Bay students and employees, $10; others, $20. 7 p.m. Besse Center, 2001 N. Lincoln Rd. (906) 217-4045 or baycollege.tix.com

Marquette

• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com

• Art Sparks. Students in grades 1 to 5 are invited to paint like Michelangelo. Dress to get messy. 4:30 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323.

• Second Thursday Creativity Series: Princesses and Pirates. Youth are invited to dress as princesses and pirates for a night filled with hands-on activities, snacks, music, and free Culver’s frozen custard. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. U.P. Children’s Museum, 123 W. Baraga Ave. (906) 226-3911.

• Registration Deadline: In Search of Evening Owls. See Friday the 13th.

Negaunee

• Music, Movement and More. This parent-led story time is for all ages. 10:30 a.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. (906) 475-7700.

13 FRIDAY

sunrise 8:31 a.m.; sunset 5:25 p.m.

Gwinn

• Story Time. This story time is geared towards preschool-age children with stories, crafts and a light snack. 10:30 a.m. Forsyth Township Library, 180 W. Flint St. (906) 346-3433.

Marquette

• Docu Cinema Matinee. The documentary film James Baldwin and Race in America will be shown. Noon. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4322.

• 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. Meet other LEGO enthusiasts and build LEGO projects using the library’s LEGO blocks. Youth age 7 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. 4 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323.

• In Search of Evening Owls. Scot Stewart will discuss all things owls during a 20-minute presentation. The group will carpool to an off-site location to call for owls and listen for their replies. Register by the 12th. Adults, $5; families, $10. 6 p.m. MooseWood Nature Center, Peter White Dr. Presque Isle. moosewood.org or (906) 228-6250.

Negaunee

• Natural Track Luge Public Sliding. Learn to luge on the beginner luge track. Instruction, helmets and footwear provided. Youth ages 15 and younger, $15; ages 16 and older, $25. 6 to 9 p.m. Lucy Hill, 230 E. County Rd. upluge.org

14 SATURDAY

sunrise 8:30 a.m.; sunset 5:26 p.m.

Calumet

• Winter Markets. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Calumet Art Center, 57055 Fifth St. (906) 934-2228.

• Lumi Revel. Celebrate winter with free kid’s sled dog rides at Agassiz

Park, cocktails and appetizers at Shute’s and and the premiere of the documentary film A CopperDogFilm. Proceeds benefit the Calumet Theatre. Prices vary for activities at Shute’s and Calumet Theatre. Sled dog rides, 2 to 4 p.m., Cocktails, 4 to 6 p.m., Film, 6 p.m. visitkeweenaw.com

Escanaba

• LEGO Club. Bring your LEGOs for an afternoon of LEGO fun with others. 1 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. (906) 789-7323.

Gwinn

• Upper Michigan Ice Racing Association Races. Racers of all ages will compete during more than 20 classes of racing. $5 per carload. Registration, 8 a.m. Practice, 10 a.m. Racing, 11:30 a.m. Forsyth Township Ball Park, off of Johnson Lake Rd. uppermichiganiceracing.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. Pine St. superiorland_bridge.tripod.com

• Marquette Symphony Orchestra Concert. Prices vary. 7:30 p.m. Kaufman Auditorium, 611 N. Front St. nmu.universitytickets.com

Negaunee

• Natural Track Luge Public Sliding. Learn to luge on the beginner luge track. Instruction, helmets and footwear provided. Youth ages 15 and younger, $15; ages 16 and older, $25.

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lucy Hill, 230 E. County Rd. upluge.org

15 SUNDAY

sunrise 8:30 a.m.; sunset 5:28 p.m.

16 MONDAY

sunrise 8:29 a.m.; sunset 5:29 p.m.

Marquette

• Joy of Sound Meditation. Enjoy a relaxing meditation with sounds produced by Tibetan singing bowls and metallic gongs. 7 p.m. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 201 E. Ridge St. (906) 362-9934.

• Meet the Filmmaker: Evanston’s Living History. The documentary film Evanston’s Living History will be shown. 7 p.m. via Zoom. Visit pwpl.info for Zoom link.

Negaunee

• All-Ages Online Storytime. Enjoy stories, songs and rhymes from the comfort of your own home. 11a.m. via Facebook Live. facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary

17 TUESDAY

sunrise 8:29 a.m.; sunset 5:30 p.m.

Gwinn

• Literature at the Lodge. The group will discuss Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah. Up North Lodge, 215 S. CR-557. (906) 346-3433.

Marquette

• Flamingos in the Snow Winter Reading 2023 Registration. This program is for youth ages 18 and younger. Parents are encouraged to register their kids online and then stop by the library for a yard flamingo, reading sheet and a miniature habitat starter. Register at pwpl.info/events or call (906) 226-4323.

• Tech Coaching for Seniors. Learn to customize your electronic devices with the help of Christine Ault. Bring your charged device and passwords. Sign up for a 15-minute time slot. Noon to 2 p.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4311.

• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com

• Oil Painting, Pastels and Drawing Classes with Marlene Wood. Bring your own supplies. $20. 1 to 3 p.m. Marquette Arts and Culture Center, lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 225-8655.

• The Yankee from Scotland. Don Balmer will discuss the history of the Yankee Locomotive which is one of

Switchback Concert | January 12 | Escanaba

Courtesy of Bay College

Calumet

• International Frisbee 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 Coliseum, 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.

Hancock

• Quincy Mine Hoist and Underground Mine. There are two options for touring the site. On both the surface tour and the full tour, visitors will see the museum, inside the No. 2 Shaft House and the Nordberg Steam Hoist and ride the cog rail tram car to the mine entrance. On the full tour, visitors will take a tractor-pulled wagon into the mine, seven levels underground. Prices, days and hours vary. (906) 482-3101 or quincymine. com

Houghton

• A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum.

three surviving Chapin locomotives in the world. NCLL members, $5; nonmembers, $10. 2 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 249-1273.

• Muggles for Potter. Students in grades 2 to 3 are invited for Harry Potter stories and a shrink dink craft. 4:30 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323.

• Global Geeks Book Club. The group will discuss My Name Is Red by Orhan Pamuk. 6 p.m. Dandelion Cottage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4312.

18 WEDNESDAY

sunrise 8:28 a.m.; sunset 5:32 p.m.

View the largest collection of minerals from the Great Lakes region and the world’s finest collection of Michigan minerals. Exhibits educate visitors on how minerals are formed, fluorescent minerals and minerals from around the world. 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. Features rotating displays of local history, natural science and culture. The Science Center is dedicated to interactive exhibits about science for kids. Tuesday and Thursday, 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.

Iron Mountain

• World War II Glider and Military Museum. During World War II, the Ford Motor Company’s Kingsford plant built the CG-4A Gliders for the U.S. Army. View one of seven fully restored CG-4A G World War II gliders, military uniforms from the Civil War through the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, memorabilia, restored military vehicles and more. Prices vary. Days and times vary. 302 Kent St. (906) 774-1086.

Ishpeming

• Ishpeming Area Historical Society Museum. New exhibits include a military exhibit and artifacts from the Elson Estate. Donations appreciated. Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Gossard Building, Suite 303, 308 Cleveland

Calumet

• Red Jacket Readers Book Club. The group will discuss Wolf Island by L. David Mech. Calumet Public Library, 57070 Mine St. (906) 3370311, ext. 1107 or clkschools.org/ library

Ishpeming

• Open Crafts Night. 6:30 p.m. Makers Marketplace, 113 Cleveland Ave. (906) 458-0626.

Marquette

• All Booked Up. The group will discuss Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. 11 a.m. The Courtyards, 1110 Champion St. (906) 226-4318.

• Congregate Meals for Seniors–Dine in or Curbside Pickup. Meals available to those age 60 and older. Call

Ave. ishpeminghistory.org

• U.S. National Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame & 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 St. (906) 485-6323 skihall.com

K.I. Sawyer

• K.I. Sawyer Heritage Air Museum. The museum promotes and preserves the aviation history the air base brought to the area. Air Force-related materials are on display, including photographs, flags, medals and more. Donations appreciated. Wednesday through Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. 402 Third St. (906) 236-3502 or kishamuseum.org

Marquette

• Baraga Educational Center and Museum. View artifacts and tools used by Venerable Bishop Baraga. Donations appreciated. Thursday and Friday, noon to 5 p.m. and by appointment. 615 S. Fourth St. (906) 227-9117.

• Beaumier Upper Peninsula Heritage Center.

Three separate collections focus on cultural artifacts relating to ethnic, religious and social diversity in the U.P. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. NMU, corner of Seventh Street and Tracy Avenue. (906) 227-3212 or nmu.edu/beaumier

• Marquette Regional History Center.

Railroads of Marquette County: Yesterday and Today, featuring select

to reserve a meal. $3.50 suggested donation. Noon to 1 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. (906) 228-0456.

• Visual Art Class: Drawing with Marlene Wood. This class is for those age 55 and older. Register in advance. Marquette city and surrounding township residents, free; nonresidents, $5 donation. 1 p.m. Marquette Arts and Culture Center, lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 225-8655.

• Outword. LGBTQIA youth and allied students in grades 7 to 12 are invited. 4 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4321.

• U.P. Folk Songs with Dan Truckey and Friends. Dan Truckey and other local musicians will perform historical U.P. folk songs. $5 sug -

hands-on elements, as well as maps, artifacts and photographs, will be on display through February 2023. The museum includes interactive displays as well as regional history exhibits. Youth 12 and younger, $2; students, $3; seniors, $6; adults, $7. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 145 W. Spring St. (906) 2263571 or marquettehistory.org

• Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum. A variety of interactive exhibits offer learning through investigation and creativity. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Prices vary. 123 W. Baraga Ave. (906) 226-3911 or upchildrensmuseum.org

Munising

• Alger County Historical Society Heritage Center. Exhibits include the Grand Island Recreation Area, Munising Woodenware Company, barn building, homemaking, sauna and more. Tuesday through Saturday, noon 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 Recration Passport required for parking. Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4p.m. 73 Forge Rd. (906) 475-7857. MM

gested donation. 6 p.m. Ore Dock Brewing Company, 114 W. Spring St. hiawathamusic.org

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.

• Wings of Fire Interest Group. Youth age 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.

19 THURSDAY

sunrise 8:27 a.m.; sunset 5:33 p.m.

Big Bay

• Skiing, Skating and Slap Sticks. Jack Deo and Jim Koski will lead this historical presentation. 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Inn, 400 Bensinger.

Marquette

• Hybrid vs. Electric Automobiles. Learn how hybrid engines work, the benefits of hybrid and the future for gasoline engines. NCLL members, $5; nonmembers, $10. 10 a.m. Riverside Automotive, 3330 US-41 West. (906) 249-1273.

• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St.

• PWPL Kindness Club. This club is for school-aged children to get involved and give back to the community. 4:30 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323.

• Stuffie Sleepover Storytime. Families with children are invited for a PJ storytime. Stuffed animals are invited to sleep at the library. Library staff will document the stuffed animals overnight adventures. 6:30 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323.

Negaunee

• Music, Movement and More. This parent-led story time is for all ages. 10:30 a.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. (906) 475-7700.

20 FRIDAY

sunrise 8:26 a.m.; sunset 5:34 p.m.

Gwinn

• Story Time. This story time is geared towards preschool-age children with stories, crafts and a light snack. 10:30 a.m. Forsyth Township Library, 180 W. Flint St. (906) 346-3433.

Hancock

• Heikinpäivä: Family Fun Night and Hobby Horse Hoedown. The evening will include music, Finnish dances, hobby horse indoor games and obstacle arena, themed games and more. $5 per family. 6 p.m. Finnish American Heritage Center, 435 Quincy St. finlandia.edu/heikinpaiva

Marquette

• Global Cinema. The 2006 Oscar winner for best foreign language film, The Lives of Others, will be shown.

Noon. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4322.

• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St.

• LEGO Club. Meet other LEGO

enthusiasts and build LEGO projects using the library’s LEGO blocks. Youth age 7 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. 4 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323.

Negaunee

• Natural Track Luge Public Sliding. Learn to luge on the beginner luge track. Instruction, helmets and footwear provided. Youth ages 15 and younger, $15; ages 16 and older, $25. 6 to 9 p.m. Lucy Hill, 230 E. County Rd. upluge.org

• 136th Annual Suicide Hill Ski Jumping Tournament. Watch U.S. and international ski jumpers soar off the historic 90-meter ski jump. Youth 12 and younger, free; others, $15 in advance or $20 at the gate. Gates open at 3 p.m. Jumping, 7 p.m. Suicide Hill, Suicide Bowl Road. ishskiclub.com

21 SATURDAY

sunrise 8:26 a.m.; sunset 5:36 p.m.

Gwinn

• Upper Michigan Ice Racing Association Races. Racers of all ages will compete during more than 20 classes of racing. $5 per carload. Registration, 8 a.m. Practice, 10 a.m. Racing, 11:30 a.m. Forsyth Township Ball Park, off of Johnson Lake Rd. uppermichiganiceracing.com

Hancock

• Heikinpäivä: Club Finndigo. The Finnish film Pelican Man will be shown. $5. 2 p.m. Calumet Theatre, 340 Sixth St. finlandia.edu/heikinpaiva

Houghton

• Raise the Woof Comedy Show. Proceeds from the comedy show will benefit the Copper Country Humane Society. Individual tickets, $20; tick-

ets for two, $30. 8 p.m. Rozsa Center, MTU. cchumanesociety.com

Negaunee

• Natural Track Luge Public Sliding. Learn to luge on the beginner luge track. Instruction, helmets and footwear provided. Youth ages 15 and younger, $15; ages 16 and older, $25. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lucy Hill, 230 E. County Rd. upluge.org

• 136th Annual Suicide Hill Ski Jumping Tournament. Watch U.S. and international ski jumpers soar off the historic 90-meter ski jump. Youth 12 and younger, free; others, $15 in advance or $20 at the gate. Gates open at 3 p.m. Jumping, 7 p.m. Suicide Hill, Suicide Bowl Road. ishskiclub.com

22 SUNDAY

sunrise 8:25 a.m.; sunset 5:37 p.m.

Hancock

• Registration Deadline: Heikinpäivä Finnish Cookies Workshop. See Wednesday the 25th.

Marquette

• Culinary Journey Fundraiser. Sample culinary delicacies from local chefs and sample wines as local musicians perform. Proceeds from this annual fundraiser will benefit the Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum. Individuals, $75; couples, $140. 6 to 8 p.m. U.P. Children’s Museum, 123 W. Baraga Ave. (906) 226-3911.

23 MONDAY

sunrise 8:24 a.m.; sunset 5:39 p.m.

Marquette

•

4 p.m.; Film, 12:45 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323.

• Mushing the Iditarod. Local musher Sarah Kimball will share stories, pictures and experiences volunteering for the 1,000-mile long Iditarod dog sled race. NCLL members, $5; nonmembers, $10. 2 p.m. Room 101B, Superior Dome, NMU. (906) 2361-5370.

• Senior Theatre Experience: Monthly Workshop and Discussion. This workshop is for those age 55 and older. Register in advance. Marquette city and surrounding township residents, free; nonresidents, $5 donation. 4 p.m. Marquette Arts and Culture Center, lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 225-8655.

• Classic Food and Restaurants of the Upper Peninsula. Russell Magnaghi will discuss U.P. cuisine and eateries from his recently published book. 7 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4322.

Negaunee

• All-Ages Online Storytime. Enjoy stories, songs and rhymes from the comfort of your own home. 11a.m. via Facebook Live. facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary

24 TUESDAY

sunrise 8:23 a.m.; sunset 5:40 p.m.

Escanaba

• Free Digital Literacy and Learning Workshops. This workshop will focus on learning the basics of the computer, Internet and email.10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. (906) 789-7323.

Marquette

• Tech Coaching for Seniors. Learn to customize your electronic devices with the help of Christine Ault. Bring your charged device and passwords. Sign up for a 15-minute time slot. Noon to 2 p.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4311.

• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St.

• Oil Painting, Pastels and Drawing Classes with Marlene Wood. Bring your own supplies. $20. 1 to 3 p.m. Marquette Arts and Culture Center, lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 225-8655.

• Muslim Religion: Culture and Practices. Mohey Mowafy will discuss Muslim culture, practices and beliefs. NCLL members, $5; nonmembers, $10. 1:30 p.m. Shiras Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 361-5370.

• Dungeons and Dragons Junior. Students in grades 4 to 5 are invited

School’s Out, Library’s In. Students are invited for activities. An interactive showing of Minions: The Rise of Gru will be shown. Activities noon to

Heikinpäivä: Finnish Cookies Workshop | January 25 | Hancock

Courtesy of Clare Zuraw

for a quest with this role-playing game.

Registration required. 4:15 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323.

25 WEDNESDAY

sunrise 8:22 a.m.; sunset 5:42 p.m.

Escanaba

• Free Digital Literacy and Learning Workshops. This workshop will focus on learning the basics of the computer, Internet and email. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. (906) 789-7323.

• Toddler Time. Youth ages 2 to 4 with an adult are welcome. Registration required. 10:30 a.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. (906) 789-7323.

Hancock

• Heikinpäivä: Finnish Cookies Workshop. Learn to bake popular Finnish cookies. Register by the 22nd. $20. 6 p.m. Finnish American Heritage Center, 435 Quincy St. (906) 475-7549.

Ishpeming

• Open Crafts Night. 6:30 p.m. Makers Marketplace, 113 Cleveland Ave. (906) 458-0626.

Marquette

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

• Teens Cook. Teens in grades 6 to 12 are invited to learn an easy to prepare recipe. Advanced registration required. 4:30 p.m. Marquette Food Co-op, 502 W. Washington St. (906) 226-4321.

• The Wallens Concert. The Wallens will bring music and storytelling together during this concert. 7 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4322.

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 age 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.

• Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training. Learn to recognize the warning signs of a suicidal crisis. Training is open to individuals age 18 and older. 5:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. (906) 315-2621 or sderwin@mqtco.org

26 THURSDAY

sunrise 8:21 a.m.; sunset 5:43 p.m.

Escanaba

• Bay Film Series. The film She Said will be shown. Youth and Bay students and employees, $2; others, $5. 7 p.m. Besse Center, 2001 N. Lincoln Rd. baycollege.tix.com or (906) 217-4045.

Marquette

• Snowshoe the Vielmetti-Peters Reserve. Clare Fastiggi and/or Andrea Denham of the Upper Peninsula Land Conservancy will lead a two-mile snowshoe hike focusing on identifying winter trees. NCLL members, $5; nonmembers, $10. 10 a.m. VielmettiPeters Preserve, 699 Brickyard Rd. (906) 361-5370.

• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St.

• Papa Crow and Kerry Yost Kids Concert. $5 suggested donation. 6 p.m. The Fold, 1015 N. Third St. hiawathamusic.org

• Home Builders Association of the Upper Peninsula Wild Game Fundraiser Dinner. This annual fundraising dinner will include a variety of raffle tables, a silent auction and dinner. $50. 3 to 8 p.m. Dinner, 6 p.m. Northern Center, NMU. upbuilders. org

• Project Publish. Students are invited to write, illustrate and publish their own book. 4:30 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323.

• Lights, Camera, Marquette. Jack Deo and Jim Koski will narrate silent film footage from 1914-1949. Proceeds benefit the Marquette Regional History Center. $20. 7 p.m. Kaufman Auditorium, 611 N. Front St. marquettehistory.org or (906) 228-3571.

• Winter Memorial Service. This service will honor those who have passed away under the care of Lake Superior Life Care & Hospice. Open to those grieving the loss of a loved one. 6 p.m. LoveMarq Church, 728 W. Kaye Ave. (906) 225-7760.

Negaunee

• Music, Movement and More. This parent-led story time is for all ages. 10:30 a.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. (906) 475-7700.

• 26th Annual Cabin Fever Bash. Chad Borgen and The Collective will perform rock-n-roll country music. Advanced tickets, $10; at the door, $15. 7 p.m. Negaunee Elks Club, 311 Iron St.

27 FRIDAY

sunrise 8:20 a.m.; sunset 5:44 p.m.

Gwinn

• Story Time. This story time is geared towards preschool-age children with stories, crafts and a light snack. 10:30 a.m. Forsyth Township Library, 180 W. Flint St. (906) 346-3433.

Houghton

• MTU Music: Backstage Jazz. Youth 17 and younger, $5; adults, $15. 7:30 p.m. Rozsa Center, MTU. events.mtu. edu or (906) 487-1906.

Ishpeming

• Junior Noque. Youth age 19 and younger can ski in a 1, 3 or 5k course. Prices vary. 4 p.m. Al Quaal Recreation Area, 501 Poplar St. Noquemanon.com

Marquette

• Blockbusting Cinema. The movie Top Gun: Maverick will be shown. Noon. Community 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.

• LEGO Club. Meet other LEGO enthusiasts and build LEGO projects using the library’s LEGO blocks. Youth age 7 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. 4 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323.

• Superior String Alliance Chamber Players Performance. Adam Hall. and Danielle Simandl will perform. Donations appreciated. 7 p.m. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 201 E. Ridge St. superiorstringalliance.org

Negaunee

• Natural Track Luge Public Sliding. Learn to luge on the beginner luge track. Instruction, helmets and footwear provided. Youth ages 15 and younger, $15; ages 16 and older, $25. 6 to 9 p.m. Lucy Hill, 230 E. County Rd. upluge.org

28 SATURDAY

sunrise 8:19 a.m.; sunset 5:46 p.m.

Calumet

• Winter Markets. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Calumet Art Center, 57055 Fifth St. (906) 934-2228.

Gwinn

• Upper Michigan Ice Racing Association Night Races. Racers of all ages will compete during more than 20 classes of racing. $5 per carload. Registration and race times to be announced. Forsyth Township Ball Park, off of Johnson Lake Rd. uppermichiganiceracing.com

Hancock

• Heikinpäivä Parade. 11 a.m. Quincy St. finlandia.edu/heikinpaiva

• Heikinpäivä. This annual winter celebration will include the Tori markets,

outdoor games, a polar bear dive and more. Times and locations vary. finlandia.edu/heikinpaiva

• Meet the Author. Author Mark Munger will discuss and sign copies of his book. 1 p.m. North Wind Books, Finlandia University, 601 Quincy St. finlandia.edu/heikinpaiva

• Heikinpäiva Iltamat (Dance and Buffet). Stop by for a buffet dinner and stay to dance to the music by Back Room Boys. $15. 7 to 10 p.m. Finnish American Heritage Center, 435 Quincy St. finlandia.edu/heikinpaiva

Houghton

• MTU Music: Backstage Jazz. Youth 17 and younger, $5; adults, $15. 7:30 p.m. Rozsa Center, MTU. events.mtu. edu or (906) 487-1906.

Ishpeming

• Noquemanon Ski Marathon: 50k. Participants will race through the Marquette County wilderness in a 50k point-to-point race. Prices vary. Start times vary beginning at 8 a.m. Al Quaal Recreation Area, 501 Poplar St. Noquemanon.com

Marquette

• Noquemanon Ski Marathon: 3k and Adaptive Ski. Participants will race through the Marquette County wilderness in a 50k point-to-point race. Prices vary. 9:30 a.m. Forestville Trailhead, Forestville Rd. Noquemanon.com

• Noquemanon Ski Marathon: 12k. Skiers will race through the Marquette County wilderness in a 50k point-to-point race. Prices vary. Start times vary beginning at 9:50 a.m. Forestville Trailhead, Forestville Rd. Noquemanon.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. Pine St.

• Registration Deadline: Winter Bird Adaptations and Pine Cone Feeders. See Sunday the 29th.

Negaunee

• Natural Track Luge Public Sliding. Learn to luge on the beginner luge track. Instruction, helmets and footwear provided. Youth ages 15 and younger, $15; ages 16 and older, $25. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lucy Hill, 230 E. County Rd. upluge.org

• Noquemanon Ski Marathon: 24k. Skiers can choose between classic or freestyle during this 24k point-to point race. Prices vary. Start times vary beginning at 11:45 a.m. NTN 510 Trailhead, CR-510. Noquemanon.com

• Noquemanon Ski Marathon: 15 Mile Snowshoe. Snowshoers will race 15 miles of the marathon course. Prices vary. 1:10 p.m. NTN 510 Trailhead. Noquemanon.com

29 SUNDAY

sunrise 8:18 a.m.; sunset 5:47 p.m.

Marquette

• Winter Bird Adaptations and Pine Cone Feeders. Learn about how winter birds adapt to cold U.P. winters and create a pinecone feeder. Materials will be provided. Register by the 28th. Adults, $5; families, $10. 2 p.m. MooseWood Nature Center, Peter White Dr. Presque Isle. moosewood. org or (906) 228-6250.

• Lake Superior Piano Workshop. The program will include mostly twentieth-century piano music, along with a premiere performance of a work by composer Thomas LaVoy. Donations appreciated. 3 p.m. Federated Women’s Clubhouse, corner of Ridge and Front streets.

30 MONDAY

sunrise 8:17 a.m.; sunset 5:49 p.m.

Marquette

• Book Babies. Newborns to age

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 8 p.m. Sunday, 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. 3020 US-41, Marquette.

• Al-Anon Family Groups. A fellowship offering strength and hope for friends and families of problem drinkers. al-alon.org or (888) 425-2666.

• Alcoholics Anonymous. Meetings throughout Marquette County, open daily, at many locations and times. Twenty-four-hour answering service, aa-marquettecounty.org or (800) 605-5043.

• ALZConnected. This is a free, online community for everyone affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other memory loss diseases. alzconnected.org

• American Legacy Foundation. Smoking quit line for expectant mothers and cessation information for women. (800) 668-8278.

• Amputee Social Group— Marquette. This peer support group is for amputees, friends and families to share resources, life experiences and create relationships. January 10. 6 p.m. SAIL Office, 1200 Wright St. (906) 273-2444.

• Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Checks. Cholesterol checks are $5. Call for Marquette County schedule. (906) 225-4545.

• Divorce Care—Ishpeming. This

17-months with an adult are invited for songs, rhymes and stories. 9:45 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323.

• Toddler Storytime. Toddlers age 18-months to age 3, with an adult, are invited for stories, songs and sensory-friendly activities. 10:45 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323.

• Undone with Wonder Book Launch Reading. Join members of the Marquette Poets Circle for the launch of a new collection of poems by Helen Haskell Remien with music by Kerry Yost. 6:30 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4322.

Negaunee

• All-Ages Online Storytime. Enjoy stories, songs and rhymes from the comfort of your own home. 11a.m. via Facebook Live. facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary

31 TUESDAY

sunrise 8:15 a.m.; sunset 5:50 p.m.

Marquette

• Book Babies. Newborns to age 17-months with an adult are invited for songs, rhymes and stories. 9:45 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323.

• Preschool Storytime. Preschool age children are invited for stories, songs, finger-plays, crafts and other school-readiness activities. 10:45 a.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4323.

• Tech Coaching for Seniors. Learn to customize your electronic devices with the help of Christine Ault. Bring your charged device and passwords. Sign up for a 15-minute time slot. Noon to 2 p.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4311.

• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St.

• Oil Painting, Pastels and Drawing Classes with Marlene Wood. Bring your own supplies. $20. 1 to 3 p.m. Marquette Arts and Culture Center, lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 225-8655.

• Moosewatch: Citizen Science and the Moose of Isle Royale. Karen Bacula, Moosewood Volunteer Leader, will discuss the work Moosewatch does on Isle Royale and share photos, stories and information about the data collected. NCLL members, $5; nonmembers, $10. 6 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 361-5370.

• Bluesday Tuesday. Visit the library for a night of blues music. 7 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (906) 226-4322.

MM

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.

• 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. ITAAMQT@zohomail. com

• Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice Grief Support Group— Gwinn. People dealing with grief and loss are encouraged to attend. Individual grief counseling is available. January 11. 2 p.m. Forsyth Senior Center, 165 Maple St. (906) 225-7760 or lakesuperiorhospice.org

• Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice Grief Support Group— Marquette. People dealing with grief and loss are encouraged to attend. Individual grief counseling is available. January 18. 5:30 p.m. Lake Superior Life Care & Hospice, 914 W. Baraga Ave. (906) 225-7760 or lakesuperiorhospice.org

• Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice Grief Support Group— Negaunee. People dealing with grief and loss are encouraged to attend. Individual grief counseling is available. January 19. 3 p.m. Negaunee

Senior Center, 410 Jackson St. lakesuperiorhospice.org or (906) 475-6266.

• 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. January 12. 6 p.m. Suunta Integrative Health, 1209 N. Third St. (906) 273-0964.

• National Alliance on Mental Illness—Support Group. Individuals living with mental illness and friends or families living with an individual with mental illness are welcome. Second Monday and Third Thursday of each month via Zoom. Email ckbertucci58@charter.net for the Zoom invitation.

• Nar-Anon Meetings—Ishpeming. Family and friends who have addicted loved ones are invited. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. Mission Covenant Church, 1001 N. Second St. (906) 361-9524.

• Narcotics Anonymous Meetings— Marquette. Family and friends who have addicted loved ones are invited. Open meetings, Wednesdays and Sundays, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Closed meeting, Fridays, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.Use the Ridge Street entrance. Downstairs Social Room, Marquette Hope First Campus, 111 E. Ridge St.

• Nicotine Anonymous. (415) 7500328 or www.nicotine-anonymous.org

• Parkinson’s Support Group— Marquette . January 18. 2 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. (906) 228-0456.

• Senior Support Group— Marquette. Learn how to make mean-

ingful connections with loved ones diagnosed with dementia. January 19. 2 p.m. Mill Creek Clubhouse, 1728 Windstone Dr. (906) 225-7760 or lakesuperiorhospice.org

• Sexual Health and Addiction Therapy Group. Call Great Lakes Recovery Centers for more details. Dates, times and locations vary. (906) 228-9696.

• SMART Recovery—Calumet. A self-help group for alcohol and substance abuse and other addictive behaviors. Mondays, 7 p.m. Copper Country Mental Health, 56938 Calumet Avenue. smartrecovery.org

• SMART Recovery—Hancock. Thursdays, 7 p.m. Basement Conference Room, Old Main Building, Finlandia University, 601 Quincy St.

• SMART Recovery—Marquette. Mondays, Noon. Zoom meeting. Visit smartrecovery.com for Zoom link.

• Take Off Pounds Sensibly. This is a non-commercial weight-control support group. Various places and times throughout the U.P. (800) 932-8677 .

• Virtual Caregiver Support Group. U.P. family caregivers are welcome to join. A device with an internet connection, webcam, microphone and an email address are required. Advanced registration required. 2 p.m. Second Tuesday of the month. (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.