Dear editor
The record crowds that cheered the last gathering of more than 150 World War II veterans in Marquette’s Fourth of July parade were exactly what these honored men and women deserved. The outpouring of affection made everything worthwhile.
We formed last October knowing that now was time to recognize our World War II veterans, who are dying at the rate of more than 1,000 a day nationwide. Meetings with service groups and businesses proved there was support for a tribute by naming the veterans as grand marshals of the 2008 Fourth of July parade in Marquette.
Our first challenge was to gather names of the more than 6000 men and women who left Marquette County to serve our county in time of war. Through the efforts of the American Legion, VFW posts and family members, we registered almost 1,300 living and deceased WWII veterans. The names were displayed on banners in the parade and at Mattson Lower Harbor Park, and then given to the Marquette County Historical Society for posterity. The search for more names continues. Families and friends can pick up registry forms at local veterans’ posts. The database can be viewed at www.superiorfishing.net
The critical issue was how to present the honorees in a manner befitting their service and sacrifice. The answer was to involve men and women currently serving our nation.
Army Reserve Engineering Company Detachment 652 and Michigan National Guard Engineering Detachment Unit 1 secured trucks, flatbeds and Humvees from throughout the Midwest to make the veterans parade possible. Young men and women from these units donated their time to drive the vehicles and set up VIP tents. Those of us who rode in the vehicles could see their pride in completing their mission, and they shared rightfully in the cheers of the spectators. Many served our country in the present conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan and will continue to serve.
We salute the Salvation Army for allowing us to register, feed and load veterans at their site. Instead of an expected 200 guests, they fed more than 400. The Jacobetti Home for Veterans moved residents smoothly to the luncheon and the VIP tent at Heritage Motors. Assistance from veterans’ families and other volunteers pulled off this massive undertaking. Elks BPOE 405 hosted the VIP tent and helped in other ways. NMU football players were there to load and escort the floats.
The Exchange Club donated money and tokens for veterans at the International Food Fest. We also got donations from Rotary, Kiwanis, American Legion and Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion, Peninsula Bank, Range Bank, Northern Michigan Bank, Frazier Foundation, Gordon Foods, Wal-Mart, Griffin Beverage, Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co., Signs Now, Pride Printing and the City of Marquette. Thanks to individuals who provided vehicles, the media for its coverage, the spectators who lined the route and family members who accompanied their veterans.
The Vietnam Veterans formed the main body of the color guard. At the retiring of the flag, music was provided by the Marquette City Band and Superior Pipes and Drums, and Marine veteran Bob Moore played “Taps.” The forty-eight-star World War II-era United States flag was on loan from submarine veteran Al Swetkis. Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts, Sea Cadets, their adult managers and Coast Guard color guard made for a dramatic closing ceremony. Thanks also to the NMU athletic department, Midway Rental and Marquette County Historical Society for the stunning photo montage.
Our honorees met old friends, made new ones, told their stories and received the plaudits earned on the battlefields, oceans and skies of so long ago. We hope this event will spur the ongoing effort to record their adventures and list their names.
The Committee to Honor
our World War II Veterans

Dear editor
I noted that your July issue on Page 15 listed community members and an organization recently honored by the Marquette County EMS “who made a significant impact on the field;” all well deserved. I thought that I would bring to your attention another honor that was awarded by the Marquette County Medical Control Authority—the Marquette Charter Township Fire and Rescue Department was recognized as the 2008 EMS Service of the Year. The Marquette Charter Township board also recognized the department and members for their efforts on behalf of the public.
Randy Girard

Dear editor
I am an oncology physician assistant in northeast Illinois, but I am a native Michigander. I spent 2001-03 in Marquette attending NMU—the finest institute of higher education I ever had the privilege to attend. Between studying for exams, I enjoyed the woods, riding my bike along the lakeside bike path and camping on the McCormick Tract and along the Yellow Dog. Don’t ever forget that you live in paradise.
If you don’t know, over a dozen mines for copper, nickel, gold, zinc and possibly uranium are on the drawing boards for the U.P., home to some of the most pristine rivers and aquifers in the world. Metallic sulfide mining has the potential to pollute both Lake Superior and Lake Michigan.
This type of mining already has caused harm near the Flambeau River in northern Wisconsin. The mine there closed in 1997; however, ten years later, there still are toxic levels of iron, copper and manganese in the region—very harmful to fish and at levels of manganese known to cause Parkinson-like tremors in humans. In fact, the state of Wisconsin will no longer allow such type of mining unless or until a company can show that a mine has operated and been closed for ten years without causing such mess. This type of mining also is being explored less than twenty-five miles from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area of Minnesota. Sulfide mining has the potential permanently to eradicate the last known spawning grounds of the coaster brook trout along Lake Superior’s south shore.
The demand for raw materials to feed China’s industrial machine could turn Michigan into a colony and will pollute it (and China) at the same time. All so we in the United States can consume more stuff and China and other developing industrialized and newly-affluent nations can have items like cars, refrigerators and cell phones. The chickens (?vultures?) have finally come home to roost. Yes, this may be karmic, and yes, who are we (the United States) to deny others? However, it is a really dumb idea to pollute pristine rivers that feed our Great Lakes—our only source of fresh water and truly irreplaceable gems. As the issues of “not enough water” and “not enough clean water” rise to the forefront here in the United States (and they inevitably will), we will be left with a nightmare if these types of mines are allowed to take foot anywhere near the Great Lakes.
My beloved Michigan is beset with economic woes—not enough jobs; but these mining jobs are short-term and the potential health ramifications will last a lifetime (whereas the workers’ health insurance will not). More than 100 U.P physicians and forty Michigan physician assistants have signed a resolution questioning sulfide mining. These mines will pollute the air and destroy the peace and quiet of a people who treasure and respect the wild.
The whole idea of this type of mining causes me severe consternation and dread. I fear for the land and water and I am not going to sit by and let it be threatened. So, the last two weeks of August, I’m setting out on a journey. I encourage you to join me and many other Michigan citizens as we walk from Eagle Rock up on the Yellow Dog Plains to the Mackinac Bridge—just in time to walk the bridge on Labor Day. You can walk for a few hours, a weekend or do the entire trip.
Don’t be fooled. This is NOT just an isolated “Yooper problem,” nor is it just a “Michigan problem.” It is a Great Lakes problem.
Margaret Comfort
Bourbonnais (Illinois)

Editor’s Note: Beginning August 17, a group of dedicated and concerned citizens will walk with a support team from Eagle Rock on the Yellow Dog Plains to the Mackinac Bridge. The team will journey across the U.P. raising awareness about the potential harmful effects of metallic sulfide and uranium mining. Walkers are encouraged to join Governor Granholm for her annual walk across the Mackinac Bridge on September 1.

Club Indigo offers conclusion to summer golden oldies trio
Club Indigo’s August 9 movie concludes the summer trio of golden oldies with an almost unheard of classic. Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn star in the movie adaptation of a Pulitzer Prize winning play, State of the Union. It’s a brutally frank satirical comedy about the workings in the backroom political scene of the ’50s, but it is as topical today as it was then.
Tracy has been selected by an important team of Republicans to run for the presidency. He’s honored, while his wife has some doubts about what it might entail. She turns out right. As he becomes more embroiled in the shady side of the political scene, he begins to doubt as well. Should he continue, much against his wife’s wishes?
The play and then the movie were smash hits. Brilliant dialoges, penetrating insights and a more-than-capable cast brought accolades. Then, suddenly, mysteriously, the movie was removed from distribution. Club Indigo found a rare copy of the original print.
The movie begins at 7:15 p.m., preceded as usual by an appropriate buffet catered by chefs from the Hancock Keweenaw Co-op at 6:00 p.m. Cost for both is $17; cost for the movie only is $5. Children are half price. To make reservations for the buffet or for questions, call 337-2610.
The movie is sponsored by the Ed Gray Art Gallery in Calumet.

Tickets available for Lake Superior Theatre season
Lake Superior Theatre’s season continues with Escanaba in Love through August 3, Treasure Island: A Pirate’s Tale from August 6 to 10 and 13 to 17; and A Midsummer Night’s Dream from August 20 to 24.
Ticket office hours are 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. through August 24. The ticket office is located in Elwood Mattson Lower Harbor Park, in the small lighthouse near the water’s edge. Prices are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and students and $7.25 for youth. For groups of more than ten, tickets are $12 a piece. Prices for A Midsummer Night’s Dream are $10 for adults and $5 for youth.
The public also can order tickets by calling 227-ROCK(7625) or by printing the order form at www.lakesuperiortheatre.com and faxing it to 228-0479. E-mail ticket information requests to LST7625@yahoo.com

Marquette County honored for smokefree restaurants
The Michigan Citizens for Smokefree Air released its list of Michigan counties who have the most smokefree restaurants. Marquette County cracked the top twenty counties with eighty-two smokefree restaurants. Restaurants need to be 100-percent smokefree at all times to be listed. Marquette County is tied with Berrien County for sixteenth overall. 
Visit www.smokefreeup.org for details and a list of smokefree restaurants in the Upper Peninsula.

National Night Out dates set; Village planning area party
National Night Out (NNO) is set for August 3 through 9 this year, and area organizations and neighborhoods are encouraged to participate by hosting a party. NNO is designed to help create healthy neighborhoods, celebrate community, and to take steps to make Marquette County a safe place for residents and children.
Residents are encouraged to throw block parties, host barbecues or hold other safe and alcohol-free social gatherings so they can get to know their neighbors. Law enforcement officers will visit parties and address neighborhood safety concerns.
The official National Night Out date in Marquette County is August 5, but parties can be scheduled any time during August 3 through 9. To register your party, call TRIAD at 226-4184.
The Village Business Association will celebrate National Night Out on August 6, with a rain date of August 7. This night will include an affordable picnic supper sponsored by the Village Business Association, live music provided by Slipt, and kids’ activities, including free ice cream, sponsored by Messiah Lutheran Church and the YMCA of Marquette County. The evening also will include a bucket drawing fundraiser for the Village Business Association; winners must be present to win. This event will take place from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the parking lots of the Village Shopping Center on the 1000 block of North Third Street in Marquette and the parking lot of Messiah Church. Third Street will be closed from Magnetic to Park streets to allow safe access for all families in attendance. For details, call Forsberg Flowers at 226-2571.

Northwoods SCI Fundraiser a Must for Hunting Enthusiasts
The Northwoods Chapter of Safari Clubs International (SCI) has announced its eighth annual banquet fundraiser will take place September 5. The banquet will be held at Chip-In’s Island Resort & Casino in Harris. Doors will open at 4:00 p.m. and the program begins at 6:00 p.m.
Proceeds from this event are used to help protect the rights and privileges of hunters.
In addition to the live auction that features more than twenty hunts, there will be a silent auction featuring more than sixty hunting and outdoor items. There is a bucket raffle with dozens of valuable prizes, as well as games of chance for various guns.
This year there is a special raffle offered when tickets are ordered in advance for a Tikka Lite .338 Federal bolt-action rifle.
Tickets for the banquet are $70 per person, or $520 per table, which seats eight. Those who purchase a table will get free outfitters party tickets.
A special outfitters party will be held from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on September 4, also at the casino, for $5 person. The public can meet with outfitters who are donating hunts, enjoy free hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and raffles.
Call 864-1347 or e-mail sgodwin@ez-net.com for tickets. For details, visit www.sci-northwoods.org

Web site lures travelers to Munising area, U.P.
A new Web site, www.ExploreMunising.com, hopes to become the ultimate online destination of anyone planning to visit the Munising area.
The site contains listings and photographs of many natural wonders of the area. Also cataloged are many places to stay, eat and shop. A directory of services is included in a handy, easy-to-print format so no visitor will miss out on anything the area has to offer.
Featured business listings have restaurant menus, hotel amenities, store hours and services offered.
Visit www.ExploreMunising.com or call 387-5710 for details.

Hunters reminded apply only once for antlerless licenses
The DNR reminds hunters applying for an antlerless deer license that they can make only one application. This limit promotes an equitable distribution of private and public land antlerless deer licenses in areas where licenses typically are in high demand.
To avoid being disqualified from the drawing, hunters who have purchased more than one application should return to their license agent and void all but one application by August 15.
The antlerless license application period runs through August 15, with applications available at all license agents and online at www.michigan.gov/dnr
Hunters who wish to purchase more than one antlerless license must wait until unsold licenses go on sale at 10:00 a.m. September 17.

CDC smoking rates survey released to public
The latest survey of high school smoking rates released June 27 by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that while the youth smoking rate declined dramatically since 1997, rates of current smoking among youth have been essentially stalled since 2003.
The rate of decline in Michigan has mimicked the national decline, with a similar slower rate of decline since 2003. Current cigarette use among Michigan high school youth in 1997 was 38.2 percent, which declined to 22.6 percent in 2003. The good news in Michigan is that the rate declined further in 2005 to seventeen percent. However, the rate then climbed slightly to eighteen percent in 2007. According to the Profiles of Student Life Survey in Marquette and Alger counties, high school smoking has declined from forty-one percent in 1997 to eighteen percent in 2006.
Tobacco use kills more than 14,000 Michigan residents, and costs the State more than $3.4 billion in health care costs each year. Michigan takes in more than $1.629 billion in revenue from tobacco taxes and the Master Settlement Agreement annually but spends only $3.6 million on tobacco prevention. The Centers for Disease Control recommends a minimum of $121 million be spent on tobacco prevention in Michigan. The CDC survey can be found at www.cdc.gov/mmwr

Candidate forums scheduled throughout Upper Peninsula
The Upper Peninsula Children’s Coalition has identified voter empowerment as a top priority for 2008. In order to help increase awareness about election issues, coalition members across the U.P. are creating a schedule of local candidate receptions and a U.P.-wide Candidate Forum. Candidate Receptions are scheduled for each of the four U.P. State House Districts as follows:
• July 30—Cisler Center Superior Room LSSU, Sault Ste Marie, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
• August 14—Bay West, 2801 North US-2, Iron Mountain, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
• September 12—Women’s Federated Clubhouse, 104 West Ridge, Marquette, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
• September 12—Houghton, details to be announced
A U.P.-wide “Candidate Forum” has been scheduled at 7:00 p.m. on October 16 in Marquette at the Peter White Public Library. This forum will be recorded and broadcast throughout the U.P. on Charter cable prior to the general election on November 4. 
For details, visit www.upchildrenscoalition.org

Nominations due by August 15 for Catholic Service Award
The Catholic Diocese of Marquette is seeking nominations for the Catholic Service Award.
The award was developed as part of the Legacy of Faith diocesan endowment campaign to create awareness of those who show exemplary leadership and commitment to carrying out the mission of the Catholic Church in word and action. It recognizes lifetime dedication and service to the church. Nominees must have demonstrated leadership and service to the church, their community, and beyond. The award may be given to a man or a woman, for example, a priest, deacon, woman religious or lay person.
Nomination deadline is August 15. For details and a nomination form, visit www.dioceseofmarquette.org

Hot Button seminar set for August 14 in Marquette
Steve Fishman, Partner and Chair of the Labor and Employment Practice Group of Bodman, LLP, will be the featured speaker at the Hot Button Employment Issues seminar to be held on August 14. Payroll issues, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, hiring practices, workplace privacy issues and policy administration are just some of the topics discussed. 
This seminar, sponsored by Northern Michigan Public Service Academy (NMPSA), will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m. Seminar fees are $15 for NMPSA members and $60 for non-NMPSA members.
Preregistration by August 5 is required. Registrations received after August 5 will be assessed a $10 late fee. Call 228-0448 or visit www.nmpsa.org for details.

U.P. Volunteer Network offers free management training
The U.P. Volunteer Network is holding a complimentary training session for Upper Peninsula organizations that work with volunteers.
“Keys to Effective Volunteer Management,” will be held in Hancock on August 19 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Copper Country Intermediate School District, 809 Hecla Street in the computer lab.
Topics covered will include planning a volunteer program, orienting, training and supervising volunteers. In addition, organizations will learn how to use 1-800-Volunteer.org, an online tool for recruiting volunteers, managing and streamlining communication with volunteers. Lunch will be provided. Space is limited and organizations will be registered on a first-come, first-served basis. To register, or for details, call (877)339-6884, ext. 10.

Ten MGHS physicians named among best in country
Ten physicians in eight specialty areas from Marquette General Health System are named among the Best Doctors in America. Those named are Cary Bjork, internal medicine; Steven Danek, pulmonary and critical care medicine; Jeffrey Gephart, infectious disease; J. Marc Himes, nephrology; Frederick Jaecklein, medical oncology and hematology; Frederick Maynard, physical medicine and rehabilitation; Debra Morley, neurology; Clayton Peimer, hand surgery; Arthur Saari; pulmonary and critical care medicine; and Aaron Scholnik; medical oncology and hematology. 
Compiled by Boston-based Best Doctors, Inc., the Best Doctors in America database is the result of an exhaustive survey of more than 40,000 physicians in the United States. Only those doctors recognized to be in the top three to five percent of their specialty earn the honor of being named one of the Best Doctors in America.

Summer Adult Art Workshop Classes in Big Bay
On August 2, Liberty Children’s Art Project (LCAP) presents a two-class, one-day adult (seventeen and older) art workshop.
The morning class from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. will feature Chicago jeweler Jennifer Paollenli teaching sterling silver, roman chainmail bracelets. This class will feature both byzantine and snake chain techniques. Cost for the jewelry class is $75 per person and includes supplies, syllabus, 250 sterling silver jump rings and silver clasp. No experience necessary.
The afternoon class from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. will feature Chicago printmaker Janet Schill teaching a watercolor monoprint workshop. This class will combine the spontaneity of painting and the unique textural effects of printmaking. Bring your favorite pictures, ideas etc. plus watercolor paints (tube not cake) and brush. No experience necessary.
Cost for the printmaking class is $50 per person which includes paper.
Both classes will take place at Rev Raffensperger’s home studio, 313 Bensinger in Big Bay. Students are welcome to take one or both classes; cost is $120 for both.
Partial proceeds from this workshop will go to LCAP, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the art enrichment of children in greater Marquette County.
For details or to register, call 345-9355 or e-mail carolannphillips@ hotmail.com
LCAP presents an adult two-day knitting workshop with well known knitwear pattern designer Marla Mutch. On August 22 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. there will be a trunk show, pattern sale and lecture on “Designing Knit Wear” at Ben Franklin’s Craft Center. This event is free to the public.
From 10:00 a.m. to noon on August 23, Mutch will conduct “Lace Making, Tips and Techniques.” Class fee is $25, which includes the lace workbook so note taking is not needed. Students also will need to have the Tres Jolie Shawl pattern, size eight needles, sock weight or fingering yarn, scrap yarn and darning needle.
On August 23 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., Mutch will conduct “Cable Fingerless Glove.” Class fee is $20.
On August 23 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., Mutch will be available for questions and instruction during an open knitting session for anyone who has taken a class already and wants more information. Session fee is $20.
Classes will take place at the Marquette Arts and Culture Center downstairs in the Peter White Library. Proceeds will be donated to LCAP.
Register at Uncommon Threads, located at 443 West Washington Street in Marquette, or by calling 228-3956 or e-mailing carolannphillips @hotmail.com

Museum presents: ARGH, the Amazing Race goes historical
Think you know all about Marquette County? Then prepare yourself for a scavenger hunt by car that promises to challenge your wits, sharpen your navigation skills and dares to take you to all points of Marquette County. Get together with your friends and family and wow the competition with your teamwork by figuring out the clues at each destination.
The event begins at 2:00 p.m. on August 10 and is in conjunction with Marquette’s Pirate Festival. Meet your competition at the starting point at 309 South Third Street in Marquette. The final clue will give you the location of the finish line bash and prize giveaway. Advanced registration is required and cost is $100 per car, with as many people as you can safety pack into it. This is a fundraiser for the Marquette County History Museum; all proceeds go toward annual operating expenses.
At 10:00 a.m. on August 15, children ages seven to twelve can explore life during the Golden Age of Pirates at the Marquette County History Museum. What were the hardships of life at sea? What types of treasure were most valuable? Did pirates ever sail on the Great Lakes? Come dressed in your best pirate costume and find out. Kids will have the opportunity to examine artifacts and maps, create a pirate souvenir and play pirate games. Space is limited, so sign up early. Call 226-3571 for details.

Renowned pianist Joel Raney set to play in Big Bay
Pianist Joel Raney will perform at the Community Presbyterian Church of Big Bay at 7:30 p.m. on August 30. The church is located at 300 Bensinger Road.
Raney started playing the piano at age three, and began his career at a small rural church in Alabama where he cut his teeth on gospel music from the old Broadman Hymnal. He studied piano, organ and choral conducting at the University of North Alabama, and then went on to receive his Master of Music degree in piano performance from The Juilliard School in New York. After graduation, he earned his living as an accompanist, arranger and musical director, working on a number of Broadway and Off-Broadway productions.
Raney currently owns a music production company in Chicago, Catfish Music, where he and a team of composers create music for television and radio commercials. Their work has been heard on ads for McDonalds, Burger King, Applebees, Kraft Foods, S.C. Johnson, Coca Cola, Hallmark and Sears. He has written more than 2,000 scores for commercials, including a Cleo award-winning choral arrangement for American Airlines. 
Joel performs his piano solo hymn arrangements in concert all over the country, and has recorded four piano solo CDs: An Instrument of Your Peace, Overtures of Praise, This is my Story, This is my Song and Images of Christmas. 
Raney keeps busy as a choral and keyboard clinician, and often can be heard performing with organist Jane Holstein as they present their concert program, “Keyboard Excursions,” in churches and universities around the country. He currently serves as artist-in-residence at the First Presbyterian Church in River Forest (Illinois), where he plays regularly for the services, and composes for the choirs and ensembles. For details, call 345-0064.

Economic stimulus checks still available for some
If you haven’t applied for the economic stimulus payment, there is still time. You have until October 15 to send a stimulus form to the Internal Revenue Service and get the $300-or-more payment. According to the IRS, there could be as many as twenty million people who do not file tax returns who could be eligible for the payment. Of those, only a little over half have submitted the necessary form.
Eligible are individuals who received at least $3,000 in Social Security benefits, veterans benefits, certain railroad retirement benefits or earned income in 2007 or any combination of these. You can apply for the payment by filing a tax return. If you normally do not file taxes, you’ll need to complete a simplified version of the 1040A form. If you have any questions, call your local, trained tax adviser.

MGHS School of EMT to offer a sixteen-month training
Beginning September 15, Marquette General Health System School of Emergency Medical Technology will offer an intensive, sixteen-month EMT-Paramedic training program. This program trains the individual at a higher level than Michigan and the National Standard Curriculum requires. Upon successfully completing this course, participants will be eligible to sit for the licensure exams.
To print an application, visit www.mgh.org/emt/recruitment.html
For details, e-mail cjkoppinger@mgh.org or call 225-7590. Deadline for applications is August 15.

Summer workshops offered in crafts and performance
City of Marquette Arts & Culture Center summer workshops are as follows:
• Body Grooves: African Drumming, Dancing, and Singing Performance/Workshop—This is in two sessions. You can attend one or both; 7:00 p.m. on August 7 and 1:00 p.m. on August 8. Registration is $5 for adults and free for youth. Open to all ages. Bring a bucket or something similar to learn how to drum.
• Stage Combat Class with Orion Couling—Free, but limited to thirty participants. For ages six through eighteen. August 11 through 13.
• Fused Glass Tile with Beth Cox—Cost is $5 for residents and $10 for nonresidents. Lab fee is $20. Open to teens through adults.
• Toddler Craft Time—Held Wednesdays from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. through August 27. No registration or lab fee.
Registration is complete only when accompanied by full payment and a space is reserved. Call 228-0472 or e-mail arts@mqtcty.org for details.

Watershed groups offers help handling U.P. climate change
The Superior Watershed Partnership (SWP) continues to help people confront climate change in the Upper Peninsula. 
During the month of April, participating Earth Keepers congregations and the general public were asked to complete an energy conservation checklist highlighting simple ways to reduce energy usage. More than 250 households participated and documented a carbon reduction of over three million pounds. To continue this important work the SWP has received a $150,000 grant to distribute about 35,000 compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs to U.P. households.
Finally, the SWP in partnership with Earth Keepers will wrap up the 2008 Confronting Climate Change in the U.P. with a visit from world renowned polar explorer, Will Steger. Steger, now considered one of the most important leaders in the climate change movement, will be the featured speaker at an event hosted by the SWP, in cooperation with Earth Keepers, on October 19. For details, visit www.superior watersheds.org 

Long-time Stupak staffer Glenda Gray retires
U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) recognized District Aide Glenda Gray’s more than twenty-five years of service to the people of northern Michigan. Gray, who began working for former Congressman Bob Davis in 1983 and stayed on when Stupak won the seat in 1992, retired on June 30.
Glenda, known as “Glink” to her friends. Glenda has handled casework on postal and passport issues throughout the expansive 1st Congressional District. She has had primary responsibility for casework on Medicare, Social Security, disability and other senior’s issues for six of the 31 counties in the district, and has been a resource for Stupak’s other staff on these and other issues. 

Habitat for Humanity partners with AT&T for family program
Habitat for Humanity of Marquette County and One Economy announced a partnership with AT&T and its charitable arm, the AT&T Foundation, to bring technology into the homes of thirteen low-income Marquette families. The families will receive a package that includes two years of AT&T Broadband DSL, as well as a computer, desktop software and training for each family.

Five ordained as permanent deacons by Catholic diocese
Four Marquette residents and one Menominee man were ordained permanent deacons by Bishop Alexander K. Sample on June 27. Tom Foye, Steve Gualdoni, Dean Jackson and Gregg St. John of Marquette and Steve Gretzinger of Menominee became deacons of the Catholic Diocese of Marquette.
Bishop Sample also announced that Deacon Scott Jamieson has been officially transferred from his assignment as Permanent Deacon to St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette to Diocesan Director of the Permanent Diaconate with facilities at St. Peter Cathedral.
Bishop Sample commissioned twelve U.P. residents as lay ecclesial ministers at St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette. The group completed the diocesan Ecclesial Ministry Institute (EMI), a two-year program of study, formation, prayer and reflection under the direction of the Diocesan Department of Faith Formation and Education.
Parishioners of eleven Catholic parishes and missions throughout the U.P. now have new priests serving them. Father Francis Ricca was appointed pastor of St. Gregory Parish in Newberry, Our Lady of Victory Mission in Paradise, and Holy Rosary Parish in Grand Marais.
Father Corey Litzner also is a first-time pastor, having been assigned to Precious Blood Parish in Stephenson.
Father Michael Vichich is the new pastor of St. Bruno Parish in Nadeau, but he will retain his position as pastor of St. John Neumann Parish in Hermansville and Spalding.
Father Glenn Theoret was relieved of his appointment as pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish in Garden, St. Mary Magdalene Parish in Cooks and St. Andrew Parish in Nahma, while remaining in his position as pastor of St. Francis de Sales Parish in Manistique and Divine Infant of Prague Mission in Gulliver.
Father James Ziminski was assigned as parochial administrator of the Garden, Cooks and Nahma parishes. He will continue to serve as Director of Marygrove Retreat Center in Garden and Director of Ongoing Formation of Priests for the Diocese of Marquette.
One priest ordained in June is assisting Father Ziminski at Garden area parishes. Father Brian Gerber was appointed associate pastor of the parishes of St. John the Baptist, St. Mary Magdalene and St. Andrew.
Father Timothy Ekaitis was transferred from his position as associate pastor of the Garden area parishes, as well as St. Francis de Sales Parish in Manistique and Divine Infant of Prague Mission in Gulliver, to become the associate pastor of St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette and the Mission of St. Mary in Big Bay.
The other priest ordained last month, Father Michael Jacobus, was assigned associate pastor of Our Lady of Peace Parish in Ironwood.
Father Mathew Perumpally was relieved as pastor of Precious Blood Parish in Stephenson and St. Bruno Parish in Nadeau to relocate his priestly ministry to the Diocese of Nashville.

MGHS has five physicians graduate; all stay in U.P.
Marquette General Health System, in conjunction with the Upper Peninsula Health Education Corporation, held its annual Marquette Family Medicine Residency Program in June.
Five physicians graduated from the three-year program and will be practicing medicine in the U.P. Upon completing their certification examination, they will be board-certified in the specialty of family medicine. They include: Maciej Czechowski, MD; Joel Dank, MD; Jennifer Dehlin, MD; Chris Dums, MD; and Emily Godec, MD. For the first time in the Marquette Family Medicine Residency Program history, all graduates are staying and practicing in the Upper Peninsula.
GLRC named clinical treatment provider for program
Great Lakes Recovery Centers will provide residential substance abuse services to clients through a federal grant. The grant received by the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan will help Native Americans of the U.P. receive a variety of substance abuse and mental health services.
The Anishnaabek Healing Circle Program is the grant funded, three-year initiative to give vouchers to eligible people struggling with substance abuse problems in order to pay for clinical treatment and recovery support services. The primary target populations eligible for the Anishnaabek Healing Circle Program are adults and adolescents who are enrolled members of the twelve federally recognized tribes in Michigan, and members of other federally recognized tribes residing in the service areas designated by the twelve tribes. Non-Native family members also are eligible for services. There is no charge for services for eligible members. For details, call 228-9699 or visit www.glrc.biz

Michigan Prisoner Re-Entry designates $630K for U.P.
The Michigan Department of Corrections has implemented the Michigan Prisoner Re-Entry Initiative (MPRI) to put the research on prisoner reintegration into practice in local communities. The primary goal of the MPRI is to protect public safety by working with prisoners as they transition from prison to their communities.
Often, these men and women hit the streets practically broke, with little education, little or no work history and no place to stay. Thousands still leave Michigan prisons with no state I.D. MPRI dollars go toward vocational services, substance abuse and mental health services, housing and education as well as many other much needed services that allow them to compete in the job market. For details, call 228-6545, ext.15 or visit www.glrc.biz

NMU business venture could create one-stop service
Northern’s plan to create a one-stop service center for new business ventures is one of twenty university projects selected for the first wave of grants designed to diversify and revitalize the state’s struggling economy.
The Michigan Initiative for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, a new consortium of the fifteen public universities, launched an effort to raise and distribute $75 million over the next seven years. The money will support student internships and entrepreneurial academic programs, speed the commercialization of university research and promote a culture of “entrepreneurial risk-taking.” The goal is to create 200 start-up companies over the next decade.
Of the first $1.3 million awarded this week through initial funding from the C.S. Mott Foundation, NMU received $65,000 to establish a Business and Industry Center. It will be located in the Jacobetti Center to take advantage of available space and manufacturing-type equipment. Student interns will assist new business ventures with financial and marketing plans, Web site creation, e-commerce and information technology software. They also will provide design and prototype development services.
NMU will complete the package by tapping into the expertise and resources of two local entities: Northern Initiatives and the Lake Superior Community Partnership.

Public schools athletic facilities to be upgraded
On July 21, the Marquette Area Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously to support proposed upgrades to district athletic facilities. This project will involve construction of a new concession and lavatory building, a ticketing booth and lighted patio areas.
These facilities will replace current structures located within the stadium. The action provides $375,322 from the school system’s Capital Projects Fund to support this initiative.
The new concession/lavatory building uses 2,968 square feet of roof area, providing overhead protection for individuals waiting in lines. The combined concession and lavatory building measures 1,380 feet. 
The ticketing booth features overhead shelter for event volunteers and those purchasing tickets. This facility measures 896 square feet. The site preparation and concrete bid was awarded to Enright Construction for an amount not to exceed $80,400. A bid to construct new concession, lavatory and ticketing facilities was awarded to A & F Construction for an amount not to exceed $276,200. Engineering costs are estimated to be approximately $18,722 and were awarded to U.P. Engineers and Architects. 
This athletic facility upgrade project will commence immediately. Completion is projected for mid-October 2008. Marquette County Youth Football Program has pledged $10,000 toward construction, and Marquette’s All Sports Booster Club has offered $50,000 over five years in support of planned upgrades. Visit www.mapsnet.org for details.

Conservation district seeks board member candidates
The Marquette County Conservation District is seeking candidates to serve on its board of directors. The conservation district is managed by a five-member board elected by county residents. It is responsible for the operation and supervision of conservation district programs.
Board members provide input on a variety of programs, such as forestry and wildlife management, soil erosion and sedimentation control, watershed planning and implementation, and conservation education and stewardship. For details, call 226-2461, ext. 5 or visit www.marquettecd.org

Service commission offers funds for upcoming cycle
The Michigan Community Service Commission and the Corporation for National and Community Service announced the availability of federal funds to support new Michigan’s AmeriCorps programs to start September 2009 for a twelve-month program cycle. For details, visit www.michigan.gov/mcsc or call (517)335-7952.

2008 Economic & Workforce Summit set for September
The 2008 Upper Great Lakes Economic and Workforce Development Summit will be held September 18 in Marquette. It is part of the Upper Peninsula’s 21st Century Strategic Planning Initiative for advancing the economy of our region and is made possible through the cooperation and collaborative efforts of area businesses, economic and workforce development partners, education, local units of government and many others. For details or to register, visit www.jobforce.org

Cleveland-Cliffs news
Cleveland-Cliffs announced a plan to increase pellet production at its Michigan operations by investing a half billion dollars in capital and extending the life of the Empire Mine.
The Empire will now have a life-of-mine plan that includes pellet production through 2018. This additional pellet production—coupled with maximizing production at the Tilden Mine—would mean total annual pellet production capacity in excess of thirteen million tons beginning next year.
Cleveland-Cliffs and Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. announced that each company’s board of directors has approved a definitive merger agreement under which Cleveland-Cliffs will acquire all outstanding shares of Alpha in a cash and stock transaction valued at approximately $10 billion.
Under the terms of the agreement, for each share of Alpha common stock, Alpha stockholders would receive 0.95 Cleveland-Cliffs common shares and $22.23 in cash.

Volunteers needed for local Trestle Park Garden project
The Marquette County Conservation District is looking for volunteers to help tend the Trestle Park Garden, located along the bike path between 4th and 5th Streets in Downtown Marquette. Some of the garden chores include weeding, planting and sprucing up the path.
Work dates are August 1 and 8 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Refreshments will be provided. For details, call 226-2461, ext 5. The Trestle Park Garden, a local native wildflower garden funded through a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant, is a project in partnership with the City of Marquette, the Superior Watershed Partnership and the Hiawatha Forest Service.

NMU seeks vendors for Fall Fest, set for August 25
NMU Fall Fest will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on August 25. There still is space for additional vendors. The event offers an opportunity to present service to the students and faculty of NMU. Cost is $50 for Lake Superior Community Partnership members, and $60 for nonmembers.
To register, call 226-6591. The deadline is August 18.

Quilters wanted for Autumn Comforts show in November
The Marquette County Quilters Association is seeking quilts for display in the Autumn Comforts quilt show, which takes place on November 1 and 2 in the University Center Great Lakes Rooms at NMU. Show times are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Registration deadline is September 3. Registration forms are available in area quilt shops or at www.marquette quilters.com For details, call 228-8335.

From Your Walls to Mine fundraiser seeks attendees
The Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum is planning “From Your Walls to Mine,” a previously owned original art sale and Cabaret from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on September 14 in the Harbor Ballroom of the Landmark Inn.
Hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, original art and exceptional performers, including Bobby Glenn Brown, will be available. Tickers are $5 per person, and are available at the Children’s Museum and at the door on the night of the event. Call 226-3911 for details, or visit www.upcmkids.org

Notes from the desk of U.S. Senator Carl Levin
• U.S. Senators Carl Levin (D-Michigan) and George V. Voinovich (R-Ohio)—cochairsmen of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force—introduced legislation to ratify the Great Lakes Compact, a bipartisan agreement among the Great Lakes states to protect the Great Lakes through better water management, conservation and public involvement. The legislation is the next step toward the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact becoming law because it must be ratified by Congress.
• Levin said the following: “President Bush is now apparently willing to accept what he repeatedly has told a majority in both houses of Congress was unacceptable regarding Iraq: a commitment to transition U.S. forces from combat to a limited ‘overwatch’ role, focused on training and counterterrorism operations, and a ‘time horizon’ for completing this transition. Today’s statement contrasts with the administration’s previous absolute rejection of Congressional efforts to adopt even a non-binding goal for transition of most of our troops from Iraq, accompanied by a shift of mission, to the same missions identified by the President today.”

Tidbits from the desk of U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow
• U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan) and Levin announced the inclusion of funding for agricultural programs and research in the Agriculture Fiscal Year 2009 Appropriations Bill, which the Senate Appropriations Committee approved. The bill still needs to be approved by the full Senate and a House-Senate conference committee before being given final approval by Congress and being signed into law by the president.
• Stabenow and Levin announced that six Michigan organizations have been awarded $258,401 through the Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP). The funding will be used to support operations and firefighter safety and to purchase vehicles. Alpha Mastodon Township Fire Department in Crystal Falls received $19,532 for Operations and Safety.
• Stabenow announced the House and Senate’s successful override of President Bush’s veto of H.R. 6331 the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008, which ensures patients’ access to quality, affordable health care. This legislation, which will now become law, protects Medicare from a ten percent reduction in payments to physicians and health care providers for eighteen months. The new law also includes a number of provisions modeled after Stabenow-introduced legislation calling for the modernization of health care with innovations including e-prescribing and telehealth services.
• Stabenow and Levin announced the inclusion of $13,500,000 for Michigan transportation and community outreach projects in the Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fiscal Year 2009 Appropriations Bill, which the Senate Appropriations Committee approved. The bill still needs to be approved by the full Senate and a House-Senate conference committee before being given final approval by Congress and being signed into law by the president.
• Stabenow and Levin announced that three Michigan organizations have been awarded $262,572 through the Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP). The funding will be used to support operations and firefighter safety and to purchase vehicles. Inwood Township EMS in Cooks received $118,750 for Vehicle Acquisition.
• Stabenow announced final passage of the Supplemental Appropriations bill, which extends federal unemployment insurance by thirteen weeks to workers who have lost their jobs within the past two years and have since exhausted their unemployment insurance. The provision was championed by Senator Stabenow and is based on original language she authored. More than 245,000 Michigan workers are expected to benefit directly as a result of this extension. The full bill will now go to President Bush for his signature or veto.

Local business news...in brief
• Paul Arsenault—president of Concepts Consulting, Job Force Board member, Six County Employment Alliance chairman and Region 1 MI-SBTDC Roundtable chairman—has been reappointed to the Council for Labor and Economic Growth by Governor Jennifer Granholm for a term expiring April 30, 2012.
• Angela Knass has been named vice president of Range Bank; she had been with Range Bank since 2006, and has more than 20 years of local banking experience.
• Marquette General Health System recently joined the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program that was developed to help hospitals measure and improve the quality of surgical cases and compare its postoperative data with other hospitals, as well as national averages.
• Monica Lund, RN, performance improvement/education coordinator for Marquette General Home Health & Hospice, has completed successfully the exam for the Certificate for OASIS Specialist-Clinical and may now use the designation COS-C.
• Hairway to Heaven, located at 206 Cleveland Avenue in Ishpeming, and Texture Salon, located at 521 North Third Street in Marquette, both celebrated grand openings. Hairway to Heaven is owned by Tanzi Richard and Texture Salon is owned by Tammy LaMere.
• Buck’s Sub Shop in Ishpeming now is owned and operated by Mark Cook.
• Family Medicine Specialist Dr. Maciej Czechowski has joined Doctors Park Family Physicians in Escanaba and the medical staff of Marquette General Health System.
• Robert C. Anderson, a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) of Marquette was named the winner of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) 2008 John Regan Writing Award at the Academy’s 20th Anniversary Symposium; the award was presented to Anderson for his groundbreaking article, “Estate Planning with Nonqualified Annuities: Navigating the Labyrinth,” recently published in the NAELA Journal.
• Suomi College alumna Dr. Jane Piirto (Class of 1960), director of talent development education at Ashland University, recently released a book of poems titled “Saunas,” which captures the strength and magic of family and tradition. From the frozen landscapes of her Finnish forebears to the ice-clear rivers and cold fields of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Piirto paints a personal and extraordinary picture. Piirto uses the Finnish national story, “Kalevala,” to connect her poems to this world.
• The U.S. Department of Labor announced the award of $250,000 to help the Upper Peninsula and nearby Wisconsin counties of Florence and Marinette establish economic development plans that create long-term sustainable growth and employment opportunities.
• Lake Superior Community Partnership announced the debut of Marquette County Vision 2008, the first edition of a magazine that showcases the community through all original features and photography.
• The U.S. National Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum received a Museums for America grant of $106,785 from the Institute of Museum and Library Services; the funds will be used to digitize a valuable collection of old ski films and produce five two-minute film excerpts available for use for national broadcasting prior to and during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
• Officers elected at the annual business meeting of the Marquette Hospital Volunteers are Carolyn Severson, chief volunteer officer; Roxanne Williams, vice-chief volunteer officer; Emily Lewis, membership chair; Gail Olson, communications chair; Jill Luoma, finance co-chair and Rosa Diddams, finance co-chair and Lynn Moon, counselor.

Street Beat to return in future issues; some stats available
Unfortunately, due to challenges with the City of Marquette computer system, Street Beat statistics were not available this month. Please watch for its return in future months. Harbor House statistics are included in Marquette by the Numbers.

Word to the Wise
Gerald Waite’s monthly “Word to the Wise” column will return in future months.

Star Date: August 2008

Moon & Planets—Jupiter is the most prominent planet in the night sky this month. This bright white object already has risen in the southeast as evening falls. It climbs higher all night long as it dominates the southern sky. Mars, Mercury, Saturn and Venus all are present extremely low in the bright early evening twilight for most of August. Unfortunately, they are so low that viewing them will be a challenge. Venus should be able to be seen with the unaided eye, but the remaining objects will be difficult. These planets can be glimpsed about a half-hour after sunset with the aid of binoculars from a good location with a clear view of the western horizon. A very thin crescent moon is to the left of Venus and below Saturn on August 2. The next night, the moon is to the left of Saturn and below Mars. Mercury enters the area as mid-month approaches, and moves past Saturn and Venus. The phase of the moon will be between first quarter and full on the night of August 11. This is the peak of the annual Perseid meteor shower and therefore the best viewing for meteors will be after moonset in the early morning hours of the 12th.

Constellations—August is the prime month for summer stargazing. The nights are getting a little longer and cooler and therefore less hazy. The Milky Way is high overhead as it passes through the Summer Triangle. The three bright stars of Deneb, Vega and Altair form this very large isosceles triangle. Follow the stream of the Milky Way as it flows from the Summer Triangle south into the constellation of Sagittarius, the Archer. The brightest portion of the Milky Way is located in this teapot-shaped constellation.
—Craig Linde

Courtesy of the Marquette Astronomical Society, which meets four times a year. The next meeting is at 7:00 p.m. on September 19 in the Shiras Planetarium. Visit www.geocities.com/sstobbelaar/mqtastro.html for details.

8-18 Media Book Review
Peak by Roland Smith
Harcourt Children’s Books, 246 Pages
Are you afraid of heights? Well, Peak Marcello isn’t. He has climbed more than six skyscrapers in his life and he is only fourteen.
When Peak gets caught on the seventh, he is put on probation for two years and sent to live with his dad, Josh, in Thailand.
Luckily for Peak, he and his father never make it to Thailand. His dad leaves to go somewhere.
Peak’s dad promises, though, to have a man named Zopa come and pick him up and reunite them. Instead, a kid named Sun-jo shows up and takes Peak to Zopa. From there, Zopa, Sun-jo and Peak catch up with his dad.
Once reunited, they travel together to try and reach the summit…of something…so Peak will be the youngest person to make it to the top. (I’m all done with hints; if you haven’t figured it out yet, that’s too bad, you need to read the book.)
Reading is not my favorite activity, but even I have to admit this is a great book. It keeps you hooked the entire time in a way that always keeps you wondering.
But this book is great mostly because it’s not a “Superman can fly” adventure.
This stuff actually is possible and described in such great detail, it’s like you are there. Throughout the book, Peak is thinking about the rest of his family and how he isn’t back in New York with them.
I would recommend this book for ages ten and up because it has climbing references younger kids might not understand.
—Connor Stulz, 14
Books reviewed are from the new book section of the children and teen areas at PWPL.
MM