City
Notes
Edited
by Greg Casperson
Dear Editor,
Please express my thanks to Don Curto for his article in the January issue of Marquette Monthly. Oh how I wish the “media” would express these thoughts, but more, give the history of how and what has happened.
Aside from that, a general thank you to MM for your free magazine, for the variety of articles included and its wide distribution.
I currently am reading Robert McChesney’s latest book (with John Nichols) on the death and life of American journalism. I am so happy that publications like MM continue to exist.
Janet Dalquist
Houghton
Dear Editor,
I just wanted to thank you so very much for your annual fiction short story writing contest. Last year I had competed, and while my submission, which was then named “A Lovely Accent,” didn’t pulse your judges, it did get me writing fiction again. I turned to poetry to get some inspiration and found a poem of the same name I’d written the prior June. I then sent the story to a half dozen or so friends for perusal and comment. I had finished off the short story’s ‘romantic adventure’ with the cliff-hanger of Julia, lead character, being kidnapped, and they encouraged–even begged– me to write more. That is how Change of View - An Adventurous Romance was created and written.
Thus, I credit you–Marquette Monthly and the challenge–in the acknowledgements of my newly published e-book Change of View, which is now for sale on Amazon.com for $2.99. I thought you might want to share this with any of those authors who get rejected, not just by your judges, but from others also, that if you truly believe in yourself, you will find a way to get your work out there. Your success is then up to your talent, as e-books and venues such as Amazon are open to the world that is always looking for new reading material. Best of luck to us all. Thank you again for supporting all of the creative arts.
Alice Parker
Crystal Falls
Dear Editor,
I believe that having been a part of team sports made a difference in my life. I learned how to work with others toward a goal but not ignore my own need to improve. At the same time, I honed leadership skills, understood the value of letting someone lend a hand and the importance of pushing yourself to be better and better each day. To that end, I became an assistant football coach at Mid Peninsula High School and, now, am a member of the sports boosters.
It is about both that I write today. Many organizations and individuals understand the value of team sports and high school athletics. I am asking for assistance in helping fund a very important program. Mid Peninsula has less than eighty kids in its high school–not enough to bring in the state funding dollars that could make a difference when trying to fund everything their few athletic teams need. The sports boosters hope to help with raising funds and defraying the costs of transportation, officials’ pay, uniforms, equipment and more. The eight-man football team, for example, costs $10,000 a year to run and that does not include badly needed new uniform. But the boosters have limitations in the townships that are home to the students at Mid Pen–there aren’t a lot of residents. The boosters hold events, such as alumni basketball games, dances and dinners, to help keep funds in the coffers, but it is not always enough.
It would be wonderful if there were people outside of the community, who understand the need for children to be a part of team sports, who would be willing to help. It may be a strange request, asking for support outside of Mid Pen, but the idea is that every student deserves a chance to play sports and to have the correct equipment, training and opportunity other athletes have.
If you are interested in donating to either the sports boosters or one of the sports teams (football, volleyball, boys and girls basketball, cheerleading and track and field), you can mail a check made out to Mid Peninsula Sports Boosters to: Sam Eggleston, P.O. Box 157, Little Lake, MI 49833. If you have any questions, please send me an email at sam_eggleston@hotmail.com
The Mid Peninsula Wolverines appreciate your consideration.
Sam Eggleston
Assistant Varsity Football Coach
Sports Boosters Member
Dear Editor,
Tobacco use in our local parks and beaches has become a concern for many. Tobacco use in outdoor recreation areas not only interferes with overall enjoyment of the environment, but also poses a health hazard for children and anyone with special health issues. Tobacco use in our outdoor recreation areas is not a behavior we want to model for children in our community.
Secondhand smoke is harmful to health and there is no safe level of exposure. Even in outdoor environments, secondhand smoke can cause breathing difficulties for children and people with asthma and other health conditions. Pregnant women, children and nonsmokers in general often try to relocate in outdoor areas to avoid secondhand smoke. Discarded cigarette and other tobacco litter is unsightly and reflects poorly on our community image.
We are very fortunate in Marquette County and all of the Upper Peninsula to have substantial access to public parks and beaches. We have a responsibility to our community, to our children, to those with special health needs, and to the natural environment to keep our recreation areas safe, clean and healthy.
I will be visiting with local township and city boards to share information about how each community can adopt an ordinance to make parks and beaches tobacco free. I encourage community residents to voice support for this and keep recreation areas in Marquette County safe, clean and a fun place to be.
Sarah Derwin
Marquette County Health Department
Dear Editor,
Over the years, the Women’s Center and our community partners have provided a Christmas holiday feast for many of our clients and their children. The Housing Advocates at the Women’s Center, Diane Betts and Cindi DePetro, coordinated the Adopt-a-Family Program that provided a holiday feast for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault within our agency and the community. Many of our clients have never been able to provide a Christmas for their children. Many are barely hanging on, and they need a touch of hope and joy for themselves and their children.
For most of us, the holidays were filled with love and joy, surrounded by family and friends, presents galore, lots of food and scrumptious treats. However, for many of our clients and their families, this is not the case. For many, their holiday season is only about making sure there is a little food, clothing, and a safe place to lay their heads down for the night–but not this year. Over forty families and children were able to be “adopted” this Christmas season because of so many giving hearts in the Marquette area.
This year, the Adopt-A-Family Program was a huge success, thanks to all who supported and donated on behalf of this program. Because of these generous giving hearts, the forty families of the Women’s Center and Harbor House were given the most precious H oliday gift–the gift of hope.
Thank you all–agencies, organizations, churches, hospitals, families and individuals–for lending the helping hand that gave so many a glimpse of joy and hope. We look forward to meeting and working with you this year.
The Women’s Center/Harbor House Staff, Board and Volunteers
Dear Editor,
Thank you for continuing to prove that listeners here in our Upper Great Lakes region are willing to do what it takes to sustain their local public radio station, WNMU, Public Radio 90. You voluntarily give your time and money every year to keep things running, and we couldn’t do what we do without you.
In just the last couple of months, 245 more listeners joined our Public Radio 90 community of supporters giving financial contributions to help pay for the programs we all get to enjoy. Thanks and welcome.
With funding from traditional sources shrinking and with the competition for those shrinking dollars greater than ever, our only alternative is to continue to tighten our belts, squeeze every decibel possible out of the dollars we have, and then turn to our listeners to ensure Public Radio 90’s great programs, the ones listened to this very week, will remain secure.
Your contributions help make sure we can continue to bring a blend of local and national programming unique to our listening area: NPR news and information programs, classical, jazz, blues and traditional music, entertainment programs and our regional talent as well.
WNMU, Public Radio 90 is dependent on you for our survival and our success. If you’ve been listening for a while but have never made a pledge, here’s your chance. This month our on-air campaign is called Friendraiser 2012 because the primary goal is to encourage at least 100 more listeners like you to take that important step from passive listener to active supporter by giving some money to help pay for the programs you enjoy. It doesn’t matter how much you give–every dollar makes a difference.
Evelyn Massaro
Public Radio 90 Station Manager
Dear Editor,
Republicans are eliminating Medicare and Social Security as we know it. They may be appeasing present retirees, but they intend to change drastically what will be available to anyone younger. Representative Benishek supports phasing out Medicare and Social Security as he clearly states in a video on the Internet: “I tend to agree with (Wisconsin Republican) Congressman Paul Ryan’s Road Map for America’s Future.... It’s sort of a gradual phasing out of the Medicare and Social Security plan ... it becomes more and more of a personal savings account and health insurance plan.... I’m all in favor of privatizing it.” The video can be viewed at www.youtube.com; search for “Petoskey candidate forum Ryan budget.”
Medicare Advantage, initiated in 2003 by the Bush administration, has proven that the newest Wyden-Ryan plan wouldn’t reduce Medicare costs through private market competition. It would reduce them by shrinking coverage. It simply shifts the burden of imposing the cuts from the government to private companies. No one should hold the illusion that this plan would lower costs by harnessing private sector efficiency. This plan controls costs by leaving future seniors with far less coverage.
Conservatives have attempted to undermine Social Security since Franklin Roosevelt established it. Conservatives derided it then, as they do now, as an entitlement, akin to welfare. They forget that Americans pay for their benefits. Most Americans believe that Social Security should not be privatized. There are many excellent, modest proposals to support Social Security in the long-term. They include raising payroll taxes on the wealthy and/or making v ery minor benefit cuts decades from now. (And those proposals don’t cost $2 trillion.) If the current payroll tax cap was raised to $200,000.00 per year, there would be no Social Security funding gap for more than one hundred years. That’s right, currently no one pays FICA tax beyond his or her first $97,000.00 per year in earnings. Is that fair? Most Americans see no reason to “reform” a reliable, trustworthy system that’s not broken.
Melissa Luttrell
Marquette
Marquette Symphony Orchestra presents ‘Triumph and Tragedy’ concert
The Marquette Symphony Orchestra celebrates classical music at its February 25 concert, “Triumph and Tragedy” at Kaufman Auditorium. Under the direction of Conductor Dr. Jacob Chi, the orchestra will present Rossini’s “Overture to Semiramide” and Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 2.” In addition, Abigail Elder, the third annual Youth Concerto Competition winner, will present Walton’s “Viola Concerto” with the orchestra. Elder is joining the orchestra from Cranbrook Kingswood School in Bloomfield Hills where she is a senior and Slotkin Scholar in music.
Prior to the 7:30 p.m. concert, a preconcert dinner will be held in the Sky Room of the Landmark Inn. The dinner features commentary by Dr. Chi about the evening’s musical selections. Tickets are limited; call 228-0472. An afterglow celebration follows the concert, also at the Landmark Inn. Tickets are $27.00 for adults, $12.00 for students and $9.00 for children 12 and under. Concert tickets may be purchased at any NMU EZ Ticket Outlet as well as www.nmu.edu/tickets or by phone at 227-1032. For more information about the Marquette Symphony Orchestra, visit www.marquettesymphony.org or “Marquette Symphony Orchestra” on Facebook.
Chili cook-off fundraiser to assist Jim Pennell
A fundraiser for Jim Pennell has been planned to help defer medical costs associated with emergency eye surgery he underwent on January 13. Pennell has been technical director at Kaufman Auditorium for more than twenty years, has worked with Marquette Area Public Schools fine arts department, community performing arts groups and community theater groups and has entertained area residents at countless events as half of the dynamic duo, Jim and Ray.
There will be a silent auction from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. with the supper from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Graveraet School, followed by a tribute concert in Kaufman Auditorium from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $10.00 and available at the door. Donations for the silent  art auction or donations for those who cannot attend can be mailed or dropped off at the Graveraet school office:
Jim Pennell Chili Cook-off Fundraiser, 611 N Front Street, Marquette, MI 49855 or by contacting Sara Cambensy at scambensy@mapsnet.org or 225-4213.
Honey Bear Classic Ski Race to be held in Marquette
Noquemanon Trail Network and “Friends of the Big Bay Pathway” will host the annual Honey Bear Ski Race on the NTN-Forestville location on Saturday, February 18. Participants of any age can ski classic or skate over an approximate 12K or 24K course. All race events will start at 10:00 a.m. from the NTN trailhead. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. (in the pole barn) until 9:45 a.m. Entry fee is $25.00 per person with all proceeds going to maintain the Big Bay Pathway, which is temporarily closed due to logging activity.
An awards ceremony with door prizes and refreshments will be held immediately after the race on site. Non-skiers are welcome to attend the event to learn more about the Big Bay Pathway and programs offered by the Noquemanon Trail Network. Entry forms are available online at www.noquetrails.org and at local sport shops. For details, call NTN at 235-6861.
The Magic of Dogsledding presentation at PWPL
Children’s author and sled dog musher Jackie Winkowski, musher Lisa Dietzen and photographer Aladino Mandoli will give a multimedia presentation on dogsledding on February 7 at 6:30 p.m. in the Peter White Public Library Community Room. Admission is free and a prize drawing includes a dog sledding adventure.
Winkowski will present heartwarming stories inspired by real sled dogs and true events. Miki, the spirited Alaskan husky who inspired two of her books, will be present to meet, greet and autograph books with her paw print. Dietzen will present entertaining videos and slides and discuss sources of inspiration, achieving goals and realizing dreams. Mandoli, who has attended almost every UP2 00 race and both Copper Dog 150 races, will present a sampling of his dog sledding photography.
Copper Country Associated Artists move and offer fly-fishing demonstration
Copper Country Associated Artists are moving to a new location, 205 Fifth Street in Calumet, just down the street from their previous address. On February 3, as part of the First Friday events in Calumet, avid fly fisherman Ray Weglarz will give a free demonstration in the art of fly-tying from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the new location.
Club Indigo features French film Amelie
Calumet Theatre’s monthly Club Indigo will feature the French fantasy comedy Amelie on Friday, February 10. The film is a delightful romantic story about a zany, snoopy waitress in a Montmartre cafe who attempts to bring happiness to her customers.
The evening will begin with a French buffet at 6:00 p.m. from the Calumet Miscawaubik Club with the movie beginning at 7:15 p.m. Cost is $18.00 for buffet and movie. Movie alone is $5.00. For tickets to the buffet, call the Calumet Theater at least a day in advance at 337-2610.
The Calumet Theater holds Valentine’s Day concert
The Calumet Theatre will host a special Valentine Day concert with Marrakesh Express–A Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young Experience on Tuesday, February 14 at 7:30 p.m. Marrakesh Express is the world’s only touring CSNY tribute band and excels at reproducing its complex songs and cascading, layered harmonies. The performance is sponsored by 97.7 the Wolf, Houghton Community Broadcasting and Minnesota Public Radio.
Reserved seating tickets are $23.00 with a discount for theatre members. Tickets are available by phone or by visiting the Calumet Theatre box office, Wedn esday through Friday from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. and two and one half hours before showtime. For details, visit www.calumettheatre.com or call 337-2610.
Volunteers needed for greenhouse project
The Hiawatha National Forest greenhouse, 1030 Wright Street in Marquette, is in need of volunteers to help with greenhouse operations. It is time to begin growing an estimated 35,000 native plants which will be transplanted the summer of 2012 at various restoration projects.
For this month, volunteers are needed on February 7, 18 and 28 for seeding of cells, reseeding and possibly transplanting by the last date. All HNF greenhouse events are held at the Forest greenhouse located at 1030 Wright Street in Marquette from 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. There will be a potluck at noon for all of the listed events.
One may volunteer for an hour, the day, or any time at the greenhouse. No experience is needed. For further information, contact Deb Le Blanc at dleblanc01@fs.fed.us or call 387-2512.
Marquette to host TEDx event
A TEDxMarquette event will be held at the Marquette Regional History Museum on March 31 from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. The event is associated with the popular TED.com which brings together and shares ideas from people in Technology, Entertainment and Design (TED). Created in the spirit of TED’s mission, “ideas worth spreading,” the TEDx program is designed to give communities, organizations and individuals the opportunity to stimulate dialogue through TED-like experiences at the local level.
Porcupine Mountains holds photo contest
The Porcupine Mountains are filled with panoramic vistas no matter what season, but winter can be especially beautiful there. Now through February 10, people can submit their winter photos in four categories (winter fun, wildlife, winter scenery and family), and winners in each category will receive a night’s stay in the Porcupine Mountains.The grand prizewinner also will take home a $50.00 gas card, and the winning photos will be featured on porcupinemountains.com and its Facebook page (www.facebook.com/PorcupineMountainsMI) throughout March. For contest details visit http://porcupinemountains.com
Porkies announce volunteer of the year
Each year, the Friends of the Porkies President, Jim Bradley, chooses someone who has given much time and has a long-standing dedication and commitment to the Porcupine Mountains. This year’s 2011 Volunteer of the Year Award went to Karen Berg. The Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park and Lake Superior became Berg’s vacation place of choice many years ago, and after retiring, she moved north in order to be close by, actively becoming involved with The Friends of the Porkies.
Trappers to host workshop
The seventh annual Midwinter Trappers Workshop is being held at the Community Center in Hermansville on Saturday, February 4. This is an all-day event with free admission, free trapping supplies for youngsters, trapping and fur handling demonstrations and fun for all.
There will be a weasel trapping and skinning demonstration, fur-handling demonstration, an in-depth raccoon trapping demonstration covering water and land sets, equipment, locations, successful trapping methods and the use of lures and bait.
Lunch and refreshments will be available for purchase throughout the day. Trapping supplies and fur buyers will be available. Doors open at 8:00 a.m. CST (9:00 a.m. EST). For directions or more information, visit www.uptrappers.com/Pages/Alerts.asp or call Mike Lewis at 774-3592.
Local entrepreneur participates at White House forum
Dave Ollila, maker of Marquette Backcountry Skis, recently was invited to share ideas on insourcing American jobs at a forum hosted by President Barack Obama. Ollila is CEO and founder of Snapperhead Inventions, LLC, makers of the Marquette Backcountry Ski. Ollila was able to launch the company in less than one year, with minimal capital investment, while still being able to keep manufacturing right here in Michigan.
Ollila brought the message to Washington that an individual player can participate in U.S. manufacturing, earn a family-sustaining income and bring innovative products to the market with lower overall risk and greater reward than can be accomplished overseas.
Keweenaw Krayons changes hours, hosts wellness classes
Keweenaw Krayons participants should be aware that the 2011 Fall Open Studio hours are no longer in effect. Instead, Open Studio will be held the third Saturday of each month through May. In addition, there will be an Adult Swim Open Studio on the third Thursday of each month through May. Both events are free to the public.
Group guitar lessons for kids fourteen and younger, made possible by the Dan Schmitt Gift of Music Fund, have moved from Saturday afternoons to Tuesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Classes at Calumet High School will continue to be held each Tuesday after school.
Beginning February 7, Darlene Basto will teach two six-week courses, Qigong Wellness and Tai Chi 8. Classes cost $75.00 separately or can be purchased together for $125.00.
For more information visit www.keweenawkrayons.org
Nominations sought for Governor’s service awards
The Michigan Community Service Commission seeks nominations for the 2012 Governor’s Service Awards. These awards are given annually in eight categories by the Governor to acknowledge individuals, organizations and businesses committed to service and volunteerism in their communities.
The nomination form is available for download on the MCSC Web site at www.michigan.gov/volunteer A hard copy of the nomination form is available and can be obtained by contacting the MCSC at (517) 335-4295. Nominations must be postmarked by March 1. For details, contact Janice Harvey at harveyj1@michigan.gov or (517) 373-4998.
Special gallery openings on first Friday monthly in Calumet
On the first Friday of every month, six galleries on or near Fifth Street host a special gallery opening, featuring refreshments and entertainment. This event is free of charge and open to the public. Participating galleries include The Omphale Gallery, Gallerie Boheme, Hahn’s Hammered Copper, The Copper Country Associated Artists, the Ed Gray Gallery and the Vertin Gallery. This event is free and open to the public.
Upcoming blood drives throughout Upper Peninsula
The U.P. Regional Blood Center, a service of Marquette General Hospital, will hold mobile blood drives at the following:
• Dickinson County Healthcare System in Iron Mountain from 11:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. on February 1. Call Katie Maxon at 776-5918.
• Calvary Lutheran Church in Rapid River from 2:00 to 4:45 p.m. on February 2. Call Winnie Budkis at 474-9272.
• VanAire in Gladstone from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on February 3. Call Jodi Possi at 428-4656, ext. 2720.
For additional dates and locations throughout February visit, http://ww4.mgh.org/Blood/
Marquette looks at bigger fourth celebration
Big changes are coming for the 2012 Marquette Fourth of July parade staged by the Noon Kiwanis Club of Marquette. Volunteers have formed a new group to concentrate on a bigger and better event in celebration of our nation’s birthday. In addition to the traditional entries, the committee envisions an increase in creative and entertaining floats, more music, more spectator interest, and more people drawn to Marquette’s Downtown for “can’t-miss” celebrations. Fund-raising contacts and changes in parade participation are underway to help turn this vision into a reality. With the community’s help, the parade can indeed be bigger, better and more fun. For details contact Larry Chabot 226-8923
Deadline draws near to save giant copper at Presque Isle
Ancient Artifact Preservation Society is urging people to consider making a pledge or donation to help save the giant copper (now being displayed on Presque Isle) from being sold to industry for scrap. The group’s option to buy runs out March 27; tax-deductible support is needed. Please mail a check to AAPS, PO Box 216, Skandia MI 49885. Pledges also can be made online at www.aapsCopper.org that would come due for payment March 1. For details, call 942-7865 or (810) 299-5210.
Marquette DDA seeks property information
The Marquette Downtown Development Authority is seeking information on available properties in the Downtown and Third Street districts to include on its referral list and Web directory. Property owners who would like their units listed with the DDA should contact the office with each property’s address, square footage and designation of retail or office, as well as its contact information and additional information regarding the unit that they wish to include. For details, call 228-9475.
Individual income tax return assists Girl Scouts
Persons filing a Michigan individual income tax return will have an opportunity this year to designate a voluntary contribution to the Girl Scouts. The donation will be deducted from the total payable amount of the return. Michigan Department of Treasury will allocate the contribution to the Girl Scouts of Michigan Fund.
This fund will then distribute the donation to the Girl Scout council representing troops in their community. For details, contact Leslie Bek at 1-888-747-6945 ext. 6011 or lbek@gsnwgl.org
Valentine book sale to be held at the Negaunee Library
The Friends of the Negaunee Public Library will hold their Valentine Open House and Tea from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 14 for the general public.This is a public service project and is totally comprised of public donations of books, puzzles, games, and small electronic items.
Items can be donated up to Valentine’s Day at the library on Case and Kanter. Refreshments will be provided for all attending. Magazines will be available free to the public. Income will be used for projects at the library.
For details, call 475-7700, extension 18.
UP Choral award nominees sought
The Marquette Choral Society is seeking nominations for its 2012 U.P. Choral Leadership Award. Nominations must be submitted in writing, provide evidence that the nominee has at least ten years service to choral music in the Upper Peninsula, and has demonstrated excellence in teaching, conducting and/or support for quality choral music in the Upper Peninsula.
The award may be presented posthumously. Nominations should be submitted by February 13 to The Marquette Choral Society, P. O. Box 7104, Marquette, MI 49855.
U.P. diabetes educator named top in state
Munising Memorial Hospital and U.P. Diabetes Outreach Network diabetes educator Paula Ackerman, MS, RD, CDE was named Michigan’s Diabetes Educator of the Year by the Michigan Coordinating Body of the American Association of Diabetes Educators.
This award is presented to a diabetes educator in Michigan who goes above and beyond to provide quality diabetes education to patients and who also makes a difference in the lives of those living in his or her community.
Snowshoe challenge to support Teaching Family Homes
Teaching Family Homes of Upper Michigan announces the fourth Annual Jack Rabbit Snowshoe Challenge on Saturday, February 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Harvey. Distance choices include a 1k, 5k, 10k and a Bunny Run for children eight and younger. Registration fees after February 1 are $30.00 for adults, $25.00 for students and $5.00 for children eight years and younger. Proceeds benefit Teaching Family Homes of Upper Michigan. For details, call Jo Baysore at 249-5437. For more information on Teaching Family Homes and how you can help children who have suffered abuse and neglect and families in crisis, visit www.teachingfamilyhomes.org
Munising couple wins energy efficient appliances
Diane and Gordon Culter of Munising were the winners of $2,500.00 in Energy Star appliances through the Alger Energy Savers. To be eligible for the drawing, Alger County residents had to participate in the program and receive a home energy assessment, free minor energy efficiency upgrades, and local resources on how to save money on their utility bills. The AES program assessed 350 homes and fifty commercial businesses and installed over 3,200 energy efficiency upgrades like compact fluorescent light bulbs. The Superior Watershed Partnership and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore used Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding to bring the program to Alger County. For more information, visit www.algerenergysavers.org
Special prayer day scheduled for Bishop Baraga
Bishop Alexander K. Sample is asking for prayers for the cause for Bishop Frederic Baraga’s beatification once again. Bishop Baraga was the first bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Marquette. On February 7, the Cardinal members of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in Rome will take up a formal discussion of Bishop Baraga’s heroic virtue, conduct a vote, and make their recommendation to Pope Benedict XVI concerning whether Bishop Baraga exhibited heroic virtue in his life.
February 6 has been chosen as a special day of prayer and penance throughout the diocese, instead of February 7, because of the time change between here and Rome.
Michigan Humanities Council accepting grant applications
The Michigan Humanities Council is announcing its call for applications for the biannual major grants program. Open to all Michigan nonprofits, final grant applications must be postmarked or hand-delivered by March 15.
All Michigan nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply for a major grant of up to $15,000.00. Eligible projects include humanities initiatives that bring people together to reflect, study, discuss and better understand Michigan’s history, arts, cultural and literary heritage, and current issues and events. A public programming element is required for any project to be reviewed for funding.
Organizations are encouraged to submit draft applications for staff review and feedback. Drafts must be postmarked by February 27. Organizations will be alerted in May as to the status of their grant. All granting forms are now available at www.michiganhumanities.org For more details, contact Robbie DiPietro at rdipietro@mihumanities.org or (517) 372-7770.
Course offers help for families of mentally ill
The Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) of Alger/Marquette is offering a family education course beginning in Marquette in February to help parents, spouses, siblings, friends and significant others deal with the issues of living with a loved one who has been diagnosed with one of the major mental illnesses: major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, panic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. This will be a free twelve-week course from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. every Wednesday starting February 15 at 129 West Baraga Avenue, Marquette. For details, call Louise at 235-0231, Niki at 458-1547 or Cindy at 360-7107.
Local building company holds contest to celebrate Web site
Northern Awning & Window of Marquette announces a contest to celebrate the launching of its new site that provides information on products, helpful hints and industry standards so customers can make informed decisions when deciding how to invest in their homes. The contest, called Rad Your Pad, is available to any homeowner or business owner in Marquette, Delta or Alger Counties and offers $5,000.00 toward a service of the winner’s choice.
Readers can enter the contest at www.northernawningandwindowco.com/contest and can earn an additional entry into the contest by liking the company’s Facebook page.
Buick announces scholarship
The Buick Achievers Scholarship Program rewards students who have succeeded both inside and outside the classroom and who may not be able to attend college without financial assistance. In addition to financial need and academic achievement, community service is a consideration of each student’s application as it seeks to find young people committed to making a difference in our world. The program provides 100 students with up to $25,000.00 a year, renewable for four years, and an additional 1,000 students with a one-time award of $2,000.00.
Information and applications are available at www.buickachievers.com Applications will be accepted through February 29 with scholarships awarded in the spring for the 2012-2013 academic year.
MACC releases announcements for February
• Lake Superior Art Association presents “constante sur!” an exhibit by Rudy Brinks, Yvonne LeMire, and Andrew Hanson. Rudy Brinks’ work will consist of constructs using mixed media to express his relationships with friends, family, and nature, both online and offline. Yvonne Lemire, sculptor, works mainly with recycled steel selected for its form and pattern. Andrew Hanson creates contemporary, abstract sculpture using found materials and recycled metal. The art will be on display at the Marquette Arts and Culture Center from February 1 through 25 with a public reception for the artists in the Art Center Gallery February 2 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
• Wintercharm is an annual art exhibition sponsored by the Lake Superior Art Association with support from the City of Marquette Arts and Culture Center. Artwork that embodies the spirit of our wintery climate will be accepted. This is a non-juried exhibition open to the public; all media is welcomed. The exhibition will be held at the Peter White Public Library in the Huron Mountain Club Gallery, February 2 to February 28. A reception will be held February 2 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Artists and the public are welcome to attend.
Entry forms and guidelines for the show can be picked up in the gift shop located on the lower level of the Peter White Public Library. Artwork is due at the Art Center January 27 and 28 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
• The First Thursday Concert of February will feature “Nammy” (Native American Music Association) award winning Bobby Bullet. The concert will take place February 2 in the PWPL’s community room from 6:00 to 8:45 p.m. This will be a family-friendly concert and there is a suggested donation of $5.00 at the door for the band.
• The upcoming show “Shots and Stories” will be held in conjunction with Peter White Library’s second annual Storytelling Festival. The festival will include events throughout the month of February sponsored by the library. This photography show will be hung downstairs in the Marquette Arts and Culture Center’s largest workshop room for the months of February and March. There will be an opening reception February 4 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Prizes will be awarded by viewer votes during February with photographs and stories possibly published in the Marquette Monthly.
Marquette County Sheriff’s office warns of sweepstakes scam
An unknown caller from a 1-888 number recently advised a Republic Township resident that she had won a million-dollar sweepstakes contest. The caller identified himself as being a representative of Publisher’s Clearing House, in Las Vegas (Nevada). He advised the resident she had won a million dollars and wanted to set a date and time for an individual to appear at her residence to be awarded the prize; all she needed was a “Money Pack” or “Money Order” for approximately $400.00.
Publisher’s Clearing House does not notify winners via telephone and will never request payment from a winner to claim any prize. Residents are reminded to use caution when dealing with unfamiliar telephone numbers and unsolicited contacts. If you have received a PCH call, you can file a complaint with PCH Fraud Hotline at 1-800-392-4190.
Suspects identified in attempted police impersonation
The suspects have been identified regarding the complaint on County Road 581 involving the attempted false traffic stop on January 21 at approximately 11:30 p.m. After numerous tips from the public and parent cooperation, the suspects were identified as juveniles who reside in that area. Preliminary investigation indicated the juveniles were doing this as a prank.
The sheriff’s office warns if you are unsure that you are being pulled over by an authorized law enforcement vehicle call 9-1-1 or drive to the nearest police station, sheriff’s office or state police post. If you are in a rural area, drive to a lighted public facility. Do not speed up or attempt to outrun the vehicle.
Women’s Center announcements
• The Women’s Center recently added two new members to its Board of Directors, Melissa Adamson and Deb Pascoe. Adamson currently is director of the Medical Care Access Coalition, and Pascoe is an editorial assistant and columnist on staff at the Mining Journal.
• Volunteers have renovated a large space in the Women’s Center Building on South Front Street for rental. This will provide much needed funds for Women’s Center programs, including Harbor House Domestic Violence Shelter. The completely private space includes five rooms, one large enough for a meeting room. Interested parties should call the Women’s Center, 225-1346, Ext 113 or 112 for more information.
• The Women’s Center reminds shoppers of their resale shop, PakRatz, in the Women’s Center Building, 1310 South Front Street in Marquette. Pick up bargains on everything including furniture. All proceeds from PakRatz sales are used to support Women’s Center programs.
Michigan’s free fishing weekend this February
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds everyone the annual winter free fishing weekend is scheduled for Saturday, February 18 and Sunday, February 19. On that weekend, everyone–residents and nonresidents alike–can fish without a license, though all other fishing regulations still apply.
Visit the newly revamped site www.michigan.gov/freefishing for all things related to this unique weekend, including where you can find help on event planning and promotion and where you can identify events in your area or register an official event.
Local Authors
• Christine Saari recently published, Love and War at Stag Farm: the story of Hirschengut an Austrian mountain farm 1938 – 1948. The book tells of her parents and the farm where Saari grew up during the pivotal years just before, during and after WWII. A reading and signing will be held 7:00 p.m. February 22 at the Joy Center in Ishpeming. Books can be purchased directly from Christine or Snowbound Books. For information, call 228-4656.
• Alice Parker of Crystal Falls recently published Change of View - An Adventurous Romance. The story centers on an international couple who meet in the Upper Peninsula and quickly become involved romantically while getting involved in an international adventure and intrigue. The e-book is available for sale on Amazon.com for $2.99.
• Jeff Foltz, author of Birkebeiner, A Story of Motherhood and War, will be at Marquette’s Book World store on Friday, February 17 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. The story’s narrative is historical, set during 1203 in Norway, and details a long and dangerous journey on skis over eight exhausting days.
News Briefs
• Cliffs Natural Resources announced its 2011 Michigan operations employee pledges and company match to the United Way of Marquette County show an increase of nearly sixteen percent from a year ago. Employee pledges to the 2011-2012 United Way campaign totaled $58,147.00 this year. Cliffs’ fifty percent match of employee pledges adds another $29,074.00, for a total pledge and contribution of $87,221.00 to the 2011-2012 United Way of Marquette County annual fundraising campaign.
• Cliffs announced an agreement for the asset sale of its previously discontinued renewaFUEL biomass production facility has been reached with RNFL Acquisition LLC, an acquisition entity created by an investor group that includes renewaFUEL’s minority partners. Under the terms of the final sale agreement, RNFL Acquisition LLC is purchasing the assets and the existing inventory as well as assuming the building lease for the production facility. The facility was constructed to produce high-energy, low-emission biofuel cubes from sustainably collected wood and agricultural feedstocks. RNFL Acquisition LLC intends to operate the biomass facility in its current location. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
• Cliffs Natural Resources recently donated $8,000.00 to the VFW Post 4573 in Ishpeming to assist the post in replacing the roof on the VFW hall. Over time the roof of the VFW hall had deteriorated causing several leaks. Total cost for the roof repair was $16,000.00.
Political Briefs
• U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow announced she has nominated sixty-three Michigan students for placement at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, M.D., the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, C.O., and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. From the U.P., Jacob Mathieu of Menominee was nominated for the U.S. Air Force Academy.
• Stabenow and U.S. Senator Carl Levin welcomed the recent announcement by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office it had selected office space for its first-ever satellite patent office to be located in Detroit, and the office will be opened by July of this year. The Detroit Office is expected to create more than 100 well-paying jobs.
• Stabenow announced that the Houghton County Sheriff’s Department will be able to purchase a new patrol vehicle thanks to a $12,000.00 U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development grant. These grants support first responders, finance infrastructure improvements, and help boost economic development in rural communities across Michigan, a vital part of Michigan’s economy.
• Stabenow and Levin have urged immediate action on Asian carp and the Stop Asian Carp Act after a new U.S. Geological Survey announced Lake Erie and its largest tributaries provide ideal habitats for Asian carp to reproduce and mature.
• Stabenow applauded Michigan workers and auto companies after recent reports that General Motors has regained the position of No. 1 automaker in the world in global sales.
• Levin, following the release of tax records showing former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney had benefited from tax breaks and loopholes that lowered his tax rate, issued the following statement: “Of all the tax loopholes that have tilted the tax code toward wealthy individuals, the carried interest loophole is one of the most egregious. It allows hedge fund managers and certain others to pay a special tax rate far lower than what they should owe on their income, lower than the rate millions of American families pay. Governor Romney’s returns are a textbook example of the need to close this loophole. Republicans who are so determined to preserve the carried interest loophole and prevent any other attempt to restore revenues that can help us close the budget deficit in a balanced way are serving as the defenders of privilege.”
• Stabenow and Levin announce support for the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The grant comes through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks Grant Program. The grants were designed to help address the challenge of increasing vehicle congestion in and around our national parks and other federal lands. The $1.3 million dollar grant will assist in the completion of the first phase of the Sleeping Bear Heritage trail connecting the Villages of Empire and Glenn Arbor.
DNR Briefs
• The Michigan Department of Natural Resources applauded the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s decision to remove wolves in the western Great Lakes region from the federal endangered species list. The decision returns management of the species to the state level. Returning wolves to state management will allow the DNR to manage more effectively the species under Michigan’s Wolf Management Plan, which was created through a roundtable process involving interested parties representing viewpoints from all sides of the wolf issue.
• With wolves removed from the endangered list, two Michigan laws (Public Act 290 and Public Act 318 passed in 2008) now allow livestock or dog owners, or their designated agents, to remove, capture, or, if deemed necessary, use lethal means to destroy a wolf that is “in the act of preying upon” (attempting to kill or injure) the owner’s livestock or dog(s). However, there are strict guidelines that can be viewed at http://www.michigan.gov/wolves For assistance, please call DNR wildlife biologist Brian Roell at the Marquette DNR Operations Service Center: 228-6561.
• The Keweenaw Tourism Council, Houghton Police Department, Hancock Police Department, Houghton County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan DNR and the United States Coast Guard strongly discourage snowmobilers from deviating off the Keweenaw snowmobile trail system to cut directly across the Portage Canal between Houghton City Waterfront Park and Hancock. Every year local agencies respond to incidents where machines and their operators break through the ice. No ice is safe ice, but if doing so prior to going out, complete a float plan, notify family and friends where you are going, and most importantly when you expect to be back.
• Fifteen of the state forest cross country-country ski trials will be groomed this season. The remaining twelve trails will be available for ungroomed cross-country skiing. In the Upper Peninsula the following trails will be groomed: Algonquin and Paradise in Chippewa County, Days River in Delta County, Canada Lake in Luce County, Blueberry Ridge in Marquette County and Indian Lake in Schoolcraft County.
• The DNR Parks and Recreation Division is offering free camping this summer for outdoor lovers who volunteer as campground hosts at Michigan state parks, recreation areas or state forest campgrounds. The Volunteer Campground Host Program allows individuals to camp in a state park or state forest campground at no charge in return for providing visitor assistance in the campground.
Information and applications are available from the DNR’s Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnrvolunteers and those interested in being a campground host at a state park should apply directly to the park of their choice.
• DNR conservation officers, with assistance from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officers, have determined an apparent moose poaching case reported in Marquette County in October 2011 was in fact a hoax. Officers who investigated the case were able to determine a severed moose head, left near Helen Lake in southern Humbolt Township, came from a moose legally harvested in and imported from Canada. Officers learned that upon returning to Michigan, the successful hunter had brought the moose to a local Negaunee-area meat processor. The hunter retrieved the meat and antlers from the processor, but left the rest of the carcass, including the head, for proper disposal by the processor. At some point, the head was diverted and used in an apparent attempt to imply a moose poaching had taken place in the Upper Peninsula.
While the hunter has been cleared in the case, additional information or tips regarding the hoax poaching case could lead to criminal charges. Anyone with information about this, or any natural resources violation, can call the DNR’s Report All Poaching Line 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 800-292-7800, or contact Lt. Robson at the DNR’s Marquette office at 228-6561. Information can be left confidentially, and monetary rewards often are offered for information that leads to the arrest of violators.
• Land use rules restricting equestrian and bicycle use at Blueberry Ridge Pathway in Marquette County will remain in place without change. The decision follows a public information meeting in October and public hearing in December regarding equestrian use restrictions at Blueberry Ridge, spurred by legislation directing the DNR to re-examine such restrictions at five specific locations.
• Women seeking the opportunity to improve their outdoor skills are invited to register for the twelfth annual Becoming an Outdoors Woman winter program. The program will be held in Big Bay from February 24 to 26. The DNR program offers instruction in indoor and outdoor activities, including cross-country skiing, dog sledding, ice fishing, fly tying, wilderness first aid, wood burning and more. Instructors provide basic and advanced instruction that is tailored to each participant’s individual ability. Early registration is recommended as the program fills quickly each year. Class information and registration materials are available online at www.michigan.gov/bow and payments may now be made online as well. For details contact Sharon Pitz at pitzs@michigan.gov or 228-6561.
• The DNR is now featuring “Morning Perks”–daily discount alerts on Twitter, showcasing the wide variety of savings available in the department’s Passport Perks program. The DNR’s Twitter feed now features two Passport Perks discount deals every morning, promoting Michigan businesses that offer discounts through the Perks program. Follow their feed at www.twitter.com/michiganDNR search Twitter for keyword #PassportPerks or viewing the compiled Morning Perk tweets at www.michigan.gov/passportperks
• Tahquamenon Falls State Park will host the second annual Tahquamenon Snowshoe Race on February 18, with a variety of distances and courses offered for adults and children. The event, organized by Great Lakes Endurance, LLC, will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the park’s Upper Falls. Adult participants can choose from 5K, 10K or 20K courses; children can register for an 800-meter kids race. The unique course includes views of the Upper Falls and winds through the park’s towering old-growth white pines. Registration fees range from $10.00 to $40.00. Same-day registration will be available on-site, but those who pre-register online at www.greatlakesendurance.com will receive a discounted price. Proceeds from the race support environmental education programs at Whitefish Township School in Paradise. Post race refreshments and prizes will be available. For more information about the second annual Tahquamenon Snowshoe Race, or to make lodging reservations, contact park headquarters at 906-492-3415.
• The DNR is seeking volunteers to spend a week or two between March 4 and December 23 acting as lighthouse keepers for the Tawas Point Lighthouse during the 2012 season. The lighthouse is located on the grounds of Tawas Point State Park along the shores of Lake Huron in East Tawas. Volunteers eager to read up on the lighthouse’s rich maritime history in order to lead visitor tours, work in the museum’s gift shop or perform other miscellaneous duties can stay in the newly renovated keeper’s quarters for a cost of $250.00 per person per week. The living quarters include two bedrooms and a modern kitchen and bath. The lighthouse keeper program is open to singles and couples eighteen years and older. Volunteers should be physically able to lead tours through the lighthouse and tower and perform housekeeping duties such as minor maintenance or lawn care. Applications can be obtained at www.michigan.gov/tawaslighthouse. For details, call (989) 362-5658.
Star date: February 2012
MOON & PLANETS
The southwestern sky as darkness falls is where the planetary action is this month and next. Watch as Venus and Jupiter begin a dramatic approach. As February opens, Jupiter is high in the southwest and Venus is well up above the horizon in the west-southwest. By month’s end, both planets are much nearer together as Venus climbs higher into the evening sky. This sets the stage for the two brightest planets to move even closer in March. Mars gets brighter this month as it rises in the due east well before midnight. Saturn rises around midnight. The ringed-planet is still fairly close to the bright star Spica and forms a wide pair. The crescent moon is to the upper right of Venus on the 25th and to the right of Jupiter on the 26th. Mars rises next to the almost full moon around 9 p.m. on the 9th.
CONSTELLATIONS
The very bright constellations of winter are up in the southeast and east in the early evening sky. Most notable are Orion the Hunter and Canis Major the Greater Dog with their multiple first magnitude stars. In the due east are Castor and Pollux, the Twins of Gemini. This constellation appears on its side and forms an elongated rectangle with Castor and Pollux on the left and the fainter stars that form the feet of the Twins on the right. In ancient Greece and Rome, the Twins aided navigators and were patrons to sailors. Today we are familiar with the archaic exclamation of “By Jove.” In the same vein, sailors of yore used the expression “By Gemini.” This phrase evolved into “By Jiminy,” which is still heard to this day.
Craig Linde
Courtesy of the Marquette Astronomical Society.
The spring meeting will be held on Friday March 23 at 7:00 p.m. in the Shiras Planetarium.Visit http://nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/club-view.cfm?Club_ID=672 for details or download a free monthly star chart at www.skymaps.com
Marquette Regional History Center news
Special exhibits open
People, Place & Time: Michigan’s Copper Country Through the Lens of J.W. Nara, 1874 to 1934 will run from January 13 to February 11.
Ten freestanding panels offer a glimpse of the early life and development of the Keweenaw Peninsula, including the 1913 Michigan Copper Miners’ Strike. Includes artifacts from J.W. Nara’s photography studio. Special exhibit included with the cost of admission.
100 Years of Girl Scouting will run from February 21 to April 28.
Celebrate the tradition of Girl Scouts in the U.P. from camping to crafts to service! Special exhibit included with the cost of admission.
A reception will be held on Wednesday, March 14 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. hosted by the Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes, and include refreshments, crafts and music. Free to the public, donations welcome.
Dear Editor:
In March we will be celebrating our first year in the new History Center. In many ways it’s hard to believe that a year has flown by. When we opened, only one of our interactive touch screen kiosks was operational, now five of the six kiosks are up and running.
Each of them is a stand-alone exhibit with oral histories, photos, videos and other interesting tidbits. We opened our first special exhibit late last summer focusing on architect John Lautner and soon we will be featuring an exhibit commemorating 100 years of Girl Scouting.
The visitor comment book is filled with wonderful compliments and in some cases amazement, particularly from out of town visitors who tell us that our exhibit gallery is as well done as other major museums in metropolitan areas.
The question inevitably comes up “How can a relatively small town like Marquette support such a rich cultural life?”
The answer to that is quite simple. We are a vibrant and generous community. It is that generosity I’d like to acknowledge. Our project represents the best efforts of individuals, businesses and organizations.
Support for the History Center has come in many forms from membership, volunteerism, financial and in-kind contributions and encouragement. Our success is your success. Thank you to all who played a part.
However, we are not finished with the project just yet. As a private nonprofit, we shoulder the entire weight of fundraising to support our education and outreach programs, operating costs and most importantly, finishing off the remainder of our capital campaign to cover the USDA loan for construction. We will need your continued support.
So, if you have not yet come to visit, we invite you to be amazed. If the word “history” causes your eyes to roll back in your head, give us a chance to change your mind. We are very proud of what we have accomplished; come and see for yourself.
Kaye Hiebel
Executive Director MRHC
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