| City
Notes
Edited
by Kristy Basolo and Tyler R. Tichelaar
Mailbox
Dear editor
As I write this letter on Wednesday, June 23, we are just a couple weeks away from the end of another fiscal year. Thank you for providing $451,877 over the past year to help us continue bringing you the blend of local and national programming unique to our Public Radio 90 listening area.
It’s hard to believe that it has now been nearly six years since we were able to convince the NMU Board of Trustees that our listeners would continue to provide the annual funds needed to keep
Public Radio 90 operational. While it hasn’t been easy, and we’ve had to make some sacrifices, the bottom line is, we’re still here for you because of you.
And while we expect more belt-tightening and adjustments before we’re through, we’re looking forward to serving you for many years to come.
Thanks again for all you do for your public radio station, WNMU-FM, Public Radio 90.
Evelyn Massaro, station manager
Dear editor
No matter how the economy may appear right now, there are lots of businesses that are thriving. If you get stuck in the mind set that things are bad and there is nothing you can do, then you are right.
If, on the other hand, you can start moving toward the feeling of hope and loosening up the knot you have been carrying in your stomach, you will start to notice things shifting, new ideas starting to flow, and a feeling of well-being starting to take root. People will start showing up with ideas for you and you will start to notice things you hadn’t before, even though they have always been there.
We all understand and believe in the law of gravity: what goes up must come down. The law of attraction has the same validity and has been just as scientifically substantiated.
What you think about...you get. More specifically, how you are feeling is the attracter for more things, people and circumstances to create more of those same feelings.
Words are powerful indicators of how we are thinking and what we are creating. Listen to yourself and others. Pay close attention. Begin to focus on and speak about what you want, not on what you don’t want. It is sometimes a very subtle difference.
Example: “I don’t want to be late,” flips to “I am always on time.” Affirm what you do want. Notice the difference in feelings created by the next two statements: “My business is still suffering because of the down turn in the economy,” or “Due to the down turn in the economy, I am discovering other markets for my services and some very interesting things are starting to happen.”
Some reading this may have the word “Pollyanna” on their lips right now. Pollyanna is a wonderful Disney movie where the lead character plays the glad game and sees the positive side of everything. Through her circumstances and positive outlook on life, she manages to help everyone in the town see how they all play an important part in each others’ lives and, as a result, the entire community is uplifted.
Could that happen in your community? Could that happen in your business? The answer is yes— it is totally up to you. You can visualize and create what you want.
For details, visit www.theeLoft.com or call 315-5555.
Dar Shepherd, eLoft owner
Humane society wins money from public voting
Marquette County Humane Society won $1,000 from The Animal Rescue Site (www.theanimalrescuesite.com). Society staff thanks everyone who has been voting, as the money bought food for every animal for the rest of the summer.
Marquette County Humane Society is the top animal shelter in Michigan, and fifth in the nation. The contest ends August 22, and if the shelter ends in first place, it will win $10,000 to help care for the many animals they take in.
To vote, visit www.upaws.org and follow the link, or go to www.theanimalrescuesite.com and click on the shelter challenge tab.
Munising Bay Arts Festival scheduled for July 3
The Munising Bay Arts Festival will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on July 3 in Downtown Munising at the People’s State Bank Lot on the corner of Superior and Elm. The Festival will include visual arts, live music and a silent auction.
Escanaba to host largest U.P. gathering of trappers
An estimated 1,500 or more trappers and outdoorsmen will gather in the Ruth Butler Building at the Upper Peninsula Fairgrounds in Escanaba for the U.P. Trappers Association’s Annual Convention July 16 and 17.
This is the U.P.’s largest trapping event—with over twenty nationally-known trapping supply dealers; representatives from North America’s two premier wild fur auctions (North American Fur Auction and Fur Harvesters Auction); “how-to” demonstrations by top-notch trappers, fur handlers and fur graders from Wisconsin, Minnesota, the Great U.P., and Canada. The convention will include free fishing for the kids at the Pocket Park (with prizes for the biggest fish); special raffles; and mini-raffles.
Admission is $2 per day for adults. Children sixteen and younger are free. The event is open to the public and runs from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. both days.
For details or to display your wares, call 786-6265 or visit www.uptrappers.com
Michigamme hosts annual auction, strawberry social
The Michigamme 1900 Steam Team will hold its third annual Benefit Auction and Strawberry Social on July 24 at the Michigamme Community Building. A silent auction and strawberry social will start at 1:00 p.m. The live auction starts at 3:00 p.m.
Auction items include: an electric golf cart from Meyers Enterprises; a full collection of books written and autographed by Jason Jennings; autographed basketballs from MTU Men’s and Women’s Teams; two nights at Michigamme Shores; three autographed mini-helmets from Jay Feely; a cookbook and guitar pick from Ted Nugent; pontoon rental from Bernies Auto Repair; a photograph by Mark Bukovich; a steamer print by Floyd Luke; a watercolor by Verna Olds; Church in the Wildwood; Parsonage Primitives, and many more.
For details, call 323-6144.
Marquette home to various festivals offered in July
July is Art month in Marquette. This year OutBack and Art on the Rocks will be on different weekends. OutBack will be July 24 and 25. The Blueberry Festival will be held on July 30, and Art on the Rocks is July 31 and August 1. The People’s Festival will be held July 31 and August 1 at Picnic Rocks.
The third annual People’s Festival has added a second day. Come get a massage on the beach, listen to great music and eat great food from Dancing Crane Farms. Wear your bathing suit or bring your robe and spend the day listening to open mike performers, stroll through the practitioners and Art vendors booths and have a great time.
For details, visit Facebook.
Camp UPeninsulin scheduled for August 3 to 7
Camp UPeninsulin will be held this year at the Page Center in Little Lake from August 3 to 7. At the camp, children will go swimming, boating and do other outdoor activities and crafts.
New this year will be a Camp UPeninsulin Half-Day Adventure for youth with diabetes ages fifteen and younger who are unable to attend the entire weeklong camp. A parent or guardian must attend with the children and will have the opportunity to meet other parents while the children enjoy camp activities.
Pre-registration is required for both Camp UPeninsulin and the Half-Day Adventure. Because of an Iron Mountain business’ generosity, along with funds raised through the Hog Wild BBQ and Music Jam and Swim Teal Lake for Diabetes, campers need only pay a $10 registration fee to attend camp. The Half-Day Adventure is free.
The deadline is July 9. Space is limited. For details, visit www.diabetesin michigan.org or call 228-9203.
Bike race seeks assistance from area volunteers
Summer has finally arrived, which means plans are underway for the Marquette General 2010 Ore to Shore Mountain Bike Epic to be held August 14. Volunteers are needed for every aspect of the race, from registration the night before to the awards ceremony immediately following.
To volunteer, contact oretoshore@yahoo.com or call 866-370-7223.
U.P. Nonprofit Conference tackles ‘Powerful Missions’
This year’s sixth annual U.P. Nonprofit Conference will be held October 22 at Northern Michigan University in Marquette. The theme will be “Powerful Missions—Profound Results.”
The keynote speaker this year is Sam Singh, nonprofit consultant, world traveler and former CEO of the Michigan Nonprofit Association and mayor of East Lansing. Sam will draw on his knowledge and observations of the Michigan nonprofit sector and his recent world travels to stir up conference attendees and inspire them to take their missions and visions to new heights.
Singh is an alumnus of Michigan State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 1994. After graduating from MSU, Sam was elected at age twenty-four to the East Lansing City Council. He subsequently won re-election for two additional terms, serving a total of twelve years in local government. In 2005, he was elected as the youngest mayor in the city’s history. He worked tirelessly to build bridges between the university and city, promoted regional collaboration, supported strong economic development and expanded strong environmental policies.
Presenters and exhibitors at the U.P. Nonprofit Conference are a critical part of coming together for a day set aside to learn and talk with others about what keeps nonprofit and youth-serving organizations alive and well, and with an eye on the new environment taking shape.
For details or to present or exhibit at the U.P. Nonprofit Conference, call 228-8919, ext. 15 or e-mail amgonyea@glcyd.org
Covington hosts July ‘Finn Hall Band’ performance
The Covington Parks and Recreation Committee, in collaboration with the U.P. Ethnic Music Alliance will present a special evening of music and dancing on August 3 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the Covington Pavilion and Event Center.
The event will feature Finlandia Foundation’s performers of the year for 2010, the “Finn Hall Band.” A $10 donation is suggested.
Ralph Tuttila will present a Tango Workshop at 5:30 p.m. Workshop fee is $5.
Burgers and hot dogs will be available or bring something to grill. Grounds will open at 5:00 p.m. for pre-event picnicking.
For more information, call Randy Seppala at 355-2459.
Using your OHV on national forest lands: new online map
Hiawatha National Forest reminds the public about Forest Service policies for use of Off Highway Vehicles (OHVs) on National Forest lands. While on National Forest land, OHV riders must use the Hiawatha’s current (2010) Motor Vehicle Use Map to determine which roads, trails and areas are open to wheeled motor vehicle use.
Riders who use Forest Service roads and trails are encouraged to stop at one of the Forest’s local Ranger District offices regarding the Motor Vehicle Use Map, which is updated annually.
Illegal off-road OHV use and resource damages have increased on the Hiawatha. While responsible users make an effort to learn and follow the rules, some OHV users do not make the effort. Erosion, water degradation, habitat destruction, damage to cultural sites and conflicts between users are commonly the result.
The Hiawatha National Forest encourages riders to remember safety, to follow the rules, and to respect the resources. Irresponsible riders will affect future opportunities and experiences for all OHV enthusiasts.
The April 2010 updated Motor Vehicle Use Map is online at the Hiawatha National Forest’s Web site and paper copies will be available in the near future.
KNHP grant will digitize 1970s Oral History Project
Finlandia University’s Finnish American Historical Archive (FAHA) has been awarded a $4,000 grant from the Keweenaw National Historical Park Advisory Commission.
The grant will be used to digitize and preserve the archive’s “Finnish Folklore and Social Change in the Great Lakes Mining Region Oral History Collection.” Finlandia University will contribute $4,000 in matching funds.
The digitization will preserve the interviews for future generations and provide much easier and more complete access to the information.
The Finnish Folklore and Social Change Oral History Collection was recorded in the 1970s under the direction of Rev. Dr. Arthur Puotinen, with the aid of funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities. The oral histories include recordings of immigrant and first generation Finns, firsthand accounts of the Italian Hall fire, and recordings of other notable Copper Country residents.
The collection currently is in its original analog cassette tape form.
For details, call 487-7347 or e-mail kent.randell@finlandia.edu
U.P. census office sets up telephone assistance
If you still haven’t turned in your U.S. Census form, expect a Census Bureau employee to come knocking on your door. Or, you can contact the Ishpeming Census office at 464-6868 to have a census worker fill out a form for you over the phone.
In the Upper Peninsula, the response rates vary by county, from thirty-five to seventy-seven percent. All residences need to be accounted for, including camps, cottages and seasonal homes.
The Census will not be complete until everyone is counted. It is your right to speak for yourself. Census workers will try to contact you up to six times. After that, they can ask your neighbors or landlord for basic information about you, including the number of people in your house.
To make it more convenient, the Ishpeming Census Office has set up a Telephone Questionnaire Phone line, staffed from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., seven days a week. Census workers prefer to talk to the owner or occupant to verify that a camp or cottage is a seasonal home and not a primary residence.
For each person missed by the Census, federal money that should enter into the local economy every year may be spent elsewhere. Accurate census information is also used by planners, policy-makers, social scientists, business and health services and many other data users. The Census determines the number of representatives per state in the U.S. Congress. If people don’t respond, it may appear as if fewer people live in the state.
If you have not completed a questionnaire or been contacted by the 2010 Census, call 464-6082.
Historic photography contest open through July 31
The Michigan State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is inviting all professional and amateur photographers to participate in its first ever photography contest. The SHPO is encouraging state residents to celebrate statewide historic preservation by photographing Michigan. Photographs are being accepted through July 31.
Photographs should contain Michigan buildings from courthouses to houses and breweries to mining buildings. The photographs are encouraged to include persons and should capture everyday moments which occur in Michigan’s historic neighborhoods and downtowns. Amateurs and professionals are encouraged to submit photographs.
Those who submit photographs have the change to win one of three grand getaway vacation packages to Petoskey’s Stafford Perry Hotel, Traverse City’s Park Place Hotel, and Detroit’s Westin Book Cadillac Hotel.
For official contest rules and other details, click on the link under “Contest Guidelines” at www.michigan.gov/celebratepreservation.
Agencies provide free summer meals for eligible youth
This summer, from June 14 to July 15, thirty area high school students will experience the daily routines of college freshmen on the Finlandia University campus during a “mock college experience.”
For more than two decades, this month-long experience has been a component of Finlandia’s year-round Upward Bound (UB) program, which is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The summer residential program is intended to help prepare the youth for academic success and accustom them to the responsibilities of being on their own.
The Upward Bound high school students will live in the Finlandia residence hall, attend demanding daily classes, complete homework, meet new people, and, of course, eat three meals daily in Finlandia’s cafeteria, the Mannerheim Café.
For details, call 487-7286 or e-mail lee.luoto@finlandia.edu
Diane Jarvi named partner and Studio Gallery manager
The Studio Gallery at Presque Isle has reorganized, recreated and revitalized its fifteen year old business by formally launching a new venture that pools the talents and collections of nine local artists—many nationally recognized—who have come together in one gallery space.
The photographs on copper of Diane Jarvi, new partner and Studio Gallery manager, pay homage to the origins of photography and combine historical and modern technologies. Jarvi is called on to wear many hats by helping to widen the circle of talent. Her extensive background from Retail Sales Associate to Adjunct Assistant Professor of Art at NMU has aided her in this new position.
Collective energy is a key to the future success of the gallery located at the entrance to Presque Isle Park. Every artist participates either behind the scene or in the gallery.
The Studio Gallery at Presque Isle is open 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. For details, visit www.michstudio.com or call 228-2466
Elmer Aho joins Great Lakes Radio staff on Saturdays
The staff and management of Great Lakes Radio, Inc. announce the addition of U.P. broadcasting legend to its family. Elmer Aho, long time radio host and classic country maven, is bringing his popular homespun classic country radio show, “American Country Gold” to FOX 103, WFXD-FM. “American Country Gold” will air live from 7:00 p.m. to midnight every Saturday evening.
Aho, a graduate of Trenary High School, taught for many years in the public education, including at the Gwinn Public Schools, before beginning a career in radio. He recently left WJPD radio and signed up with FOX 103 WFXD-FM in Marquette.
Seventh annual TLC benefit garden walk set for July 10
The seventh annual TLC Benefit Garden Walk will be held on July 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This will be a one-day only event-held rain or shine.
Self-guided tours of six local gardens in the central U.P. will be featured. Exact locations are mapped on the ticket. Plant sales and refreshments will be available at some of the gardens. The local 4-H Club will offer edible flower treats. Proceeds will be donated to local non-profit groups.
Tickets are $6 and can be purchased at Eben Credit Union (Chatham), Trenary Credit Union, Munising Credit Union, Forsberg Flowers (Marquette), Delta County M.S.U. Extension (Escanaba) or by calling 439-5448.
Club Indigo sets July event
The Calumet Theatre’s monthly food and film program, Club Indigo, is scheduled for July 9. This month’s film offering is Alfred Hitchcock’s classic The Birds. The Country Village, Copper Harbor, sponsors the film. The movie will be shown at 7:15 p.m., preceded at 6:00 p.m. by an appropriate buffet of a variety of fowl and seafood, provided by Chef Cormac from Laurium’s Irish Times restaurant.
The buffet and film are $18, or just $5 for the film alone. Children receive special discounts. Reservations for the buffet can be made by calling at least a day before at 337-2610.
Golf outing set for July 24
The U.P. Labor-Management Council, Inc. will host a golf outing on August 7 at the Highland Golf Club in Escanaba. The four-person scramble will cost $75 per person. Entry ffee includes golf (eighteen holes), cart, continental breakfast, lunch, and beverages. Prizes will be awarded. Registration is at 8:00 a.m. (EDT) with a Shotgun Start at 9:00 a.m.
Deadline to register is July 24. For details, call 466-0155.
Donations sought for Gulf animal clean-up
Snowbound Books and Peter White Public Library are seeking donations of supplies for “Animal Clean-up in the Gulf.” Collection boxes are located at PWPL and Snowbound Books in Marquette. Monetary donations are also accepted to help with shipping. Supplies needed include: blue Dawn dish soap, old towels, saline solution, nylon pantyhose, bugspray, sunscreen, safety glasses, duct tape, mosquito head nets, and dip nets (small mesh). For more information, contact Snowbound at 228-4448.
Calumet First Fridays featured event set for July 2
The Ed Gray Gallery in Calumet will host a two-person show July 2 to August 4. Featured artists will be Fredi Taddeucci, watermedia/collage and Mark Mitchell, wood sculpture. The opening reception will be July 2 from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.
The Christ Episcopal Church of Calumet will be open for self-guided tours, demonstrations, and refreshments on July 2 from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. Christ Episcopal Church was built in 1893. The church is next-door to the Calumet Art Center.
Local Walk Michigan events scheduled for July, August
The Marquette Senior Center, along with the Marquette County Health Department and the U.P. Wellness Council, announced participation in the Michigan Recreation and Park Association’s Walk Michigan.
The goal of Walk Michigan is to encourage people to walk their way to a healthy living style through this non-competitive walking program. Walk Michigan events are open to everyone. Participants in Walk Michigan are eligible to be included in a U.P. wide drawing for a trip for two to Mackinac Island to participate in the annual Labor Day Bridge Walk with Governor Granholm. The following walks are scheduled:
• July 22, Mattson Lower Harbor Park—Walk the loop around the park and head south to Founder’s Landing.
• August 19, Presque Isle Park—The walk begins at the pavilion.
All walks begin at 9:00 a.m. Check-in to register before each walk. In case of rain, walks will take place in Lakeview Arena.
Walk for Brain Tumor Research set for Escanaba
The sixth annual Walk in the Park for Brain Tumor Research will be held July 17 at Ludington Park in Escanaba. Proceeds from this fundraising activity benefit Marquette General Foundation and are earmarked exclusively for the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center (UMBTC) at Marquette General Hospital. The UMBTC is a non-profit care, treatment and research organization serving patients and families throughout the UP.
This year’s event is dedicated to the memory of Amy Chenier Kositzke, who passed away from a brain tumor on January 2, 2010. Amy and her family were smiling faces at past years’ walks, and Amy’s presence will be deeply missed. Her spirit truly encompasses what this event stands for: Hope.
The event began in 2005. Thanks to the generous support of sponsors, donors, and walkers, it has raised more than $25,000 for brain tumor research. The Escanaba-area families of Don McInnis and Sue Anderson, who both lost their lives to brain tumors, have partnered up to sponsor the walk.
People of all ages are welcome to walk a two-mile loop along the lake, or follow their own path as they are able. Kids may bring their bikes, scooters, and skates to participate in the Kids’ Ride.
Registration will be available the day of the event. Check-in begins at 9:00 a.m. at the Ludington Park Pavilion. The walk starts at 10:00 a.m., rain or shine. For details, visit www.eskywalkinthepark.com or call (734)929-8914 or 399-7456.
Marquette designated a bicycle-friendly community
The League of American Bicyclists has designated Marquette as a Bicycle Friendly Community at the Bronze Level. This award is presented to communities with remarkable commitments to bicycling.
According to the League, a Bicycle Friendly Community welcomes cyclists by providing safe accommodations for cycling and encouraging people to bike for transportation and recreation. Applicant communities are judged in five categories often referred to as the Five Es: Engineering, Education, Encouragement, Enforcement and Evaluation and Planning.
A community must demonstrate achievements in each of the five categories in order to be considered for an award. The designation is valid through February 2014. The League is a membership organization with a current membership of 300,000. The mission of The League of American Bicyclists is to promote bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation and work through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America.
For details, visit www.downtown marquette.org
Calumet Art Center Summer classes and art camp
An Art Immersion Camp will be held Monday through July 5 through August 13. Classes will span the disciplines to include papermaking, pottery, weaving, jewelry and others. Youth and adults classes will be offered.
The Art Immersion Camp is open to all people from all cultures and not only residents of the Keweenaw. For details, call 281-3494 or e-mail info@calumetartcenter.com
The Calumet Art Center will also offer a wide variety of summer classes. Pre-registration is required. Classes offered are:
• Water Color Workshop with Carl Mayer. Dates to be announced. Class fee is $80. Bring supplies or they will be provided for a fee of $15.
• Individual lessons offered in voice, piano, pipe organ, and weaving. Dates to be announced.
• Pilates Mixx with Deb Faust will include a short cardio low impact aerobic portion followed by mat pilates. For July and August dates, call Deb Faust at 281-7574.
• Slab Building Clay Sculpture, Smoke Fire, Sculpture focusing on architectural forms with Ed Gray. Set of eight classes on July 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Class fee is $150. Material and Firing fee is $95.
• Three Shuttle Weaving with Nedra Granquist. July 5 and 6 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Class fee is $105 plus cost of fabric.
• Sew Green with Jane VanEvera and Nick Lambert. Learn the basics of sewing on a treadle machine (for adults). July 7 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Class fee is $65.
• Sun Dyeing Scarves with Lynn Anderson. Scarves and Silk painting with heat sensitive paints. Second Saturdays of July and August, July 10 to August 14 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Class fee each Saturday is $20. Material Fee is $12.
• Adult Poetry Workshop with Laura Smyth. July 13, 20, and 27, and August 3, 10, and 17. Class fee is $120.00
• Weaving: Clasped Weft with Lynn Anderson. Learn an elegant technique on a hand-held loom, then create a pouch from your fabric. July 20 and 27 (two-day class). Class Fee is $30. Material fee is $8.
• Clay Beads with Ed Gray: Create beads of various shapes and sizes in the palms of your hands, then add surface textures. August 2 and 9 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (two-day class). Smoke Firing. Class fee is $65.00. Material and Firing Fee is $35.00
The Copper Country Suzuki Association will be offering individual violin lessons at the Calumet Art Center beginning in September. No previous experience is necessary and beginning students are encouraged to enroll. Lessons will be held Thursday afternoons. Individual times will be scheduled with the private instructor. Instrument rental and need-based scholarships are available! For more information please call the Copper Country Suzuki Association office at 487-3606 or register at coppercountrysuzuki.org
Class fees are paid to the Calumet Art Center. Materials fees are paid directly to the instructor. If you are a member of the Calumet Art Center, you are able deduct five dollars from each of three classes you may enroll in during a one year period.
History museum raffle offers $10,000 grand prize
The Marquette County History Museum is sponsoring a raffle throughout 2010 that could result in a grand prize of $10,000. The museum has 6,000 tickets for sale until December 28. In addition to the grand prize drawn that day, the raffle offers a second prize of $4,000 and a third prize of $1,000.
Leading up to the grand-prize drawing in December, there will be several early-bird drawings with a $100 prize: August 19, September 16, October 21 and November 18. All drawings will take place at 7:00 p.m. on the designated days at the museum; participants do not need to be present to win.
If all 6,000 tickets do not sell before the final drawing date, the drawing will revert to a 50/50 raffle after expenses. The raffle supports the museum’s programming and operating budget.
Tickets are $10 each or six for $50. They are available at the MCHM store at 213 North Front Street in Marquette. For other outlets, visit www.marquette cohistory.org.
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program gets new director
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program has a new director. Amy Mattson joined the staff June 7.
Before joining the RSVP staff Mattson was director of Marquette Adult Day Services, and was a stay-at-home mom for seven years. A 1996 Northern Michigan University graduate, Mattson’s educational background is in English and journalism.
In the coming weeks and months, Mattson plans to spend time meeting with volunteers, visiting RSVP volunteer stations and learning more about the day-to-day workings of the program.
Mattson invites volunteers to come by the RSVP office to say hello and offer any suggestions. She is in the office most of the time Monday through Thursday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Camp breaking and entry investigation continues
Marquette County Sheriff’s Office and Michigan State Police are investigating a rash of Breaking and Entry complaints off of County Road 607 in April and May 2010, also known as the Peshekee Grade Road located in Michigamme Township.
Four suspects in this investigation have been identified, resulting in two adult males being arrested by the State Police. Two of the four suspects identified are juveniles. Suspects would break into unoccupied camps and remove various items. The State Police and Marquette County Sheriff’s Office are continuing the investigation of these crimes.
If anyone has information or any property owners have experienced a non-reported breaking and entry in recent months, call the Marquette County Central Dispatch 9-1-1 to report the incident.
Cliffs submits superior proposal for Spider Resources
Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. announced that it has proposed to increase its cash take-over bid for Toronto-based Spider Resources Inc., subject to reaching a support agreement with Spider. Cliffs’ proposal is subject to Spider terminating all agreements with Montreal-based KWG Resources Inc. concerning the previously announced proposed merger of Spider and KWG.
Spider’s Board of Directors stated that Cliffs’ proposal is a Superior Proposal, as defined in Spider’s merger agreement with KWG. Under the merger agreement, KWG has a five-business day right, expiring on June 21, 2010, to match Cliffs’ Superior Proposal.
Once the Support Agreement is signed, Cliffs will vary the terms of its original offer to purchase Spider common shares that expires on July 6, 2010 to increase the offer price to Cdn. $0.165 per common share. The original offer to purchase and accompanying take-over bid circular dated May 31, 2010 is available at www.sedar.com
Cliffs also announced that it has advised KWG to stop work on a valuation of KWG because the valuation is no longer necessary. Cliffs, which owns approximately 19.3% of KWG on a fully-diluted basis, originally requested the valuation on May 24, 2010.
At that time, Cliffs had indicated its intention to bid for KWG common shares, and the valuation was required because Cliffs was an insider of KWG. On June 7, 2010, Cliffs announced that it was reviewing its options for KWG and may not make an offer in light of KWG’s proposal to merge with Spider.
Spider shareholders, banks and brokers who have questions or requests for assistance regarding Cliffs’ offer for Spider common shares should contact Georgeson, Cliffs’ information agent at 1-866-656-4120 or askus@georgeson.com
Cliffs Natural Resources sponsors tree planting event
On June 2, Cliffs Natural Resources sponsored a tree planting involving volunteers from the Ishpeming Ski Club’s junior ski jumping program. They planted approximately twenty-five pine trees in an open area along the Carp Creek.
Cost for the trees and additional planting expense was made available through Cliffs Michigan Operations. This event was the second annual Cliffs’ spring tree-planting project; last year trees provided by Cliffs were planted by volunteers along a section of the Heritage Trail between Negaunee and Ishpeming.
When mature, the trees planted will provide shade for an area of Carp Creek allowing for cooler summertime temperatures in the creek and enhancing fish habitat.
Higashiomi Japan Sister City Delegation visit planned
A delegation from Marquette’s sister city, Higashiomi (Japan) will be visiting Marquette July 30 to August 9.
The Marquette-Higashiomi Sister City Program in conjunction with the Sister City Advisory Committee is looking for ten interested area families to host delegates from our Sister City this summer. This delegation visit supports the long-standing principles of the Sister City Program of cultural understanding and international friendship between Marquette and its Sister City of Higashiomi (Japan).
Indicate your family’s interest in hosting a delegate by getting an application from the Marquette Arts and Culture Center in the lower level of Peter White Public Library.
For details, call 228-0472 or e-mail nnason@mqtcty.org
Bonifas Center Exhibits
Through August 5, the Powers Gallery of Escanaba’s Bonifas Arts Center will host “Watercolors from the North Shore: Nita Engle and Friends” which spotlights the work of well-known artists from the Lake Superior area. Included with Engle are Mary Ann Beckwith AWS, Kathleen Conover NWS, Paul Grant MWS, and Maggie Linn AWS.
Engle is also honored this summer at Marquette’s DeVos Gallery through August.
Works by Engle included in the Bonifas display belong to Nita and are promised gifts to NMU.
In the Studio Gallery, a display of art from twenty members of the Menominee Area Art Council runs through August 2, featuring pieces in many media. A reception on Saturday, July 10, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. introduces these artists.
There is no charge to visit the Galleries or attend receptions. Exhibits are open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Membership in the Arts Center is just $35 for an individual or $50 for a family, and the cost can be put on a bank draft plan to make it easier. Volunteers are welcome, too, and a Volunteer Auxiliary meeting on the first Wednesday of the month presents opportunities and needs during the next sixty days. The next meeting is July 7 at 9:00 a.m.
To join the center, or for details, call 786-3833 or visit www.bonifasarts.org
Bonifas offers musical performances
The Bonifas Arts Center will offer two musical performances in July.
On July 20, Red Tail Ring will appear at 7:00 p.m. in the Studio. This duo consists of Laurel Premo, known to area audiences for her work in her family’s band White Water, and Michael Beauchamp of the Kalamazoo area. Their music varies widely from traditional Appalachian, blues and old-time music, to original tales about the road, romance, and the importance of live music.
Red Tail Ring offers melody, harmony and rhythm and performs with guitar, claw hammer banjo, violin, and cittern. Visit www.redtailring.com for details. Tickets are $12 for the general public and $10 for Arts Center members.
On July 24, the Bonifas Theater hosts the Caravan Gypsy Swing Ensemble. Hailing from Madison, this four-piece group formed around a nucleus of Django Rheinhardt music, but has been influenced by swing, traditional Latin music, and Parisian waltzes. The original ensemble of two guitars and a violin has been enhanced by adding a bass. The group has released a CD called “Caravan Gypsy Swing Ensemble,” and will release “Live at the Brink Lounge” later this year.
Music by the Ensemble has been featured in ads and as a bed soundtrack for “Cooking the Casbah” on ABC 27. The group also performed throughout the area, and has been featured at the Midwest Gypsy Swing Festival.
Tickets are $15 for the general public, $12 for Center members and $10 for students, and are available at www.bonifasarts.org, Gust Asp in Escanaba, or by calling the Center at 786-3833.
For those who just want to dance, the Arts Center is offering Summer Sock Hops in the Studio at 7:00 p.m. every other Tuesday through August. July dates are the 13 and 27.
The Sock Hops are free, but donations are accepted. Dancers may bring snacks and drinks.
For details, call 786-3833 or visit www.bonifasarts.org
Kayak symposium welcomes ‘the Woman in Black’
Freya Hoffmeister will be the featured presenter at this year’s Great Lakes Sea Kayak Symposium in Grand Marais, scheduled from July 15 through 18. The GLSKS is the oldest kayaking symposium on the Great Lakes. Grand Marais has a protected harbor that is ideal for class sessions and skills practice while offering a perfect starting point for unforgettable trips along the scenic Pictured Rocks. Hoffmeister, having recently completed her solo circumnavigation of Australia, will be a show you will not want to miss.
Hoffmeister, “The Woman in Black,” is based in Husum (North Germany), when she’s not travelling for sea kayaking around the world. She’s either picking her van, a tent or rental car to sleep in: independence is her lifestyle.
Hoffmeister won the overall women’s class on the 2006 Greenland national championships. Her total of eight gold medals in rolling and races made her the most successful foreign competitor ever.
For details, visit www.downwindsports.com or call 226-7112.
Annual Hiawatha Music Festival set for July
The Hiawatha Traditional Music Festival returns to Tourist Park in Marquette from July 16 to 18. The lineup for the thirty-second annual festival features Big Medicine, Bryan Bowers, Hot Club of Cowtown, Dixie Bee-Liners, Green Grass Cloggers, The Elder Bullies, Fishtank Ensemble, Bayou Grenouille, De Temps Antan, Claudia Schmidt, Charlie Parr and more.
Adult, weekend and advance tickets are $60 each. Advance ticket sales end at 6:00 p.m. on July 13. For details, including prices for children, teens, seniors and single-day tickets, visit www.hiawathamusic.org or call 226-8575.
Swim event welcomes Olympian to Negaunee
Four-time Olympic gold medalist Janet Evans will be the special guest at the seventh annual Swim Teal Lake for Diabetes. The 2.25-mile open-water swimming event is scheduled for July 31 at Teal Lake in Negaunee.
Evans has been recognized as the best female distance swimmer in U.S. history. She holds six American records and three world records.
Dr. Mike Grossman started Swim Teal Lake seven years ago with the support of Bell Hospital, the U.P. Diabetes Outreach Network and many volunteers. The event started with three goals: to raise money for a local diabetes family camp that was being organized by UPDON, raise awareness of the health benefits of exercise and physical activity in the treatment of diabetes and to raise appreciation for the beautiful, clear waters of Teal Lake.
This year’s event, like last year’s, will feature a race as high school swimmers from across the U.P. are invited to represent their schools and hometowns by swimming and raising money as a team. The school team that raises the most money will be presented a traveling trophy to showcase their success. For details, visit www.teal lakeswim.com
Community performance stage seeks local donations
The Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority/Main Street (DDA/MS) announced the kickoff of a fundraising effort to raise $75,000, aimed at completing the new community performance stage and assisting with streetscape improvements. Local residents are encouraged to support this effort by requesting a donation form from the Iron Mountain DDA/MS. Opportunities to purchase everything from bricks to bike racks are available.
The Dickinson Council for the Arts/Out to Lunch Committee raised $25,000 last fall for parking lot lighting improvements.
The community performance stage is located near the intersection of East Hughitt Street and Iron Mountain Street where the Out to Lunch musical event occurs each summer. Completion of the stage will provide for increased use of the stage for events such as outdoor family movie showings and evening concerts.
To contribute, call 774-8530 or visit www.ironmountaindowntown.com
Porcupine Mountain music fest announces line-up
Organizers of the Porcupine Mountains Music Festival have announced the lineup for the sixth annual event, which will be held August 27 to 29 at the Porcupine Mountains ski hill area in Ontonagon County.
Performers booked are Buckwheat Zydeco, That 1 Guy, Po’ Girl, Danny Barnes, The Ragbirds, John Doe, Frontier Ruckus, Dangermuffin, Krista Detor, Hymn for Her, Seth Bernard & Daisy May, Dave Boutette, Sam Corbin, Jen Sygit, Bathtub Mothers, Lonesome Dan Kase, Everett Smithson Band, Javier Matos & Hurricane Harold, Rory & Dale C. Miller, Doris & the Daydreams, Yvonne Blake, Children of the Porcupine Mountains Music Festival and others.
As it takes many volunteers to make the event happen each year, volunteer coordinators have already begun recruiting.
Shifts are set up in four hour blocks and volunteers choosing to work two shifts will receive free admission for all three days of the event. Available volunteer opportunities include: parking, main gate, tickets, merchandise/information booth, artist liaison, stage hand, transportation, hospitality and first aid.
For details, visit www.porkiesfestival.org or call (800)344-5355.
Blissful Blarney with Public Radio 90 fundraiser
Travel along with Morning Edition host Nicole Walton and other Public Radio 90 listeners to explore the Emerald Isle and support the programs that bring you so much listening pleasure at the same time.
The $3,200 per person rate for this five-city tour includes round-trip airfare from your choice of Green Bay or Marquette; hotel accommodations for eight nights based on double-occupancy; thirteen meals (eight breakfasts and five dinners); transportation and admission for all sight-seeing tours included in the itinerary; and a $175 contribution to Public Radio 90.
For details, visit www.wnmufm.org or call Holiday Travel Vacations at (800)562-9767.
The trip is scheduled for April 26 through May 5, 2011.
Local Authors Corner
• Finlandia University English professor Lauri Anderson’s latest short story collection Mosquito Conversations is a finalist for the Maria Thomas Fiction Award, which is awarded annually. The award winners will be announced in July 2010. The Maria Thomas Fiction Award is named for the novelist Maria Thomas, a Peace Corps volunteer in Ethiopia from 1971 to 1973. Since its first annual awards for outstanding writing in 1990, the goal of PeaceCorpsWriters.org is to encourage, recognize and promote Peace Corps writers. Anderson was a Peace Corps volunteer in Nigeria from 1965 to 1967. Anderson’s other works include Hunting Hemingway’s Trout, and Misery Bay and Other Stories from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
• A new book Agates: Inside Out will be available mid-June. The book helps readers to think like an agate so they can be more successful in finding them. Museum staff compiled data to explain in a non-technical manner what agates are, how they form, and how to look for them. The new book features photographs taken by Thomas P. Shearer, who uses innovative techniques that have never been employed to take pictures of minerals. To order, visit www.agate lady.com or call 494-2590.
Political News Briefs
• US. Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow (both D-Michigan) joined eleven other senators in asking the Committee on Environment and Public Works to authorize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to take several steps to prevent the spread of Asian Carp and other invasive species. This authority would be included in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA).
• Stabenow announced that the Obama Administration has approved Michigan’s plan to help the state’s struggling homeowners. The Michigan State Housing and Development Authority (MSHDA) will receive $154.4 million in federal “Hardest Hit Funds” to assist homeowners who have fallen behind on mortgages because they are currently laid off, receiving unemployment benefits, or unable to work due to a medical emergency.
• Stabenow announced that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will begin distributing $250 rebate checks to seniors who reach the prescription drug coverage gap, or “doughnut hole,” starting Thursday, June 10, and continuing throughout the year. Seniors will receive checks automatically without filing extra paperwork or submitting a formal request.
• Stabenow called on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to move quickly on a plan to permanently separate the Chicago waterway system and the Great Lakes, preventing the spread of Asian Carp and any other invasive species.
• Stabenow and Levin announced funding totaling $474,000 for three Michigan communities for infrastructure needs. Funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, these projects will allow the rural communities to provide essential services to their communities. The communities will receive a total of $247,000 in grants and $225,000 in loans.
• Stabenow announced introduction of legislation that will create jobs in Michigan while helping homeowners make their residences more energy efficient. Stabenow is an original co-sponsor of the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010, authored by Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-New Mexico). The program provides rebates and tax credits on the labor and material costs of upgrading homes, modeling the successful Cash for Clunkers program Stabenow authored.
• Stabenow, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, yesterday heard testimony on the success of the Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credit (also known as the 48C tax credit, for its section of the tax code) from Douglas Parks, Senior Vice President for Business Development and Attraction at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Mr. Parks testified at a subcommittee hearing that examined the role of federal tax incentives in clean technology manufacturing.
• Levin and Stabenow announced $10.6 million in funding for Michigan education programs designed to track progress of students. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant will be used to develop and implement data systems to enable the state to examine student progress from early childhood through postsecondary education.
Local business news…in brief
• Obstetrician-Gynecologist Susan Ritter, MD, has been selected as the recipient of the 2010 Marquette General Physician of the Year, The Nurses’ Choice award; Ritter recently retired from her practice at OB/GYN Associates of Marquette, as well as from the medical staff of MGHS.
• Frei Chevrolet is pledging $10,000 to the Marquette General Accelerating the Future Capital Campaign that will bring advanced radiation oncology treatment equipment to Marquette General.
• The Marquette Community Federal Credit Union occasionally holds a jeans day, with proceeds going to a charitable organization; this year, the staff elected to give the $250 collected to the Marquette General Accelerating the Future Capital Campaign.
• The Zonta Club of Marquette Area is supporting the Marquette General Accelerating the Future Capital Campaign with a pledge of $5,000 during a five-year period.
• Range Financial Corporation has declared a quarterly dividend of $1.05 per share payable on June 15, 2010 to the shareholders of record on June 1, 2010.
• The Erickson Center for the Arts in Curtis is the recipient of an AT&T Foundation Matching Gift Program $2,500 donation, made possible through the donation from Walker and Nancy Wyatt of Curtis.
• Gary Piziali, maintenance engineer for the Country Inn & Suites of Marquette was one of twelve shining examples of excellence in Michigan lodging and tourism industries that was recently honored as a “Star of the Industry” by the Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association.
• The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) announces its appointment of Robert C. Anderson, CELA, as a member of its Board of Directors for a two-year term.
Star Date: July 2010
Moon & Planets—July starts out with Saturn, Mars and a very bright Venus evenly spaced above the western horizon just after sunset. Mercury appears after mid-month but may be a bit difficult to spot, as it stays extremely low in the west-northwest. The three other planets are high enough to be seen easily in the bright twilight. The crescent moon enters the scene on the 13th, and during the next three nights, passes below Venus, Mars and then Saturn. By the end of July, these three planets will have moved closer together with Mars and Saturn forming a close pair. Venus is nearby to their lower right. Jupiter rises after midnight and climbs fairly high up into the southeast by first light. The last quarter moon is to Jupiter’s upper left on the Fourth of July.
Constellations—The warm nights of July offer an excellent view of our home galaxy, the Milky Way. The bright central region of the Milky Way is located low in the south amid the distinctive constellations of Scorpius and Sagittarius. From a dark location away from all city lights, you easily can trace the path of our galaxy as it arcs northward. Located along this path, just above the Scorpion and Archer, are the sprawling constellations of Ophiuchus and Serpens. Ophiuchus, the Serpent Bearer, was the son of Apollo and the first physician. This mythical figure is depicted as a man with a massive serpent draped across his shoulders. Serpens, the Serpent, symbolizes his healing powers. Serpens is unique in that it is the only constellation made up of two unconnected segments, which extend outward from either side of Ophiuchus.
—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 24 at Shiras Planetarium. Visit www.geocities.com/sstobbelaar/mqtastro.html for details.
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