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LOLS program set summer schedule
Show any child the acronym LOLS and they will most likely think “laughs out loud,” but in the U.P. it also stands for the Life of Lake Superior program. LOLS is an outdoor education program for kids and their parents in Alger County to learn about natural resource opportunities in the area.
This summer, LOLS will put on a series of “workshops on the move” for four days in July. The workshops will focus on the impact of Lake Superior on science, economics, history, arts and culture.
Joan Vinette, Alger County MSU Extension educator, said each year’s workshops have a different spin but the popular activities always are repeated.
“We’ve been doing kayaking for seven out of ten years. Getting kids out on the water is a big hit,” she said.
The first workshop, on July 8, is titled “Wind and Waves.” It will take place at Au Train beach and campground and will demonstrate rip currents, weather signals, fire control, recreational water smart tips, sailing lessons and a songbird trail activity.
Vinette said the rip currents demonstration is brand new to LOLS.
“It’s very unique and it’ll have a powerful effect on the kids,” she said. “I know it’ll be a great day.”
Shipwreck Tours and the Munising Fish Dock will be the setting of the second workshop, “Buoys and Anchors” on July 14. The morning will be spent on the shipwreck cruise with science and marine stations, with science and art activities at the fish dock in the afternoon.
The cookout lunch near Munising’s ballpark on that day will involve the kids grilling their own meals, said Vinette.
“We’ll be using the square metal cookers to make ‘pudgie pies’ and ‘hobo meals,’” she said. She added that meals are an important part of the LOLS program.
“Since we started this we always included the food,” she said. “With past programs, I’ve been involved in, one kid will forget their lunch or another will bring all candy. We’ve always included healthy meals.”
“Botany and Butterflies” will be the third workshop on July 22 on Grand Island. The day will include a native plant restoration project at an old farm and visiting an island resident.
The LOLS series will end with “Clearly Superior” on July 28 in Munising. A mural dedication ceremony will start the day, with lunch at the Bayshore Park pavilion. A safe boating demonstration by the U.S. Coast Guard will follow, plus kayaking, local heritage activities and a shipwreck detective game.
An evening family fish boil at the Alger Heritage Center will serve as a closing ceremony for family members, community partners, volunteers and presenters.
Vinette said the main goal of LOLS is not only to get kids outside and interested in the nature around them; it’s also a way for their parents or grandparents to find activities they can do as a family.
“So many kids in the U.P. live so close to the most spectacular scenery and a small number of them will go into nature-related careers but many of them have no concept of it,” she said. “This is also a way for families to share kid and adult time and it covers all ages from Grade 4 to grandparents.”
The limit for each day is sixty participants. Vinette said, on average, this includes up to fifty kids and ten parents.
“Not every kid can have an adult accompany them,” she said, “but the number works well for breaking the kids up into manageable groups.”
Although LOLS operates mainly in Alger County, Vinette said exceptions can be made for those in Marquette County who are interested in participating.
“All you have to do is call me,” she said.
Although LOLS receives grants from many sources, Vinette said the program could not operate without the dedication of its volunteers and staff, including the park and forest services and U.S. Coast Guard.
“If you were to count all the volunteer and staff time…it’s priceless,” she said.
She added that her favorite thing about LOLS year after year is seeing the excitement of kids and adults alike.
“It’s neat to see so many people get enthused about our area, about things that are right under their noses,” she said. “Opening kid and adult eyes to what’s around is worth all the work that goes into it.”
For details, call Vinette at 387-2530.
—Becky Korpi
DDA announces planning sessions
The City of Marquette’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA) current TIF Plan is set to expire in 2012. The DDA is looking for input from stakeholders and the public to plan for the future and determine the need for extension of the TIF Plan. The TIF (Tax Increment Financing) is a funding tool used to encourage investment by allowing a city to make public improvements that help attract new businesses and aid existing businesses without tapping into general fund revenues.
The City’s Downtown Development Authority was created by City Ordinance in 1976 and set the boundaries of the Downtown District in accordance with Michigan Public Act 197. The purpose of the authority is to address problems of urban decline, strengthen existing areas and encourage economic development in a Downtown district and the community. It seeks to accomplish this goal by providing a funding tool known as Tax Increment Financing (TIF).
In 1988, the Marquette City Commission approved Downtown and TIF Plan #1. The purpose of that plan was to construct the Bluff Street parking ramp. In 1992, the Commission approved Downtown and TIF Plan #2 which expanded the boundaries of the Downtown and TIF District. Development Plan #2 was created to identify, develop and fund public projects most beneficial to the continued revitalization and economic development of the district and encourage private investment. The identified goals and objectives represent a major effort in support of goals in the established City Comprehensive Plan. The current Development and TIF Funding Plan expires in December 2012. The Marquette Downtown Development Authority has begun the planning process for future projects and a potential amendment to the current TIF plan.
The DDA has hired consultant Bryan Crough, who will conduct workshops during the week of July 13 through 15. Downtown property owners, business owners, the community, and anyone with an interest in downtown are encouraged to participate in the planning process. It is anticipated the plan will be reviewed and acted upon by the city commission in late Winter 2010. TIF events are as follows:
• 3:30 to 5:00 p.m., July 13: Walking tour of the District, meet at the DDA offices
• July 14: Focus groups and meetings with stakeholders, the planning commission and city staff throughout the day at Marquette Commons. Details to be announced.
• 5:15 p.m. on July 14: Work session with city commission in Commission Chambers
• 10:00 a.m. on July 15: Presentation of summary of findings, DDA offices
Has the TIF been effective? Since the inception of the DDA and TIF, property values in the Downtown District have grown steadily, Marquette’s Downtown has experienced nearly $40 million of private investment and revitalization and the City has received over $5 million in grant funding for Downtown projects. Interest in rehabilitation and reuse of Downtown properties is at an all time high. Because of the strength of Downtown, residential development is occurring in and on the peripheral of the district which provides additional population and tax base to the city.
What is the benefit of public investment in Downtown? Downtown Marquette is the historic center core of the City and as such, provides a community image to visitors and residents alike. A strong downtown center is a major attraction for development in the entire city and enhances the quality of the life for the whole community. The health of the downtown reflects the health of the entire City and region. Continued redevelopment of the Downtown District can provide a major opportunity for economic growth for the entire City of Marquette because a healthy downtown is a critical component to attracting new businesses and jobs to the city.
Some ways TIF has been used include:
• Bluff Street parking ramp & towers construction, maintenance, repairs
• Walkway connecting parking to the 200 block of Washington Street
• Main Street elevator stair tower to the 100 block of Washington St.
• Purchase of property on Baraga Avenue for Spring Street lot project
• Rosewood walkway connecting the 200 block of South Front Street to parking and the lake
• Design funds for Rock Street entryway and parking lot
• Flags, benches, trash cans, banners, flowers, landscaping
• Conversion of overhead utilities to underground on Spring Street
• Street signs
• Commons parking lot improvements
• Commons project
• Washington Street enhancement project
• Railroad abutment removal
• Assistance to BLP removal of overhead wires on Lakeshore Blvd
• Business directory maps
• Holiday wreaths and lights
• Supplement operations of Bluff Street ramp & parking system
• Promotion and marketing
• Support events and activities
—Mona Lang
Media gets Good News
This year’s Good News Awards drew a record number of entries, fifty-four, and distributed thirty-nine awards and certificates of merit, the most in its thirteen-year history.
Media professionals from around the U.P. gathered to receive awards for the positive stories they wrote and programs they produced during 2009. This is the first year anyone has won an award or certificate for multiple media outlets.
Tom Buchkoe received a Good News Award for The Mining Journal and a Certificate of Merit for Marquette Monthly in the photograph category. In addition, Lorissa Juntti earned an award in the youth straight news category for Marquette Monthly and a Certificate of Merit in the youth editorial category for WMQT-FM, while Chelsea Parrish took home an award for WMQT-FM and a Certificate of Merit for Marquette Monthly, both in the category of youth feature story. Juntti and Parrish are affiliated with 8-18 Media.
Since 1998 the Good News Awards have been honoring local works of excellence in broadcasting and print that affirm the dignity of people, recognize and uphold universally-recognized human values, and uplift and nourish the human spirit.
The 2010 Good News Awards by division and category are as follows:
TV Stations
• Straight News Story—Good News Award: WLUC-TV, Marquette for “Too Many Dogs” (friends help out woman overrun by dogs) by Jerry Hume
• Feature Story—Good News Award: WLUC-TV, Marquette for “Place Kicker” (mentally-challenged football player) by Jeni Jewell
• Editorial—Good News Award: WLUC-TV, Marquette for “The Upside: Moses’ Mothers” (20 mothers breastfeed a baby) by Editorial Board at TV6 and Rob Jamros
• Public Service Announcement—Good News Award: WLUC-TV, Marquette for “The Upsiders” (looking for people doing good) by Kim Parker and Tyler Czarnopis
• Program—Certificate of Merit: WLUC-TV, Marquette for “The TV6 Canathon Program” (review of the TV6 Canathon collection efforts) by Scott R. Zerbel (producer/director)
• Series—Certificate of Merit: WLUC-TV, Marquette for “Pay it Forward” (chain of people helping people) by Steve Asplund
Radio Stations
• Program—Good News Award: WNMU-FM, Marquette for “Addicted to the Gyil” (music is an international language) by NMU Advanced Audio Production Class with Professor Charles Ganzert, Hans Ahlstrom (host) and Bernard Woma (musician)
• Youth Straight News Story—Good News Award: WMQT-FM, Marquette for “A Visit with Lisa Ling” (discussing the welfare of the world’s children) by 8-18 Media’s Erin Bozek-Jarvis, Ben Harris, Danielle Jahnke and Glen Ellen Lehmberg
• Youth Feature Story—Good News Award: WMQT-FM, Marquette for “Kids and Free Speech” (do kids still understand and cherish free speech?) by 8-18 Media’s Chelsea Parrish, Danielle Jahnke, Maggie Guter and Glen Ellen Lehmberg
• Youth Editorial—Certificate of Merit: WMQT-FM, Marquette for “The True Holiday Gift” (what “the holidays” are all about) by 8-18 Media’s Lorissa Juntti
Daily Newspapers
• Straight News Story—Good News Award: The Daily Press, Escanaba for “Dental Clinic Nearly Complete” (construction of free dental clinic) by Jenny Lancour; Certificate of Merit: The Evening News, Sault Ste. Marie for “American Café Owner Writes Memoir” (longtime café owner shares anecdotes) by Kenn Filkins; Certificate of Merit: The Daily News, Iron Mountain for “IMHS Math Teacher Finalist” (local teacher honored) by Linda Lobeck; Certificate of Merit: The Mining Journal, Marquette for “Goods Delivered in Canathon” (TV6 2009 Canathon) by Johanna Boyle
• Feature Story—Good News Award: The Mining Journal, Marquette for “For Larry Syrjala, It’s been a Long Road Back” (recovering from a brain injury) by Johanna Boyle; Good News Award: The Daily Press, Escanaba for “On the Wings of an Angel” (six-year-old girl receives heart) by Jillian Jamison; Certificate of Merit: The Daily Mining Gazette, Houghton for “Keeping Memories Alive” (woman works to have uncle’s remains returned for burial) by Kelly Fosness; Certificate of Merit: The Daily Globe, Ironwood for “Funnovation” (Gogebic Community College students modify game controller for use by those with disabilities) by Kate Genellie
• Editorial—Good News Award: The Daily Mining Gazette, Houghton for “Hancock, Finlandia on Right Track” (local educational institutions think “outside the box” to help each other in tough economic times) by Larry Holcombe; Good News Award: The Daily Globe, Ironwood for “Human Element Outweighs Technology in Classroom” (a reminder about the importance of teachers) by Joe Karius
• Regular Column—Certificate of Merit: The Daily Globe, Ironwood for “Officer’s Death Reminds Us to Cherish Life” (reflections after shooting death of area native in Oakland) by Joe Karius; Certificate of Merit: The Evening News, Sault Ste. Marie for “Refugees are Contributing” (Burma Christian refugees move to Sault) by Kenn Filkins
• Photograph—Good News Award: The Mining Journal, Marquette for “Sunrise Megalith” (ore dock at dawn) by Tom Buchkoe
• Series—Good News Award: The Mining Journal, Marquette for “Candid Cancer” (editor’s journey through cancer treatment) by Renee Prusi; Certificate of Merit: The Daily Mining Gazette, Houghton for “Ontonagon Playspace Series” (Ontonagon Elementary comes together to make dream a reality) by Stacey Kukkonen
Other Newspapers
• Straight News Story—Good News Award: Marquette Monthly, Marquette for “History on the Move” (Marquette County History Museum) by Michael Murray; Certificate of Merit: The Finnish American Reporter, Hancock for “Dance Group’s Dream Becomes Reality” (youth dancers work to make trip to Finland possible) by David Maki
• Feature Story—Good News Award: Win Awenen Nisitotung, Sault Ste. Marie for “Playing for Change: Working for World Peace” (Playing for Change organization) by Rick Smith; Good News Award: Marquette Monthly, Marquette for “House of Heroes” (D.J. Jacobetti Veterans Home) by Larry Chabot; Certificate of Merit: Iron County Reporter, Iron River for “Bargain Shoppers Welcome at Crystal Falls’ St. Vincent Store” (shopping at St. Vincent de Paul stores) by Allyce Westphal
• Editorial—Certificate of Merit: Marquette Monthly, Marquette for “Locals ‘Live United’ to Help County” (United Way) by Leslie Bek
• Regular Column—Good News Award: The Munising News, Munising for “Biographical Sketch Featuring Dick and Myrtle St. Martin” (Dick and Myrtle St. Martin’s life together) by Marilyn Wood; Good News Award: Marquette Monthly, Marquette for “Marquette’s First Hospice” by Don Curto and Dr. Aaron Scholnik
• Photograph—Certificate of Merit: The Finnish American Reporter, Hancock for “Kicking Up the Past” (high school student makes traditional kicksled in shop class) by Jim Kurtti; Certificate of Merit: Iron County Reporter, Iron River for “Pinwheels Planted” (child abuse awareness month) by Allyce Westphal; Certificate of Merit: Marquette Monthly, Marquette for “Fred Rydholm: 1924-2009” by Tom Buchkoe
• Series—Certificate of Merit: The Munising News, Munising for “Women in Business…Years Ago” (women who started their own businesses in Munising) by Marilyn Wood
• Youth Straight News Story—Good News Award: Marquette Monthly, Marquette for “Children, Community Come Together during Forest Fire” (Black River Falls forest fire) by 8-18 Media’s Tia Platteborze, Lorissa Juntti, Sydney Dorow and Mariel Morton
• Youth Feature Story—Certificate of Merit: Marquette Monthly, Marquette for “Young Filmmakers Inspired by Michigan Film Festival” (local youth attended the film festival in Traverse City) by 8-18 Media’s Chelsea Parrish, Andrew Powell, Hayley Maskus, Lane Whitley and Tia Platteborze.
—Loreene Zeno Koskey
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