Finlandia Singers and Pep Band to present concert Dec. 8

HANCOCK -- The Finlandia University Singers and the Finlandia Pride Pep Band will present a concert at 6 p.m. this Thursday, Dec. 8, in the Chapel of St. Matthew.

The University Singers and Pep Band will be joined by five members of the Keweenaw Youth Symphony Orchestra and guest guitarists Sam Sever and Trevor Mills. The concert will include Christmas music, jazz, and two selections performed by the combined choir, pep band, and Keweenaw Youth Symphony quintet.

The University Singers and Finlandia Pride Pep Band are directed by Finlandia campus chaplain Soren Schmidt and accompanied by pianist Carla Phillips.

The concert is free and open to the public. For additional information, please contact Soren Schmidt at 906-487-7239.

Michigan Tech Concert Choir to present "A Choral Celebration" Dec. 10 at Rozsa

HOUGHTON -- As we head into the holidays, please take an evening to enjoy, reflect, and celebrate, as the Michigan Tech Concert Choir presents "A Choral Celebration" at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Rozsa Center.

General Admission is $10, students $5 and Michigan Tech students free.

The Michigan Tech Concert Choir will perform music that will include motets both old and new, music of nature, songs for peace, as well as traditional spirituals. This evening of uplifting, joyous and above all beautiful choral music will offer something for the whole family.

The concert is sponsored by the Michigan Tech Department of Visual and Performing Arts.

To purchase tickets, call (906)487-2073, go online at tickets.mtu.edu, or visit Ticketing Operations at Michigan Tech’s Student Development Complex (SDC), 600 MacInnes Drive, in Houghton. SDC Box Office hours are 8 a.m. - 9 p.m., Monday-Friday; 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday, and noon - 8 p.m. Sunday. Please note the Rozsa Box Office will only open two hours prior to show times.

WE ARE THE PEOPLE to hold event at Benishek's office, Marquette, on Dec. 8

MARQUETTE -- WE ARE THE PEOPLE will be hosting a day of action from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8, at U.S. Congressman Dan Benishek's District Office, 307 S. Front Street in Marquette.

The purpose of the event is to call attention to the need to extend Michigan unemployment benefits, which are to expire on Dec. 31, 2011.

"As we know, unemployment benefits are very important to our members in the construction industry," said Michael Thibault, business representative for the Upper Peninsula Building and Construction Trades Council. "The extended unemployment benefits are set to expire and could have a devastating effect on some of our members who may suffer extended periods of unemployment. Congressman Dan Benishek does NOT support continuing the extension of benefits for our members."

Michael Thibault, business representative for the Upper Peninsula Building and Construction Trades Council, speaks at a WE ARE THE PEOPLE rally in Houghton in September 2011. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

WE ARE THE PEOPLE reports that, in Michigan alone, 66,700 will lose their benefits unless Congress acts before Jan. 1st.

Concerned citizens are invited to join this event at Benishek's office in Marquette.

"Please join us as we stand together to let Congressman Benishek know that the residents of the First District are standing in SOLIDARITY for Unemployment Benefits extension," Thibault said.

Click here for more details.

NOSOTROS to host Latin dance Dec. 10 at Michigan Tech

NOSOTROS will host a family-friendly Latin dance from 8 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, Dec. 10, in the Michigan Tech MUB Ballroom. (Dance poster courtesy NOSOTROS)

HOUGHTON -- NOSOTROS, the Michigan Tech Latin students' organization, will hold a Latin dance beginning at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, in the Memorial Union Ballroom on the Michigan Tech campus.

Free salsa lessons will be offered from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., followed by three hours of open floor with salsa, merengue, bachata and much more!

No partner needed! Family friendly! All levels! Free! Light snacks and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided.

EPA seeks nominations to advisory committee by Dec. 9

WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently seeking nominations from a diverse range of candidates to serve on the National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology (NACEPT), a federal advisory committee. This is an exciting opportunity for concerned citizens to join the EPA's mission to protect human health and the environment. The deadline for nominations is Dec. 9, 2011.

EPA established NACEPT in 1988 to provide advice to the EPA Administrator about a broad range of environmental policy, technology and management issues. Members serve as representatives from academia, industry, non-governmental organizations, and state, local, and tribal governments.

Candidates should possess the following qualifications:

• Extensive professional knowledge of environmental policy, management, and technology issues. An interdisciplinary sustainability background is highly desirable.

• Ability to examine and analyze environmental issues with objectivity and integrity.

• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication, and consensus-building skills.

• Ability to serve a two-year appointment and to volunteer approximately 10 to 15 hours per month to support the Council's activities.

In order to fill anticipated vacancies by February 2012, nominations should be received by Dec. 9, 2011. To receive additional details regarding the nomination process and to learn more about NACEPT, please visit http://www.epa.gov/ofacmo/nacept/index.html.

For further questions regarding this notice, please contact the EPA Office of Federal Advisory Committee Management and Outreach at (202) 564-2294.

Dance to Thimbleberry Band at Chassell French-Canadian Soirée Dec. 9

The Thimbleberry Band will play French-Canadian dance music at Chassell's Old-Fashioned Christmas French-Canadian Soirée on Friday, Dec. 9, at the Chassell Heritage Center. In this photo some of the Thimbleberry musicians -- from left, Oren Tikkanen, Libby Meyer, Matthew Durocher and Dave Bezotte -- play ethnic tunes during a musical event at the Keweenaw Heritage Center. (Keweenaw Now file photo)

CHASSELL -- Celebrate Chassell’s Joie de Vivre and Old-Fashioned Christmas at a traditional French-Canadian Soirée (evening dance party) from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9, at the Chassell Heritage Center (2nd St. and Hancock Ave, one block west of US 41 in Chassell).

The Thimbleberry Band (Libby Meyer on fiddle; Oren Tikkanen on guitar, mandolin, and vocals; Matthew Durocher on bass; Dave Bezotte on piano, accordion and vocals; and Coleman Segal on mandolin) will play dance music from French-Canadian and other local traditions.

Admission is free, but donations to help cover costs are appreciated. Take a break from the holiday rush to enjoy music, dance, refreshments, and a time of celebration with family, neighbors and friends!

The event is sponsored by the Chassell Historical Organization.

Breathe Owl Breathe to perform at Orpheum Theater Dec. 7

HANCOCK -- Breathe Owl Breathe will be on stage at the Orpheum Theater Wednesday night, Dec. 7 (that's tomorrow!)! Little Wings will open the show around 8 p.m., and doors open at 7:30 p.m. Arrive early, this show might sell out! Admission is $10 for Adults ($5 for 12 and under).

Speaking of owls, photographer Mike Shupe, owner of Studio Pizza and the Orpheum Theater in Hancock, exhibits his photo of a Snowy Owl and other art at the recent Home for the Holidays sale in the Rozsa Lobby. If you missed the sale, be sure to enjoy his exhibit of photos at Studio Pizza on your way into the Orpheum Theater! (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

"This may be the best show of the year!" says Mike Shupe, Orpheum Theater owner. "Join us for a great show, and enjoy some delicious Studio Pizza at the Orpheum Theater, in downtown Hancock!"

The Studio Pizza will be serving great food and soft drinks will be available, but feel free to bring other types of beverages.

Letter: "Legislators needed foresight" on severance taxes

HOUGHTON -- In a letter to the editor of the Daily Mining Gazette, published on Dec. 5, 2011, Calumet resident Paul Campbell comments on the Nov. 28, 2011, Detroit Free Press article, "Will mines get state's riches for a paltry sum?" -- the second in a two-part series on the Rio Tinto-Kennecott Eagle Mine near Marquette.*

Campbell says, "I was surprised. In reading further, I find our Lansing legislators' lack of foresight either overlooking or ignoring "Mineral Severance Taxation" extremely disturbing. The long documented mining history of the Upper Peninsula shows a unique area full of mining minerals. Years ago, our legislators should have passed severance taxation laws to help boost the economy."

Campbell includes a link to a map showing how Michigan ranks among states that impose severance taxes on natural resources. Click here to see the map.

"We as citizens and taxpayers should demand to know why the State of Michigan has ignored severance taxation on our precious minerals, our natural resources," Campbell writes.

Click here to read the rest of this letter on MiningGazette.com.

* Click here to read the Detroit Free Press article "Will mines get state's riches for a paltry sum?"

Club Indigo to present "A Midsummer Night's Dream" Dec. 9

CALUMET -- The final Club Indigo event at the Calumet Theatre will take place this Friday, Dec. 9, as the 18th season closes with a pre-holiday plum, one of the great Shakespearean classics, A Midsummer Night's Dream.

This is the most celebrated version of the Bard's comic fantasy ever created for film or stage -- thanks to the supervision of its director, Max Reinhardt, who came to America to supervise this one Hollywood magnus opus, then returned to Germany, where he was hailed as the world's greatest director.

In 1935, totally without the aid of our modern CGI effects, Reinhardt created an entire fairy kingdom and fantasy forest in one of Warner Brothers' largest sound stages and peopled it with Warners' finest stars (including Mickey Rooney as Puck) and a cast of thousands -- all backed by Felix Mendelssohn's familiar music. The result: a Hollywood extravaganza never topped and still as thrillingly entertaining as ever.

A Midsummer Night's Dream can be seen at the Calumet Theatre this Friday at 7:15 p.m., preceded by a royal buffet from the chefs at Calumet's Miscowaubik Club at 6 p.m. Cost for both movie and buffet, $18. Movie alone, $5. Children, reduced rates. To assure a seat at the buffet a call to the theatre should be made at least a day in advance: 337-2610.

Winter Family Fun Night at Nara Nature Center and Park to be Dec. 6

HOUGHTON -- What can you do with your family to celebrate winter and nature? Enjoy Winter Family Fun Night together making nature crafts for the holidays and taking a night hike at the Nara Nature Center and Park.

The event will take place from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 6. Nature craft and night hike activities will each be offered from 6 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. and again from 6:50 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Indoor activity: Families can make ornaments from birch bark and other natural materials to take home. Activity stations will be provided for K-6. All materials will be provided.

Outdoor activity: Naturalist-led moonlit hike on the Nara trails (on snowshoes, assuming there is snow!).

What to Bring: Child and adult snowshoes will be provided while supplies last. Families are encouraged to bring their own snowshoes, if they have them. Dress warmly!

The event is co-sponsored by: Western U.P. Math and Science Center and Michigan Tech Center for Science and Environmental Outreach.

Pre-registration is requested. Please contact Beth Squires, by phone: 487-3341 or email:eksquire@bhkfirst.org/mail

For more information contact Joan Chadde, Western U.P. Center for Science, Math and Environmental Education at Michigan Technological University, call: 906-487-3341 or email: jchadde@mtu.edu.

Sen. Carl Levin: Summary of Detainee Provisions in the Senate-passed Defense Authorization Act

Posted Friday, Dec. 2, 2011, as a press release on Sen. Carl Levin's Web site*

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued a summary today (Dec. 2, 2011) of detainee provisions approved Thursday by the Senate (part of Senate Bill 1867, National Defense Authorization Act):

"Because of the many questions that have been raised relating to the detainee provisions in the defense authorization bill, I felt it was important to provide this summary of the language approved by the Senate," Levin said. "I hope it will be a useful reference for those who are interested in this important issue."

Section 1031: Affirmation of Authority of the Armed Forces of the United States to Detain Covered Persons Pursuant to the Authorization for Use of Military Force.

• Section 1031 reaffirms the military’s existing authority to detain individuals captured in the course of hostilities in accordance with the law of war. The authority extends to any person who: (1) planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001; or (2) was part of or substantially supported al Qaeda, the Taliban, or associated forces in hostilities against the United States. This provision codifies detention authority that has been adopted by two Administrations, has been upheld in the courts, and has a centuries-long foundation in the law of war. An amendment adopted on the Senate floor by a 99-1 vote confirms that nothing in the provision "shall be construed to affect existing law or authorities relating to the detention of United States citizens, lawful resident aliens of the United States, or any other persons who are captured or arrested in the United States."
  

Section 1032: Requirement for Military Custody.

• Section 1032 provides that a narrowly-defined group of people -- foreign al Qaeda terrorists who participate in planning or conducting attacks against us -- shall be held in military custody. The provision is subject to waiver by the executive branch. The provision specifically exempts United States citizens. It also does not apply to lawful resident aliens inside the United States, except to the extent permitted by the Constitution. The procedures for determining who is covered by the provision are left up to the Executive Branch to establish. Those procedures are to include procedures for determining how and when persons determined to be subject to military custody would be transferred from civilian law enforcement to military officials, and to ensure that such determinations do not interfere with ongoing intelligence, surveillance, or interrogations. The provision expressly authorizes the transfer of detainees for trial in civilian courts. An amendment to strip out this transfer authority (which would have prohibited civilian trials for detainees) was defeated in the Senate Armed Services Committee by a bipartisan vote of 19-7.

Section 1033: Requirements for Certifications Relating to the Transfer of Detainees at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to Foreign Countries and other Foreign Entities.

• Section 1033 continues for another year conditions on the transfer of GITMO detainees to foreign countries which have a track record of being unable to prevent released detainees from returning to battle against us. The provision continues the requirement that the Secretary of Defense certify that appropriate steps have been taken to reduce the risk of renewed terrorist activities by detainees who are released. Section 1033 is less restrictive than provisions included in previously enacted legislation signed by President Obama, because it includes a new national security waiver.
  

Section 1034: Prohibition on Use of Funds to Construct or Modify Facilities in the United States to House Detainees Transferred from United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

• Section 1034 continues for another year the limitation that has been included in past authorization and appropriations Acts, precluding the use of DOD funds to build facilities inside the United States to house Guantanamo detainees. This provision does not require the closure of Guantanamo, it applies only to DOD funds, and it does not prohibit the use of Department of Justice funds that might be needed in connection with the transfer of a Guantanamo detainee for trial.
  

Section 1035: Procedures for Periodic Detention Review of Individuals Detained at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

• Section 1035 requires DOD to issue procedures implementing the Executive Order issued by the President earlier this year addressing ambiguities in the process for periodic status reviews established for Guantanamo detainees. The periodic reviews are to determine whether a detainee no longer represents a continuing threat to the security of the United States and therefore can be released from detention.

Section 1036: Procedures for Status Determinations.

• Section 1036 requires DOD to establish procedures for determining the status of detainees -- i.e., whether or not we have legal authority to detain them. These procedures include, for the first time, a military judge and a military lawyer for any detainee held in long-term military custody.
  

Section 1037: Clarification of Right to Plead Guilty in Trial of Capital Offense by Military Commission.

• Section 1037 clarifies the procedures for guilty pleas in trials by military commissions. The provision requires a separate trial on the penalty with a unanimous verdict needed to impose the death penalty. The Supreme Court has held that defendants in the federal courts have a right to plead guilty in capital cases. The omission of this provision would leave defendants in military commission cases without a similar right.
  

* Editor's Notes:

See also the Dec. 1, 2011, post on Sen. Levin's Web site: "Levin Floor Statement on Compromise Detainee Language in NDAA"

On Dec. 2, 2011, Sen. Levin also posted this press release: "Levin Announces Michigan-Related Projects in National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2012."

On Nov. 30, 2011, before the Senate passed this bill, an op-ed article by William Rivers Pitt on Truthout is critical of the detainee language in the bill and cites strong objections by Amnesty International, whose members call for President Obama to veto the bill if it comes to his desk. See "A Gut-Check Moment for Mr. Obama."

Updated: Backroom Boys to play music at Vertin Gallery Dec. 2

CALUMET -- As part of First Friday in Calumet, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. TONIGHT, Dec. 2, the Vertin Gallery will be bringing in the Backroom Boys to play some bayou-swing and swamp-jazz.

The Backroom Boys play a repertoire of favorite jazz, swing and more for both dancing and listening at the Omphale Gallery and Café Nov. 4, 2011, for last month's First Friday in Calumet. Tonight, Friday, Dec. 2, they will play for the art opening at the Vertin Gallery in downtown Calumet. Musicians are, from left, Oren Tikkanen, Matthew Durocher, Bob Norden, Randy Seppala, and John Munson. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

"It's an opening, and a Holiday Party, so stop by for art, music, and good cheer," says musician Oren Tikkanen. "Also, Café Rosetta is opening a month-long exhibit of selected photographs by Don Curto, the celebrated chef, writer and photographer -- swing on by and take a look."

The Vertin Gallery will host a Winter Juried Exhibit of a group of artists, opening Dec. 2, 2011, and continuing through Jan. 3, 2012.

Update: The Vertin Gallery exhibit features pieces from many Vertin artists working in a variety of media. Joyce Koskenmaki, Margo McCafferty, and Kerri Corser are among the artists whose work is on display. The reception is from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., offering a great selection of snacks and beverages.

Also, don't miss the Christmas Show art opening tonight at the Ed Gray Gallery on Fifth St., right across from Café Rosetta. This show continues through Jan. 3, 2012.

African Food at Dec. 2 Khana Khazana to fight famine

HOUGHTON -- A deadly combination of drought and rising food prices has left more than 10 million people in Africa facing famine. At Khana Khazana (food treasure) Friday, Dec. 2, the African Student Association at Michigan Tech will cook traditional African dishes to raise money to help the starving children in their homeland.

The menu features beef fried rice, grilled peanut butter chicken, couscous and samosa, a spicy stuffed pastry.

Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Michigan Tech Memorial Union Building Commons. A full meal costs $6 and includes a free coffee, hot tea or fountain soda. Individual entrees are available for $2 each.

Khana Khazana is a collaborative effort of Michigan Tech international students and Dining Services.

35th annual Poor Artists Sale to be Dec. 3 at CLK Gym, Calumet

CALUMET -- The 35th annual Poor Artists Sale will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, at the CLK Gymnasium in Calumet.

Artist Sue Stevens with her colorful scarves at the 2010 Poor Artists Sale. This year -- on Saturday, Dec. 3 -- more than 60 artists will exhibit their work for sale. (File photos by Keweenaw Now)

The Poor Artists Sale is hosted by the Copper Country Community Arts Council as a benefit for the Community Arts Center in Hancock. This year’s sale offers the work of more than 60 artists. Shoppers will find handmade jewelry and pottery, holiday wreaths, ornaments, baskets, wood art, glass, fiber arts, candles, photography and much more.

Keweenaw photographer Charlie Eshbach offers his photos of local landscapes and historical sites during the 2010 Poor Artists Sale.

Shop and visit with friends in a relaxing, social atmosphere, renew your Arts Council membership (or join for the first time) and enjoy homemade treats at the hospitality table.

Volunteers Sue Fouts, left, and Emily Newhouse serve hungry shoppers at the hospitality table during the 2010 Poor Artists Sale.

For more information stop by the Community Arts Center at 126 Quincy Street in Hancock or call 482-2333.

Copper Country Associated Artists to hold Open House on First Friday, Dec. 2

Quincy Shaft by Calumet artist Jerry Hammes, whose work is featured at the Copper Country Associated Artists Gallery in Calumet. Hammes will be at the Gallery on First Friday, Dec. 2, to autograph prints of his paintings, available for sale. (Photo courtesy Copper Country Associated Artists)

CALUMET -- Among the art gallery events during First Friday in Calumet, Dec. 2, will be an Open House at the Copper Country Associated Artists on Fifth Street.

CCAA members have been working like Santa’s little elves preparing decorations to brighten up your holiday season. From Dolly Luoma’s felted Penguins to Nancy McCabe’s fused glass Christmas trees, the studio will be stuffed to the brim with ornaments and treasures. Refreshments will be plentiful and tasty.

Best of all, Jerry Hammes, CCAA's featured artist for the winter months, will be at the studio from 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. to share recollections and autograph the prints of his paintings available for sale.

Winter hours at the CCAA studio are from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on First Fridays.

"Christmas in Calumet" begins Dec. 2 - 3 with family events

A horse-drawn wagon turns onto historic Fifth Street in front of the Keweenaw Heritage Center at St. Anne's during the 2010 Calumet holiday celebrations. The wagon rides are free again this year and will be part of "Christmas in Calumet" events between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3. (File photo © 2010 Joanne Thomas for Keweenaw Now)

CALUMET -- Main Street Calumet's "Christmas in Calumet" will begin this weekend with First Friday events on Friday, Dec. 2, and -- on Saturday, Dec. 3 -- with the arrival of Santa, free horse-drawn wagon rides, strolling carolers and musicians, the Poor Artists Sale and more.

Friday, Dec. 2, events:

On Friday, Dec. 2, festivities begin at 6 p.m. with the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Calumet Theatre Park. This will be followed by First Friday art gallery events and exhibits and shops and eateries open from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The women's chorus Noteworthy, the area's only choir specializing in barbershop music, will join in Calumet's First Friday celebrations by singing popular songs and traditional favorites in stores and galleries from approximately 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday. Everyone is invited to visit downtown Calumet to enjoy their four-part, a cappella harmonies.

Saturday, Dec. 3, events:

On Saturday, events for the whole family will follow this schedule:

11 a.m. -- Santa arrives downtown via horse-drawn wagon

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. -- Visits with Santa and free goodie bags, Rowe Furniture

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. -- Free horse-drawn wagon rides; holiday music by strolling musicians in various downtown locations; carolers tour the downtown; judging of the downtown window decorating contest; "Calumet Celebrates the Arts" gallery events, various locations, all day.

11 a.m. - 4 p.m. -- Poor Artists Sale at CLK Public Schools Gym.

Michigan Tech's Rail Transportation Program to host documentary film on Qinghai-Tibet Railway Dec. 1

HOUGHTON -- A year ago, Dr. Pasi Lautala traveled to the Tibetan Plateau in China to participate in a National Geographic documentary on the 1,000 kilometer Qinghai-Tibet Railway, an extraordinary feat of engineering that crosses some of the planet's toughest terrain at high altitude. In the film, Lautala follows the train’s route and looks at the structural solutions devised by China’s top engineers.

The Rail Transportation Program (RTP), a part of the Michigan Tech Transportation Institute (MTTI), and the Railroad Engineering and Activities Club (REAC) will show the film from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. TONIGHT, Dec. 1, in Fisher 139 on the Michigan Tech campus.

The film (50 minutes) and following discussion (including refreshments) are free of charge and open to the campus and community audience. More information can be found from this link:
http://theglobalherald.com/megastructures-extreme-railways-on-national-geographic-channel/16414/

Click here to read about the Rail Transportation Program at Michigan Tech.