Gluten-Free Recipe Exchange to meet Feb. 18 at Portage Library

HOUGHTON -- Regular meetings of the Gluten-Free Recipe Exchange are held on the 3rd Monday of each month, September through May, from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the Portage Lake District Library. The next meeting will be on Monday, Feb. 18, and everyone is invited to participate. Please note that the library will be closed on Monday for President’s Day, but that it will open for the Gluten-Free Recipe Exchange event.

Each month features a different type of food, and February’s meeting will focus on foods that are quick and easy to prepare. Participants are welcome to bring their favorite easy dish or snack for sampling and are encouraged to share their recipes. Copies of the recipes will be made at the library. Please list all ingredients used in making foods that are shared at these meetings and identify the brand names of the gluten-free ingredients. Bringing food is not a requirement for attendance.

Participants are also encouraged to bring their former favorite recipes that they want help converting to gluten-free. Help will be available.

The Gluten-Free Recipe Exchange is organized by and for those who are interested in or required to follow a gluten-free diet. Gluten-free eating requires the avoidance of all wheat, rye, barley, and oats. Most people find it challenging at first, but are excited to find recipes and foods that are fun and easy to make and tasty to eat. The Gluten-Free Recipe Exchange is an opportunity to share those great recipes and learn from others. Everyone who is interested in learning more about gluten-free eating is encouraged to attend.

This program is free and everyone is welcome. For more information, please call the library at 482-4570 or visit www.pldl.org.

Finnish American Heritage Center to host Prom Fashion Show Feb. 17

HANCOCK -- A Prom Fashion Show 2013 will be presented at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17, at at the Finlandia University Finnish American Heritage Center, Hancock.

Rosanna Chopps models one of the dresses that will be shown at the Prom Fashion Show, at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17, at the Finnish American Heritage Center, Hancock.(Photos courtesy Finlandia University)

The free, public fashion show is presented by Celebrations Bridal of Hancock and coordinated by Finlandia University fiber/fashion design senior Lauren Jarvinen as part of her diploma works project.

Garments modeled will include short and long prom dresses, ball gowns, and tuxedos of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Celebrations Bridal accessories, jewelry, and shoes will also be featured.

Rosanna Chopps models an elegant gold gown from Celebrations Bridal of Hancock. It will be part of the Prom Fashion Show tomorrow, Sunday, at the Finnish American Heritage Center in Hancock.

The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served and prizes awarded.

For more information, call Celebrations at 906-482-4946 or e-mail Lauren Jarvinen at lmjarvinen@fu.edu.

Video report: Presentation on wolves offers facts, petition signing opportunity

By Michele Bourdieu

HOUGHTON -- For Nancy Warren, wolves are part of the ecosystem where she lives in the Upper Peninsula. Cameras on her property capture images of wolves passing through the woods or even along the road nearby. She believes that humans can co-exist with wolves, just as they do with deer, birds, coyotes, bears and other wildlife. Thus, the title of her recent presentation at the Portage Lake District Library, "Co-Existing with Wolves," reflects her own experience and perception of the wolf as a fellow creature to be understood, not an enemy to be feared and hunted for sport.

Nancy Warren, Volunteer Speakers Bureau coordinator for the Timber Wolf Alliance (TWA) and National Wolfwatcher Coalition Great Lakes Regional director, presents "Co-Existing with Wolves" at the Portage Lake District Library on Feb. 9, 2013. She is projecting here a photo of a wolf taken near her driveway at home. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

"I live with my husband and two dogs near Ewen and have welcomed and adapted to having wolves and other wild animals frequent our property," Warren says.

Recent Michigan legislation, Public Act 520, which designates the wolf as a game animal, gives the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) the authority to schedule a hunting season for wolves. Several groups and individuals are now supporting a petition campaign to place a Referendum on PA 520 on the 2014 ballot in the hope of reversing the game animal status of wolves. A petition signing followed Warren's presentation.

Warren is National Wolfwatcher Coalition Great Lakes Regional director, but also serves as Volunteer Speakers Bureau coordinator for the Timber Wolf Alliance (TWA), based in Manitowish Waters, Wis. Her presentation at the Portage Library on Feb. 9, 2013, was offered as part of TWA's educational mission.

TWA is committed to investigating the facts and relies on the growing body of scientific research to dispel myths and unfounded fears associated with wolves, Warren says. She noted at the beginning of her presentation that TWA neither supports nor opposes a hunting season, but it does support "management decisions based on sound scientific
data."

In her introduction, Warren pointed out some of the myths and fears about wolves -- propagated through the media and signs:

Nancy Warren, Timber Wolf Alliance Volunteer Speakers Bureau coordinator and National Wolfwatcher Coalition Great Lakes Regional director, presents "Co-Existing

with Wolves" at the Portage Lake District Library in Houghton, Mich., Feb. 9, 2013. In this introduction, Warren talks about negative perceptions about wolves. (Video clips by Allan Baker for Keweenaw Now)

Warren explained that spreading these negative perceptions of wolves helps instill fear and leads to illegal killings. She gave statistics on livestock depredations by wolves, noting there were only 34 of these in the U.P. in 2012. She explained that farmers are compensated for loss of livestock and the present law allows farmers to use lethal means on a wolf that is attacking their animals.

Evald Salmi, a trapper and former farmer from Toivola, questioned the actual value of the state compensation for livestock depredation by wolves. (Photos by Allan Baker for Keweenaw Now, unless otherwise indicated)

In this video clip, Warren gives examples showing that human deaths caused by other animals -- from dogs to mosquitoes -- are more numerous than human deaths caused by wolves:

During her presentation, "Co-Existing with Wolves," at the Portage Lake District Library in Houghton, Mich., Nancy Warren shows statistics indicating wolf attacks on humans are extremely rare, compared to attacks by other animals -- including the mosquito -- that result in human deaths. She also explains how the present law helps farmers whose animals are killed by wolves.

Warren also spoke about the benefits from wolves, including improved vegetation in areas where wolves limit the deer population.

"Wolves can help deer become more healthy because they pick the sick animals," she added.

In this video clip Warren gives examples of ecotourism based on wolves that has helped not only Yellowstone National Park but a small town like Ely, Minn., home of the International Wolf Center that attracts tourists and provides jobs:

During her presentation at Portage Library, Nancy Warren talks about ecotourism and wolves, as well as non-lethal measures to help farmers keep wolves away from their property and their animals.

Warren continued with examples of simple rules to co-exist with wolves, such as vigilance to avoid pet deaths -- not letting dogs out loose at night where wolves are known to be present and not feeding wolves either directly or indirectly. Since wolves eat deer, it is not wise to feed deer near your property, she added.

"Do everything you can to avoid habituating wolves to humans," she said.

Warren also pointed out the current status of wolves in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan (including numbers killed in Minnesota and Wisconsin hunting seasons) and existing management plans for wolves that presently can resolve conflict without the need of a hunting season.

"What we have is management by legislation, not science," Warren said, concerning the legislation making the wolf a game animal:

In her conclusion Nancy Warren gives statistics on wolves in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota, noting human values will determine how people decide to manage wolves and whether they can co-exist with them.

Message from John Vucetich

Following Warren's presentation, Leah Vucetich, wildlife biologist, read a message from her husband, John Vucetich, Michigan Tech associate professor and co-director, with Rolf Peterson, of the Isle Royale Wolf-Moose study -- an argument for science in our co-existence with wolves.

"John tells us that scientific evidence does not suggest that wolves should be hunted in Michigan," Leah Vucetich said.

In this video clip, she reads the message from John, who was not able to be present because he is now on Isle Royale doing winter research:

Wildlife biologist Leah Vucetich reads a message from her husband, John Vucetich, in which he gives reasons why a general wolf hunt does not target an offending animal and is not based on scientific knowledge about wolves.

Petition signing follows presentation

Finally, Adam Robarge, Upper Peninsula coordinator for Keep Michigan Wolves Protected, explained the reason for the petition to request a Referendum on Michigan Public Act 520, which makes the wolf a game animal in Michigan. He invited the audience at the presentation on wolves to sign the petition.

In this video clip, Robarge explains the reason for the petition:

Adam Robarge, Upper Peninsula coordinator for Keep Michigan Wolves Protected, explains the group has until March 27, 2013, to collect a minimum of 161,000 signatures on a petition to put a Referendum on PA 520 on the 2014 ballot, though they are hoping to collect more than 220,000 signatures. 

Robarge noted signing the petition does not mean taking a position for or against a wolf hunting season. The purpose of the petition is merely to allow a Referendum for the people of Michigan to decide whether or not a wolf should be designated a game animal as it is in PA 520.

Robarge, who founded the Upper Peninsula Animal Liberation Defense in Marquette, says his group is assisting the Keep Michigan Wolves Protected petition campaign as the first in a number of projects they have planned concerning wildlife and domestic animal issues throughout the U.P.

Members of the audience at the Feb. 9 presentation on wolves at Portage Library sign the petition for a Referendum on PA 520.

Charlotte Loonsfoot, chairperson of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) Natural Resources Committee, has also been collecting signatures for the petition in Baraga County. She said she found the "Co-Existing with Wolves" presentation very informative.

"I thought it was great," Loonsfoot said. "Very informative. I learned a lot of things I didn't know -- for example, the statistics on wolves."

Loonsfoot will also be collecting signatures at the Lac Vieux Desert Pow wow March 9 and 10. Anyone who wishes to contact her about signing the petition can call her at (906) 235-4220.

Carolyn Peterson, wife of Rolf Peterson, who assists her husband with his research for the Wolf-Moose study on Isle Royale, decided to sign the petition after the presentation.

"It was great," she said. "I think it's a huge opportunity for education about wolves and what they do to and for their prey."

KBIC member John Loonsfoot said he once had a dog that he believed was a wolf.

"His name was Ranger. We never had to feed him when he became an adult," John Loonsfoot said. "I never had any problems with him. He was very good with kids. It was kind of like our family was his pack and he protected us."

John Loonsfoot is helping Charlotte Loonsfoot, his cousin, to collect signatures for the petition in Baraga County.

Nancie Lamb, also from KBIC, said there are wolves near her house but she is not afraid of them.

"KBIC people are culturally connected to the wolf," Lamb said. "In our culture the deer sacrifice their lives for the wolf."

Lamb said she had done a research paper on the wolf for one of her classes at Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College but this was the first informational session on the wolf that she has attended.

"I think it's important to have these to create awareness," she said.

Editor's Notes:

UPDATE:Volunteers will be at Babycakes Muffin Company in downtown Marquette Every Monday through the end of March from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m, to answer questions and will have petitions available to sign. For more information go here: http://www.facebook.com/events/568055889871693/.

For more information about Keep Michigan Wolves Protected and their petition campaign, visit their Web site.

See our Jan. 19, 2013, article, "KBIC Elder speaks against wolf hunt at DNR Citizens' Advisory Council meeting."

For more scientific information about wolves, especially in the Western U.S., see "What real public information about wolves looks like," posted Feb. 10, 2013, in The Wildlife News.

Lac Vieux Desert, Watersmeet community to hold Idle No More Spirit walk, youth fundraiser event Feb. 15

WATERSMEET, MICH. -- Come join the Lac Vieux Desert (LVD) and Watersmeet community in Idle No More Spirit walk, youth fundraiser, drumming services, and Round-dance on Friday, Feb. 15. The Spirit walk will start at 4:30 p.m. Central Time in Nordine's Plaza (located near the intersection of HWY 2 and HWY 45) and will end at the Lac Vieux Desert Rec center, UTC-06  (located near the Lac Vieux Desert Tribal offices).

After the Spirit walk there will be drumming services and presentations by guest speakers in the Lac Vieux Desert Rec center.

Lac Vieux Desert (LVD) youth join the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Idle No More walk in Baraga on Jan. 11, 2013. LVD will hold their own Spirit walk and youth fundraiser on Friday, Feb. 15, 2013, in Watersmeet, Mich. (Keweenaw Now file photo)

The Indian taco sale will start at 11 a.m. Central Time and Idle No More shirts will be sold throughout the day at the LVD Rec center. All proceeds will go to the LVD and Watersmeet youths' future Idle No More involvement and other youth activities.

Please come out and show your support for our future leaders and protection of our Mother earth.

"Injustice for one is injustice for all."

Everyone is welcome! If you are unable to join the Spirit walk meet the group at the LVD Rec center.

For more info on Idle No More, visit http://idlenomore.ca/

Backroom Boys to play for dancing, listening Feb. 15 at Copper Island Beach Club

HANCOCK -- A Happy St. Valentine's Day to all the sweethearts from the Backroom Boys. The original boys from the backroom -- Bob Norden, trombone; John Munson, clarinet, sax, piano; and Oren Tikkanen, banjo, etc. -- will be at the cozy and romantic Copper Island Beach Club on Fri, Feb 15, from 8 p.m. 'til 11 p.m. to play love songs for you and your sweetie in the old trad-jazz style. Come on down, bottom of Tezcuco Street in Hancock.

Chinese Night 2013 to offer feast, performance at Rozsa Feb. 15

HOUGHTON -- The Chinese Students and Scholars Association will host its gala Chinese Night on Friday, Feb. 15, celebrating with a feast and a traditional performance.

The New Year's Eve dinner is set for 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Memorial Union Commons. Seven delectable Chinese dishes will be served, including beef tomato, mushroom chicken and potato with ribs.

"Chinese Night 2013: Year of the Snake" begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Rozsa Center. The performance marks the Chinese Spring Festival, their most important holiday. Like Christmas in the West, it is a time of celebration when all family members get together.

Performers hail from many countries, including India, Thailand, Germany and, of course, China. Because this is the year of the snake, the show includes the traditional Chinese opera "The Legend of the Snake." It is one of four famous Chinese folk legends and tells the circuitous and graceful love story of a snake spirit, Lady White, and a mortal, Xu Xian.

Also on the program is "Thousand-Hand Guanyin," a well-known dance of China. Guanyin means "Observing the Sounds (or Cries) of the World." The Buddist goddess of compassion, Guanyin, has thousands of faces and hands. In this dance, 12 dancers will form her likeness on a lotus-shaped stage.

International students will present a skit, "MTU Friends," about an international friendship at Tech. In addition, the program includes songs and traditional dances.

"We are sincerely looking forward to sharing this wonderful night with you and your family," said members of the Chinese Students and Scholars Association.

Tickets (including dinner and show) are $15 for the public, $12 for students, $6 for children under 13 and free for CSSA members. Tickets may be purchased at http://rozsa.tickets.mtu.edu or at the Ticketing Operations in the SDC.

Sponsors of Chinese Night include the Undergraduate Student Government, Graduate Student Government, the Rozsa Center, Memorial Union Dining Services, I-club, Ming’s Asian Bistro, Super 8 Hotel, Cyberia Café, 5th and Elm Coffee House and the Blue Iris.

Celebrate Chinese New Year at Khana Khazana with Thai cuisine Feb. 15

HOUGHTON -- Khana Khazana will serve a Chinese New Year celebration lunch featuring Thai dishes on Friday, Feb. 15. Yuenyong "Ake" Nilsiam and Siranee "Ochin" Nuchitprasitchai, both computer engineering students, will cook chicken green curry; tod-mon-mhoo, a deep-fried ground pork cake served with fresh vegetables and a special dipping sauce; and pad-ka-prao goong, fried shrimp with basil and Thai pepper. A vegetarian alternative will be available.

The international lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Michigan Tech's Memorial Union Food Court. A full meal costs $6.95 and includes a free fountain beverage. Individual items are available for $2.50 each.

Khana Khazana is a collaboration between international students and Michigan Tech Dining Services.

From Wisconsin Citizens Media Cooperative: Ashland Listening Session sends strong message: "There Will Be No Mine"

By Barbara With and Rebecca Kemble

Posted Feb. 12, 2013, on Wisconsin Citizens Media Cooperative

Text reprinted in part with permission

A sign at the Feb. 9, 2013, Ashland Listening Session on SB1/AB1, the Wisconsin Republican mining bill. (Photo © and courtesy Rebecca Kemble. Reprinted with permission.)

ASHLAND, WIS. -- A microcosm of the global struggle for clean water and land played out in northern Wisconsin last weekend at a listening session held in Ashland concerning SB1/AB1, the new Republican-sponsored (Wisconsin) mining bill. Impassioned testimony on behalf of the water and Lake Superior was given for ten hours, with only five people speaking in favor of what could be the largest open pit mine in the world. (See this YouTube channel for video testimony of selected individuals, or IndianCountryTV.com YouTube channel for longer, more comprehensive coverage of the entire event.)

The testimony of nearly one hundred people revealed an overwhelming opposition to the bill, as well as a clear rejection of a proposed 21-mile long, 1,000 foot deep mountaintop removal iron ore mine in the headwaters of the Bad River watershed.

The listening session was opened by Idle No More drumming and dancing from members of the Bad River and Red Cliff bands of Lake Superior Chippewa. Esie Leoso Corbine, Edith Leoso and Denise McCutcheon-Cloud are seen dancing while band members drum. (Photo © and courtesy Rebecca Kemble. Reprinted with permission.)

Sponsored by Sen. Bob Jauch (D-Poplar) and Rep. Janet Bewley (D-Ashland), the session was also attended by Rep. John Lehman (D-Racine), Sen. Lena Taylor (D-Milwaukee),
Rep. Stephen Smith (D-Shell Lake), Rep. Nick Milroy (D-Superior), Sen. Tim Cullen (D-Janesville), Sen. Dale Schultz (R-New Richmond), Sen. Mark Miller (D-Monona), Sen. Jon Erpenbach (D-Middleton).

At the end of the Listening Session, Wisconsin legislators, from left -- Sen. Stephen Smith, Sen. Nick Milroy, Rep. Janet Bewley and Sen. Bob Jauch offer final comments. (Video clip by Rebecca Kemble. Republished with permission.) Click here for more videos of the Listening Session on YouTube.

Other than Schultz, Republican legislators boycotted the session, which many construed as a part of their continuing rejection of democratic process in favor of their corporate sponsors. Of the nearly $1 million in campaign donations to 20 Senate and Assembly mining committee members by interests backing mining deregulation, over $450,000 went to committee member Sen. Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) and $74,000 to committee chair Sen. Tom Tiffany (R-Hazelhurst).

Of the 265 people who registered at Saturday’s listening session, 240 were opposed to the bill, while only 25 registered in support, with 94 speaking against, and only five in favor. The pro-mining speakers spoke in favor of jobs, but when faced with the facts of the damage a mine would do, refused to acknowledge the scientific, historical and economic evidence that a mine will bring no benefit to anyone other than lawyers, the mining company and their cronies, and area medical facilities. ... Click here to read the rest of this article on the Wisconsin Citizens Media Cooperative Web site.

UPDATE: See also this article by Barbara With and Rebecca Kemble, posted Feb. 14, 2013: "Amidst Controversy, Superior Days Promotes Mining Legislation."

Community Art Center to hold Parade of Confections fundraiser Feb. 14

HANCOCK -- Looking for a special treat for Valentine's Day?  Dress up and come out for the annual Parade of Confections, where there will be a live auction of decadent gourmet desserts. The Parade of Confections is an annual fundraiser for the Copper Country Community Arts Center (CCCAC) in Hancock and will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 14, at the Michigan Tech Lakeshore Center, on the downtown Houghton waterfront, 600 E. Lakeshore Drive.

Event auctioneer Phil Musser, executive director of Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance (KEDA), will begin the live auction at 7 p.m. sharp. The evening will also include a silent auction of jewelry and art, live music by Mike Irish, and hors d'oeuvres. People may also bid on desserts individually or in groups.

The Copper Country Community Arts Center is a non profit arts organization dedicated to fostering an environment where the arts and people grow together. Tickets ($10 or 2/$15) may be purchased at the Arts Center or at the door. The CCCAC is located at 126 Quincy Street in Hancock.  Call 482-2333 for more information or visit www.facebook.com/CCCAC/events.

Save the Wild UP to launch concert series with "For the Love of Land" event Feb. 16

MARQUETTE --  Save the Wild U.P. (SWUP) is launching a new concert series, "For the Love of Land." The first concert will debut at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16, at the Women’s Federated Clubhouse in Marquette. Munising-based pianist Charles Neville will perform stunning original scores inspired by birdsong, and local group The Door Cats will sing harmonized love songs dedicated to the great northwoods. Tickets are $14 in advance and can be purchased at savethewildup.org.

Over two dozen local businesses and artists are sponsoring this event with Save the Wild U.P. to provide free door prizes and a silent auction, including artists' work, to raise funds for SWUP’s new programs. A tempting array of hors d'oeuvres, beverages, and wine will be served.

"This is an excellent opportunity to show your love for the wild U.P. while helping fund our outreach and education so we can continue to expand across the U.P.," says SWUP President Margaret Comfort. "Meanwhile, our 'For the Love of Land' concert series is a great way for us at Save the Wild U.P. to show our support for the community we love so much, including the local businesses who contribute sustainable jobs while adding to our unique culture."

Executive Director Alexandra Thebert will introduce SWUP’s 2013 new programming.  Thebert, a third generation Yooper, who joined SWUP at the beginning of the year after returning to the area, was featured recently on Doug Garrison's show. She spoke about SWUP's new online outreach, coming photo contest and "Keeeping it Wild" campaign as well as this Feb. 16 event.*

"It’s already proving to be an exciting year with many talks, contests, and outdoor events planned," Thebert says, "but you’ll have to come out on the 16th to hear more!"

Just today, on Facebook, Thebert reported tickets are close to being sold out. It's best to buy them on line at savethewildup.org.

"We are thrilled by this outpouring of community support," says SWUP Vice President Kathleen Heideman. "Between our local business sponsors and artists, we have dozens of prizes and silent auction items from across the U.P. including gift certificates, growlers, pottery, paintings, books, and more. There will truly be something for everyone."

Save the Wild U.P. would like to thank the following sponsors:
Dead River Coffee, Fly By Night Ice Cream, Joy Center, Huron Earth Deli, Snowbound Books, Everyday Wines, Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve, Super One Foods in Negaunee, Marquette Food Co-Op, Tadych’s Econofoods, Blackrocks Brewery, Switchback Gear Exchange And Outfitter, Smokehouse Glenn’s Northern Meats, Keweenaw Gold Honey, Irontown Pasties, Huron Mountain Bakery, Ore Dock Brewery, Sweet Water Cafe, Crazy Joe’s Salsa (L’Anse, Mich.), SoulsShine (Hudson, Wis.)

Save the Wild U.P. is a grassroots environmental organization dedicated to the preservation of the Upper Peninsula’s unique cultural and natural resources. For more information, email info@savethewildup.org, call (906) 228-4444 or visit their Web site:
savethewildup.org.

* Click here to see Doug Garrison's interview with Alexandra Thebert on YouTube (from about 3 min. 50 sec. into the program to about 10 minutes).

Center for Diversity and Inclusion to sponsor cancer benefit, Black History Month events

HOUGHTON -- Michigan Tech's Center for Diversity and Inclusion is sponsoring several events on campus this month: a Bra Show fundraiser for the National Breast Cancer Foundation and -- for Black History Month -- a guest speaker, a film showing and a readers' theater presentation.

The Society of Intellectual Sisters (SIS) will host a Bra Workshop from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb 13, in Fisher 101 in preparation for their annual Bra Show fundraiser for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Workshop attendees will design bras for the Bra Show to be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, March 1, in the Forestry Atrium. All supplies for bra making will be provided.

The Bra Show is an annual event hosted by the Society of Intellectual Sisters, a Michigan Tech student organization. During the show, male students model bras designed by Michigan Tech students (some bras are designed by individual students and some by student organizations). Since the show is a fundraiser for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, donations are collected at the door. SIS hosts two bra-making workshops leading up to the event. The second and final Bra Workshop will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 21, in Fisher 125. Again all supplies for bra making and decorating will be provided.

Each year there is a different theme for the show, so designers are asked to come up with something to fit the theme. This year’s theme is Seven Wonders of the World. For more info, visit http://diversitycenter.mtu.edu/BraShow13Workshop.pdf.

Black History Month events

Black History Month guest speaker Stefanie Brown James will present "We Are Who We’ve Been Waiting For!" from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 14, in the Rozsa Gallery.

James has dedicated her life to empowering people to organize and advocate for justice and equality in their communities. Most recently James served as the national African American vote director for the 2012 Obama for America Campaign and as the national director of the NAACP Youth and College Division representing 23,000 youth under the age of 25 around the country. Her presentation is intended to inspire youth to stand up and continue the fight for freedom and justice in this world.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information contact the Center for Diversity and Inclusion at 487-2920 or e-mail Kellie Raffaelli at kraffael@mtu.edu.

The Black Student Association will host a film screening of Freedom Riders at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 21, in Fisher 135. Free admission and concessions. For more info, visit http://diversitycenter.mtu.edu/freedom.pdf.

The final event of Black History Month will be a Readers Theater presentation of "Black History Month: Activism Them and Now" from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, in Fisher 135.

Genealogical Society to meet Feb. 12 at Portage Library

HOUGHTON -- The Houghton-Keweenaw County Genealogical Society will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, at the Portage Lake District Library, in Houghton. The group project to commemorate the victims of the Italian Hall Disaster will be discussed. The meeting is open to the public. For further information, call 482-4021, or email HKCGSociety@gmail.com.

From Wisconsin Citizens Media Cooperative: Hearing Records show overwhelming opposition to Wisconsin Mining Bill

By Barbara With*
Posted Feb. 11, 2013, on Wisconsin Citizens Media Cooperative

MADISON, WIS. -- Almost three weeks after the only public hearing was held on controversial (Wisconsin) mining bill SB1/AB1, the chairs of the legislative committees charged with vetting it  have yet to release the results. Neither Sen. Tom Tiffany (R-Hazelhurst) nor Rep. Mary Williams (R-Medford) has publicly announced information on testimony presented at the January 23, 2013, hearing.**

However, Wisconsin Citizens Media Cooperative (WCMC) obtained a copy of the final tally of public appearances through the office of Rep. Evan Goyeke (D-Milwaukee) which reveals overwhelming opposition to the bill. Of the 976 people who registered or testified at the hearing in Madison, 149 did so in support of the bill, while 815 people opposed it, with 12 listed as "for information only."...

Click here to read the rest of this article, including the transcript of WCMC's phone call to Sen. Tiffany's office requesting official records of the hearing ...

* Citizen journalist Barbara With is pictured above, left, testifying at the Jan. 23, 2013, public hearing in Madison on the proposed Wisconsin mining bill. (Photo © and courtesy Rebecca Kemble) 

** See our Jan. 31, 2013, article, "Articles, videos report testimonies at 12-hour Jan. 23 hearing on Wisconsin mining bill," posted with help from other WCMC reporters.

Rozsa Center to present "As You Like It" by The Acting Company Feb. 12

HOUGHTON -- "All the World's a Stage" is the most popular line from one of Shakespeare's most-loved fairy tales, As You Like It, which comes to the Rozsa Center just in time for Valentine's Day.

A scene with Chris Thorn and two other actors in The Acting Company/Guthrie Theater  production of As You Like It. (Photo by Heidi Bohnencamp and courtesy Rozsa Center)

The Acting Company presents As You Like It at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 12, at the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts in Houghton.

Directed by Dan Rothenberg, this production makes this fanciful, romantic comedy accessible for all ages, from high school students reading Shakespeare for the first time to older generations well versed in the classics.

As You Like It is a metaphor of love: its power, madness, danger, humor and reflection. On one level, it is a diverting amusement. On a deeper level, it is a journey of discovery in which the characters gain knowledge of themselves and the world.

Actors Joseph Midyett and Elizabeth Stallman play the leads, Orlando and Rosalind, and the play follows its heroine, Rosalind, as she flees persecution in her uncle's court, accompanied by her cousin Celia and Touchstone the court jester, to find safety and eventually love in the Forest of Arden.

Since its founding by the legendary John Houseman and Margot Harley in 1972, The Acting Company has launched the careers of some of today’s finest actors -- Kevin Kline,
Rainn Wilson, Patti LuPone, Jeffrey Wright, Frances Conroy, Jesse L. Martin to name a few -- while performing 137 productions all across the country.

This performance is sponsored in part by UPPCO, Minnesota Public Radio, the James and Margaret Black Endowment, and support from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.

Tickets are $26.75 for adults, $24.75 for seniors and $22.75 for Michigan Tech students. To purchase tickets, call 487-2073, go online at Rozsa, or visit Ticketing Operations at the SDC. 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. on Sunday. Please note the Rozsa Box Office is closed during regular business hours and will only open two hours prior to show times. 

Local Ski Clubs sponsor events Feb. 11, 16

HANCOCK -- Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club (KNSC) is sponsoring a pine tar clinic for wood ski enthusiasts from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. TONIGHT, Monday, Feb. 11, at the Hancock Chalet. Open to all. Bring your wood skis -- KNSC supplies the rest. If you have a small propane torch, please bring it. Questions?? Call Jay Green at 906-487-5411 or email jbgreen45@charter.net.

Retro Ski Fest at Churning Rapids Feb. 16

Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club and Keweenaw Land Trust (KLT) will sponsor the Retro Ski Fest (RSF) from noon to 3 p.m. this Saturday, Feb. 16, at the Triangle in Churning Rapids. It's just a fun gathering with chili, a fire, a lavvu and camaraderie. If skiers have wood skis, bamboo poles, knickers or wool clothing, they are encouraged to use them.

A back-country tour will start at 1:30 p.m. and will be adjusted to the group's fitness/ability level. It will be old-time touring, that is, breaking trail in da woods; but fear not -- the lead breaker will be rotated frequently. No fees but donations are welcome and will be split 50/50 between the Keweenaw Community Foundation's Cross Country Ski Endowment and KLT's Land Stewardship Fund.

A heads-up on numbers would be appreciated so there is enough chili for everyone. Please call Jay at 906.487-5411 or email him at jbgreen45@charter.net to let him know the number of skiers in your party. Click here for more information.

The Triangle is at the junction of trails 3, 4, and 10 on maps dated 12/12 or trails 3 and 10 on all other maps. The nearest trailhead is Tomasi Rd. about 3K from the Triangle and the next closest is Christensen Rd at about 4K (take trail 16 and turn right onto 10).

There is a pair of 1950 green army wool pants with lots of pockets at Goodwill; if you can't find them contact Jay Green and he can direct you.

Ski for the Key (formerly Ski for Heart) at Swedetown Trails Feb. 16

Just  a reminder SKI FOR THE KEY (formerly SKI FOR HEART) -- a fund raiser for Omega House and Swedetown Trails Club (formerly CICCSC)) will take place Saturday, Feb. 16, at Swedetown Trails.

"You should be able to do that in the AM - enjoy the KEWEENAW CO-OP chili and corn bread and still have lots of time for a nap before going to RSF at Churning Rapids," says Jay Green, KNSC president.

Ski for the Key will benefit two Keweenaw organizations: Omega House, which provides residential hospice care, and the Swedetown Trails Club, responsible for maintaining the Swedetown ski and mountain bike trails in Calumet. Though the name has changed, the format of the event remains the same: participants will collect pledges in advance of the event for each kilometer skied or snow-shoed between 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16. Participants raising more than $50 will receive a beautiful cotton long-sleeved t-shirt. Prizes will be awarded to participants who raise the most money and who ski the most kilometers. Registration 8:30 a.m. Feb 16 at Swedetown Chalet. See the Ski for the Key website for registration forms and complete information.*

* Note: If you are not able to do Ski for the Key on Feb. 16, you may select this option:
• Choose one day during the week of February 11 - 15 to ski or snowshoe
• Ski or snowshoe for up to 5 consecutive hours on a single day
• Record the date, time and distance on your collection envelope and turn it into your team captain.