Senior Project Fresh offers coupons to eligible seniors for fresh produce, herbs, honey at farmer's markets

HANCOCK -- Again in 2013, the Michigan State University Extension, Houghton and Keweenaw Counties, in conjunction with the Portage Health Senior Meal Program and Michigan Department on Aging, is distributing -- to eligible senior citizens -- coupons to be used at farmer's markets for fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, honey and wheatberries.

Gustavo Bourdieu sells his honey at the Tori in Hancock. Honey is among the fresh food items eligible for Senior Project Fresh coupons. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

Any senior at least 60 years of age from either county who meets the income requirements is eligible to receive a voucher packet of coupons totaling $20. In addition, seniors will receive a short nutrition lesson.

For Houghton County, the coupons will be distributed between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. next Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2013, at the Houghton County MSU Extension office at the Fairgrounds in Hancock. Coupons are on first come, first serve basis and limited amounts are available.

Seniors from Calumet and from Keweenaw County who have not yet received coupons may contact Kathie Preiss, SNAP ED Program Instructor for Ontonagon County MSU
Extension, by emailing her at preissk@anr.msu.edu or by leaving a message for her at the Houghton County MSU Extension Office at 906-482-5830.

John Lennington of Lake Linden offers a variety of fresh vegetables for sale at the Tori in Hancock. (Keweenaw Now file photo)

For eligible senior vendors at the Hancock Tori Market, Kathie Preiss will be available at the Tori from 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. next Wednesday, Aug. 7, to distribute coupons.

The coupons can be used as cash at participating farmers' markets, but vendors cannot give change for them. Coupons can be combined with cash for purchasing eligible items. The coupons expire Oct. 31, 2013, though some markets may not be open until that date.

At the Hughes Farm near Calumet, neat rows of vegetables and a large greenhouse for extending the season are evidence of the farm's successful production of authentic local food. Senior Project Fresh coupons can be used to purchase fresh produce at the Hughes Farm. (Keweenaw Now file photo)

Here is a list of the 2013 local participating farmer's markets for Houghton and Keweenaw counties:

1. Gierke Blueberry Farm -- 37915 Klingville Rd., Chassell, 523-6112. You pick only ... Call first.

2. Tori Market, Hancock (front lawn of former Hancock Middle School) -- Open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays, June through September. Call Sandy at 337-1391 for information.

3. Main Street Calumet Farmer's Market -- Local produce. Open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays from July 1 through Oct. 14. Contact David Rheault at 370-0028. Located in Agassiz Park in good weather. Otherwise inside the lobby of the Merchants and Miners Building, 200 Fifth St. (corner of Fifth and Portland Streets).

4. Wooden Spoon -- U.S. 41 Mohawk (Keweenaw County) 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Bruce Beaudoin, 337-2435.

5. Osma Acres Farm -- 53464 Osma Plat Road, Houghton (Past Oscar on Houghton Canal Road). After Aug. 1: green beans, greens, squash, corn. 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Mon. - Fri. Contact Bill or Judith Lell: 483-0586 or 281-4949. NOTE: Does not use insecticides.

6. Hughes Organic Farm -- 53206 Golf Course Rd., Calumet. 337-5185. Open end of July.

7. Lake Linden Farmer's Market -- 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturdays. Starts July 7 through early October. Ed Fisher, 296-9141. Located at Village Park, M-26 Lake Linden.

Click here for more information about Project Fresh.

Karen Oppliger to perform folk music at "Music on the Menu" Aug. 2

HOUGHTON -- The Portage Lake District Library invites everyone to bring a lunch and enjoy "Music on the Menu," an outdoor series of events held on the dock outside the
library.

Karen Oppliger will perform folk music from the 1970s through today from noon to 1 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 2. Her performance includes songs by Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, James Taylor, Fleetwood Mac and more.

Everyone is invited to eat, relax, and enjoy the lunch hour while listening to some great music. In case of bad weather, the program will be held in the community room.

This event is part of the library’s Summer Reading Program and is free and open to all. For more information, please call the library at 482-4570 or visit www.pldl.org.

Calumet's First Friday, Aug. 2, to feature art exhibits, book signing, receptions, more ...

CALUMET -- Calumet's art galleries offer new exhibits, an art demonstration, a book signing, music and receptions with artists this First Friday, Aug. 2.

Art in Nature Show at Paige Wiard Gallery

Leather and natural stones by artist Dick Davis of Traverse City, Mich. Davis will demonstrate his art during the First Friday reception at the Paige Wiard Gallery Aug. 2. (Photo courtesy Paige Wiard Gallery)

The Paige Wiard Gallery will celebrate art in nature this month through the creations of our own Michigan artists. The Art in Nature Show allows artists working in all and any medium an opportunity to display and exhibit their creations to audiences who share a passion for nature.

"We are lucky enough to live in one of the most beautiful areas in the country and to have artists that are able to capture the beauty of this wondrous place," notes Paige Wiard, gallery owner. "Dick Davis from Traverse City will be visiting the gallery and demonstrating how leather and natural stones are used to create beautiful and fun bracelets."

An opening reception will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 2 at the Paige Wiard Gallery (formerly Ziyad and Co.), 109 5th Street, Calumet. If you have any questions call 906-335-5970 or email paigewiardgallery@gmail.com.

Copper Country Associated Artists to honor Jan Manniko and host Steve Brimm book signing

First Friday, Aug. 2, in Calumet is in honor of Jan Manniko who, along with her husband, Tom, was a dear friend to the Arts in Calumet. Her artwork will be featured at most of the galleries, alongside the special featured artists who have openings this month.*

Photography by Steve Brimm. (Photo courtesy Copper Country Associated Artists)

Also, at the Copper Country Associated Artists (CCAA) Gallery, Steve Brimm will be signing his new book, Copper Harbor -- Michigan's Northern Most Outpost. He has been photographing the environs of the Copper Harbor area for 20 years and is considered to be one of the top nature photographers in the Lake Superior region. He will be at the CCAA gallery from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. on First Friday. For more information, please call 906-337-1252.

Galerie Bohème to exhibit work by Margo McCafferty Rudd

Rudders, by Margo McCafferty Rudd. Mixed media on paper. (Image courtesy Galerie Bohème)

From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on First Friday, Aug. 2, Galerie Bohème will host an opening reception for Margo McCafferty Rudd and the exhibit of her exquisite new works on paper and Herculene.

"So come on UP, down, over, join us and friends for a cup of something -- and the usual assortment of cheese, bread, etc. -- and you may find out what Herculene is," says Galerie Bohème host Tom Rudd.

This exhibit will continue through Sept. 4, 2013. Galerie Bohème is at 423 Fifth Street, Calumet. For more information call Tom Rudd at 906-369-4087.

Omphale Gallery and Café to feature art, music

While you're at the top of Fifth Street, stop in at the Omphale Gallery and Café, 431 Fifth Street from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. First Friday for coffee, gourmet treats and a new exhibit, "Inspired by Color: New Work by jd slack and Terry Daulton."

Recording artist Sig Paulson will provide music. For more information visit the Omphale Gallery and Café on Facebook.

UPDATE: Calumet Art Center to offer open studio

The Calumet Art Center at 57055 Fifth Street will be open from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for First Friday in Calumet.

Create your own one-of-a-kind clay mandala. Find your inspiration while touring the center and open studio featuring looms of all types, lamp work bead station, library and writing studio and the clay studio where artists are gearing up for the Empty Bowls Project.

* Editor's Note: Click here to read about artist Jan Manniko, who passed away July 17, 2013.

Save the Wild U.P.: "Nonprofit" jointly created by regulators and industry execs heads to court Aug. 1

[Editor's Note: Save the Wild U.P. sent this press release today, July 31, 2013]

This "State Warehouse" building at the former K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base, near the Upper Peninsula Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) office outside Marquette, serves as a core shed for the nonprofit Northern Michigan Geologic Repository Association (NMGRA). (File photos © Sally Western and courtesy Save the Wild U.P.)

MARQUETTE -- On Thursday, Aug. 1, a nonprofit corporation set up by Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) regulators and mining industry executives, the Northern Michigan Geologic Repository Association (NMGRA), will appear in Circuit Court in Marquette claiming that it is not a public body and therefore is not subject to public scrutiny under the Freedom of Information Act in response to requests for financial information.

In 2008 high-ranking State officials directly charged with enforcing mining safety and environmental regulations formed the Northern Michigan Geologic Repository Association as a ‘non-profit’ corporation while Rio Tinto was in the process of planning and constructing Eagle Mine. The NMGRA Board of Directors features Rio Tinto and Bitterroot Resources mining executives in addition to DEQ officials.

The Northern Michigan Geologic Repository Association is intended to fund and operate a "core shed" -- a warehouse dedicated to storing mineral core samples -- which is a function of the Office of Geologic Survey according to Michigan law. As a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, the contributions the Northern Michigan Geologic Repository received from individuals and corporations, including over $32,000 from Rio Tinto in 2012, are fully tax-deductible.

On June 8, 2013, Save the Wild U.P. joined with Concerned Citizens of Big Bay and others calling for a federal corruption investigation of the mining industry and Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.*

Demonstrating for access to information near the Upper Peninsula MDEQ office on June 8, 2013, are, from left, Jana Mathieu, attorney; Jeffery Loman, KBIC member and former federal regulator, Kathleen Heideman, Save the Wild U.P. board vice president; and Gene Champagne of Concerned Citizens of Big Bay.

"It’s in the best interests of Michigan taxpayers and workers that state regulators are doing their jobs of watching the mining industry, not holding hands with its executives. That is why we are also calling for a federal investigation of this so-called nonprofit," said Margaret Comfort, president of Save the Wild U.P.

While Rio Tinto executives assisted in the formation of the NMGRA with state regulators, Rio Tinto constructed a 10 megawatt substation -- 400 percent of the power previously existing in Big Bay -- to electrify a core shed adjacent to the Eagle Mine site. Once the power infrastructure had been installed, the core shed was removed and Eagle Mine permit was granted a minor modification without due process or public participation.**

Citizens are invited to attend the hearing at the Circuit Court House at 234 W. Baraga Ave. in Marquette at 10:30 a.m. this Thursday, Aug. 1, to better understand the NMGRA. More information is available by writing info@savethewildup.org or by calling (906) 662-9987.

Jana Mathieu, the attorney suing NMGRA to disclose their financial information, said, "The murky facts surrounding the Northern Michigan Geologic Repository Association exemplify the need for the Freedom of Information Act and the purpose for which it was enacted: to shine a light on the actions of government officials which directly impact the citizens whom they purport to represent."

Local attorney Michelle Halley, who challenged the Eagle Mine’s permits in court, says the public deserves to better understand the NMGRA’s funding.

"The MDEQ's partnership with corporations demonstrates its inappropriate relationship with the mining industry. The MDEQ's motto of ‘the industry is our customer and we trust them’ is plain wrong. MDEQ's job is to regulate the industry, not form partnerships with them -- they've got it wrong, again," said Halley.

Kathleen Heideman, Save the Wild U.P. vice president, noted a connection between potential pollution from the Eagle Mine and the secrecy surrounding the core samples.

"It can't be overstressed how valuable these rock core samples are -- to both the mining industry and the State of Michigan," Heideman said. "The cores are key to understanding thesafety of the proposed mine, the valuation of the proposed mine, and the toxic cocktail of heavy metals that will soon be raining down on Marquette County when the mine's exhaust vent stack begins spewing unfiltered mining dust into our clean air. Further, as the TWIS (Treated Wastewater Infiltration System) is currently permitted, Eagle Mine will discharge over 500,000 gallons of water that will flow into the East Branch of the Salmon Trout River. That's why, from the beginning, public access to information has been denied and the core samples have been kept from scrutiny."***

Jeffery Loman, former federal oil regulator and Keweenaw Bay Indian Community tribal member, noted, "The collaboration with mining executives for the creation of a non-profit in order to accomplish state mandates by a high level state of Michigan manager is classic regulatory capture: when an agency is captured to operate for the benefit of a private entity and no longer functions in the state’s best interests. We must end this regulatory fiasco."

Gene Champagne of Concerned Citizens of Big Bay (CCBB), a grassroots group which has been active in monitoring regulatory oversight of Part 632, the legislation governing non-ferrous mining in Michigan, recalled CCBB's own administrative law case over Rio Tinto's power infrastructure (mentioned above).

"I find it interesting that NMGRA would bring in the same high-powered downstate law firm on a simple Freedom of Information Act issue that Rio Tinto hired to run interference for the MDEQ in the Concerned Citizens of Big Bay's administrative law case over the permitting of electric lines for Eagle Mine," Champagne said. "It almost makes you think they have something to hide."**

Save the Wild U.P. is a grassroots environmental organization dedicated to the preservation of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan’s unique cultural and environmental resources.  For more information about their work, visit their Web site at savethewildup.org.

Editor's Notes:

* See our June 18, 2013, article, "Citizens demand federal investigation of collusion between state regulators and mining industry."

** Read more about the contested case by Concerned Citizens of Big Bay against Rio Tinto/Kennecott over permitting the power infrastructure at the Eagle Mine in our Feb. 22, 2011, article, "Concerned citizens file contested case: Kennecott Eagle Mine."

*** The Environmental Protection Agency, in 2010, agreed that a federal permit was not needed for the TWIS at the Eagle Mine. See our July 2, 2010, article, "EPA: Federal permit not required for Kennecott wastewater infiltration system."

Bad River Tribal Chair Mike Wiggins, Dollar Bay students win Lake Superior Binational Forum Stewardship awards

ASHLAND, Wis. -- Bad River Tribal Chair Mike Wiggins was recently awarded the Lake Superior Binational Forum’s Environmental Stewardship Award in the category of U.S. Adult, while students from Dollar Bay High School’s Student Organization for Aquatic Robotics (SOAR) received the Youth Award.

Bad River Tribe's Mike Wiggins collaborates for water quality protection

Bad River Tribal Chairman Mike Wiggins displays the Lake Superior Binational Forum’s Environmental Stewardship Award, which he received recently at the Big Top Chautauqua, near Bayfield, Wis. (Photo courtesy Northland College)

"Mr. Wiggins represents the best in sustainable practices by an adult in stewarding the health of Lake Superior this past year," said Lissa Radke, coordinator of the Lake Superior Binational Forum, headquartered at the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute at Northland College in Ashland, Wis.

Wiggins received high marks from judges in the category of U.S. adult for his collaborative relationships with tribal and nontribal individuals and groups across Wisconsin to try and protect the high quality of water on and off reservation, Radke noted.

"Mike’s role as champion for Lake Superior, the Kakagon and Bad River Sloughs and the rivers and streams of the Bad River Watershed inspired many people across Wisconsin to become active in water issues and actions," Radke said.

Mike Wiggins, Bad River Tribal chairman, talks about the importance of water quality and the need for dialogue with Wisconsin legislators in his speech at the March 23, 2012, Binational Forum, "Mining Impacts and Lake Superior: A Basinwide Approach," which centered on ferrous mining in the Lake Superior Basin. (File photo by Keweenaw Now)*

Wiggins has been a well-known voice and bridge-builder in his opposition of a proposed taconite mine in the Penokee Mountains, located off-reservation but upstream from the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians Reservation.

"Mike helped develop collaborative relationships with tribal and nontribal individuals and groups across Wisconsin to try to protect the high quality of water on and off reservation," Radke said of the judges’ comments.

Wiggins' influence extends beyond Wisconsin, according to Jessica Koski, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) mining technical assistant.

"Wiggins has not only served as an incredible powerful voice and leader for his local community and waterways, but also as an important regional tribal leader recognizing the cumulative mining threat presently facing Lake Superior and tribal homelands throughout Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota," Koski said.

In May of 2012, Wiggins shared inspiration and support to mining issues in Michigan by serving as Keynote Speaker at a Tribal Mining Forum at Keweenaw Bay in Baraga, Mich.

Mike Wiggins was the featured guest speaker at the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) Tribal Mining Forum in May 2012. Here, after speaking at the forum, he joins Jessica Koski, KBIC mining technical assistant, right, along with Philomena Kebec, left, Bad River Tribal member, and Shelly Parisien, second from left, also of Bad River, for a tour of the Sand Point stamp sand renovation project on Keweenaw Bay in Baraga, Michigan. (File photo by Keweenaw Now)

Dollar Bay students receive Youth Award for marine robots that detect invasive species

In 2009, invasive zebra mussels were documented in Isle Royale National Park for the first time. In 2011, students from the Dollar Bay High School’s Student Organization for Aquatic Robotics (SOAR), began working with park staff to develop and build remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) designed to monitor and inspect docks and boat hulls at the park’s two major visitor portals. These innovative ROVs also serve as ‘ambassadors’ that engage visitors in discussion about invasive species impacts.

Here are some video clips from a presentation the Dollar Bay students, with their science teacher Matt Zimmer, gave to children at Portage Lake District Library in Houghton, Mich., in May 2012, just before the students took their ROVs to Isle Royale.

Outside the Portage Library, following a children's activity on invasive species by Valerie Martin, Isle Royale National Park ranger, Dollar Bay High School student Victoria Kangas shows children how to use a remote control with a computer monitor to operate the robots, which are in a water tank several feet away. The object is to get the robot to pick up an item from the bottom of the water tank. On Isle Royale the ROV would be used to detect zebra mussels. (Video by Keweenaw Now)**

Through a Marine Robotics course offered at the High School, students engineered a functional ROV that can be used under or above water to spot mussels. Despite demanding deadlines, frequent technical failures, and frustrating setbacks, these students were responsible for successfully completing every project task -- design, engineering, onsite testing, budget decisions, tools procurement, outreach, and media relations. Over 1,000 hours of work went into the project, and the students have pledged a long-term commitment to continue to improve and refine the ROVs based on feedback from park staff.

As part of a presentation at the Portage Lake District Library in Houghton, Mich., in May 2012, Dollar Bay student Justin Rogan explains to parents and children some parts of the ROV destined for Isle Royale. (Video by Keweenaw Now)**

The ROVs have saved time and money for the park since rangers do not have to do as many dives to search for invasive species. This "early warning system" that allows for frequent monitoring of docks is crucial for detecting invasives. The success of the SOAR team ROVs has led to their now being developed to have the capability to inspect the hulls of recreational and commercial vessels.**

The Forum recognized 14 individuals, business, municipalities, organizations and youth groups this year around Lake Superior for exemplary acts of stewardship in Canada and the United States, Radke said. This is the 10th year the 22-year-old Forum has given environmental stewardship awards.

A binational panel of judges chose recipients that have demonstrated they have taken successful or innovative actions that minimize or eliminate negative impacts on natural environments in the Lake Superior basin, Radke explained.***

The Lake Superior Binational Forum for 22 years has been headquartered at the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute at Northland College, a traditional liberal arts and science college with a unique focus on the environment and sustainability, located in Ashland, Wis., near the shores of Lake Superior. The College is broadly recognized as a leader in sustainability education having adopted the focus as its mission in 1971. Founded in 1892, Northland now enrolls 600 students from across the nation and across the world.****

Notes:

* Click here for the Binational Forum video of Mike Wiggins' speech at the March 23, 2012, meeting in Ashland.

** See the May 28, 2012, Keweenaw Now article, "Updated: High school robotics project to help Isle Royale staff monitor invasive species."

*** Click here to read about all the 2013 awards.

**** Visit the Lake Superior Binational Forum Web site for more information about their work.

"Summertime and the Livin' is Easy" annual benefit recital for Omega House to be July 30

Local musical artists will present the 7th annual "Summertime and the Livin’ is Easy" Omega House benefit recital at 7 p.m. this Tuesday, July 30, at Saints Peter and Paul Lutheran Church in Houghton. Click on poster for larger version. (Poster courtesy Lara Neves)

HOUGHTON -- The 7th annual "Summertime and the Livin’ is Easy" -- an annual gathering of local musical artists who blend their talents through jazz, light opera, folk and
blues, to benefit Omega House -- will be held at 7 p.m. this Tuesday, July 30, at Saints Peter and Paul Lutheran Church, Madeleine Street in Houghton. A $10 donation is suggested.

Local musicians and singers take a bow during the curtain call following the July 24, 2012, Omega House hospice benefit recital in Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Hancock. This year the annual recital of easy listening music will be held at Saints Peter and Paul Lutheran Church on Madeleine Street in Houghton. (Photos by Keweenaw Now)

This year’s featured artists include Erika Vye and Steve Brimm on guitar and banjo, along with artists Barry Pegg, Ann Campbell, Greg Campbell, Courtney Clisch, Trish Helsel, Cheyenne Kaufman, Maggie Kieckhafer, Roger Kieckhafer, Karen Schlenker, Emilie Krznarich, Barbara Lide, Lara Neves, Mark Oliver, David Owens, Tyler Plamondon, Marika Seigel, Mollie Trewartha, Kate VanSusante, and Eponine Zenker. Pianists will be Jon Ensminger, Jared Anderson, Trisha Kuzmic and Eponine Zenker.

During the 2012 Omega House benefit recital, "True Colors," at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Hancock, Maple Sugar Folk, accompanied by Dave Bezotte on accordion,  perform "Belle Rose du Printemps," a traditional French song. The audience joins in singing the chorus after soloist Barbara Lide. Other members of the group here include, from left, Jan Wieber, Barry Pegg, Amanda Binoniemi, Karin B. Schlenker, Marcia Goodrich and Ruth Robertson. (Videos by Keweenaw Now) 

Omega House offers a peaceful, homelike environment for terminally ill people and provides end-of-life care that emphasizes compassion, independence, respect and dignity. In cooperation with local hospice programs, Omega House provides residents with exceptional care and attention 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

Encouraging the audience at the 2012 Omega House benefit recital to sing along, musician David Owens plays and sings a medley of "Oldies," including such favorites as "The White Cliffs of Dover."

Any person in a hospice program or who would qualify for hospice care is eligible to live at Omega House. Medications, supplies and equipment are usually paid for by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurances.

During the 2012 Omega House benefit recital, Ann Campbell, left, and Lara Neves perform the Flower Duet from "Lakmé" by Leo Delibes.

Attend the recital this Tuesday and support Omega House, where people come for loving care near the end of life. For more information, visit their Facebook page or the website at www.omega-house.org, or call event coordinators Lara Neves at 370-7739 or Carol Pfefferkorn at 482-4438.

More photos from the 2012 Omega House recital, "True Colors":

Soloist Karin Schlenker performs "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" during the 2012 Omega House benefit concert.

Barry Pegg sings an amusing English tune.

Barbara Lide and Dave Bezotte perform the favorite "Blue Skirt Waltz."

At the end of the 2012 recital, Ruth Robertson -- musician, vocalist, and coordinator of the Omega House benefit concert for several years -- accepts a bouquet of appreciation for her talent and leadership.

Book Arts Camp registration deadline is July 31

Book Arts Camp poster courtesy Copper Country Community Arts Center.

HANCOCK -- Students in grades 8 - 12 have a unique opportunity to learn about book arts at the Copper Country Community Arts Center in Hancock. In the 3rd annual Book Arts Camp students will learn about bookbinding, creative writing, zines and illustration, letterpress printing, paper making and block printing from a team of professional artists.

Students should have an interest in the arts or curiosity to learn some of the fine craft behind book arts. This program is supported by a grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.

The Camp wil be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. August 12-16 at the Copper Country Community Arts Center, located at 126 Quincy Street in Hancock. The deadline to register is Wednesday, July 31. Book Arts Camp Fee is $95, supplies included. Bring a sack lunch.  Call 482-2333 for more information.