Celebrate Lake Superior Day in Copper Harbor July 20

COPPER HARBOR -- Celebrate the beauty and bounty of Lake Superior this Sunday, July 20! Copper Harbor community volunteers, along with the Lake Superior Stewardship Initiative, are organizing the second annual Lake Superior Day Festival, Sunday, July 20, with lots of special activities at the 6th Street Dock along the Copper Harbor Boardwalk (near Isle Royale Queen boat dock).

* Enjoy fish stew (Kalamojakka), homemade pies, rieska (Finnish flatbread) and more for a community picnic ($5 donation suggested).
* Canoe races and kayak demonstrations
* Interactive art (paint the model freighter)
* ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) demonstrations by the Dollar Bay High School S.O.A.R. team

On the dock near the Portage Lake District Library, Dollar Bay High School student Stanley Peterson prepares the ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) for a demonstration during a July 1, 2014, Ride the Waves program sponsored by Portage Library and Michigan Tech's Great Lakes Research Center. Dollar Bay students will demonstrate this equipment in Copper Harbor on Sunday, July 20, as part of the Lake Superior Day celebration. (Photos by Keweenaw Now)

* Learn about the health of Lake Superior from a presentation by Great Lakes scientist Marcel Dijkestra from Michigan Tech Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
* Live music, poetry, and more.

From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., attendees can find out how scientists study the Great Lakes by taking a 25-minute scientific excursion in the harbor aboard Michigan Tech’s research vessel the Agassiz. These excursions are offered as part of the Ride the Waves Program with funding from General Motors.

Michigan Tech's research boat, the Agassiz, picks up passengers near the Portage Lake District Library on July 1, 2014, for a Ride the Waves scientific excursion. Similar trips are planned for Sunday, July 20, during the Lake Superior Day celebration in Copper Harbor.

The Agassiz will depart every half-hour from the Isle Royale Queen dock beginning at 1 p.m. Participants must be at least seven years old, and children must be accompanied by an adult. All should wear closed-toe shoes. Space is limited. Interested participants may pre-register for an excursion on the Agassiz by calling 906-487-3341 or email Lloyd Wescoat at lwescoat@mtu.edu. For more information about the event, contact lead organizer, Don Kilpela, Isle Royale Queen captain, at 906-289-4735.

Lake Superior Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in July in many communities around Lake Superior. The event, now in its 11th year, is spearheaded by the Lake Superior Binational Forum to highlight the special connections people have to this unique world treasure.*

Maritime History program at Fort Wilkins

For those interested in the Lake's history, Fort Wilkins Historic State Park, Copper Harbor, will be hosting a program titled "Maritime History of Lake Superior focused on Shipwrecks including the Edmund Fitzgerald" at 7 p.m. at the Lighthouse Overlook Deck.

George Schafer, ranger at Fort Wilkins, will be giving a talk on the Maritime History of our beautiful Lake and of the shipwrecks on the lake. A copper model of the Edmund Fitzgerald will be on display.

For information please call 906-289-4215.

* Click here on the Lake Superior Binational Forum Web site to learn more about Lake Superior Day events around the lake. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality also provides information on Lake Superior and the other Great Lakes -- or visit EPA’s website.

Calumet Art Center to host Guitar and Lute Recital July 18

Poster for Calumet Art Center Guitar and Lute Recital TONIGHT, July 18. (Poster courtesy Calumet Art Center)

CALUMET --The Calumet Art Center will host a Guitar and Lute Recital at 7:30 p.m. TONIGHT, Friday, July 18. The concert will feature Paul Seitz on guitar and lute, with vocals by Christine Seitz, Ann Campbell and Greg Campbell.

The recital will include music by John Dowland, Benjamin Britten, Harold Arlen, Paul Seitz and more ...

Tickets are $8 at the door.

The Calumet Art Center is at 57055 Fifth Street in Calumet. Call 906-934-2228 for more information.

Keweenaw Adventure Co. offers 20th Anniversary specials, Copper Harbor "Qigong Sunset Paddle"

COPPER HARBOR -- Help Keweenaw Adventure Company in Copper Harbor celebrate by taking advantage of their "20th Anniversary Deals on the 20ths" of each of three summer months.

On July 20th, August 20th and September 20th, Keweenaw Adventure Company will offer $20 Mountain Bike Shuttle Day-Passes (during scheduled times) and 20 percent off ALL Kayak Day Tours, Bike Tours and daytime rentals of Kayak Rentals, Bike Rentals, Canoe Rentals and Stand-up-paddle (SUP) Board Rentals.

Check out these deals at Keweenaw Adventure Company, 155 Gratiot Street, Copper Harbor, MI 49918. For more information call 906-289-4303 or visit www.keweenawadventure.com.

"Qigong Sunset Paddle"

The Keweenaw Adventure Company will host a classic kayak paddle about Copper Harbor with a special qiqong twist from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on two evenings:  Saturday, July 19, and Saturday, August 2. Cost is $70/person.

Qigong is an ancient Chinese system of physical movements and breathing, which closely mimics the natural movements of nature -- animals, trees, winds and waves. Explore ancient rock shoreline and learn about the history of the largest natural harbor on the Keweenaw Peninsula. Pull up on the shores of an uninhabited island and receive a qiqong instructional. Join in the gentle, meditative movements of qigong. Allow the quiescent qi (life force) of the ancient qigong practices to reflect the ancient geology of the region.

Breathe deeply. Quiet the thoughts. Enjoy both land and lake with your whole being... Finally, bid farewell to the day as shades of vibrant changing color schemes highlight the sky as the sun drops into the freshwater sea.

Special Guest Instructorfor Qigong is Darlene Basto of North Star Qigong and Tai Chi. Please RSVP because spaces are limited: Call 906-289-4303 or visit www.keweenawadventure.com.

2014 Canal Run to be Saturday, July 19

During the 2013 Canal Run, Amy Aldrich of Hancock heads for the finish line to take first overall in the women's half marathon. Aldrich, in the 30-34 age group, finished with a time of 1:32:20 (and a pace of 7:02 min./mile). (Keweenaw Now file photos)

HANCOCK -- The Canal Run, a Keweenaw event since 1975, will take place on Saturday morning, July 19. The event includes a 5-mile run, a 5-mile walk, a 10-mile run, a 10-mile walk and a half marathon run. The Canal Run follows the Portage Lake Shipping Canal along Highway M-203 in Hancock, Michigan. All five events finish in downtown Hancock between FirstMerit Bank and Quincy Green.

Before the races, participants line up for the shuttle bus that takes them from the finish line at FirstMerit Bank to the starting point of each race. The Canal Run follows the Portage Lake Shipping Canal along Highway M-203 in Hancock.

The use of headphones is strongly discouraged this year for the safety of participants. The race course is on a paved road surface. M-203 is not closed to traffic. Runners and walkers must stay on the left side of the road at all times, facing traffic. Parts of Quincy Street in Hancock will be closed for the race as follows:

6:30 a.m. - 8:15 a.m. -- one lane open
8:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. -- both lanes closed
10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. -- back to one lane open
after 11 a.m. -- return to normal two lanes open

Start Times and Locations:

10-mile walk: 7:15 a.m. at McLain State Park
Half Marathon: 7:30 a.m. at Koskela Road
10-mile run: 8 a.m. at McLain State Park
5-mile walk: 8:55 a.m. at High Point Road
5-mile run: 8:50 a.m. at High Point Road

Canal Kids' Dash

Free for all kids, the Canal Kids' Dash begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, starting near Krist Oil in Hancock and running down the race course 1/4 mile through the finish line chute. This event is not timed, and all participants will receive a a Canal Kid's Dash finisher's medal! There are no age limits. Registration will be in front of Northern Auto. This is a closed course.

Awards Ceremony

2013 Canal Run participants and fans gather on the Quincy Green in Hancock to hear announcements of winners. Last year's race attracted more than 800 participants. Even more are anticipated this year!

The awards ceremony will take place in downtown Hancock, near the finish line, at approximately 10:15 a.m. Overall male and female winners for each race will receive unique, local awards.

The Canal Run is sponsored by FirstMerit Bank, Finlandia University and Portage Health.

Click here for the Race Guide with more details.

Click here for info on registration.

City of Hancock to host Key Ingredients -- music and food -- July 18

HANCOCK -- The City of Hancock will host Key Ingredients, an evening of music and food, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. TOMORROW, Friday, July 18, in downtown Hancock. Enjoy a variety of musical talents from the Copper Country and beyond. Stop by your favorite place and try out some free samples -- or go someplace brand new to see what you've been missing!

Here are the nine venues, each with a food vendor and musical entertainment:

• Habanero's, featuring their own cuisine and Clay Hilman on piano
• Quincy Pocket Park, with food by Mark Pittillo, and Greenstone playing guitar and bass.
• Copper Country Community Arts Center, treats by CCCAC members, and featuring Mike Irish on guitar
• Copper Island Beach Club, featuring their cuisine and Dave Bezotte on piano
• Superior National Bank, with food from Kaleva Café and Ellen Jarvis, piano and vocals
• The Flower Shop, with food from Nutini's and music by Erin McKenzie on cello
• Quincy Green, offering food from FirstMerit Bank and Studio Pizza and bagpipe entertainment by Vanessa Dulong
• Gemignani's, featuring their own cuisine and Paul Gemignani on guitar
• Finlandia University, offering their own food and music by the Mark Lucier Trio

Come out and see Hancock alive with tastes, sounds and laughter!

Steve Jones and Garden City Hot Club to perform at "Music on the Menu" July 18

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.

Steve Jones and the Garden City Hot Club (GCHC) will perform from noon to 1 p.m. on Friday, July 18. GCHC is a swinging jazz trio featuring Steve Jones with his hot lead guitar and easy-going vocals, Bob Hiltunen on second lead guitar and rhythm, and Scott McIntosh on bass.

Using the "Gypsy Swing" of Django Reinhardt as their base, the GCHC bring their intensity and joyful approach to original compositions, old jazz standards, modern Roma-influenced music, swing-based novelty songs, blues, and anything else that sounds good.

Usually everyone sits back and relaxes during Music on the Menu, but the GCHC performances always engage audiences and usually get the dancers to their feet.

In the event 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.

Khana Khazana to serve Syrian cuisine Friday, July 18

HOUGHTON -- Khana Khazana brings Syrian food to Michigan Tech TOMORROW, Friday, July 18, at the lunch cart in front of the Van Pelt and Opie Library. Robi Bdeir, a PhD student in biochemistry and molecular biology, will cook falafel with hummus and ijja.

Falafel is made from dehydrated chickpeas that are soaked overnight, then ground with onions, parsley, cilantro, garlic and Syrian spices. Fried to a golden brown, falafel is served with hummus dip and ijja, an omelet-like dish made with zucchini, egg and parsley.

Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It costs $6, cash only.

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

Hancock Tori to hold Flea Market Friday, July 18

HANCOCK -- Hancock Tori will be having a Flea Market from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. TOMORROW, Friday, July 18. Spots for vendors cost $5. A wide variety of items will be offered for sale.

Anyone interested in a spot can get in touch with Sandy Soring at 337-1391 or sandysoring@charter.net.

The Hancock Tori is open for the season. Market hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Wednesday and Saturday rain or shine. The Tori is located next to the Finnish American Heritage Center on Quincy street downtown Hancock.

For more information, please contact Sandy Soring.

Alan Tollakson, Isle Royale Artist in Residence, to present his work July 17 at Community Arts Center

Display of stone sculpture by Alan Tollakson at the Copper Country Community Arts Center (CCCAC). Tollakson will give a slide presentation of his work and talk about his artist residency on Isle Royale at the CCCAC at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 17.

HANCOCK -- Alan Tollakson, a stone sculptor from Emporia, Kansas, is the current Artist in Residence on Isle Royale. Community members will have a chance to meet him and see his art in a slide presentation at the Copper Country Community Arts Center from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 17.

A display of Tollakson's work is currently on view and for sale at the Copper Country Community Arts Center. It includes slate mirrors, a stone birdbath and garden sculpture. 

The audience will also have the opportunity to learn about his impressions of Isle Royale and how it will inform his future work.

The artist says, "I have always sought inspiration from the natural world, even the abstract qualities that lie hidden within the plant and mineral kingdoms. This residency is the perfect opportunity to replenish my reservoir of impressions -- and then share this elemental beauty with the world-at-large."

Tollakson earned his Master of Fine Arts in Sculpture from the University of Kansas and has created numerous public art projects throughout the U.S. as well as China, Czech Republic and Italy.

The Isle Royale Artist in Residence program was established in 1991. Artists are selected by a panel of jurors in an application process.

Greg Blust, supervisory park ranger and coordinator of the Isle Royale Artist in Residence Program, explains, "The program not only benefits artists, it enables Isle Royale visitors to see through the eyes of an artist. It opens another door with which to see our wilderness environment."

The CCCAC is located at 126 Quincy Street in Hancock. This program is supported by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. For more information call 482-2333 or visit the website: coppercountryarts.com.

Portage Library to host presentation on Peregrine falcons, field trip to observe nests on Lift Bridge July 18

HOUGHTON -- The Portage Lake District Library invites everyone to bring spotting scopes, binoculars, and cameras for a field trip and slide show presentation about Peregrine falcons with amateur ornithologist Joe Youngman.

Youngman will share his passion for these majestic birds at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, July 18, in the community room at the library. His presentation includes photos and details about Peregrines nesting in the Keweenaw with a special focus on the Peregrine family that has made its home on the Portage Lift Bridge. This half hour presentation will include refreshments as a kind of "baby shower" event to celebrate the recent hatching of the three young falcons in the nesting box on the Lift Bridge.

From the library, participants are invited to share rides to the Houghton County Marina in Ripley where it might be possible to watch the young falcons fledge for the first time. Youngman estimates that the falcons will be taking their first flying lessons sometime over the weekend, and spotting scopes and binoculars will be helpful in observing this momentous event.

John Slivon of Hancock observed the falcons today, Wednesday, with his telescope.

"I saw the young falcons exercising their wings and getting ready to fly," he said.

Peregrine falcons are the world’s fastest creature, and the highest speed recorded for a Peregrine is 242 m.p.h. Their breeding range spans land regions from the Arctic tundra to the tropics, and they are found nearly everywhere on earth.

Youngman is an amateur ornithologist who works on bird surveys in the Keweenaw and Lake Superior with a special focus on bird migration studies.

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

Calumet Library Red Jacket Readers Book Club to hold discussion of "Annie's Ghosts" TONIGHT, July 16

CALUMET -- The Calumet Library Red Jacket Readers Book Club will hold a discussion of Annie’s Ghosts: A Journey into a Family Secret, by Steve Luxenberg, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. TONIGHT, Wednesday, July 16, at the Calumet Public Library. The event is free and open to the public.

Chosen as a Michigan Notable Book for 2010 and as the Great Michigan Read for 2013 – 2014, Annie’s Ghosts has sparked conversations all across the state about family secrets and the mental health movement. Washington Post senior editor Luxenberg grew up believing his mother had been an only child, only to discover she had had a younger sister who had spent much of her life in mental health institutions. The memoir, Annie’s Ghosts, traces Luxenberg’s journey of discovery about his aunt. Join the Red Jacket Readers for a discussion of this thought-provoking book. Multiple copies are available for checkout at the library, and the book is also for sale in several area stores. 

This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Calumet Public Library. For more information, visit the library or call 337-0311 ext. 1107.

(In case of bad weather, when school is cancelled, all library programs are cancelled.)

Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve: Road work near Mulligan Creek not meeting permit requirement

Posted by Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve on
July 10, 2014
Reprinted in part with permission

According to the Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve, Plum Creek Timber Company has been involved in road construction that does not meet stated permit conditions. Trees have been pushed directly into the wetlands near Mulligan Creek. (Photo courtesy Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve. Reprinted with permission.)

NORTHERN MARQUETTE COUNTY, Mich. -- During the week of June 23, 2014, a reconnaissance survey of forest and wetland conditions on the Snowmobile Trail 5 route by the Yellow Dog RIVERKEEPER ® led to a discovery of road construction by Plum Creek Timber Company that did not meet with stated permit conditions.

The company’s permit allowed for construction at the Mulligan Creek Bridge and included additional fill and trenching for ditches on either side of the snowmobile trail. Upon visit by the RIVERKEEPER, no permit was posted on site, no silt fencing was in place, and other sedimentation protection best management practices were absent next to this high-quality wetland and cold water trout stream. Past surveys by the RIVERKEEPER show that this wetland was habitat for the endangered Narrow Leaved Gentian, an extremely rare wetland plant.

The Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve (YDWP) is investigating whether the company received approval to impact this plant’s habitat, as is required under Michigan’s Natural Resources Environmental Protection Act....

Click here to read the rest of this article on the Yellowdog Watershed Preserve Web site.