Citizens concerned about tax bill to march across Portage Lift Bridge Saturday, Dec. 9

The Portage Lift Bridge will again be the scene of a march by concerned citizens no matter what the weather on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017. (Keweenaw Now 2016 file photo)

HOUGHTON -- Concerned citizens will hold a Protest March at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, against the tax bill that is moving through Congress. Meet on the Houghton side of the Portage Lift Bridge (at the bridge on Shelden next to the Downtowner) and walk across peacefully to Hancock and back. This bill would negatively affect students and families. This bill would also allow destructive commercial oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR).* The tax bill as proposed is set to benefit corporations and the wealthy one percent. Bring a sign to send a message to our representatives in Congress, especially Republican Rep. Jack Bergman. For more information contact Valorie Troesch at vtroesch@gmail.com. If you can't make it to the march you can call Rep. Bergman at (202) 225-4735.

* Read more about this bill and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge here.

Noteworthy women's chorus, with Maple Sugar Folk, to perform two Christmas concerts -- Dec. 7, 10

Noteworthy women's chorus will perform two free Christmas concerts this week -- Dec. 7 and Dec. 10. (Photo courtesy Noteworthy)

CALUMET -- Noteworthy invites everyone to come celebrate the season at one of its two free Christmas concerts. The first is set for 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Calumet, and the second will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 10, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Hancock.

The chorus will be joined by Maple Sugar Folk, who will sing a selection of French carols under the direction of David Bezotte.

Maple Sugar Folk sing French Canadian songs during the 2017 Parade of Nations Multicultural Festival. They will join Noteworthy for two Christmas concerts this week. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

"There’s a lot of variety in this program: songs that are sassy, funny and upbeat, and those that remind us of the true meaning of the season," said Noteworthy director Joan Petrelius. 

The only women’s barbershop chorus in the Copper Country, Noteworthy is recognized for its intricate, a cappella harmonies and fun, accessible melodies.

The program ranges from lighthearted -- Da Yoopers’ "Rusty Chevrolet" -- and traditional -- Mel Torme’s "The Christmas Song" -- to devout songs of the season, including a medley of traditional Christmas hymns.

Other favorites are "Mary’s Boy Child," "Caroling Caroling" and a wistful rendition of "Little Drummer Boy."

Admission is free. Noteworthy always takes a free-will offering for local charities during its concerts; and this Christmas the beneficiary will be the Copper Country United Way, which supports a variety of local charities.

"It seemed like a perfect fit for this time of year, when we are reminded to love and care for our neighbors," Petrelius said.

Noteworthy will be welcoming new members in January and invites all women who enjoy singing to come to the concert for an introduction to barbershop music. For more information, contact Petrelius at 906-482-5088 or noteworthychorus@gmail.com.