HOUGHTON -- If you drive across the Portage Lift Bridge between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. on a Wednesday, you'll notice a group of people displaying flags and signs showing support for Ukraine to oncoming traffic. If you happened to be at the Houghton beach recently you may have noticed kids making art about Peace to be sent to Ukraine. Art from Ukrainian children was on exhibit at a new bookstore Houghton. And you can learn about Ukraine from Yoopers for Ukraine, a local group that promotes activities like these to support Ukraine in the U.P.*
Yoopers for Ukraine continue their weekly Walk for Ukraine every Wednesday from Houghton to Hancock and back on the Portage Lift Bridge to call attention to Ukraine's struggle against Russian aggression. Meanwhile the group has joined with Keweenaw Faiths United and The Well Read Raccoon bookstore in Houghton in a children's Art for Peace project involving art work done by children in Ukraine as well as local children and visitors to the U.P.
Art for Peace project
"From Ukraine with Love," an exhibit of art by Ukrainian children, was sent to the U.P. to share Ukrainian children's perspective on the war.
During July and August Yoopers for Ukraine and Keweenaw Faiths United joined efforts to collect art from children in the U.P., which has been exhibited at the Copper Country Community Arts Center since Sept. 21, 2023 -- the International Day of Peace.
September 21, the International Day of Peace, is a day dedicated to fostering the ideals of non-violence globally. In 2021, Houghton and Hancock were established as International Cities of Peace, spearheaded by an Interfaith group called Keweenaw Faiths United, and living into that designation means doing projects locally that promote peace.
"At the end of the show, the pictures will be sent to Ukraine, to let children in that country know that the hope for world peace is universal," Pickens added.
Art in the Park, Copper Harbor
The Art for Peace project was also present at Art in the Park in Copper Harbor, Aug. 19-20, where Yoopers for Ukraine welcomed visitors to their booth and also invited children to create Art for Peace for Ukraine in a neighboring booth they sponsored with Keweenaw Faiths United.
Nadija Packauskas, co-founder of Yoopers for Ukraine, spoke to Keweenaw Now in Copper Harbor on the most important actions needed to keep support for Ukraine in the minds of American citizens.
In addition to selling art to raise funds for Ukraine, Nadija and her Dad, Vytautas Packauskas, spoke at length with visitors to the Yoopers for Ukraine booth at Copper Harbor's Art in the Park.
Nadija also offered face painting for all ages at Art in the Park. Copper Harbor resident and artist Cherri Allen took advantage of the offer.
"I love face painting," Allen told Keweenaw Now. "Any chance I get I do it."
Allen said she's lived in Copper Harbor for 12 years and attends Art in the Park every year. She likes making rugs, place mats and knitted items.
"That's what winter's for up here -- doing all your crafts," Allen noted.
Yoopers for Ukraine also displayed photos of a school in Chernihiv, Ukraine, they have helped rebuild with funds they raised for Ukraine Trust Chain.
"We partnered with the Ukrainian-American Crisis Response Committee of Michigan. More accurately the Government Committee," Nadija explained.
Ukrainian Independence picnic
Nadija and her Dad are in communication with several groups supporting Ukraine, including some in Marquette, and share events with them. On August 26, they celebrated Ukrainian Independence Day at a picnic in Marquette, joining other Yoopers for Ukraine and members of the group Yoopers Love Ukrainians. They invited Wolfgang Lohrer, pictured above, to join them.
Parade of Nations Float winner
The Yoopers for Ukraine float passes the judges during the September 16, 2023, Parade of Nations in Houghton. Following the theme of "Fairy Tales from Around the World," it depicts a scene from Ukrainian folklore about Mavka, a Ukrainian forest character. (Video by Keweenaw Now)
Walks for Ukraine continue
In just about any weather, Yoopers for Ukraine continue their weekly Walk for Ukraine on Wednesdays at 5 p.m. -- meeting on the Houghton side of the Portage Lift Bridge, crossing the bridge to Hancock and returning. While the group is reduced in numbers lately, the most dedicated continue the Walks every week, calling to mind the words of Margaret Mead:
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world: Indeed it's the only thing that ever has."
Hancock resident John Loosemore, an Army veteran, told Keweenaw Now his reasons for attending nearly every Yoopers for Ukraine Walk, with his three children.
During the June 14 Walk for Ukraine in Houghton, John Loosemore comments on Ukraine's counter offensive against Russia. He points out the influence of Russian misinformation on Americans' attitudes toward this war. (Videos by Keweenaw Now)Loosemore continues, citing historical events and what he considers the responsibility of the United States to support Ukraine because of past commitments.
John Loosemore explains why he believes the US has a responsibility to support Ukraine against Russian aggression.Following the Yoopers for Ukraine July 12 Walk, Loosemore commented on Ukraine's President Zelensky's words during the NATO conference.
"I think Zelensky got backed into a corner (by the US and NATO allies)," Loosemore told Keweenaw Now. "We have given him a lot of weapons, but those same countries wouldn't want to go to war with Russia without superior air power. I imagine it's very frustrating for the Ukrainians now because they're dying every day. It's like we're sending them into battle with one hand tied behind their back."
Beth and Tom Maki of Lake Linden are also regular attendees at the Walks for Ukraine. They display their flags and signs in solidarity with their son, Matt, who has been living and teaching in Ukraine for several years and has stayed there in spite of the war. He lives in Kyiv, and sometimes travels to nearby countries, assisting students who wish to come to the U.S. to study.
The Makis are very proud of their son, Matt. Here Beth Maki speaks to Keweenaw Now about his work, not only his teaching but his volunteer work to help Ukrainian soldiers and civilians.
On another occasion, a visitor from the U.K., Alistaire, noticed the Makis standing near the bridge and stopped to chat with them.
During the June 21 Walk for Ukraine visitor Alistaire, from the UK and now living in Washington, DC, stops to chat with Beth and Tom Maki of Lake Linden, whose son is a teacher in Ukraine. (Video by Keweenaw Now)
At the most recent Walk for Ukraine, on September 27, Yoopers for Ukraine welcomed Ruth Wisti of Hancock.
Nadija and her Dad (Papa) have been invited to give a presentation on Ukraine at the next meeting of the Houghton County Democratic Party. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023, at the Super 8 Motel in Houghton. It is open to the public.
* The Walks for Ukraine continue every Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Meet on the Houghton side of the Portage Lift Bridge. Signs and flags are provided. To learn more about Yoopers for Ukraine visit their Facebook page.
