Rabbit Island School students to host art exhibit, presentation Oct. 23 at Portage Lake District Library

Students Lily Thompson, left, and Irene Hillman experience the first Rabbit Island School in July 2019.  (Photo courtesy Portage Lake District Library)

HOUGHTON -- In July 2019, the Portage Lake District Library and the Rabbit Island Foundation gave five local high school students the experience of a lifetime. These students were awarded full scholarships to attend the library’s first Rabbit Island School, a seven-day arts and ecology expedition to a remote island in Lake Superior.

The students will host an art exhibit and presentation on their experience from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at the Portage Lake District Library in Houghton. The event is free and open to the public.

Rabbit Island is a 91-acre forested island in Lake Superior, located four miles east of Rabbit Bay in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The island has never been developed or subdivided, and a conservation easement granted in 2010 assures the island will remain healthy forever.

During their seven-day expedition, students spent time reading, writing, painting, sketching, carving spoons, creating natural dyes from plants, cooking, fishing, identifying local flora and fauna, building an island community and more. They were joined by two artist mentors and one program administrator from the library.

Students meet with their mentors during the first Rabbit Island School experience in July 2019. (Photo courtesy Portage Lake District Library)

"I am thrilled for the Rabbit Island School students to share their experience and art with the greater community," said Library Director Dillon Geshel. "Witnessing the students' engagement with their art, the landscape, and each other is something I’ll never forget. I can’t wait for the public to relive their expedition through the exhibit."

Library events are free and open to all. Please contact the library at 906-482-4570 for more information.

State Certified, secure electronic recycling returns to the Keweenaw

HOUGHTON -- The Copper Country Recycling Initiative (CCRI) -- in partnership with Michigan Tech, Goodwill Industries, and the cities of Hancock and Houghton -- has recently received funding from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for electronic waste recycling. Spring and fall collection events are planned for 2018, in addition to the development of two permanent collection sites in the area. 

The spring collection will be from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, May 4, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 5, at Goodwill Industries at the airport. The following items are among those that will be accepted: cell phones, computer monitors, copy machines, cordless phones, fax machines, laptop computers, keyboards and mice, microwave ovens, printers, scanners, stereo equipment, televisions, and VCR and DVD players.

The CCRI  is committed to providing environmentally and socially conscious recycling services for your unwanted electronics. The Keweenaw electronic recycling events are in collaboration with Comprenew, a Grand Rapids recycling company that is now expanding to the Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin.*

Comprenew is a Michigan DEQ-inspected and nationally certified  facility. By working with a Michigan based company we are helping to create jobs for UP families. The company has a "no landfill" policy that is strictly enforced.**

Free film on electronic recycling to be shown April 30

CCRI, along with Portage Lake District Library and the Michigan Tech Center for Science and Environmental Outreach, will sponsor a free showing of the film Death by Design (2016) at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, April 30, at Portage Library. A discussion will follow the film, and a recycler of the year award will be presented. ($3 suggested donation)

We love and live on smartphones, tablets and laptops. By 2020, four billion people will have a personal computer. Five billion will own a mobile phone. But this revolution has a dark side. From factories in China, to high tech Silicon Valley, the film tells of environmental degradation, health tragedies, and the fast approaching tipping point between consumerism and sustainability.

* See: "Comprenew announces expansion into Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin."

** For a sample list of Comprenew's items acceptable for electronic recycling click here.

Portage Library to host Running for Local Office workshop Oct. 11

HOUGHTON -- The Portage Lake District Library will host the Houghton County Democratic Party from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 11, for "A Primer on Running for Local Office: Getting You to 'Yes.'"

Valorie Troesch, former Democratic candidate for Houghton County commissioner, will lead this workshop.

Valorie Troesch is pictured here at a local parade during her 2016 campaign for Houghton County commissioner. (File photo courtesy Valorie Troesch)

People who have run for local office will share their experiences and will address the truths and myths about what it takes to run for local office. Participants will learn what the local elective and appointed positions are and what qualifications are required for each position, how to get on the ballot, how to prepare to run for local office, how to run a winning campaign, and what resources are available to support candidates.

"We Democrats work hard to advocate for values and policies that reflect who we are and that promise better lives for the people in our community," Troesch commented. "Too often, however, local elective offices go unchallenged by Democrats because the prospect of running for office is so daunting. If you have ever considered putting your hat in the ring, this workshop is for you!"

There is no cost to attend, and light refreshments will be served. Those who are interested in participating may contact Troesch at houghtondems@gmail.com.

All library events and programs are free and everyone is welcome. For more information please call the library at 482-4570.

At the invitation of the Baraga County Democratic Party, a similar Running for Local Office workshop will be held in Baraga County from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at the new Hospital.

Portage Library, Community Arts Center to host Butterfly Talks by Miriam Pickens

Butterfly near Maasto Hiihto Trails. (Photo © and courtesy Miriam Pickens)

HOUGHTON-HANCOCK -- Miriam Pickens, artist and photographer, will offer two presentations on butterflies this week --  on Thursday, July 6, at the Portage Lake District Library in Houghton and on Saturday, July 8, at the Copper Country Community Arts Center in Hancock.

Portage Lake District Library: "Butterflies, Skippers and Their Place in the Lepidopteran World"

The Portage Lake District Library will host Miriam Pickens for an evening learning about species of butterflies that live in the Keweenaw at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 6.

Pickens’ slide show presentation, "Butterflies, Skippers and Their Place in the Lepidopteran World," will feature species of butterflies that are likely to visit local gardens and fields. Participants will learn butterfly basics that include how butterflies differ from moths, what kinds of flowers butterflies feed on, and more. There will be time for questions from the audience following the presentation. Signed copies of her recently published book, Butterflies of the Maasto Hiihto Trails, Hancock, MI, will also be available for sale. The event is free and open to the public.

Copper Country Community Arts Center: Photographing Butterflies of the Maasto Hiihto Trails

At the Community Arts Center's Second Saturday Coffee Talk at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 8, Miriam Pickens will share stories and discuss her adventures butterflying in the Keweenaw. She has self-published a book on these insects, and her photographs are sold as cards and 8X10 prints. She also uses her butterfly photos as inspiration for painting on pottery. Learn about the local butterflies, and get some pointers on photographing them successfully.

Coffee Talks take place at the Copper Country Community Arts Center, 126 Quincy Street in Hancock. Coffee talks with artists are free and informal. Coffee is provided by KC Bonkers Toys and Coffee. Please call the Arts Center at 482-2333 if you’d like to attend.

Portage Lake District Library to host Houghton County Democratic Party workshop on running for local office June 19

HOUGHTON -- The Portage Lake District Library will host the Houghton County Democratic Party from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday, June 19, for "A Primer on Running for Local Office: Getting You to 'Yes.'"

This workshop will be lead by Valorie Troesch and will address the truths and myths about what it takes to run for local office. Participants will learn what the local elective and appointed positions are and what qualifications are required for each position, how to get on the ballot, how to prepare to run for local office, how to run a winning campaign, and what resources are available to support candidates. People who have run for local office, including Troesch, will share their experiences.

Valorie Troesch waves to supporters during a local parade last summer, when she first ran for Houghton County Commissioner. Troesch, an active member of the Houghton County Democratic Party, said she may run for this same office again. She plans to share her experiences with citizens interested in running for local office at a workshop on Monday, June 19, at the Portage Lake District Library. (Keweenaw Now file photo courtesy Valorie Troesch)

"We Democrats work hard to advocate for values and policies that reflect who we are and that promise better lives for the people in our community," Troesch commented. "Too often, however, local elective offices go unchallenged by Democrats because the prospect of running for office is so daunting. If you have ever considered putting your hat in the ring, this workshop is for you!"

There is no cost to attend, and light refreshments will be served. Those who are interested in participating may contact Troesch at houghtondems@gmail.com.

All library events and programs are free and everyone is welcome. For more information please call the library at 482-4570.

Citizens' Climate Lobby workshop inspires local citizens concerned about climate change; local CCL Chapter to meet May 22

By Michele Bourdieu

Elizabeth Dell, Great Lakes Regional coordinator for the Citizens' Climate Lobby, meets with a group of local citizens concerned about climate change at a workshop on May 6, 2017, in the Keweenaw Co-op in Hancock. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

HANCOCK -- In preparation for forming a local chapter of the Citizens' Climate Lobby, a group of about a dozen citizens concerned about climate change met with Elizabeth Dell, Great Lakes Regional coordinator for the Citizens' Climate Lobby (CCL) on May 6, 2017, in the meeting room at the Keweenaw Co-op in Hancock.

[The first meeting of a local CCL chapter will be held TONIGHT, Monday, May 22, at 7:30 p.m., following the presentation "Sea Change: Addressing Climate Change on Lake Superior," at the Portage Lake District Library.*]

To begin her workshop, Dell, who is from Traverse City, Mich., gave a brief history of the founding of CCL and presented CCL's single proposed solution to climate change: To empower citizens to connect with and influence their members of Congress to work toward passage of Carbon Fee and Dividend, a climate change solution that bridges the partisan divide.

Carbon Fee and Dividend is a revenue-neutral carbon tax with 100 percent of the net revenue returned directly to households. CCL believes it will reduce greenhouse gas emissions 52 percent below 1990 levels within 20 years while growing the economy and saving lives.

"Our purpose is to create the political will to address climate change," Dell said. "We advocate for Carbon Fee and Dividend because we think it's one of the most effective, efficient and visible ways to reduce greenhouse gases, and we think we can get bi-partisan support."

Elizabeth Dell, Great Lakes Regional Coordinator for the Citizens' Climate Lobby (CCL), introduces her May 6, 2017, workshop in Hancock by relating how CCL was founded and defining its mission. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

The Carbon Fee

CCL proposes an initial fee of $15/ton on the CO2 equivalent emissions of fossil fuels, escalating $10/ton/year, imposed upstream at the mine, well or port of entry.**

Dell noted citizens are paying an artificially low price for fossil fuels -- a price that doesn't include hidden costs such as health impacts, military use, sea level rising, floods and more.

An increasing tax on fossil fuels will result in high prices that consumers and investors will try to avoid, she added.

"All this will drive technology in the direction of more clean energy," Dell said.

The Dividend

According to the CCL Web site, "100 percent of the net fees from the carbon fee are held in a Carbon Fees Trust fund and returned directly to households as a monthly dividend. About two-thirds of households will break even or receive more than they would pay in higher prices. This feature will inject billions into the economy, protect family budgets, free households to make independent choices about their energy usage, spur innovation and build aggregate demand for low-carbon products at the consumer level."**

The revenue neutral dividend does not grow government and is intended to protect lower income earners, Dell explained.

According to the proposal so far, every adult in a household would receive the same amount, and each child (up to two children per household) would receive half that amount monthly.

According to CCL, economic modeling studies have found that in just 20 years a Carbon Fee and Dividend policy could reduce carbon emissions to 50 percent of 1990 levels while adding 2.8 million jobs to the American economy.**

Clean Energy Economy

During the workshop, a question on whether the Carbon Fee and Dividend policy would lead to replacing fossil fuels with clean energy led to a discussion on why this would happen:

After Elizabeth Dell points out how the increased cost for fossil fuels is expected to lead to more investment in clean energy, workshop participants join in the discussion. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

The CCL Web site points out statistics showing that green energy jobs already outnumber coal, oil and gas jobs and renewable energy is expected to provide more and higher paying jobs as well as more diverse opportunities.***

Lobbying Congress

Dell explained the importance of lobbying Republican members of the House and Senate to communicate to them CCL's proposed Carbon Fee and Dividend solution to climate change. She described recent progress in the U.S. House of Representatives, which now has a bi-partisan Climate Solutions Caucus with 38 members -- 19 Republicans and 19 Democrats.

During her May 6 workshop in Hancock, Elizabeth Dell speaks about the bi-partisan Climate Solutions Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

The bipartisan House Climate Solutions Caucus explores policy options that address the impacts, causes, and challenges of our changing climate. The caucus was founded in February of 2016 by two south-Florida representatives Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) and Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL) who serve as co-chairs of the caucus.****

During a break in the workshop for small-group discussion, participants share personal experiences and thoughts about climate change solutions and lobbying . Pictured here, from left, are Nancy Langston, Anne Newcombe, Julie Bakkila and Bill Binroth. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

Dell encouraged the workshop participants to form a local chapter of the Citizens' Climate Lobby and coordinate with other Michigan CCL chapters, including those in Marquette and Traverse City, to lobby District 1 House Rep. Jack Bergman and/or his staff members in order to communicate CCL's mission.

"Lobbying is one of the most important things we can do," Dell said. "That (lobbying) allows us to build relationships with members of Congress (House and Senate) and start making change that could lead to legislation," Dell said.

Sharing their recent lobbying experiences with the group were Nancy Langston, who visited with one of Bergman's Marquette staff recently, and Sarah Green, who spoke about visiting Bergman's office in Washington, DC, while she was there for the Apr. 29, 2017, People's Climate March. Langston and Green are co-organizers of the Keweenaw Climate Community (KCC), which has sponsored several events on climate change locally.*****

Elizabeth Dell speaks about lobbying Congressional representatives and senators to gain their support for CCL's Carbon Fee and Dividend proposal. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

Dell also noted the importance of speaking with local officials about CCL and making them aware of the need to address climate change. A local chapter of CCL could, for example, influence county or city officials to adopt a resolution such as the Republican Climate Resolution (H.Res.195), which is being introduced by a group of 20 Republican House Members led by Reps. Elise Stefanik, Carlos Curbelo, and Ryan Costello. The resolution invokes the conservative principle "'to protect, conserve, and be good stewards of our environment, responsibly plan for all market factors, and base our policy decisions in science and quantifiable facts on the ground.'" 

The House Resolution resolves, "'That the House of Representatives commits to working constructively, using our tradition of American ingenuity, innovation, and exceptionalism, to create and support economically viable, and broadly supported private and public solutions to study and address the causes and effects of measured changes to our global and regional climates, including mitigation efforts and efforts to balance human activities that have been found to have an impact.'" ******

Dell encouraged everyone at the workshop to join CCL and to volunteer to spread the word about its proposed climate solution.

During the May 6 workshop, Elizabeth Dell displays a handout for recruiting new CCL volunteers. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

Dell reminded workshop participant to check the CCL Web site for more detailed information and to tune in to the one-hour weekly intro call on Wednesday at 8 p.m. (EDT). The Web site also holds monthly meetings with guest speakers accessible on line.

Dell is optimistic about CCL's efforts and proud of their accomplishments.

"Nobody deals with Congress about climate change more than we do," she said.

Notes:

* Click here to learn about tonight's presentation and meeting.

** See details on Carbon Fee and Dividend on the CCL Web site.

*** Click here to see job statistics.

**** Read about the Climate Solutions Caucus here.

***** Do a search for Keweenaw Climate Community in our upper left corner of Keweenaw Now to see our articles on the KCC Climate Cafés.

****** Click here to read the Republican House Climate Resolution. See also the May 19, 2017, New York Times Opinion article on CCL, "Cracking Washington’s Gridlock to Save the Planet."

March for Science from Houghton to Hancock calls for science-based government policy

By Michele Bourdieu, with additional photos and videos by Allan Baker

Carrying signs to show support for science, facts and scientific research, more than 400 participants in the Apr. 22, 2017, March for Science gather near the Keweenaw Waterway in Houghton before heading across the Portage Lift Bridge to Hancock and back. (Photo by Allan Baker for Keweenaw Now)

HOUGHTON -- The April 22 (Earth Day) March for Science attracted more than 400 participants of all ages, many of whom carried signs to show their support for science and love of Mother Earth. The pleasant, sunny weather added an atmosphere of celebration rather than protest. Michigan Tech faculty, researchers and students joined with concerned community members -- including families with their children -- in a demonstration of unity and support, calling on government to base policy on scientific facts and research.

Before the march, the large crowd gathered near the Houghton side of the Portage Lift Bridge for a brief rally led by organizers Emily Shaw and Nicole Wehner, Michigan Tech graduate students in Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Organizer Emily Shaw; Tim Scarlett, Michigan Tech associate professor of archaeology and anthropology (Social Sciences); and Amlan Mukherjee, associate professor in Michigan Tech's Civil and Environmental Engineering Service Systems Engineering Program speak during a brief rally preceding the April 22 March for Science. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

Pictured here just before the march begins are Rolf Peterson, right, co-director of Michigan Tech's Isle Royale Wolf-Moose Study, recently named a "Hero of Science" by Discover magazine (May 2017 issue), and Brian Hoduski, co-chair of the Houghton County Democratic Party, with his message for Donald. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

Carolyn "Candy" Peterson of Houghton said she was happy to participate in this march after being energized by the Women's March in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 21, 2017. Peterson rode on a bus to that march and made many friends, she added.*

At the rally, waiting for the march to begin, are Carolyn Peterson, left, and Nancy Langston -- Michigan Tech professor of environmental history (Social Sciences) and member of the Great Lakes Research Center, who is also very active in the Keweenaw Climate Community, a local group concerned about climate change.

Carrying a colorful sign is Bill Deephouse, Audubon member and retired DNR official, with Marcia Goodrich, Michigan Tech senior writer -- both fishing enthusiasts. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

Valerie Talsma, a science teacher at Watersmeet High School, made the trip to Houghton with two of her students.

Valerie Talsma, science teacher at Watersmeet High School, center, is pictured here with two of her students, who accompanied her to the Apr. 22 March for Science -- Hailey, left, a ninth grade student in physical science, and Katelyn, a tenth grader studying biology. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

"I spent 10 years in Ann Arbor, and I'm used to protests and marching," Talsma said, "and I brought two students with me."

Valerie Talsma, Watersmeet High School science teacher, displays the "bee" hat she wore in the march -- a hat that says more than a sign about the importance of saving pollinators that are endangered. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

More than 400 people, many displaying a variety of colorful signs, set out to walk from Houghton to Hancock across the Portage Lift Bridge. Click on YouTube icon for a larger view. (Video by Keweenaw Now and Allan Baker)

Displaying their creative signs at the head of the march are, from left, Anna-Catharina Wilhelm, Cassandra Gietek, Michael James, and Anna Kubek. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

 

"Science is for Everyone" and "I Love Science" are the messages on this young marcher's sign. (Photo by Allan Baker)

March organizers asked participants to find fun, creative, and personal ways to engage in the march, and community sign-making events preceded the march. Marchers were also asked to use recycled materials to create their signs. (Photo by Allan Baker)

So as not to stop the flow of traffic on US-41, participants marched under the bridge and then up the hill to cross it to Hancock. They then marched under the bridge again and returned to Houghton on the opposite side of the road.

Marchers descend a stairway to cross under the bridge in Houghton, away from traffic, before crossing the bridge to Hancock. (Photo by Allan Baker)

March for Science, participants march across the Portage Lift Bridge from Houghton to Hancock.  Click on YouTube icon for a larger view. (Video by Allan Baker for Keweenaw Now)

One of the main messages of the march is expressed on this sign. (Photo by Allan Baker)

Beth Flynn, Michigan Tech emerita professor of reading and composition (Humanities), who also joined her daughter, Kate Flynn, for the Jan. 21 Women's March in D.C., enjoyed the good weather and pleasant company for the Houghton-Hancock March for Science.*

"This is great," Beth said. "The weather is perfect. There were over 400 people and only one person who yelled out something negative -- and many positive honks."

Beth Flynn greets Carolyn Peterson on the Hancock side of the bridge. Both of them participated in the Women's March in Washington, D.C., last January.* (Photo by Allan Baker)

Two Keweenaw County residents from Ahmeek -- Joan Schutte and her daughter, Rita Snabb -- joined Lynn Gerou of Hancock on the bridge, displaying their signs for passing traffic. Each of the three commented on why she came to the march.

Displaying their signs to traffic during the March for Science are, from left, Rita Snabb of Ahmeek, Lynn Gerou of Hancock and Joan Schutte of Ahmeek. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

"We're disgusted with the way things are going," Rita Snabb said. "We don't need the Great Lakes destroyed."

Schutte, Rita's 82-year-old Mom, added, "I cannot believe this man got elected president."

Gerou noted, "We want to keep the regulations that Obama put in to protect the environment."

Marchers cross the Lift Bridge a second time, returning to Hancock. Some wear pro-science t-shirts for the event. Click on YouTube icon for larger view. (Video by Allan Baker and Keweenaw Now)

 

Following this March for Science in Houghton, Sarah Green (with sign), Michigan Tech professor of chemistry and noted climate scientist, left for Washington, D.C., to participate in the People's Climate March on Saturday, Apr. 29. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

Pictured here after the march are, from left, Petra Hüntemeyer, Michigan Tech associate professor in astrophysics (Physics); Amlan Mukherjee, associate professor in Michigan Tech's Civil and Environmental Engineering Service Systems Engineering Program; Sarah Hoy, Michigan Tech postdoctoral scholar in Forestry; and Susan Cristanelli Stifler. (Photo by Allan Baker)

Representing Finlandia University at the March for Science and showing their concern for Mother Earth on Earth Day are Finlandia President Philip Johnson and his wife, René, Finlandia assistant professor of  religion and philosophy. René also participated in the Jan. 21 Women's March in Washington, D.C.*

March for Science organizer Emily Shaw said she and co-organizer Nicole Wehner were happy with the turnout at the march but still hopeful the demonstration would lead to further community action.

"Nicole and I are incredibly excited about the number of people that turned out for the march and we believe it is a testament to this community's positive relationship with science," Shaw told Keweenaw Now. "However, a one-hour march isn't enough. Our community needs to channel the momentum from the march into political action. We need people to get involved in the community organizations that are doing advocacy work that protects and defends STEM education (science, technology, engineering, and math) funding and supports evidence-based policy."

More photos: Portage Lake District Library offers activities before, after March for Science

Preceding the March for Science, the Portage Lake District Library invited participants, including families with children, to Hands-on Science: Activities and demonstrations, led by students and educators from the area. Following the march, the Portage Library was the scene of "What do we do next?" -- a community action meeting focusing on impacting policy decisions.

Hands on Science:

Assisted by students and educators, kids enjoy making signs and other items related to science during the Portage Library's "Hands-on Science" activity preceding the March for Science on April 22, 2017. (Photos in Library by Keweenaw Now)

Reese Gwaltney, second grader at Houghton Elementary, proudly displays her sign about protecting a favorite animal. Click on photos for larger versions.

Lillian Griffis of Hancock says her sign is about "a chemistry experiment gone wrong." 

Andrew Plummer, 6th grader at Houghton Middle School created this hoop glider, a flight experiment, during the "Hands-on Science" event at the library.

Katie Plummer, 8th grader at Houghton Middle School, holds the tiny airplane she made.

Munkaila Musah, from Ghana, a Michigan Tech Ph.D. student in forestry, checks out the science experiments and gets ready to head for the march.

After the March: "What do we do next?"

Following the march, concerned community members met at the Portage Library in small groups to discuss community action topics. Discussing climate change as well as cleanup work at the Torch Lake Area of Concern are, from left, Nicole Wehner, co-organizer of the March for Science; Horst Schmidt, president of the Upper Peninsula Environmental Coalition (UPEC); Chris Alquist, Portage Library community program director; Kyla Valenti, Michigan Tech student in social sciences; and Mark Campbell, martial arts instructor. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

Discussing politics and policy are Houghton County Democratic Party members, from left, Anne Newcombe, Valorie Troesch, Brian Hoduski (HCDP co-chair) and Cathy Campbell Olszewski.

Residents interested in more local and sustainable forms of energy production are pictured here: clockwise from left, Kathryn, who is concerned about excessively high electric bills; Lindsey Wells, Michigan Tech student in computer science; Timothy; and Munkaila Musah, from Ghana, Michigan Tech Ph.D. student in forestry.
 

Discussing water and terrestrial resources are, from left, Stefan Hupperts, Michigan Tech graduate student in forestry; Kevin Nevorski, Michigan Tech graduate student in biology; and Petra Huentemeyer, Michigan Tech associate professor of astrophysics.

STEM education is the subject of discussion here for, from left, Joan Chadde, director of Michigan Tech's Center for Science and Environmental Outreach; Katherine Wiykovics, Michigan Tech graduate student in computer science; Stephanie Tubman, middle school science curriculum developer (Mi-STAR program**); and Rudiger Escobar of Guatemala, Michigan Tech post-doctoral researcher in geology and Stephanie's husband.

Rudiger Escobar of Guatemala, post-doctoral researcher in geology at Michigan Tech, participated in the March for Science and the discussions afterwards in the Portage Library. He had a positive reaction.

"I think it was great -- showing support for what we scientists do," Escobar said.

Most recently his research takes him to the West Coast, where he has been studying volcanoes, landslides and transportation.

Notes:

* See our Feb. 3, 2017, article, "Local mothers, daughters, friends inspired by joining Jan. 21 Women's March in D.C."

** To learn about the Mi-STAR program click here.

Meeting on National Popular Vote Compact to be held Dec. 8 at Portage Library

HOUGHTON -- The recent presidential election was the fifth time in the nation’s history that the popular vote winner was not the winner of the election. The National Popular Vote (NPV) Compact, a "way around" the Electoral College, will be examined in a program by The League of Women Voters of the Copper Country to be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8, in the community room of the Portage Lake District Library in Houghton.

The US League of Women Voters has had a position calling for abolishing the Electoral College since 1970. In 2008 the League conducted a study of the NPV Compact proposal. The 2010 Convention amended the national position to support the National Popular Vote compact as another method of selecting the President until such time as the Electoral College is abolished.

•  States sign a compact with each other to give all their electoral votes to the candidate with the most votes across the entire nation (the popular vote winner). Is it legal?
• It goes into effect when states holding 270 Electoral College votes have signed on. What if they back out?
• Already states holding 165 votes have signed the compact. What about Michigan?

Attend this meeting to learn more about this issue, the Electoral College and where it stands today. The meeting is free and open to the public. The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan, grassroots, issue-oriented, political organization open to women and men. Information is available at www.lwv.org and www.lwvccmi.org. See also http://www.nationalpopularvote.com/.

Portage Library to celebrate 10th anniversary in waterfront location June 10; new director introduces new digital resources

By Michele Bourdieu

Portage Lake District Library Director Dillon Geshel (standing, center) welcomes visitors during the library's Open House in April. The public is invited to the Portage Library's 10th anniversary celebration this Friday, June 10. (Photos by Keweenaw Now unless otherwise indicated.)

HOUGHTON -- On Friday, June 10, everyone is invited to celebrate the Portage Lake District Library's tenth anniversary of outstanding community service in its location on Houghton’s waterfront. Cake and beverages will be served in the community room from noon to 3 p.m. Friday. Patrons who have library fines will also be able to receive up to $10 in Fine Forgiveness on June 10th.

The Portage Library's new director, Dillon Geshel, says this is an opportunity for the public to enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the library as well as browse the shelves, enjoy exhibits, and learn more about "what's new" at the library.

During the Portage Lake District Library Open House in April, Library Director Dillon Geshel, center, pauses for a photo with his Dad, Brian Geshel, left, and Jay Fedorocko, Portage Library trustee from Chassell. Brian Geshel, Apria Health Care operations manager, is happy about son Dillon's new position as Library Director: "I'm very proud," Brian said. "I'm glad to see that he found such a rewarding job in our community."

Dillon Geshel is excited about new resources at the library. These include Instant Flix, a collection of films available digitally, and Scola, which provides access to T.V. programs and news articles in foreign languages.

Instant Flix: A digital library of more than 7,000 films

Instant Flix is a collection of independent films, short films and classic TV shows people can watch from a digital streaming platform. It's very similar to Netflix, but with a focus on independent films and documentaries, Geshel explained. It also allows you to browse films through film festivals such as Cannes, Sundance, etc.

"It's a Web site where people can watch all these movies," Geshel said. "That's a resource that I'm really excited about [Instant Flix], because we only have so much space in the library for physical material."

Scola: TV programs in many languages

Since the beginning of May, Portage Library has been offering patrons access to Scola, a non-profit organization that receives and transmits TV programs from foreign countries in the native language of each country. Geshel said this is a great resource for foreign language learning (in addition to the library's Mango program) and also useful for international students in the community.* They can watch the TV news from their country in their own language and download it as well.

During the Portage Lake District Library's  recent Photo Challenge, "Libraries Transform Communities," a young participant displays her sign telling why libraries matter to her: "They can help you learn a language on Mango."* (Photo courtesy Portage Lake District Library)

Scola also has a component that allows you to search for a newspaper article and read it in the native language.

"Not only can you read the newspaper article in the native language, but you can also have it translated into English," Geshel noted.

During the library's Open House during National Library Week in April, visitors were able to see some short films from Instant Flix and learn how to use the Scola resources.

During the Open House, Portage Library Director Dillon Geshel chats with Chris Alquist, center,  Portage Library community programs coordinator, and Ellie Alexander, substitute librarian. Alquist commented on the good turnout at the Open House, while Alexander compared the present Portage Library location to the former one (now the Carnegie Museum), where she also worked. "I like both of them," she said. "I like this one because it's like being on a boat. The old one had a good ambiance." This Friday, June 10, the library celebrates 10 years in the Houghton waterfront location.

Also during National Library Week, Geshel welcomed local business owners to the library to learn about Michigan eLibrary Resources for Small Businesses. Portage Library offers access to business databases from the Library of Michigan, located in Lansing. These databases offer useful information specially tailored for businesses, Geshel said.

Kathy Petaja, Houghton resident, who attended the Open House, said she enjoys attending community lectures and events at Portage Library. She also appreciates the view from the large window.

"I just love looking at the water," Petaja said. "The scenery is just beautiful -- and the people are so friendly."

More photos ...

Gracie displays her sign for the Photo Challenge. She says the library offers books from history to fantasy for her to read. (Photo courtesy Portage Lake District Library)

During the Open House, Anna Leppänen chats in Finnish with the Rev. Elmer Liimatta of Chassell. "It's the best place in town," says Leppänen, who often comes to the library with her daughter, Maisa.
   

Scott Linna of Hancock tastes some of the delicious refreshments during the Open House. "I come for the atmosphere," said Linna, who works for Eagle Radio. 

PREVIEW: Portage Lake District Library will launch their Summer Reading Program from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 18. Watch for details, coming soon ...

* Mango is a foreign language learning program available to Portage Library patrons. The Mango database was acquired in 2011 by former Portage Library Director Shawn Leche. See our 2011 article, "Portage Library offers new data bases for online learning."

Portage Library to celebrate National Library Week April 11-16

HOUGHTON -- The Portage Lake District Library (PLDL) invites everyone to visit the library and celebrate National Library Week from April 11 – April 16.

Programs that will be offered throughout the week are as follows:

Monday, April 11
Grant Seeking Resources for Non-Profits, Artists and Students, 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
As the only Funding Information Network for the Foundation Center in Houghton and Keweenaw counties, the Portage Lake District Library makes available the most comprehensive database of grantmakers and their grants in the United States. Library Director Dillon Geshel will present on using this resource.

Tuesday, April 12
Indieflix: Free Streaming Video from Your Library, 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
A premier online streaming video service that provides award-winning independent films as well as 7,000 high quality shorts, documentaries, and classic TV shows is now available for PLDL patrons. A presentation that shows how to use Indieflix will be followed by the screening of two short films. Popcorn will be served.

Wednesday, April 13
Children’s Storytime and Craft, 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Young children are invited to a library themed Storytime. Kids will enjoy listening to stories and will create their own book afterwards.

SCOLA: Television and Radio Broadcasts from Around the World, 3:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
SCOLA is a non-profit educational organization that receives and re-transmits television programming from around the world in native languages and will be added to PLDL’s resources in May. Library Director Dillon Geshel will show participants how to access SCOLA and its many features.

Thursday, April 14
Children’s Storytime and Craft, 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Young children are invited to a library themed Storytime. Kids will enjoy listening to stories and will write their own book afterwards.

Open House for New Library Director Dillon Geshel, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Everyone is welcome to stop by the community room to meet and chat with the library’s new director, Dillon Geshel. Refreshments will be served.

Dillon Geshel, new Library Director for the Portage Lake District Library in Houghton. The public is invited to an Open House for Dillon from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Apr. 14. (File photo courtesy Jennifer Donovan)

Local Author Visit and Book Talk with Corey LaBissoniere, 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Corey LaBissoniere is the author of two novels for young adults. His presentation will include a discussion and readings from his newest book, Return to Enchantas. There will be a book signing and selling afterwards.

Friday, April 15
Michigan eLibrary Resources for Small Businesses, 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
The library recognizes business information resources as a necessity for new and developed businesses. Aspiring entrepreneurs need good information about their markets, customers, industry, and competitors. Library Director Dillon Geshel will show how Michigan eLibrary Business Resources can help businesses.

All Week
Fine Forgiveness
Donate nearly new books, DVDs or CDs and receive $1 in fine forgiveness per item donated during National Library Week.

Libraries Transform Communities Photo Challenge
Fill in a blank "speech bubble" sign telling why libraries matter to you or your community. Your photo will be taken with your sign, and one selected winner will receive a $50 Keweenaw Cash Certificate.

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

Portage Library to host Keweenaw Garden Club butterfly presentation Apr. 4

A Monarch butterfly visits milkweed plants in the Keweenaw. (Photo © and courtesy Gustavo Bourdieu)

HOUGHTON -- The Portage Lake District Library (PLDL) will host the Keweenaw Garden Club for an evening of learning about species of butterflies that live in our area.

Tim Eisele, an assistant professor in Michigan Tech's Department of Chemical Engineering, is also an entomology hobbyist. He will present "Keweenaw Butterflies in the Garden" at 7 p.m. Monday, April 4, at the PLDL.

Eisele will show slides and discuss which species are likely to come around in local gardens, what times of year to expect them, and what can be done either to provide food for their caterpillars, or to attract the adults. His slide show demonstrates that even though the Keweenaw does not have the diversity of butterflies that are seen further south, the area does have a nice selection of local species to enjoy. For local entomology photos and news, visit Eisele’s Web site.

The Keweenaw Garden Club was established by and for gardening enthusiasts. They have presentations at the Portage Lake District Library on the first Monday of each month September through May. Those who are interested in learning more about the club can visit their Web site.

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

Portage Library to host film exposé of rape culture on U.S. campuses, with panel discussion, March 1

HOUGHTON -- The Portage Lake District Library will host a screening of the film The Hunting Ground at 6 p.m., followed by a panel discussion at 7:45 p.m., on Tuesday, March 1.

Produced by the directors of The Invisible War, a documentary about sexual assault in the United States military, The Hunting Ground presents a startling exposé of rape culture on U.S. campuses, institutional cover-ups, and the brutal social toll on victims and their families. Weaving together actual footage and first-person testimonies, the film follows survivors as they pursue their education while fighting for justice. This film was shown at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival.

The film will be followed by a question and answer discussion with panelists from the Michigan Technological University Department of Institutional Equity and Inclusion/Title IX, the Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter Home, and Dial Help, Inc.

All library programs are free and everyone is invited. For more information please call the library at 482-4570 or send an email to info@pldl.org.

New Houghton County Cardboard Recycling Center to open Jan. 4

This map shows the approximate location of the new Houghton County Cardboard Recycling Center in Atlantic Mine.

HOUGHTON -- If you're a Houghton County resident but not a resident of the City of Hancock, which has curbside recycling, you can benefit from FREE recycling of CARDBOARD beginning Monday, Jan. 4, at the new Houghton County Cardboard Recycling Center located adjacent to the Houghton County Transfer Station in Atlantic Mine.*

Hours will be Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. DRIVING DIRECTIONS FROM HOUGHTON: Head west on highway M26 toward Atlantic Mine/South Range. One mile past the stoplight at Green Acres Road turn right onto Erickson Drive. The Recycling Center is on the right after about 0.1 mile. The address is 17808 Erickson Dr. Call (906) 482-8872 for information.

Acceptable materials are the following: corrugated cardboard; boxes made of paperboard (shoe, cereal, detergent boxes…); brown grocery bags and packaging; frozen pizza boxes; boxes with small amounts of tape, staples, plastic windows.

Note: All boxes should be free of food and flattened/broken down. Do not place recyclables in plastic bags.

Unacceptable materials: food; grease- or oil-saturated materials; paper products such as newspapers, magazines, junk mail; plastic or plastic bags; styrofoam.

The cardboard products you recycle will be sold to industries that use recycled cardboard to manufacture new products. The money from the sale of the cardboard will be used for operating costs at the Houghton County Recycling Center.

Cardboard and paper waste make up 41 percent of the municipal solid waste stream; in other words, cardboard is the biggest manufactured product in the waste stream by weight.

Recycling cardboard takes 24 percent less energy and produces 50 percent less sulfur dioxide than making cardboard from raw materials. Individuals who recycle will see a reduction in their costs for waste disposal. Waste Management is now charging for recycling, but at the Houghton County transfer station this cardboard recycling is free for residential users; commercial users must check with the office for rates.

One ton of recycled cardboard saves 390 kW hours of electricity, 46 gallons of oil, 6.6 million Btus of energy and 9 cubic yards of landfill space.

The Houghton County Cardboard Recycling Center is funded with a $90,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) to Houghton County. The Copper Country Recycling Initiative and the Houghton County Board of Commissioners were instrumental in the development of this new cardboard recycling center.

Celebration Jan. 16 at Portage Lake District Library

Celebrate the opening of the Houghton County Cardboard Recycling Center at a special, fun-filled event planned for 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, at the Portage Lake District Library. Lots of fun hands-on activities for kids are planned, including Making Paper, Garbage Pizzas, Recycling Machine, Making Forts, Waste-Free Lunch Safari, and more! A recycling display and information on plans for how to improve curbside recycling in Houghton County will be available, including information on how you can get involved.

Everyone is invited to enjoy FREE refreshments and cake. Several children’s recycling books and other prizes will be raffled.

*Editor's Note: Hancock residents are encouraged to take advantage of monthly curbside recycling, usually on the last Thursday of the month. Click here for details.

Dillon Geshel is Portage Lake District Library's new Library Director

Dillon Geshel, new Library Director for the Portage Lake District Library in Houghton. (Photo courtesy Jennifer Donovan)

HOUGHTON -- The Portage Lake District Library (PLDL) Board of Trustees has hired Dillon Geshel as the new Library Director. Geshel served as interim director since the retirement of Shawn Leche in late August.

The vote to hire Geshel was unanimous.

"Dillon understands this community and its library needs," said Jennifer Donovan, president of the PLDL Board of Trustees. "He’s smart, computer-savvy and tuned in to the many ways a public library can and should serve its community. "We’re lucky to have him."

Geshel has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and is working towards his Master’s of Library and Information Science degree at Wayne State University.

"I feel fortunate to represent such a great library, and I’m excited about the opportunity to work toward energizing and engaging the community," said Geshel. "I’m determined to find out what communities are underserved and to find ways to better serve them."

Chris Alquist, community programs director at PLDL, said, "I am ecstatic for Dillon and the library. He has worked here since he was in college. He always said he wanted to be a library director. He brings a lot of energy to the position, and the staff respects his work ethic."

Geshel has been evaluating the library over the past few months as interim director. He sees opportunities to make a good library even better.

"I want to work to appeal to more young adult readers and help them see all the resources we offer and how we can tailor programs to meet their needs," Geshel noted.

Geshel lives in Chassell with his wife Sarah and daughter Sawyer.