Portage Library to offer programs for all ages

HOUGHTON -- The Portage Lake District Library continues to offer programs for all ages.

At 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 14, Lynn Watson, who is an Advanced Master Gardener and the head gardener at Michigan Technological University, will offer a continuation of her Houseplant Happiness series. Watson will have a variety of
houseplants to demonstrate and will explain dormancy, repotting, lighting, location, watering requirements and design. She will also explain why plants get sick and show what can be done to make them feel better. There will be hand-outs, and all plant enthusiasts are invited.

Kids! Can you do the Penguin Egg Walk? Find out at the very special Playful Penguin Storytime presented by singer/songwriter Ariel Lake at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 16. Lake wrote and illustrated a story especially for this event. She will also perform on her guitar a song that she wrote for penguin lovers everywhere. Lake will share fascinating facts about penguins and lead the kids through special penguin games. The award winning film Happy Feet will also be shown. Kids are invited to bring their lunch, and popcorn will be served.

The library is the site of the 4-H Entrepreneurial Fun! program that will be offered in a series of four workshops for youth ages 12 - 19. Students will learn what it is like to turn an idea into a small business. Field work will include investigating local
businesses to learn how they started, and then students will set up a small business of their own. Workshops at the library will be held on Mondays -- Jan. 18 and 25 and Feb. 1 and 8 -- from 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. To register, call Carol Kreher at the 4-H office at 482-5830.

Area youth are invited to join the YA Book Club that meets at the library on the first Monday of each month from 7 p.m.-8 p.m. to discuss the book-of-the-month they have read. Students are currently reading the Newberry Honor Award book The Thief, by Megan Whalen Turner, and will meet on Feb. 1 to discuss it. Students may purchase books for the Club through the library at a discount. Facilitators for this program are Lois Berg and Christine Heppermann, who both hold MFA degrees in writing for children and young adults from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minn.

Everyone is invited to attend these events, and library presentations are free. For more information, please call the library at 482-4570.

Copper Island Ski Club to meet Jan. 12 at Swedetown Chalet

CALUMET -- The regular monthly meeting of the Copper Island Cross Country Ski Club will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 12, at the Swedetown Chalet in Calumet. All are welcome.

Ski for Heart to raise funds for Omega House, ski club Feb. 13 at Swedetown Trails

CALUMET -- Plans are underway for the annual Ski for the Heart of our Community event to be held between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 13, at Swedetown Trails in Calumet. This fundraiser for people of all athletic abilities helps Omega House and the Copper Island Ski Club.

The Ski For the Heart of Our Community planning committee is pictured here, from left, front row: Tammy LaBelle, Colleen Rowe and Sandy Lewin; from left, back row: Barbara Flanagin, Mark Jindrich and Lois Berg. (Photo courtesy Lois Berg)

Omega House is a hospice home offering compassionate care for people who are terminally ill and lack the support and resources to live out their final days on their own. All in need are welcomed at Omega House, regardless of ability to pay. Trained staff and hospice volunteers provide loving care to residents and their families.

Copper Island Ski Club operates Swedetown Recreational Area, owned by Calumet Township. Summer recreation includes hiking and biking trails. Winter recreation includes 30k of cross-country ski trails groomed for skate and classic skiing (8k are lit for night skiing), 5k back country and 8k snowshoe trails, as well as hills for sledding and snowboarding. New this winter will be dog trails! The Chalet offers a warming room and a food concession.

Last year 144 participants skied or snowshoed and raised $9,587. This is a great event for those who want to support two noteworthy local causes and enjoy the outdoors in good company. Athletes can join a team or participate as an individual. Refreshments, a daily trail pass and a chance at door prizes and are included in the minimum $10 donation. A $25 donation includes free ski rental for the day from Cross Country Sports, Calumet; and a $50 donation includes all of the above plus a Ski For Heart gift.

Ski or snowshoe for any part or all of the five hours! Collect donations in advance from friends, family, neighbors and community members. Pledge envelopes are available at the following:

• Aspirus Keweenaw Home Health and Hospice, Calumet
• Swedetown Chalet, Calumet
• Omega House, Houghton

Donate to Omega House or Copper Island Cross Country Ski Club or both. All donations are tax-deductible.

Earn points: 1 point for each kilometer skied; 3 points for each kilometer snowshoed: 2 points for every dollar raised! The team with the most total points will be awarded a plaque to be displayed at their worksite for the year with the team name engraved on it. Individual prizes will also be awarded.

If you cannot be present on the day of the event, you may choose one day during the week of Feb. 7-12 to ski or snowshoe at the Swedetown trails. You may ski for up to five consecutive hours on a single day during this week. Record the date, time and distance on the collection envelope and turn your information in to any of the locations listed above.

Questions? Call Colleen at 337-5700 or Sandy at 482-4438 or, for more information, call Swedetown Trails 906-337-1170 or the Omega House at 906-482-4438.

Stupak attracts large crowd at town hall meeting in Houghton

By Michele Bourdieu

After his Jan. 7 town hall meeting in the Michigan Tech Memorial Union Ballroom, U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak stays an extra hour to answer more questions, one-on-one, with constituents. Click on photos for larger versions. (Photos by Keweenaw Now)

HOUGHTON -- Health care reform was the issue that dominated U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak's Jan. 7 town hall meeting in Houghton. The event attracted First District constituents from Menominee to Baraga to Copper Harbor, with standing room only in the Memorial Union Ballroom at Michigan Tech.

Both Michigan Tech University President Glenn Mroz and Sgt. Allan Hoffman of Michigan Tech Public Safety estimated the crowd at approximately 250, if not more.

"It's democracy in action," Mroz commented after Stupak's Power Point presentation on the health care crisis and question-answer session with the public. "I think Bart gave really good answers to some really tough questions. You really have to appreciate his forthrightness in answering the questions."

Standing room only remains as the town hall meeting with Bart Stupak begins with his Power Point presentation on health care reform. Standing in the back, fourth from left, is Michigan Tech President Glenn Mroz.

Stupak reprimanded some audience members only once for talking while he was trying to answer someone's question. Otherwise the audience was quite civil as opposing points of view were expressed. Several Michigan Tech Public Safety personnel were on duty in the Ballroom.

First, Stupak pointed out he had held several telephone town meetings during the past year in an effort to keep in touch with constituents in the 31 counties of his First District, which is half the size of the State of Michigan.* (link to map below)

"We're always looking for different ways to reach out and inform people, keep individuals involved," Stupak said. "Interest is great on what's going on in this country."

He noted his office answered about 50,000 letters or emails in 2008, an election year, and estimated close to 90,000 in 2009 -- nearly a 50 percent increase. Stupak added his town hall meeting in Ontonagon Jan. 6 attracted at least 250 people and the meeting Jan. 5 in Ironwood about 150.

Stupak noted the Democratic Congress has been tackling several issues since President Obama came into office -- including a bill, now signed into law, to assure equal pay for equal work for women; expansion of the Children's Health Insurance Program; the economic stimulus package (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act); loans to GM and Chrysler.

"A lot of what we've done has gone to the Senate, and we're still waiting for the Senate to act," he added. "One of the biggest bills we've ever done is health care."

In his Power Point presentation, Stupak gave an overview of the health care reform bills introduced in the House of Representatives in 2009 and compared and contrasted the latest House bill with the Senate bill that reached a vote late in December.

Preceding the question-answer session at the town hall meeting in Houghton, Stupak presents an overview of health care reform in a Power Point presentation.

"No matter what part of the economy you look at, health care is a big part of it," Stupak said. "It's probably the one bill I've ever worked on that affects every one of us."

The goal of health care reform is "quality, affordable, accessible health care for all Americans," he explained.

Stupak reminded the audience that he is Chairman of Oversight and Investigations for the House Energy and Commerce Committee and is beginning his fourth year of investigating the insurance industry. He pointed out several examples of how health insurance companies deny coverage, such as rescission, dropping persons from a plan with no chance for appeal, often causing people to die for lack of insurance or to go bankrupt.

Stupak explained he voted against the House Bill in July (HR 3200) since it was incomplete. He believed the bill did not do enough to control rising health care costs, was built on a system that rewards quantity rather than quality, did not do enough to encourage competition and did not answer his concerns about public funding for abortion. By November, he did vote for HR 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act.

HR 3962 does the following: creates a health insurance exchange allowing individuals and businesses to purchase a plan they prefer; requires each plan to have an essential benefits package; eliminates lifetime cap on benefits; prohibits all plans from discriminating on the basis of pre-existing conditions; prohibits insurance companies from rescinding policies except in the case of fraud (including a third-party appeal system); eliminates a lifetime cap on benefits; limits out-of-pocket expenses; offers a voluntary public option; offers tax credits to small businesses. The bill also helps seniors avoid the Medicare donut hole (limit on drug coverage) and helps families avoid bankruptcy due to unaffordable medical costs; health care providers are compensated for previously uncompensated care; more coverage is provided for preventive services under Medicare (which would extend solvency of the Medicare Trust Fund for at least five years, Stupak said).

Stupak dispelled myths about death panels,(not allowed); insurance for illegal immigrants (not allowed). An income deduction of 2.5 percent would be applied to those refusing to purchase health insurance, but no one would go to jail for refusing to purchase health insurance. He noted inequities in spending on Medicare (e.g., $16,000 paid to an individual in Miami as opposed to $6100 paid for a patient in Marquette) would be changed with an emphasis on quality rather than quantity. Veterans' programs would not be affected by the bill, though veterans could choose a different plan if they wished.

Anti-abortion amendment sparks controversy

Stupak explained that, although he originally hoped to keep abortion out of the bill, he proposed the anti-abortion amendment for the present House health care reform bill in opposition to an amendment proposed by Congresswoman Lois Capps of California. The Capps amendment required that at least one plan in the new health insurance exchange provide abortion coverage; it required a minimum monthly charge from every enrollee in the public option to be allocated for reproductive services, including abortion; and it allowed individuals receiving federal subsidies to purchase health insurance plans that cover abortion.

The Capps amendment, according to Stupak, would change the present law (the Hyde amendment of 1976, 1977, that prohibits using federal funds for abortion, with exceptions for rape,incest and the life of the mother). When the Capps amendment passed last summer, Stupak proposed his amendment, which he insisted upholds the present law. It finally passed in November (240-194).

"The only reason why we passed health care in the House is because pro-Life Democrats voted for it," Stupak said. "It doesn't take away your right to choose. All it says is the federal government is not going to pay for abortions."

Stupak then outlined differences between the House bill (HR3962) and the Senate bill voted in December.

House bill covers 36 million uninsured while the Senate bill covers 31 million. The House bill would go into effect in January 2013, the Senate bill not until January 2014. Unlike the House bill, the Senate bill does not close the donut hole for seniors or include a public option. Instead, the Senate bill creates two insurance plans contracted by the Office of Personnel Management. Only the House bill takes away the anti-trust exemption for insurance companies.

"The insurance industry and major league baseball are the only industries left in this country not subject to anti-trust laws," Stupak noted. "If they want to raise their rates as they have on individual policies this past year in Michigan 20-40 percent, there's nothing we can do about it."

While the House bill would help pay for health care by imposing a surtax on people with incomes above $500,000, the Senate bill would impose a surtax on individual high-premium insurance plans.

The Senate "has basically the Capps amendment" on abortion, while the House has the Stupak amendment, he said.** (See below for links to recent New York Times articles.)

Still, the Senate and House hope to agree on a final health care bill by the end of January or early February 2010.

Stupak fields hard questions

Some questions from the audience challenged Stupak's position on government funding of abortion, while others challenged the whole idea of government reform of health care with any cost at all to individuals. Others thanked him for coming and seemed supportive of his positions.

Stupak answers constituents' questions on health care reform during the Jan. 7 town hall meeting at Michigan Tech.

To the question "How can we use our influence to get the Senate to include a public option?" Stupak admitted he wasn't sure and changed the subject to other problems with the Senate bill, such as sweetheart deals for certain states like Nebraska.**

On abortion, one person questioned his rationale for wanting to change the current system but keep the current law that prevents federal funding for abortion? Why single out that one practice as one not to be changed? Why should one thing be changed and not another?

"Only 18 percent of all abortions are covered under health insurance," Stupak replied. "We're put in the position where we have to choose what benefits we're going to fund and not fund under health care."

He noted in polls conducted after the Stupak amendment 61 percent of Americans said they didn't want public funding for abortion. He added 24 of the 64 Democrats who voted with him were pro-choice Democrats who didn't want federal funds to pay for abortions.

A person who admitted being opposed to government health care reform asked Stupak, "If there's funding for abortion (in the final bill) will you pledge to vote no?"

Noting his record is clear on right-to-life issues, Stupak said, "I probably will not vote for it ... I don't sign pledges."

Bob Darling of Chassell said he was grateful to the federal government for veterans' health services that saved his brother's life and wondered why Stupak, because of his anti-abortion stance, would sacrifice health care reform that could save the lives of 45,000 people who die each year because of inadequate coverage.

"Doesn't that demonstrate a bit of hypocrisy when right to life seems to end at birth?" Darling asked.

Stupak noted a Labor HHS appropriation bill (signed Dec. 16) and Children's Health Insurance bill last February were both signed with language on abortion similar to the Stupak amendment.

Stupak seemed confident the House and Senate would eventually agree on a health reform bill.

"I think at the end of the day we can work this out," he said.

A young woman concerned about keeping her present health plan protested being taxed for Medicare and Social Security since she doesn't feel it will be there when she needs it. Some people in the audience applauded her comments.

Stupak said the future of Medicare and Social Security could be secured if all income were taxed rather than the present system that caps the tax on income above $94,000 or so.

Following the question-answer session, Stupak stayed an extra hour to speak with individuals who had more questions and comments.

Constituents of all ages stayed after the town hall meeting to speak personally with Congressman Stupak.

Audience reactions

Chris Bryan of Baraga County commented on the attitudes of people opposed to health care reform.

"I think people who are against it are afraid they're not going to get their share of the pie," Bryan said. "I think they're afraid they're going to lose something they figure they're entitled to. I don't think they want to share their piece of the pie."

Tom Gemignani of Hancock said he thought Stupak did a good job of answering questions.

"It's a tough thing to tackle, but I think he's right. We need it," Gemignani said. "Everybody's going to have to contribute."

A young man who works for Michigan Community Action and sees people in need every day agreed.

"I think that health care reform should be for everybody," he said. "Everybody's going to be covered. Everybody has to make certain sacrifices."

Jim Borowski of Menominee, CEO for Goodwill Industries for Upper Michigan and Northern Wisconsin, said he often sees homeless people with severe medical and mental problems that get worse as they go untreated.

"If they're not treated, they end up hospitalized (eventually under Medicare), a cost to the government," he said.

Melanie Jasper of Carney, Mich., who also works for Goodwill, emphasized the need for mental health coverage, especially since these problems often require expensive drugs.

"It's treatable," Jasper said. "You can't really separate the mind from the body."

Michigan Tech student John Pastore also agreed on the need for health care reform.

"I want to thank (Stupak)," Pastore said. "I've got friends who are sick and are liable to be destroyed financially before dying if something like this doesn't come along. It's really awkward when one of your friends tells you, 'I can't afford the diagnostics to find out what's wrong with me.'"

Naomi Leukuma of Chassell had a different viewpoint and spoke to Stupak after the meeting.

"I expressed my concern of reaching into somebody's pocket and taking out money and giving it to somebody else. I call it stealing. Politicians call it redistribution of wealth," Leukuma said. "How's it going to get paid for?"

Leukuma said she didn't think Stupak answered people's questions.

Cindy Barth of Dollar Bay, who recently returned from New Zealand, said her experience there is the reason she is not for health care reform here. She described long waiting lines to see a specialist and family members and friends who had problems getting care for serious illness.

"I lived under socialized medicine for the last 19 years in New Zealand," Barth said. "It rations care. I'd get close to the six-month waiting list and I'd get bumped again. It's not great. I don't want America to go the socialized medicine way of New Zealand."***

Donna Des-Jardin of Lake Linden was positive about Stupak's presentation.

"I implicitly trust the individual who gave the presentation on health care," she said. "He made me feel confident that he reads all bills, amendments, etc., completely and really passionately applies all that he is to the vote."

Janet Hayden, Michigan Tech director of Risk Management, said she thought the turnout at the town hall meeting was very good. She commented positively on Stupak's Power Point presentation.

"I thought there was a lot to absorb, but I also thought there was a lot of information," Hayden said, "and, since it's a compicated issue, that it was helpful."

Editor's Notes:
*Click here for a map of Michigan's First District.

**See a Jan. 6, 2010, article on Bart Stupak and his anti-abortion views in The New York Times. A Jan. 8, 2010, New York Times article on the Senate bill may also be of interest.

***Cindy Barth said she would be willing to correspond with readers who may have questions about health care in New Zealand. Email the editor at andersm@pasty.com if you wish her email address.

This is the fifth in our series of articles on the health care reform issue. See also our Sept. 10, 2009, article on the Labor Day "Tea Party" rally in Houghton. We welcome your comments!

Create watercolor miniatures with Nancy McCabe Jan. 8

CALUMET -- Copper Country Associated Artists (CCAA) will host a "First" Friday activity -- creating watercolor miniatures with Nancy McCabe -- from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 8, at the CCAA Studios and Member Gallery in Historic Downtown Calumet.

Nancy McCabe and other CCAA members will demonstrate and help you learn to think big on a small piece of paper. You will leave with a miniature painting that displays on table top and/or a crowded wall. All this and the joyous feeling of accomplishment that comes with a task well learned and the ability to help others to do the same.

The CCAA Gallery is located at 112 Fifth Street in Calumet. Winter Member Gallery hours are Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about the CCAA call 906-337-1252 or visit their web site at ccaartists.org.

New landscape exhibit by three artists opens Jan. 8 at Vertin Gallery

CALUMET -- An opening reception for The ABCs of Art, a new exhibition by three artists -- Arnold Oja, Bob Dawson and Clyde Mikkola -- will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 8, at the Vertin Gallery, 220 Sixth St., Calumet.

This exhibition is quiet and mystical; all three artists paint landscapes that reflect the north woods and lake, sky and rocks, trees of this area. They all live here and put their deep feelings about nature into their work. These are not ordinary landscape paintings; they take you in and give you something wonderful back for your spirits.

The exhibit continues through Feb. 3, 2010.

Ontonagon Area art students exhibit Community Collaborations murals at Arts Center in Hancock

HANCOCK -- Community Collaborations, an exhibit of murals inspired by folk art, is on display in the Youth Gallery at the Copper Country Community Arts Center in Hancock during the month of January.

An art project created by Ontonagon Area Schools 7th grade art students, the murals, or "3-D paintings," depict four of the communities included in the Ontonagon Area School District: Ontonagon, White Pine, Rockland, and Mass City/Greenland. Students created the collaborative works during approximately 30-55-minute art class sessions. The project was a labor of love and included the help of many people.

Ontonagon 7th grade art students work on a "3-D painting" of their community. (Photos courtesy Community Arts Center)

"With this type of team teaching opportunity, we could tackle more ambitious and complex projects," said Jill Miesbauer, a teaching intern from Northern Michigan University assisting art educator Melissa Hronkin.

Next, guest artist Randy Wakeham inspired the students with his paintings and professional advice. Board of Education President Dean Juntinen took photographs of the landmark buildings in each of the communities for the students to use as reference. This really helped the students with their realistic drawings of the buildings.

Ontonagon art students exhibit their mural of the Mass City/Greenland community.

Scott DeHut, an aide for some of the students, provided guidance and leadership for some of the groups. This art project was about collaboration and community building at many levels. Artists in the real world do not work in isolation: there are many types of skills involved in their process. The folk-art-inspired 3-D paintings mimicked this real-world process and provided students and teachers with many opportunities for reflection and higher-level thinking skills to solve the challenges that presented themselves each day.

The Community Arts Center is located at 126 Quincy Street in Hancock and is open Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Saturday, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Call 482-2333 for more information.

"Embracing Mortality" course to begin Jan. 19

HANCOCK -- "Embracing Mortality," a five-week course that will explore the end-of-life options available here in the Copper Country, starts at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 19, at First United Methodist Church in Hancock. No particular religious faith will be promoted.

"Facing the enormity of our own term limits need not be frightening or morbid. In fact, we laugh a lot in this course!" says instructor Carolyn Peterson. "In the same way that a childbirth class helps expectant parents overcome the fear of giving birth, knowledge and preparation can lessen the fear of dying. A major goal of the course is to add joy and meaning to whatever time we have left to live."

A collaborative effort of the Community Coalition on Grief and Bereavement, the course is designed to help people approach the end of life without fear. Participants can expect a supportive atmosphere; group discussions; and guest speakers that include a physician, Hospice nurse and funeral directors. Class size is limited to 25 people.

To obtain more information and to pre-register, contact instructor Carolyn Peterson at 482-4696 or ccpeter650@hotmail.com.

Volunteers needed for Library Restaurant Keweenaw Nordic Ski Festival Jan. 16-17

HOUGHTON -- Volunteers are needed for the upcoming Library Restaurant Keweenaw Nordic Ski Festival to be held Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 16-17, 2010. The Copper Loppet is on Saturday and the Copper Island Classic is Sunday. The festival will also include the Talvi Tohinat Skijor race on Saturday, Jan. 16.

The Copper Loppet has two distances, 13 km or 26 km, at the Tech Trails, including portions of both the upper trails and the Nara Trails. Start time is high noon on Saturday, Jan. 16. The Copper Island Classic on Sunday, Jan. 17, beginning at 12:50 p.m., includes a 2 km youth race plus the traditional 5 km and 10 km distances at the Chassell Trails. In the 5 km and 10 km, you can either race for time and age group awards, or you can guess your time and the closest to the actual time wins!

Or, enter the Paradise Pursuit and ski the 13 km Copper Loppet and the 10 km Copper Island Classic. Prizes will be awarded for combined times.

There will also be Great Lakes Division Junior Olympic (JO) qualifiers for youth racers both days and a shorter race for 12-13-year-olds on Saturday. The Jo qualifier on Saturday begins at 9:30 a.m. on the Tech Trails; the JO qualifier on Sunday is at 10 a.m. on the Chassell Trails.

Race organizers are in need of volunteers to help at the finish line, timing and start line for both days. The days are divided in half, so people don't need to commit an entire day (although if you'd like to do so, they certainly won't turn you down). Here's the scoop:

Saturday, Jan. 16 -- Tech Trails -- high school/middle school races -- 8:30 a.m. -11 a.m.
Saturday, Jan. 16 -- Tech Trails -- Copper Loppet (13km and 26km) -- 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 17 -- Chassell Trails -- high school/middle school race -- 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Sunday, Jan. 17 -- Copper Island Classic -- Noon - 3 p.m.

If you are available to help, please send Dean Woodbeck an email at deanwoodbeck@gmail.com.

Talvi Tohinat Skijor race to be Jan. 16

The annual Talvi Tohinat Skijor race will be held Saturday, Jan. 16, 2010, on the Michigan Tech Trails as part of the first annual Library Restaurant Keweeenaw Nordic Festival. Skijor races will again be contested over two distances: 5k and 10k. The 5k race will be twice around the Isle Royale and Superior loops; the 10k race will include one lap of the Isle Royale and Superior loops, interrupted by a trip across Pilgrim Rd. for a lap around the Pilgrim Rd. trails. The 5k race is for one-dog teams only; the 10k race is open to both one- and two-dog teams. The 5k race will get underway at 12:30 p.m.; the 10k race will start after the 5k race has concluded (target time: 1 p.m.).

Details on the race can be found online at talviskijor.com.

Details on the Library Restaurant Keweenaw Nordic Festival are available at www.keweenawtrails.com/KeweenawNordic/.

If you're interested in helping with the Talvi Tohinat Skijor race, please send Chris Schmidt a note at cts@xmatic.com.

A Soldier's Heart, exhibit by Steve Wahlstrom, to open Jan. 7 at Community Arts Center

HANCOCK -- This month the Kerredge Gallery at the Copper Country Community Arts Center features Marquette artist, Steve Wahlstrom. Through his paintings, Wahlstrom tells his personal experience as a Vietnam veteran in his exhibit, A Soldier’s Heart.

Painting by Steve Wahlstrom from the exhibit A Soldier's Heart, opening Thursday, Jan. 7, at the Community Arts Center in Hancock. (Photo courtesy Community Arts Center)

A reception and gallery talk with the artist will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 7, at the Community Arts Center.

The exhibit, which continues through Jan. 30, will include "Heroes," a portrait series honoring his comrades with respect and compassion. Wahlstrom, who suffers from post traumatic stress disorder, explains that he ran out of words to describe what he was going through and started painting a year and a half ago. He found through creative expression a gratifying path to healing for himself, and by exhibiting his work a way for others to heal as well. The Copper Country Community Arts Center is honored to present this thought-provoking exhibit.

The Copper Country Community Arts Center is located at 126 Quincy Street in Hancock. Hours are Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Call 482-2333 for more information.

Stupak to hold town hall meetings Jan. 5, 6, 7

WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) is holding town hall meetings in Ironwood, Ontonagon and Houghton this week. Congressman Stupak invites constituents to attend the following town hall meetings to discuss current national issues:

Tuesday, Jan. 5, 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. (CST) at Gogebic Community College, David G. Lindquist Center Cafeteria, E-4946 Jackson Road, Ironwood, MI.

Wednesday, Jan. 6, 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. (EST) at Ontonagon Area Jr./Sr. High School Cafeteria, 701 Parker Avenue, Ontonagon, MI.

Thursday, Jan. 7, 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. (EST) at Michigan Technological University Memorial Union Building, Ballroom B, Houghton, MI.

At 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 7, Stupak will have an informal meeting with Houghton Democratic Party members and supporters. Participants will meet the Congressman in the breakfast area of the Super 8 Motel in Houghton and may bring some light refreshments to share if they wish (optional). (Note the change of time to 8 p.m. for this meeting.)

Portage Health ski, snowshoe group begins Jan. 6; Tech Nordic Ski Club offers lessons

HANCOCK -- Beginning Wednesday, Jan. 6, the ski and snowshoe group sponsored by Portage Health will be hitting the local trails as a group at 6 p.m. each Wednesday.

"Each week we will alternate between the Swedetown Trails in Calumet and the Michigan Tech Trails in Houghton," says Arnie Kinnunen, Portage Health Community Outreach Coordinator. "We will break into two groups each week. One group will snowshoe, the other group will ski (classic or skate, doesn't matter)."

Here is the schedule so far:

Jan. 6 -- TECH TRAILS: Meet by the Waxing Center off Sharon Ave.

Jan. 13 -- SWEDETOWN: Meet by the chalet.

For more information contact Arnie Kinnunen at (906)483-1558 or Akinnunen@portagehealth.org.

Cross Country Ski Lessons at Tech Trails

HOUGHTON -- The Michigan Tech Nordic Ski Club will hold two sets of cross-country ski lessons for adults: One starting at 2 p.m. on Sunday afternoons, Jan. 17, 24 and 31, and one starting at 5 p.m. on Wednesday evenings, Jan. 13, 20 and 27.

Each set is a series of three one-hour lessons. Lessons will start at the Waxing Center at Tech Trails. Skiers can choose from skate or classic technique; and the lessons will be taught at the beginner, novice or intermediate level based on the skier's ability.

"This is our sixth year of providing lessons," says Blair Orr, Michigan Tech Nordic Ski Club Faculty Advisor. "Our thanks to the Keweenaw Community Foundation, which helped us get this program started years ago."

The cost for a set of lessons is $25. More information is available at ski.mtu.edu.

Michigan Tech to compete in American College Theatre Festival; free performance of winning plays to be Jan. 2 at Rozsa

HOUGHTON -- The two one-act plays recently produced by Michigan Technological University's Visual and Performing Arts Department (VPA) -- "The Bald Soprano" and "The Lesson" -- have been selected to be performed at the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival (KC/ACTF). The Region III festival will be held at Saginaw Valley State University from Jan. 5 to 9, 2010.

In case you missed the October performance in Houghton, the cast will give a free performance of these two Eugene Ionesco plays at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 2, at the Rozsa Center.

"The Bald Soprano," a hilarious look at communication in daily life, and "The Lesson," a tragicomic view of communication between a teacher and a student -- or any authority figure and any innocent person -- were pioneering plays in the "theatre of the absurd." Eugene Ionesco, of Rumanian and French descent, is one of the best known playwrights of this literary movement, popular in the 1950s and 60s.

In 2007, the Théâtre de la Huchette in Paris celebrated 50 years of presenting these two plays, titled in French "La Cantatrice chauve" and "La Leçon." This very small, intimate theatre proved to be a successful venue for the plays, perhaps because of their intense, tragicomic qualities.

According to director Patricia Helsel, Michigan Tech assistant professor of theatre, the plays "tantalize with colorful and musical language in a circular plot full of contradictions, ironies and comical constructs," even as their meaning is easy to grasp.

In announcing the awards, the KC/ACTF selection committee cited Helsel’s creative interpretation of the Ionesco plays and her unique stylistic choices, as well as "outstanding production values and use of technology," particularly the play's use of projections and its scenic, sound and lighting designs.

Helsel joined Michigan Tech’s faculty in 2006. She has directed several plays, including the spring 2009 musical, "The Robber Bridegroom." Set designer Brock Nummerdor, lighting designer Frank Sopjes, costume designers Simone Boicourt and Esther Chuah, sound designer David Nichols, and stage manager Mike McKeller, plus the crew and eight of the nine actors, are Michigan Tech undergraduates.

"If we do well enough (in Saginaw) we perform at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC," notes cast member Charles Wallace. "We are trying things out on a new stage and we need audience members for support!! Hope you can make it!"

Pictures of the production can be seen on the web at www.vpa.mtu.edu.

Editor's Note: Portions of this article are thanks to cast member Charles Wallace and to Dennis Walikainen, Michigan Tech News senior editor. Click here to read Walikainen's complete article about the Kennedy Center / ACTF honor.

Peace on Earth ...

HANCOCK -- Keweenaw Now wishes all our readers a peaceful, healthy, happy and safe holiday season.

As we look forward to the New Year, 2010, let us support our community, state and national leaders in efforts to bring about a more peaceful world and a cleaner planet. In our own relationships, let us work for social justice and better understanding among diverse cultures.

Time to register for Heikinpäivä enrichment classes

HANCOCK -- As part of the annual Heikinpäivä festival, the City of Hancock’s Finnish Theme Committee is offering a variety of enrichment courses, beginning in mid-January. It’s important to sign up now and reserve your spots, because class sizes are limited.

The first offering is a nisu-making class taught by Edith Maki, former proprietor of Spice of Life bakery. The classes are at 2 p.m. or 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 11. Registration is $15 per student.

The following Monday, Jan. 18, Debbie Kurtti will lead a class in leipajuustoa (squeaky cheese)-making; these classes are also at 2 p.m. or 6 p.m. Registration is $15 per student.

On Monday, Jan. 25, there will be a class on making Karjalan piirakka (Karelian rice pies) at 2 p.m. or 6 p.m., and at 6 p.m. that day Pete Olson will teach a class in making joulukuusi (Finnish shaving carved trees). Registration is $15 per student.

On Wednesday, Jan. 27, Kay Seppala will conduct a 5-string kantele class at 6 p.m. at Finlandia University’s Finnish American Heritage Center. Instruments will be provided for this class, which is designed for musicians ages 13 and up. Registration is $10 per student.

And, on Saturday, Jan.30, Randy Seppala will lead a bones workshop at 2:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Hancock. For only a $2 fee, students can learn to play this traditional musical instrument.

To register for classes, please call (906) 487-7505. More information about the classes, as well as details about other aspects of Heikinpäivä 2010, can be found online at pasty.com/heikki.

Finlandia University hosts Journal of Finnish Studies

HANCOCK -- Finlandia University has strengthened its intellectual role in Finnish America by becoming the host university for the Journal of Finnish Studies. The first issue of the Journal generated at Finlandia University, Vol. 13, No. 1 (Summer 2009) is now in print.

"The Journal of Finnish Studies has been roundly welcomed by Finlandia University," said Finlandia Paloheimo Scholar Beth Virtanen. "The move of the Journal to Finlandia reflects Finlandia’s central role in Finnish studies scholarship in North America."

The journal’s transition to Finlandia was supported by a grant from Finlandia Foundation National.

The latest Journal contains ten peer-reviewed articles by Finnish and American scholars. The articles, of two types, examine contemporary literary studies as well as scholarly papers presented at the summer 2009 conference "Finnish- American Immigrants in Transition," hosted by the Institute of Migration at the University of Turku.

The Journal is produced by Beth Virtanen, editor-in-chief, along with co-editor Professor Hanna Snellman of the University of Jyväskylä, and assistant editor Hilary Joy Virtanen, a doctoral candidate in the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Scandinavian Studies program. The cover art for the Summer 2009 issue is by retired Finlandia art and design instructor and artist Joyce Koskenmaki.

The cover of the Vol. 13, No. 1, issue of the Journal of Finnish Studies features art by Joyce Koskenmaki, retired Finlandia art and design instructor and artist. (Photo courtesy Finlandia University)

The Kalevala is the theme of the Journal’s next issue, a full-color volume illustrated with Kalevala artwork and with articles written by the world’s foremost Kalevala scholars. This issue (Winter 2009) is supported by a grant from the Kalevalaseura (Kalevala Society) of Helsinki, Finland (www.kalevalaseura.fi), in celebration of the Kalevala’s 175th anniversary in 2010.

The Journal of Finnish Studies is published twice yearly in summer and winter. Planned topics of future issues include Finnish-American music, proceedings of Finn Forum IX to be held in May 2010, papers from a 2011 conference on the victims and survivors of Karelia, and others.

The Journal of Finnish Studies was founded in 1997 by Professor Börje Vähämäki, chair of the Finnish Studies Department at the University of Toronto. Under his editorship, twenty-five issues of the Journal were published at the University of Toronto and an international subscription base was developed.

Dr. Beth Virtanen’s position at Finlandia University is supported by a grant from the Paloheimo Foundation.

To subscribe to the Journal of Finnish Studies, visit www.finnala.com, the website of the Finnish North American Literature Association.

For additional information, please contact Beth Virtanen at 906-487-7511.

Photo, above left: Dr. Beth Virtanen, Finlandia University Paloheimo Scholar. (Photo courtesy Finlandia University)

Houghton County receives loan for sewer improvement

WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) announced North Houghton County Water and Sewage Authority has received a $4,834,000 loan to improve its existing water and sewer system. The loan is being provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Water and Waste Disposal Direct Loan program.

"This funding will allow Houghton County to improve sewer infrastructure to protect the health of the community and also help the environment," Stupak said. "I appreciate USDA’s continued investment in Northern Michigan’s rural communities."

The loan will be used by Houghton County to make improvements to the current sewer system and eliminate deficiencies and excessive infiltration and inflow to comply with Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (now the Department of Natural Resources and Environment) provisions. The project includes construction of storage basins and upgrades to the lift station.

Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club to meet Dec. 23

HANCOCK -- The Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club (KNSC) will meet at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 23, at the Hancock Chalet. The tentative agenda includes the Treasurer Report, the Groomer's Report, Public Comment, Barneloppet, Sandpit/snowfence, Insurance, Glide 'n Gorge, window stickers, grooming times, Heikinpäivä and Web pages.

Any additions to the agenda, questions or comments, please contact Jay Green at jbgreen45@charter.net or at 487-5411.

The January meeting will be Wednesday, Jan. 20.

Update: Luncheon location changed for Karinen funeral gathering

SOUTH RANGE -- The location for the luncheon to follow the funeral for Bill Karinen on Tuesday, Dec. 22, has been changed to Holy Family Parish in South Range. From the Funeral Home you take M-26 south to Trimountain Ave. Turn left, go straight and the church is located right there.

For the potluck luncheon, Annette Butina is requesting hot dishes, cold salads, desserts and anything else friends of the Karinens can help with. She is anticipating a group of 100-150. Call Annette at 369-6642 if you have questions.

See previous article for more details.

Calumet Art Center to host Winter Solstice Drumming Celebration Dec. 21

CALUMET -- The Calumet Art Center will host an Ecstatic Peace Winter Solstice Drumming Celebration beginning with a Potluck at 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 21, at the Center, 57055 Fifth St., Calumet.

The Drumming Ceremony will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., followed by a Give-a-way event. Bring a small item you love and wish to share with someone, wrap it in newsprint and bring it with you to the drumming to give-a-way.

The Ecstatic Peace Winter Solstice Drumming is intended to create a flow of Peace energy that will ripple around the world, as participants welcome the return of the Light. Join the thousands of people all over the world who will be sharing in song, dance and meditation during the Winter Solstice.

This is a time to honor oneself, faith, family, community and the Earth -- to gather together in the spirit of community with a shared vision on the Winter Solstice.

Photo: Calumet Art Center on Fifth St. (Keweenaw Now file photo courtesy Ed Gray)

Updated: Community groups call for food, support for Karinen family after accident*

HANCOCK -- Keweenaw Now wishes to extend our deepest sympathy to the family of William (Bill) Karinen.

Bill Karinen was fatally injured last Thursday morning, Dec. 17, in a car accident. Bill was driving to work when his vehicle collided with another. Bill's oldest son, Peter, was also in the car and was injured.

In an email to the cycling community, Dan Dalquist said, "Bill was a tremendous supporter of cycling and cross-country skiing in the Keweenaw. He worked on many of our bikes. We have ridden with Bill and the family. I recall approaching the Chain Drive finish line, in 2008, chasing Bill and being passed by Pete who was also chasing his Dad!"

A fund has been established for Mrs. Lisa Karinen and her six children at the Michigan Tech Credit Union. Dalquist said also that donations can be taken to either Cross Country Sports store.

Betsy Rossini writes in an email that friends wishing to help the family can do so by providing food. Here are her suggestions:

Hot or cold dishes -- lunch type food or dinner.
Groceries -- easy to prepare food/breakfast eats/fruit/snacks.
Grocery store gift certificates.

Other things to consider:
Send food in containers that you don't want back or disposable ones. Although not essential, items that could be frozen are also welcome. Although the Karinens don't have a large freezer, this time of year outside in a cooler or box works!

How to get it to them:
You can drop off items at Betsy Rossini's house -- 1430 Silver Drive, Hancock, or at the Red Cross Office in the old E.L. Wright School at the junction of Elevation and US 41 in Hancock.

Annette Butina, who works for Red Cross has graciously agreed to help with transportation as she is the Karinens' neighbor in Painesdale and is providing them with a home in Baltic to help them save on expenses.

Please notify Betsy if you are delivering food by either calling 482-4824 or emailing her at ear1@charter.net. Call Annette any time at 906-369-6642 if you need information on delivering food for the family.

*Update: A memorial service for Bill Karinen will be held this Tuesday, Dec. 22,at the Mountainview Mortuary in South Range. Visitation is from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. with the service following immediately afterwards. There will also be a get together after the service at approximately 5 p.m. at Jeffers High School in Painesdale. All are invited. This will be a potluck. Please bring a dish or a finger food to share. Drinks, plates and silverware will be provided.

For more information email Betsy Rossini at ear1@charter.net or call her at 482-4824.

Ethnic Christmas trees on exhibit at Keweenaw Heritage Center Dec. 19

Julia Simila and Croatian Lodge friends decorated this Croatian Christmas tree for the exhibit of ethnic Christmas trees now on display at the Keweenaw Heritage Center at St. Anne's in Calumet. (Photos courtesy Julia Simila, Anita Campbell and Tom Tikkanen)

CALUMET -- The public is invited to view a display of ethnic Christmas trees from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19, at the Keweenaw Heritage Center at St. Anne's.

This Finnish tree was decorated by decorated by the Jr. High Sunday School Class of the First Apostolic Lutheran Church, Calumet.

Several school and community groups have decorated the trees to represent some of the ethnic groups that have been an important part of the history and culture of Calumet.

Mrs. Pavolich and Mrs. Darnell's second-grade classes at CLK Elementary decorated this French Canadian tree.

Be sure to visit the exhibit of these and more ethnic trees on Saturday, Dec. 19.

Editor's Note: In case you missed it, see and listen to our videoclip of Maple Sugar Folk singing "Oh Christmas Tree" in three languages!

Finlandia's Jutila Center to dedicate new business suites Dec. 18

HANCOCK -- The dedication of 20 new business incubator suites at the Finlandia University Jutila Center for Global Design and Business will take place at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 18, on the sixth floor of the Jutila Center campus.

Finlandia President Philip Johnson , Michigan Representative Michael Lahti, and Kim Stoker of the Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region will take part in the dedication ceremony.

The ceremony will be followed at 12 p.m. by a holiday reception sponsored by Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance (KEDA), MTEC SmartZone and the Finlandia Jutila Center.

The public is invited to tour the renovated Jutila Center floors from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. the same day.

It is our pleasure to gratefully acknowledge the support of the U.S. Economic Development Administration and Finlandia University friends and contributors," said Bonnie Holland, director of the Jutila Center. "It is their generosity and confidence that made possible these renovations to the sixth and seventh floors of the Jutila Center."

The former hospital was destined for demolition when Finlandia University took it over as the site of their International School of Art and Design as well as a business incubator for the community.

"It has been a pleasure to see the old hospital building become a vital resource in our community," said Representative Mike Lahti. "Not only has the building been saved, Finlandia University’s work with the EDA, in cooperation with local, state and federal agencies, has provided a good home for many start-up businesses in our community."

Click here to read the rest of this article on the Finlandia News.

Michigan Tech students send letters from Copenhagen

COPENHAGEN -- Two Michigan Tech University students sent reports this week from the United Nations conference on climate change in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Cate Cogger, an undergraduate anthropology major, and Adam Airoldi, a graduate student in forest ecology and management, sent letters with their observations and experiences at the conference.

Cate spent the fall semester as an exchange student at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim, Norway. Since Copenhagen is only a short train and plane ride from Trondheim, she decided to travel there to be part of the international climate change conference, or in her words, "to witness what will surely be world history."

Cate begins her Dec. 15 letter with a description of marches by GreenPeace and other environmental organizations:

"Perhaps one of the most outspoken and well-known organizations here is GreenPeace. Having gained a reputation for frequent and passionate demonstrations in the past against a variety of environmental threats, disasters and injustices, demonstrators from the organization are here in Copenhagen in force. On Saturday, thousands of GreenPeace members and empathetic global citizens marched throughout Copenhagen with placards and banners proclaiming a variety of messages like: 'Act Now,' 'There Is No Planet B' and 'Nature Doesn't Compromise.' Their main message today during their march was that the selling and trading of carbon credits is unethical and not a solution to reducing rising CO2 levels within the atmosphere. ..."

Click here to read the rest of Cate Cogger's letter from Copenhagen, posted by Jennifer Donovan, on the Michigan Tech News.

On Dec. 14, Michigan Tech received a letter from Adam Airoldi, now a Michigan Tech graduate student, who earned his Bachelor of Science in Forestry degree at Michigan Tech in 2008. His advisor is Andrew Burton, an associate professor in Michigan Tech’s School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science. Airoldi is doing research in Norway this semester, working with the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research on changes in the alpine tree line around a small copper mining town in central Norway.

Adam Airoldi with the World Wildlife Fund's "ice bear" display at the climate change conference in Copenhagen, Denmark. (Photos courtesy Michigan Technological University)

Adam is in Copenhagen this week on a graduate travel grant from the Ecosystem Science Center at Michigan Tech. Here is an excerpt from his first observations of the international climate change conference:

"Walking around the centrum (downtown), the first thing I noticed were all the police officers and vehicles stationed at every corner. In addition there are helicopters flying all over and skiffs patrolling the canals.

"The next thing I noted was the abundance of bicycles. It seems that the people of Copenhagen are taking personal responsibility for climate impacts, turning as a group to cycling for their means of transportation. The city is well set up for this, with bicycle lanes as wide as sidewalks, and although the cyclists can sometimes clog the bridges and intersections, it is hard to imagine the same number of cars fitting into downtown. The use of bicycles is not a recent development, however. It points to a culture that is active and sensible enough to make use of efficient personal transport. ..."

Click here to read the rest of Adam's letter on the Michigan Tech News.

Distant Drum Studio Moving Sale extended through Dec. 18

HANCOCK -- Andrea Puzakulich has extended her Distant Drum Studio Moving Sale from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. through this Friday, Dec. 18, in Studio #210 of the Jutila Center (Finlandia Portage Campus or Old Hospital) in Hancock.

Andrea Puzakulich with some of her original creations. Help her move to her new studio in E.L. Wright by visiting her Moving Sale in Studio #210 of the Jutila Center this week. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

Stop by for that special holiday gift or a treat for yourself -- including fabrics and non-wearables. Beautiful stuff at low prices! and some things are free!

The new Distant Drum Studio will be located in the E.L.Wright Building in Hancock, Studio 101, starting in January 2010.

Film on Consuming Kids to be shown again Dec. 16

HOUGHTON -- Joseph Hernandez will again host the film Consuming Kids: The Commercialization of Childhood at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16, at the Portage Lake District Library. This brand new and critically acclaimed film throws light on the practices of a relentless multi-billion dollar marketing machine that sells kids everything from junk food to violent video games.

This program is presented by the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood.

Library programs are free and open to all. For more information, please call the library at 482-4570 or visit www.pldl.org.

Maple Sugar Folk welcome the season with song ...

CHASSELL -- A highlight of the Chassell Old Fashioned Christmas celebration Dec. 12 was the singing of Christmas carols in several languages by Maple Sugar Folk at the Chassell Heritage Center and Museum. Here are some samples:

Barbara Lide sings "Santa Lucia" in Swedish.* The Maple Sugar Folk performed in one of the old Chassell School classrooms, now part of the Heritage Center. (Video clips by Keweenaw Now)

Accompanied by Dave Bezotte on organ, Maple Sugar Folk sing the favorite "Oh Christmas Tree" in English, French ("Mon beau sapin") and German ("O Tannenbaum") during the Open House at the Chassell Heritage Center and Museum Dec. 12, 2009 -- part of the Chassell Old Fashioned Christmas celebration. Singers are, from left, Barry Pegg, Ralph Horvath, Amanda Binoniemi, Karin Schlenker, Janet Wieber (behind Schlenker), Marcia Goodrich and Barbara Lide (seated next to Bezotte).

A special visitor joins in the singing ...

It's Santa, adding his energetic voice to the singing. In the foreground is Oren Tikkanen of the Thimbleberry Band offering some guitar accompaniment, along with his nephew Coleman Segal (not pictured here) on mandolin. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)**

Editor's Notes:
*Today, Dec. 13, is Santa Lucia Day, celebrated in several countries. Click here to see a photo of this year's Lucia in Finland and learn about this festival of light at the darkest time of year.

**Watch for more photos of the Chassell Heritage Center Open House, coming soon ...

Chassell Old Fashioned Christmas: Music, fun, food for everyone Saturday, Dec. 12

CHASSELL -- Chassell continues its tradition of an Old Fashioned Christmas with several events on Saturday, Dec. 12, in Downtown Chassell and at the Chassell School. The Chassell Heritage Center and Museum will hold an Open House with live music by the Thimbleberry Band and Maple Sugar Folk -- and a visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus!

The Thimbleberry Band and Maple Sugar Folk, pictured here at the July 2009 ethnic music event at the Keweenaw Heritage Center in Calumet, will perform again from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at the Chassell Heritage Center as part of the Chassell Old Fashioned Christmas. (File photo by Keweenaw Now)

In Downtown Chassell

Free horsedrawn sleigh rides, making stops around town, will begin at 11 a.m. and continue through 3 p.m.

Don't miss these events at the Chassell Heritage Center (old Chassell elementary school), which will hold an Open House from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.:

• Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at the Center for a visit between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. After visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus, children may decorate their very own cookies to take home...for free!
• The Thimbleberry Band will begin playing festive folk and holiday music at 1 p.m. Maple Sugar Folk, who specialize in French Canadian tunes, will sing from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• Friends of Fashion present their exhibit, "By Her Own Hands," coming to life, Noon - 3 p.m.

Meanwhile, storytelling, cookies and hot chocolate around the tree will be held at the VFW Home.

Visit the Einerlei to purchase ornaments crafted by 4-H members for the HUMANE SOCIETY BENEFIT TREE. Also at the Einerlei, meet Karl Bohnak from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. for a Book Signing. His brand new book titled Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Almanac is now available.

At Chassell School

Breakfast with the Chassell High School Junior Class will be from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

A Holiday Handcrafts Bazaar will be held from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Contact Marvyl Wilson at 523-4115 for information.

The PATT (Parents and Teachers Together) Cookie Sale will be held from 10 a.m. to Noon at the school. A Chili Lunch and More with the Chassell High School Senior Class will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Chassell Old Fashioned Christmas is sponsored by the Chassell Improvement Association. Contact Nancy Leonard for more information: nancy@einerlei.com.

Squonk to present "Houghton, the Hometown Opera" Dec. 11 at Rozsa Center

HOUGHTON -- At 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11, the Rozsa Center will present one of the most unique and truly American operas ever conceived -- with Houghton as the star of the show! Squonk Opera, out of Pittsburgh, creates each of its site-specific operas about the one subject that unifies the audience wherever they perform -- their hometown. This musical multimedia extravaganza is individually structured and modified using the host community as the material source and inspiration.

A scene from Squonk Opera. (Photo courtesy Rozsa Center)

A meta-civic celebration, the show combines a heartfelt toast of the Copper Country with a vaudevillian-style roast, poking fun at our own overblown sense of grandeur.

The Washington Post described Squonk’s local performance as "…an unusual 90-minute ode… including, but not limited to, rock-and-roll, projected videos, aerial footage, dancers, and a puppet show. The elements blend together onstage to create a show that is at once playful and polished. A group of six musicians take the stage in tracksuits, pretending to be Olympic athletes at an over-the-top welcome-home ceremony. Then they all sit down and play stunning, sophisticated music."

In October, Squonk members Jackie Dempsey (Artistic Director and composer) and David Wallace (guitarist and designer) came to Houghton to collect the raw material they needed to construct a show specific to this area. They videotaped interviews with local citizens, made movies of the local streetscapes and researched the town’s history -- including its victories, scandals, icons and idiosyncrasies -- everything that makes the people of the Copper Country who they are. Local schoolchildren drew imagination maps of their neighborhoods, which will be incorporated into an animated sequence projected onstage where local dance groups will join them. Dancers from the Copper Country Cloggers and the MTU Social Dance Club met with Squonk during their residency and will perform original dance routines during the Dec. 11 performance.

Jackie Dempsey, a co-founder of Squonk, says,"We enjoy discovering how each city sees itself, as a whole and within its diverse communities. In this celebration of the host town, we talk about the broader issues of shared humanity and the need for self-definition. Our premise is that every city is new and exciting … at a time when all the national media comes out of LA and New York and focuses on only two cities in the country. All the other towns and cities in America have stories to tell, too."

Squonk Opera has designed a show that allows the audience members to tell their own stories -- in their own words. And Houghton is in good company. Over the past 16 years, Squonk has tailored operas for cities such as Pittsburgh, College Park, Albany, Baltimore, St. Louis, Newark and Charleston. Admittedly, Houghton is the smallest town Squonk has worked with -- which presented its own challenges. But, as Dempsey observed, it also makes the Copper Country one of the most interesting and unique places they’ve worked with. The original idea for the town-specific operatic format was inspired by half-time shows, mummer parades, video documentary art, nationalistic opera, centennial celebrations, political campaigns, tribal displays and local mythologies. Squonk explores the gray area between civic pride and xenophobia, but they do it all with showbiz razzamatazz and rock-n-roll humor.

"'Community' is a current vital issue," Dempsey says, "but it’s also a comic creative challenge, allowing us to explore what makes opera life-like and life operatic … or not!"

Join Squonk Opera at the Rozsa Centerat 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11, for "Houghton, the Hometown Opera." See the operatic debut of friends and family members as we celebrate the culture, customs and craziness of the Copper Country -- in a way you’ve never seen before!

The annual Friends of the Rozsa Christmas Tree Silent Auction to benefit the Class Acts Program will conclude during the intermission of Squonk’s performance.

Sponsored by the James and Margaret Black Endowment.

Ticket prices for the general public are $25 and $20; MTU student prices are $20 and $15 (MTU student ID required). To purchase tickets contact the Rozsa Box Office at 487.3200, The Central Ticket Office (SDC) at 487.2073, Tech Express (MUB) at 487.3308 or go online at tickets.mtu.edu. No refunds, exchanges, or late seating, please.

Buellwood Weavers Guild Exhibit opens Dec. 10 at Arts Center

HANCOCK -- An Opening Reception for the Buellwood Weavers Guild Exhibition will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. tonight, Thursday, Dec. 10, in the Kerredge Gallery at the Community Arts Center in Hancock.

2009 is the International Year of Natural Fibers. In celebration, the following artists will give demonstrations during the opening: Spinning by Jeanne Medlyn; Knitting by Jessica Speer; Weaving by Lynn Anderson.

The Buellwood Weavers Guild was founded in the early 50s by Dorothea Buell. This exhibition, sponsored in part by the Upper Peninsula Power Co. (UPPCO), continues through Dec. 24.

Please note: The Arts Center has extended hours during December: Sunday, Dec. 13 and 20, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.; Monday, Dec. 14 and 21, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. The Arts Center will be closed from Dec. 25 - Jan. 1.

Happy Holidays to All!

Club Indigo to present British film, buffet Dec. 11

CALUMET -- The Calumet Theatre's Club Indigo presents the annual family pre-Christmas celebration, beginning with a buffet from the British Isles and concluding with the showing of Millions, the film that made Danny Boyle famous -- just before he won the Academy Award for his film Slumdog Millionaire.

Millions is a feel-good fantasy about a pair of young British boys who talk with saints, find a huge stash of money and look for ways to give it to the poor -- a story filled with laughs, chills and quirky commentary about the world in which we live.

The movie will be shown at 7:15 p.m., Friday, Dec. 11, preceded by Chef Cormac's buffet at 6 p.m. Movie and buffet costs $18; movie alone is $5. For the buffet, call the theatre to assure seating at 337-2610.

Club Indigo is a food and film event sponsored by Mu Beta Psi music fraternity.

Stupak: Stimulus funds to expand Head Start programs, create new jobs

WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) announced the Baraga-Houghton-Keweenaw Child Development Board, Inc., and the Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency have received a total of $1.5 million to expand Head Start programs in Northern Michigan. In total, 22 new jobs will be created as a result of the grants. The funding has been awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of the stimulus, or the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), to support the enrollment of additional children and families in Head Start programs as well as create new teaching and other positions in Early Head Start programs.

"Head Start programs are vital to giving millions of children the foundation they need to prepare for school and a lifetime of learning," Stupak said. "This stimulus funding provides immediate economic benefits by creating jobs in our communities, while also making a long-term investment in Northern Michigan, giving more children an opportunity to attend and gain educational benefits from Head Start programs."

Baraga-Houghton-Keweenaw (BHK) Child Development Board, Inc., has received $477,491 to expand services to an additional 38 pregnant women, infants, toddlers and their families. Additionally, four full-time home visitors, one full-time literacy specialist and two part-time teachers will be hired to staff the Early Head Start expansion program. Program options will include home-based services for 30 families and center-based care for eight families. Innovations include a focus on intensive family literacy activities to increase parent-child interaction and to improve child and family outcomes for all 133 families served by the Early Head Start program.

Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency has received $1,038,871 to expand services to an additional 108 pregnant women, infants and toddlers. Additionally 15 new jobs will be created as a result of the funding. The award will expand services in Alpena, Arenac, Iosco and Ogemaw Counties as well as in previously unfunded counties of Alcona, Crawford, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego and Presque Isle. Home-based programs will be implemented for all expanded counties.

The goal of the Early Head Start Expansion program through ARRA is to increase the number of pregnant women, infants and toddlers served in Early Head Start. Financial assistance is competitively awarded to provide child and family development services for low-income families with infants and toddlers ages birth to three years and pregnant women who are not currently being served by a Head Start or Early Head Start program. Early Head Start programs are funded to provide early, continuous, intensive and comprehensive child development and family support services.

Finnish American Heritage Center to show family Christmas film Dec. 10

HANCOCK -- The Finlandia University Finnish American Heritage Center will show the Finnish film Joulutarina (A Christmas Story) at 2 p.m. and at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10.

A Christmas Story reveals the untold childhood of Santa Claus. Set against a breathtaking landscape, this magical film tells the story of Santa’s life as he overcomes personal tragedy and hardship in his youth to develop a heart filled with love for children around the world.

A Christmas Story is a holiday film for the entire family and a story of selfless giving and lifelong friendship. Dubbed in English, the film is about 90 minutes long. It was the first big-screen Finnish Christmas film and became a huge box office hit.

There is no charge to attend the film, but donations are accepted.

The Finnish American Heritage Center is at 435 Quincy St. , Hancock. For information, call 906-487-7549.

Finlandia student designers find Jacquard Fabric "Priceless"

HANCOCK -- Three Finlandia University Art and Design juniors and a BFA alumna have benefited from an exchange arranged by Finlandia associate professor Phyllis Fredendall.

The Victor Group of New York City has woven for each student-designer five yards of upholstery-weight Jacquard fabric, which is valued at $40 to $60 per yard.

Pictured here, from left, are Ansley Knoch, Juice Demers, Susie Danielson, Phyllis Fredendall and Amanda Moyer, with their Jacquard fabric designs woven by the Victor Group. Click on photo for larger version. (Photo courtesy Finlandia University)

The four young women, however, view the Jacquard fabric as "priceless."

Fredendall directs the Fiber Arts and Fashion Design program for Finlandia’s International School of Art and Design. In the Spring 2009 semester section of her class, "Jacquard Design," the now-woven patterns were designed.

"This is the first time we have worked with Victor Group," said Fredendall. "The details were worked out by phone and e-mail, and earlier this month I visited their studios in New York during a recruiting trip there."

The Victor Group weaves fabrics for commercial uses, such as upholstery for office and hotel furnishings. The company produces leading-edge textiles and is known for its leadership in operational and product ecological sustainability, according to their website.

As part of the exchange, the Victor Group owns the student designs, which become part of Victor’s design library.

The opportunity began when Fredendall contacted the German company, EAT, makers of DesignScope CAD weaving software. EAT develops electronic textile patterning and related industry software.

"We had been working with another company that notified us that they were unable to continue to weave for us," Fredendall explained. "So, I contacted EAT and asked them for help finding another opportunity to have our designs woven. They sent a notice to users of DesignScope software, and Ann Reinhard, senior CAD designer at Victor, replied that she was interested in working with us!"

Fredendall noted also that Linda Allen, design manager at Victor, who had offered the students critiques of their designs during the Spring 2009 semester, is interested in contributing to the education of future textile designers.

So how will the young fabric designers use the Jacquard fabric?

"That’s the million dollar question," said junior Susie Danielson of Kingsford, Mich. "It’s very precious fabric."

Danielson’s design is based on a lotus flower.

"Ask me in a couple of years," added Amanda Moyer of Livonia, Mich. "Maybe I’ll make a coat one day.”

Moyer’s design is titled, "Celtic Knot."

Juice DeMers of Vulcan, Mich., is planning to use some of the fabric to make handbags to sell at this spring’s annual Finlandia Fusion Fest. Her design is named "Juice Squid."

Finlandia alumna Ansley Knoch ('09) of Hancock was a teaching assistant for the spring weaving class. Her fabric design pattern is Nordic-inspired. Knoch said she plans to give some of her fabric to her mother to refinish a rocking chair that Ansley was rocked in as a baby.

Fredendall also created and had woven a Jacquard design; her design is called "Pink Pears." She, too, is uncertain how she’ll ultimately use her five yards of Jacquard.

The Jacquard mechanical loom was invented by Joseph Marie Jacquard in 1801 and was originally controlled by punch cards; today the looms are computer-controlled power looms.

"The loom simplifies the process of manufacturing textiles with complex patterns, such as brocade, damask, double-weave, and tapestry," Fredendall said. "The Jacquard style of weaving is the most complex structure in weaving because threads can be manipulated individually. As a result, detailed images with large repeating patterns can be designed and woven."

For additional information, please contact Phyllis Fredendall at 906-487-7376 or phyllis.fredendall@finlandia.edu.

Editor's Note: Photo and text courtesy Finlandia University.