Photos, videos: Grand Opening of Calumet Visitor Center (Union Building)

By Michele Bourdieu

On Oct. 27, 2011, U.S. Sen. Carl Levin speaks outside Keweenaw National Historical Park's Union Building -- now the Calumet Visitor Center -- just before cutting the ribbon for the building, which now houses historical displays. Also pictured are, from left, Tony Bausano, Calumet Village president; Paul Lehto, Calumet Township supervisor; Mike Reynolds, National Park Service Midwest Regional director; Kim Hoagland, Keweenaw National Historical Park (NHP) Advisory commission chairperson; and Mike Pflaum, Keweenaw NHP superintendent. Following the ribbon cutting, a Naturalization Ceremony for new U.S. citizens was held on the remodeled third floor of the building. See below for a video of Sen. Levin's speech. (Photos by Keweenaw Now unless otherwise indicated)

CALUMET -- Anita Campbell of Calumet is one of many local Copper Country residents who donated a family treasure to the historical displays in the newly opened Union Building of Keweenaw National Historical Park (NHP), now known as the Calumet Visitor Center. Her donation is a Western Federation of Miners pin that belonged to her maternal grandfather, Heikki Hautala, who immigrated to Calumet in 1910.

Anita Campbell of Calumet donated her grandfather's Western Federation of Miners pin (at top of photo) to the historic exhibits in the newly opened Union Building of Keweenaw National Historical Park (NHP) -- now known as the Calumet Visitor Center. The photo also shows a copper miners' strike button from 1968. Click on photo for larger version.

"He worked for 45 years for C and H (Calumet and Hecla Mining Co.)," Campbell said.

Campbell was excited about the Grand Opening of the Union Building /Visitor Center, with the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and American Naturalization Ceremony held on Oct. 27, 2011. She had been busy for days, preparing for the tours of the Keweenaw Heritage Center at St. Anne's, across the street, since these would follow the ceremonies. Campbell, who serves as Keweenaw Heritage Center secretary, is very active in historical preservation activities in the Calumet area.

"The events last Thursday were extremely heartwarming for us as we've been involved with helping this Park get off the ground since back in the mid-1980s," Campbell said. So Kim Hoagland's remarks expressing 'fierce community pride' really said it all."

Kim Hoagland, historian and chair of the Keweenaw NHP Advisory Commission, welcomes the public to the Calumet Visitor Center opening ceremonies on Oct. 27, 2011. (Video clips by Allan Baker for Keweenaw Now)

U.S. Senator Carl Levin, honored guest speaker at both ceremonies, explained that "Union" in the name of the building does not refer to labor unions such as the Western Federation of Miners, which was active at the height of the copper mining boom in early 20th-century Calumet. The building was actually used as a meeting place for community groups and fraternal organizations -- from the Freemasons to the Odd Fellows.

According to the Keweenaw NHP Web site, "For nearly eighty years, the Union Building served as a meeting place for over twenty of Calumet’s fraternal groups and benevolent societies. Many of these organizations possessed elaborate and secretive rituals that forged strong connections between members and provided them with a level of security and acceptance in the local community. These groups, whose membership was often based on national identity and/or religious affiliation, provide a chronicle of Calumet’s past ethnic and religious makeup."*

U.S. Sen. Carl Levin speaks at the Grand Opening of the Calumet Visitor Center (Union Building) on Oct. 27, 2011.

The Senator was instrumental in securing federal funding for the restoration of the building, which now houses exhibits that tell the story of Calumet's mining history and of the immigrants from many countries who came here to work in the mines.

"All of us who live here and are so proud of the Keweenaw's history are mighty happy to see the story told in such an awesome exhibit," noted Anita Campbell. "The short video, Risk and Resilience, shown at the exhibit, is very well done and so touching."

Following the ribbon cutting with Sen. Levin, an American Naturalization Ceremony was held on the third floor (remodeled ballroom) of the Visitor Center.

Mike Pflaum, Keweenaw NHP superintendent, welcomed the new citizens and the audience, noting how fitting it is that the naturalization ceremony be held in this national park, with its historical link to immigrants. Pflaum then introduced Kathleen Harter Keweenaw NHP chief of interpretation.

"It's been Kathleen's vision for this event that has carried us to the reality that we're all here today," Pflaum said.

Kathleen Harter, Keweenaw NHP chief of interpretation, welcomes the public and the new U.S. citizens to the Naturalization Ceremony in the Calumet Visitor Center on Oct. 27, 2011. **

Carol Poggi, Deputy Clerk from Marquette, opened the court session for administering the Oath of Allegiance to nine new United States citizens. The ceremony began with the Presentation of Colors by the Junior ROTC and singing of the National Anthem by local singer Jan Arnold.

The American Naturalization Ceremony on the third floor of the Calumet Visitor Center begins with a Presentation of Colors by the JROTC and the National Anthem sung by Jan Arnold.

The Honorable Timothy P. Greeley administered the Oath to the nine new U.S. citizens, who hailed from six different countries. They were Ruth Gill, Simon Carn, Mohamed Tarchoun, Cliff Millado, Julie Hall, Shirley Harrell, Tsao-Yin Liu, Paul Jueckstock and Christa Newhouse.

The Honorable Timothy P. Greeley administers the Oath of Allegiance to nine new U.S. citizens in the third-floor remodeled ballroom of the Calumet Visitor Center (Union Building) on Oct. 27,2011. This video clip also includes an excerpt from remarks by guest speaker Sen. Carl Levin.

Mick Dedvukaj, District director for the Detroit District of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, congratulated the new citizens and told an amusing story of how he became a naturalized citizen himself, years after his parents brought him to the U.S. from Albania.

Mick Dedvukaj, District director for the Detroit District of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, puts the new citizens and the audience at ease with an amusing story about his own experience as a naturalized U.S. citizen. ***

Many visitors to the ceremonies took advantage of the occasion to tour the new historical exhibits in the building.

John Slivon of Hancock examines an exhibit on copper mining and the one-man drill.

This exhibit tells how the one-man drill threatened miners' jobs.

Knowledge of copper mining in the Keweenaw Peninsula goes back as far as French explorer Samuel de Champlain, according to this display. (Click on photos for larger versions.)

This exhibit on mineral rights mentions Ojibwe treaty rights.

Here are photos of a few of Calumet's 34 churches that served various ethnic groups during the mining boom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

At the same time, Calumet had more than 60 bars or taverns.

Visitors can open this school desk to learn about the teacher in the photo.

This school exhibit describes how children from different ethnic groups studied together in the public schools and "got along."

The new Visitor Center is open from now until Thanksgiving from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Saturday.

After Thanksgiving, the Calumet Visitor Center will be open Thursday - Sunday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. The facility is free to all individuals and groups and includes two floors of fully accessible interpretive exhibits.****

* Click here to read more about the history of the Union Building.
** Click here for our video clip of Kathleen Harter's welcoming talk.
*** Click here for our video clip of Mick Dedvukaj's personal story about becoming a U.S. citizen.
**** Click here to learn more about the Calumet Visitor Center Project.

Editor's Note: Visit our KeweenawNews You Tube channel to view these and more of our video clips on YouTube.

Honor the Earth: Copper and Iron or Wild Rice and Water?

Posted Nov. 3, 2011, on New Warriors for the Earth*

BARAGA -- New Warriors for the Earth has shared this summary of recent mining projects, posted on Winona LaDuke's Web site, Honor the Earth**:

New mining projects threaten the water, land, wild rice and people of the Great Lakes. Over the past three hundred years, people have spoken out to protect this land and water…

Now is your chance.

Gogebic Mine -- Penokee Mountains, Wisconsin:

Representing up to 20 percent of known iron deposits in the US, around 1-2 billion tons of ore, coal mining giant the Cline Group from Florida has options on 22,5000 acres of mineral rights from Anderson, Mich., to just west of Mellen, Wis. The deposit is buried 350 feet from the surface, and is 20 percent iron, in the form of magnetite, to be extracted with high-powered magnets. The mine would stretch in segments over 21 miles, descend 600 to 900 feet and be 1200 feet wide. Copper and nickel are also likely to exist, and with them the risks of sulfide mining....

Click here to read the rest of this article about this mine and others in the Great Lakes Region.

*New Warriors for the Earth is an Anishinaabe-based non-profit organization dedicated to educating and empowering our communities to take positive action to protect Aki, Mother Earth. Click here to visit their Web site.

** Honor the Earth is a Native-led organization established by Winona LaDuke and Indigo Girls Amy Ray and Emily Saliers in 1993 to address the two primary needs of the Native environmental movement: the need to break the geographic and political isolation of Native communities and the need to increase financial resources for organizing and change. Click here to visit their Web site.

Khana Khazana to serve Middle Eastern cuisine Nov. 4

HOUGHTON -- Khana Khazana (food treasure), a weekly lunch cooked by international students, will feature dishes from the Middle East from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4, in the Michigan Tech Memorial Union Food Court.

Sara Alian, a graduate student in applied geospatial information sciences, will cook kabab bakhtiari, a Persian chicken and lamb kabob; tomato and green peas rice, a Saudi Arabian dish; tabouleh, a popular Middle Eastern salad; and knafeh, a Middle Eastern sweet made with fine vermicelli-like pastry.

A full meal costs $6 and includes coffee, tea or a fountain soda. Individual entrees are available for $2 each.

Khana Khazana is a collaborative project of international students and Michigan Tech Dining Services.

First Friday in Calumet to offer art, music, good food -- Nov. 4

Untitled textile sculpture by artist Deb Karppinen. The Vertin Gallery will exhibit Karppinen's work during November, with an Opening Reception from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on First Friday, Nov. 4. (Photo courtesy Vertin Gallery)

CALUMET -- First Friday, Nov. 4, in Calumet offers several art events -- and music as well -- all free and open to the public.

CCAC to offer holiday workshop

To help you capture the holiday spirit, a holiday ornament / decoration workshop will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 4, at the Copper Country Associated Artists (CCAC) Gallery, 112 Fifth St.

Fabric artists Karen Secor and Millie Little will help you make a very special ornament using several techniques such as fabric fusing, embroidery, and embellishing with beads and buttons. If you have some special items you would like to incorporate into a piece -- perhaps an antique button, a treasure or even a lock of hair from somebody special -- bring them along. Otherwise, all materials will be provided.

Take advantage of this free workshop -- a chance to create an original ornament or decoration that can be displayed, passed on, and cherished as a reminder of the care and thoughtfulness that is put into homemade gifts.

Ed Gray Gallery to host fiber artists

November brings the annual call for entry fiber show to the Ed Gray Gallery in Calumet. This juried show brings in artists from far and near. The opening reception will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. this Friday, Nov. 4. The show will run through Nov. 30.

The Ed Gray Gallery is at 109 Fifth St. in Calumet.

Café Rosetta will be open First Friday evening

Remember to check out the Café Rosetta, at 104 Fifth St., right across the street from the Ed Gray Gallery. See our Nov. 3 article on their good food, great coffee and friendly ambiance. In addition, see their exhibit of paintings by the late Carol Gorgas.

Vertin Gallery to exhibit work by Deb Karppinen

Vertin Gallery is pleased to announce that its featured artist for the month of November is Deb Karpinnen. Her show, "Formations: Dimensional Felt," will open on First Friday, Nov. 4.

Using the ancient technique of wet-felting, Deb creates her textile sculptures from loose, unspun wool. The richly textured surface designs are a translation her garden designs. Years of planning landscapes and examining the interplay of plants and earth have given Ms. Karppinen a keen eye for color and an appreciation for the organic and unpredictable qualities inherent in her materials. Deb has created a number of sculptural felt pieces that celebrate her process.

Deb Karppinen and her husband reside in Lansing, Michigan, and spend their summers in Keweenaw County.

Please join Vertin Gallery at the Opening Reception for Deb Karppinen from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 4. Deb will speak about her work around 7:15 p.m., and refreshments will be served.

Backroom Boys to perform at Omphale Gallery and Café

Music and art lovers, stop in at the Omphale Gallery and Café for hot drinks, treats, and old-time jazz and swing with a New Orleans flair from the Backroom Boys. Omphale has been beautifully re-appointed, and the hardwood floor is wonderful for dancing.

"Last time, Madame Julie and Mlle. Katie Jo put out great snacks, and the crowd was hoppin'," says musician Oren Tikkanen, who plays banjo in this group. "We hope to see you living it up from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. this Friday."

Joining Tikkanen in this popular band are John Munson, clarinet/sax; Bob Norden, trombone; Matt Durocher, bass; and Randy Seppala, washboard/rhythm bones.

Café Rosetta in Calumet offers good healthy food, great coffee, more ...

By Michele Bourdieu

Virginia Secor of Calumet, left, chats with Café Rosetta co-owners (from left behind counter) Carley Williams and Patrick Wright, who now have the help of Tim Wright, Patrick's brother. The Café Rosetta, at 104 Fifth Street in Calumet, is open every day from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. (later on First Friday evening), offering a variety of breakfast and lunch menus as well as great coffee and other treats. (Photos by Keweenaw Now)

CALUMET -- A recent addition to Calumet's historic Fifth Street is the Café Rosetta, just across the street from the Ed Gray Gallery.

"I have my coffee there every morning," says Gray.

He adds that he loves the warm, friendly atmosphere created by co-owners Patrick Wright and his wife, Carley Williams. The family business also includes Patrick's brother, Tim Wright, who helps the energetic young couple with their demanding seven-day week schedule -- serving a variety of breakfast and lunch menus in addition to both French-press and espresso coffee selections -- plus yummy desserts!

The lunch menu at Café Rosetta offers several healthy choices of good, home-cooked food, including some gluten-free items. Breakfast is served from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. as well. Click on photo for larger version.

Calumet resident Susan Rokicki also comments on the warm, welcoming atmosphere of the café.

"Patrick, Carley, and now Patrick's younger brother, Timothy, are such amazingly congenial people," Rokicki notes. "They take time with their customers, get to know them and make them feel as if they are visiting a friend's home."

Patrick and Carley opened the café last August after purchasing it from Babette Jokela, former owner of the Conglomerate Café in the same location. Jokela seemed happy to be moving on to new endeavors. So far the new owners haven't advertised Babette's famous povatica; but, as Rokicki puts it, they offer a "really good menu -- somewhat different from the usual fare."

One example is a triple-berry scone that is gluten-free! Vegetarians will feel welcome with items like black bean and quinoa soup or focaccia with avocado, tomato and sprouts.

"Their food is about as natural as one can get and very tasty and reasonably priced," Rokicki adds.

Patrick Wright prepares an espresso coffee drink with his authentic espresso machine. The café also serves French-press as their regular coffee and hot chocolate made with milk and dark chocolate.

In case you're wondering about the meaning of "Rosetta," it's the design on the surface of a cup of coffee -- and on the Cafe's logo and tee-shirt.

According to Carley, "It's an art form for making coffee. Baristas have Rosetta competitions."

The Café Rosetta serves this espresso as well as French-press coffee.

On the walls of the café this month are landscape paintings by the late Carol Gorgas, also known as Carol Taipale, who as a young girl lived on Farmer's Block Road in Ahmeek.

Paintings by the late Carol Gorgas are the current exhibit for November at the Café Rosetta.

In a biographical sketch about the artist, Eva Papineau - Anderson writes, "She explored the U.P. with her sister and her sketchbook, picked berries, swam in the lake, ate pasties, and came to call Keweenaw home."

These paintings will be exhibited here through November. Patrick and Carley plan to change exhibits monthly.

The Café Rosetta, at 104 Fifth Street, is open every day from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will be open later in the evening this First Friday, Nov. 4, so stop in during your tour of the art gallery openings.

Click here to visit the Café Rosetta Web site for detailed menus, great photos and blog entries welcoming your comments.

Jocelyn Benson of Engage Michigan to meet with concerned citizens Nov. 4

HOUGHTON -- At noon on Friday, Nov. 4, former Secretary of State candidate Jocelyn Benson will be meeting with concerned citizens at the Keweenaw Brewing Company for lunch.

Benson, an author and law professor at Wayne State University, is currently working with a group called Engage Michigan to gather concerns of voters across the state in order to empower them in the political process. She is interested in what you have to say as a Houghton County citizen. The event is free and open to anyone of voting age.

On Nov. 12, 2011, Benson is leading the state party Issues Convention at the Lansing Center in Lansing to engage Michigan Democrats in a statewide discussion about the direction they take as a party.

"She knows how difficult it is for folks in the U.P. to be at party events downstate so she came all the way to Houghton to make sure local Democrats are heard later this month at the Issues Convention," said Brian Rendel, Houghton County Democratic Party co-chair.

Rick Kasprzak has been coordinating the lunch meeting with Jocelyn. He plans to order pizza for folks who attend. If you are in town and available Friday, help welcome Jocelyn back to Houghton and bring your ideas about the direction you want the Democratic Party to take in the coming year. While reservations are not required, Rick would appreciate knowing if you plan to attend -- especially if you plan to have pizza with the group. Email him at rickkasprzak@yahoo.com.

Click here to learn more about Engage Michigan.

Sen. Levin urges colleagues to pass Jobs Bill

WASHINGTON, DC -- Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., made the following remarks on the Senate floor today:

The Rebuild America Jobs Act addresses two of our most fundamental responsibilities: first, the need to respond to the urgent jobs crisis, secondly the duty to create the physical framework for economic growth now and into the future. There should be no debate about our duty to fulfill those two responsibilities. And yet once again, we are in a situation where the refusal of our Republican colleagues to compromise, even on consideration of measures they have supported in the past, prevents us from acting on behalf of the American people. I am encouraged by reports that, perhaps, finally, the need to act has convinced some of our colleagues across the aisle to at least consider allowing the Senate to debate this legislation. I hope -- for the sake of millions of people in Michigan and in every other state who are waiting for us to act -- that at least some of or Republican colleagues will relent and allow us to at least debate this measure.

What would this bill accomplish? Simply put, it seeks to create jobs now and in the future. It does so by funding a wide array of infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, rail transport, mass transit, airport facilities and updated air traffic control systems. These projects would put construction workers on the job immediately. They would, according to estimates by Moody’s, boost economic growth by more than $1.50 for every dollar that we spend. And the benefits would continue into the future, as American companies and workers benefit from the increased competitiveness that modernized infrastructure provides.

Bill would create 12,000 Michigan jobs

In my home state of Michigan this legislation would dedicate more than $900 million to infrastructure projects. It would create about 12,000 jobs. Residents of my state are keenly aware of the need to act, and act now, on the jobs crisis. And they are keenly aware of the terrible costs that we pay if we allow our economic competitors to establish advantages over our workers. In my state, nearly a third of all bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete. More than a third of our major roads are in poor or mediocre condition. About 40 percent of major urban roadways are congested. The people of Michigan want us to act now on jobs, and they want us to act now to maintain America’s competitive edge. ...

Click here to read the rest of Sen. Levin's remarks on this bill.

Diwali Night to offer Indian cuisine, entertainment at Michigan Tech Nov. 6

HOUGHTON -- The 2011 Diwali Night, which is celebrated all over the world, is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 6, at Michigan Tech University.

The festival, sponsored by the Indian Student Association (ISA), represents light and prosperity; it symbolizes the victory of good over evil.

Members of the Michigan Tech Indian Students Association (ISA) perform dances during the Parade of Nations entertainment in Dee Stadium in September 2011. The public will have another opportunity to enjoy Indian traditional folk and classical dances at Diwali Night on Sunday, Nov. 6, in the Rozsa Center. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

The evening will include Indian cuisine, skits, drama, music, dance and lots of fun. The guest of honor is Michigan Tech President Glenn Mroz.

Here is the schedule:

Dinner is from 5 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. at the Memorial Union Commons and Ballroom.

Performances will run from 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. at the Rozsa Center. The main attractions are traditional folk and classical dances.

Tickets for the dinner cost $16 for the general public; $14 for students; and $12 for ISA members. Tickets for the Rozsa performance are $8.

Tickets are available at these locations:
Memorial Union Commons, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
SDC Ticket Office and Rozsa Box Office
Online at www.tickets.mtu.edu .
On the day of the event, tickets are available from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Memorial Union.

From the Editor: Help us celebrate our 10th Birthday!

HANCOCK -- Happy Halloween to our readers -- and Happy Birthday, Keweenaw Now! We celebrated 10 years of online news, views and happenings in the Keweenaw Peninsula this month, October 2011.

Our original site, KeweenawNow.com began in October 2001. We changed to the blog format in 2007; but this "blog" site has essentially the same purpose: to offer our readers in the Keweenaw, and beyond, a community Web site covering local happenings and issues affecting the quality of life -- now and for future generations -- in this area and the Lake Superior watershed.

We would like to thank our readers and our advertisers for making Keweenaw Now possible. We invite you to share links to our articles on your Facebook, Twitter and other sites and to spread the word about our work. We are still offering a free month of advertising to new advertisers -- at both our business and non-profit rates.

Please email the Editor at andersm@pasty.com if you would like info about advertising on Keweenaw Now. Help us celebrate our first decade of online news!

Finlandia to host "Uncovering the Sámi Connection" Nov. 3

HANCOCK -- The Finlandia University Finnish American Heritage Center will present a program titled "Uncovering the Sámi Connection" starting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011.

The short film Suddenly Saami will be shown. The film is about a Norwegian woman who learns as an adult that her family is ethnic Sámi.

Informal discussion will follow, led by Becky Hoekstra, James Kurtti, and Eileen Sundquist. Discussion topics will include the ways in which Sámi heritage is forgotten, even hidden, among Nordic and Nordic-American families, and how this heritage is being rediscovered and reclaimed today.

The use of gakti, Sámi traditional clothing, will be a key focus of this group. Community members are encouraged to share their own stories of becoming "suddenly Sámi," as well as their own gakti, photos, and other related items.

The event is free and open to the public. The Finnish American Heritage Center is located on the campus of Finlandia University at 435 Quincy St., Hancock.

For additional information, contact Hilary Virtanen, programming coordinator for the Finnish American Heritage Center, at 906-487-7505.

Tim DeChristopher's call to join Nov. 6 Tar Sands Action

Posted on Peaceful Uprising, Oct. 29, 2011

From Tim DeChristopher: "As much as I’m enjoying my time in prison, I’m a little jealous of the folks who get to participate in the uprising that’s happening right now. If I wasn’t here, I’d probably either be on Wall Street or Freedom Plaza in DC. But on November 6th, I would definitely be outside the White House to show Barack Obama how many people are committed to stopping the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline. There’s a deep instinctual sense of intimidation that comes from being completely surrounded, and that might be healthy for our president right now...."

Click here to read the rest of Tim's message.

Learn about the Nov. 6 protest in DC on http://www.tarsandsaction.org/.

Community Arts Center to host reception for Shaft, Junior Shaft exhibits Nov. 3

HANCOCK -- The Copper Country Community Arts Center will host a reception for the 18th annual Shaft and Junior Shaft Exhibits from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 3.

The community was invited to submit artwork inspired by mining in the Copper Country -- the physical signs of its presence or the effect it has had on the area and its people. Visitors will be able to cast a vote for their favorite piece throughout the length of the exhibit. Cash awards will be announced the first week of December.

The Copper Country Community Arts Center is located at 126 Quincy Street in Hancock. Call 482-2333 for more information.

Margaret Parker’s “Shirts and Skins” at Reflection Gallery, Nov. 2 - 27

"Army Time," by Margaret Parker, is part of her sculpture and installation exhibit, "Shirts and Skins," at the Finlandia University Reflection Gallery Nov. 2 - 27, 2011. (Photos courtesy Finlandia University)

HANCOCK -- The Finlandia University Reflection Gallery, Hancock, will host a sculpture and installation exhibit, "Shirts and Skins," by artist Margaret Parker, Nov. 2 to Nov. 27, 2011.

An opening reception for the artist will take place at the Reflection Gallery from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3. The reception is free and open to the public; refreshments will be served.

Parker will also conduct a public workshop while she is on campus, working with students and community members to create a second installation in a first floor lounge at Finlandia Hall, the university’s residence hall on Summit Street.

The drop-in workshop, sponsored by the Finlandia Campus Enrichment Committee, will take place from 9 a.m. to noon, and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on both Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 1 and Nov. 2.

To make this installation activity possible, the Reflection Gallery needs t-shirts -- lots of t-shirts -- in any condition. Drop-off locations are in Finlandia Hall, Room 211, and at the Jutila Center campus. Shirts must be dropped off by Nov. 1, or workshop participants can bring them the day of the first workshop.

The Finlandia Hall community installation will also be on display through Nov. 27.

Parker’s Reflection Gallery space installation will reference the form of a human torso. The Finlandia Hall installation will create an archway.

"Wounded," by Margaret Parker.

"Since 9/11, I've been exploring what it means to be human in a global age and what kind of space can help us create an understanding of global humanity," Parker writes in her artist statement. "What consumes me when I make art is how to express these themes that are so complex and so pressing. If art is not attempting to engage these themes, it is not reflecting our deepest lives."

According to Parker, "Perfection in art doesn’t really interest me; I’m more interested in something that reaches for what’s hard to say, something more rough and more human. T-shirts have given me a way to show how individuals have been utterly altered by two wars in the Mideast and the era of terrorism."

"Abu-Ghraib" by Margaret Parker.

Viewer participation is very important to Parker’s intent.

She explains, "Once the viewer sees the piece is made from a T-shirt, they must figure out how it was taken apart. I’m very interested in that spatial reasoning because it pulls the viewer backwards into the creative process, making an image that reverberates in the memory."

Parker has a bachelor of fine arts from the University of Michigan School of Art, Ann Arbor. She has created sculptures and art installations in Michigan, New York, and Maine. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally and is included in the collections of the United States Capitol, the State Department Art Bank, the Maine Maritime Academy, University of Michigan Rackham Graduate School, Chelsea Medical Center, and many private collections. Visit Parker’s website at www.margaretparkerstudio.com.

Parker helped found Art Pro Tem, a community-based non-profit organization established in 2004 that sponsors experimental art in non-traditional spaces. She is a founding member of the Women’s Caucus for Art, Michigan Chapter; a member of the Arts Alliance of Washtenaw County; and has served on the City of Ann Arbor Public Art Commission since 2004, chairing the commission from 2006 to 2010.

The Reflection Gallery is located on the second level of Finlandia’s Jutila Center campus, 200 Michigan St., Hancock.

For additional information, please contact Yueh-mei Cheng, professor of studio arts, at 906-487-7375 or e-mail FinlandiaReflectionGallery@gmail.com.

Premiere of film "Risk and Resilience" to be held at new Calumet Visitor Center Oct. 27

CALUMET -- Join Nancy Haffner of RBH Multimedia as she premieres the film Risk and Resilience, produced as part of the new permanent exhibit at Keweenaw National Historical Park’s new visitor center. Filmed throughout the Keweenaw during the summer and winter of 2010 and 2011, the 14-minute piece provides an overview of the Keweenaw’s copper mining history personalized by local residents sharing their own stories and perspectives.

This free, special event is part of the grand opening celebration of the Calumet Visitor Center. It will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27, at the Calumet Visitor Center, located at 98 Fifth Street in Calumet. For more information, including specific directions to the event, please call Keweenaw National Historical Park at 906/337-3168 or visit www.nps.gov/kewe.

Orpheum Theater to present pop, folk, indie music Oct. 28

HANCOCK -- The Orpheum Theater in Hancock will present Wavvy Hands, Good Weather for Airstrikes, and Pioneer Parade! This concert of great pop, folk and indie music from across Michigan will begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28.

Bring a beverage if you'd like to, and enjoy some delicious Studio Pizza at the Orpheum Theater, on Quincy St. in downtown Hancock!

Khana Khazana features Thai cuisine to benefit flood victims in Thailand

HOUGHTON -- This week's Khana Khazana ("Food Treasure") will help Thai students raise funds for people in their homeland who face the worst flooding in more than 50 years.

More than 350 people have been killed and more than 2.5 million people have been affected.

Khana Khazana will serve Thai cuisine from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, Oct. 28, in the Michigan Tech Memorial Union Food Court. Profits will be donated to the people of Thailand.

This week's fare includes radish and tofu soup; Khao Man Khai, jasmine rice with boiled chicken and spicy sauce; and a dessert -- mango sticky rice, made with sweet ripe mango, sweet sticky rice, and coconut milk.

The cost is $6 for a full meal (which includes a beverage) and $2 for each item. There will be food for vegetarians, too.

Khana Khazana is a weekly collaboration of Michigan Tech Dining Services and international students.

Mike Shupe's bird photos featured at Portage Library

HOUGHTON -- Wild bird photographs by local artist Mike Shupe are on display at the Portage Lake District Library through November. This exhibit is part of an ongoing collaboration with the Community Arts Center in Hancock and features the work of area artists with displays and occasional programs.

Anna Leppänen and her daughter, Maisa, 3, admire photographer Mike Shupe's photos of birds (linnut). Maisa, who is bilingual, learned some names of the birds in both Finnish and English; e.g., tunturipöllö is the snowy owl. Today, Maisa decorated a pumpkin during the children's story hour at the library. The children's story hour is every Wednesday and Thursday from 10:15 a.m. to 11 a.m. (Photos by Keweenaw Now)

Shupe has been shooting extraordinary views of the landscape and creatures in their natural habitat for many years. These photographs provide an intimate look at the marvelous birds of the area. Shupe is an extremely patient artist and captures the graceful, elegant, cute, and comical personalities of our feathered friends in beautiful light. He is the owner of M.J. Shupe Photography and The Studio on Quincy Street in Hancock.

A closer view of Mike Shupe's photo of the snowy owl (tunturipöllö).

The exhibit is located next to the library's big, wooden double doors.

For information about library exhibits and programs, please call the library at 482-4570.

Keweenaw National Historical Park to host Grand Opening of Visitor Center Oct. 27

CALUMET -- Keweenaw National Historical Park (NHP) invites the entire Copper Country community to the Grand Opening of the Calumet Visitor Center, located in the historic Union Building at 98 Fifth Street, Calumet. Superintendent Mike Pflaum announced that the ribbon cutting will take place at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27, with U.S. Senator Carl Levin and NPS Midwest Regional Director Mike Reynolds performing the honors.

The Calumet Visitor Center is the first NPS-operated visitor facility at Keweenaw National Historical Park, which celebrates its 19th anniversary on Thursday as well.

"The opening of this wonderful facility represents a major milestone for the park," Pflaum noted, "and it will be a treasure for the entire community for decades to come."

Visitor services have previously been provided by the park’s 19 non-Federal Keweenaw Heritage Site partners, who will continue providing those valuable services for visitors to the Copper Country.

Thursday events for the Grand Opening include ringing of Calumet church bells at 9:30 a.m., followed by the ribbon cutting, an American Naturalization ceremony, a pasty lunch by the Calumet Lodge of the Eastern Star, free trolley tours of the Calumet National Historic Landmark District provided by the National Park Service and the Red Jacket Trolley Company, free tours of the Keweenaw Heritage Center at St. Anne’s and the Calumet Theatre, and the film premier of Risk and Resilience. The tours will be offered both Thursday and Friday. A Historians’ Symposium will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday morning, Oct. 28.

Click here for a schedule of events.

"Women and Water Rights II" group exhibit to open Oct. 27 at Finlandia Gallery

"Drowning Before I Learn to Swim," a mixed media collage by Marquette artist Rosa Musket, is part of the new group exhibit, "Women and Water Rights II: Rivers of Regeneration," at the Finlandia Gallery in the Finnish American Heritage Center -- opening this Thursday, Oct. 27. (Photo courtesy Finlandia University)

HANCOCK -- "Women and Water Rights II: Rivers of Regeneration," a group exhibition, will be featured at the Finlandia University Gallery, located in the Finnish American Heritage Center, Hancock, Oct. 27 to Nov. 22, 2011.

Included in the exhibit are works by Liz Dodson and James Brenner, Mayumi Amada, Cheryl Wilgren Clyne, Rosa Musket, Christine Flavin, Yueh-mei Cheng, Melissa Hronkin, Robert Grame, Phyllis Fredendall, and Denise Vandeville.

An opening reception for the artists will take place at the gallery from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27. The artists will speak at 7:15 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

Who has the right to bodies of water, in our state, our country, our world? What are the issues involved in making water available to us? How does gender affect the right to water?

Several years ago in Minnesota, a group of women began discussing these questions. Their inquiry blossomed into the 2010 juried exhibit and symposium "Women and Water Rights: Rivers of Regeneration." The event was organized by the Women's Caucus for Art, Minnesota Chapter, and held at the Katherine Nash Gallery on the University of Minnesota Campus.

"Women and Water Rights II: Rivers of Regeneration" will feature artwork by four artists who participated in the Minnesota exhibit: Liz Dodson (Minneapolis, Minn.) and James Brenner (Chicago, Ill.), Mayumi Amada (Minneapolis), and Cheryl Wilgren Clyne (St. Paul, Minn.).

Minneapolis artist Mayumi Amada in her studio. Amada participated in the 2010 juried exhibit and symposium "Women and Water Rights: Rivers of Regeneration," in Minnesota. Her sculpture made of recycled plastic bottles will be part of the second "Women and Water Rights" exhibit in the Finlandia Gallery. (Photo courtesy Bakken Museum, Minneapolis, Minn.)

Also featured in the current exhibit are seven Upper Peninsula artists: Rosa Musket (Marquette, MI), Christine Flavin (Marquette), Yueh-mei Cheng (Hancock), Melissa Hronkin (Mass City), Robert Grame (Houghton), Phyllis Fredendall (Hancock) and Denise Vandeville (Alston).

Liz Dodson, a longtime member of the Women's Caucus for Art, helped to organize the Minnesota "Women and Water Rights" exhibit, working with Marilyn Cuneo of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom and Diane Katsiaficas, an art professor at the University of Minnesota.

For the Finlandia Gallery exhibit, Dodson has collaborated with her son, James Brenner, a Chicago-based sculptor and director of the studio collective Chicago Sculpture Works, to create a sculpture that addresses the water crisis.

"The Latin roots for 'sea' and 'mother' are the same: 'mer,' Dodson notes. "We know that without water there is no life, just as without women, there would be no life. How can the 'feminine' qualities of intuition, creativity, and connection restore balance to the planet and meet the long-term needs of all who inhabit her?"

Mayumi Amada will display "Floating/Ukiyo," a 5′ x 9′ sculpture made from recycled plastic bottles.

"Domesticity is the underlying code for my work and I often use traditional female handcraft techniques and their images," says Amada. "The transformation of material is another characteristic of my artwork."

Amada uses flowing water as a metaphor for life. "Time and life are moving forward from the past to the future like the flow of a river," she adds.

Multi-media artist Cheryl Wilgren Clyne will screen a new digital video titled, "Below Lies Softly Glowing." The video was shown recently at the Burnet Art Gallery, Minneapolis, and 2012 screenings are scheduled in New York and Berlin.

"Below Lies Softly Glowing," from video by Cheryl Wilgren Clyne of St. Paul, Minn. (Photo courtesy Finlandia University)

Rosa Musket is a passionate advocate for water rights, and that passion is expressed in the mixed media artwork she will display in the Finlandia Gallery exhibit.

"My heart has been given over to water and its absolute preciousness to our very existence," says Musket. "The need for water to be available to all, without impurities, informs my current work. I ask: is it still water, when there are additives of every sort in it?"

For the group exhibit, Christine Flavin has expanded on her recent photographs of abandoned mine sites in Michigan's Upper Peninsula by addressing the emotional impact of mining on past generations of men, women, and children.

"In response to the invitation to exhibit my work with other artists in 'Women and Water Rights II,' I began researching the number of deaths that occurred in the mines between the years of 1880 and 1920, the era when the mining industry was at a peak," says Flavin.

The resulting photographs underscore the loss, isolation, abandonment, and marginalization experienced by the widows and children of deceased miners.

Denise Vandeville's porcelain vase, "Waterfall," captures the sights and sounds of a stream that runs behind her home in Alston. Vandeville says that the stream is "a long slow waterfall that puddles and flows, puddles and flows. This piece is a gift from that stream."

By manipulating materials and heat, Vandeville explains that in this piece she was able to emulate the feeling of flowing water, even in the glaze puddles on the horizontal planes that are the shoulders of the pots.

"Is it sight or sound that keeps us sitting at a waterfall?" asks Vandeville. "I enjoy waterfalls even with my eyes shut. The sound of moving water must have soothed the human soul long before music was invented."

For artist Phyllis Fredendall, living near Lake Superior is a constant source of inspiration.

"Lake Superior is my anchor and magnet," she says. "It buoys and baptizes me in the summer and generates layer upon layer of purifying snow in the winter. How to express the preciousness of that water? To speak of it as a 'right' is impossible. It is a sacred body."

Yueh-mei Cheng, who will show a drawing in the exhibit, says, "There's an old saying that women are made of water. Water represents the balance of strength and delicacy that signifies women's lives."

Noting the relationship between women and water in traditional Eastern literature and spiritual practices, Cheng adds. "The symbolic metaphor for the female quality of compassion and wisdom indicates purity, flexibility and durability."

Melissa Hronkin's installation -- "earth, air, fire, water" -- is an intimately scaled, interactive work that employs copper, wood, and glass specimen jars containing substances such as honey, water, salt, ash, dirt, and other precious materials.

"It is a reflection of how the elements of earth, air, fire, and water are all interdependent and necessary to maintain balance on any level," explains Hronkin.

Robert Grame, associate professor of graphic design, joined the faculty of Finlandia's International School of Art and Design this fall. As a designer, Grame believes in the social and ethical responsibility of design. He will display "Measuring Inequality," a mixed media installation/information architecture piece.

"The installation is intended to portray the overall disparity of existing water footprints in terms of water usage per capita, by country," he explains.

Finlandia Gallery hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 4 p.m.; or by appointment.

The Finlandia University Gallery is in the Finnish American Heritage Center, 435 Quincy Street, Hancock. Please call 906-487-7500 for more information.

From Brockit: Northern Lights above Lily Pond

Adam Johnson of Brockit sends this great photo of Northern Lights above the Lily Pond near Hancock this morning, Oct. 25. (Photo © 2011 ADAM JOHNSON | brockit.inc. Reprinted with permission)

American Lung Association: Schuette’s action lets polluters off hook, puts Michigan kids at risk

LANSING -- The American Lung Association recently lambasted Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette for standing up for big polluters in litigation aimed at blocking the Environmental Protection Agency from moving forward on updated standards to address toxic, life-threatening power plant pollution.

"The decision by Attorney General Bill Schuette and his counterparts in other states to stand up for polluters and to ignore the health of Michigan’s children is quite shocking," said Peter Iwanowicz, assistant vice president for the American Lung Association. "The job of an attorney general is to protect and advocate for the residents they serve. Attorney General Schuette has done the exact opposite by siding with big polluters over the health and well-being of our children and other vulnerable residents."

Earlier this month Attorney General Schuette joined attorneys general in 24 other states in demanding that the federal court prevent the EPA from enacting life-saving regulations designed to protect the public health. The group has asked for a one-year delay in the finalization of the EPA’s Power Plant Mercury and Air Toxics Rule. The rule, proposed by the EPA in mid-March 2011, was issued in response to a court decision compelling the agency to abide by the requirements set in the Clean Air Act. As part of the 1990 amendments to the Clean Air Act, Congress directed the EPA to set limits on power plant mercury and air toxics.

The EPA estimates that the regulations will "prevent serious illnesses and health problems for thousands of Americans, including: up to 17,000 premature deaths, 11,000 heart attacks, 120,000 asthma attacks, 12,200 hospital and emergency room visits, 4,500 cases of chronic bronchitis and 5.1 million restricted activity days."

"As a nurse, I’ve see firsthand how harmful pollution endangers lives," said Mary Scoblic, who has a master’s degree in pediatric nursing and has served on the ALAM (American Lung Association in Michigan) board since 1975. "There is nothing that rings the wake-up call louder than seeing a child gasping for breath because his lungs have been damaged by pollution. It’s the EPA’s job to protect all of us from dangerous pollution, and it’s our attorney general’s job to look out for our best interests."

Attorney General Schuette’s action comes as a report released by the Great Lakes Commission shows that mercury contamination in the Great Lakes is more widespread than originally thought, which presents a serious health issue in Michigan. The report underscores the need for moving ahead with the EPA proposal to reduce mercury and air toxics from power plants.

"There is no disputing that pollution and neurotoxins such as mercury have a devastating effect on children’s health," said Jan Roberts, a registered nurse and certified asthma educator. "Attorney General Schuette is turning back the clock on progress made to improve the air that fills our children and grandchildren’s lungs. Clean, healthy air is a necessity for all of us."

Editor's Note: The Sierra Club is asking concerned citizens to sign a petition to Attorney General Schuette and U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow to ask them to protect families' health, not polluters' profits. Click here to sign the petition, which will be delivered in Lansing this Thursday, Oct. 27.

NOSOTROS to host cultural presentation, Halloween Latin Dance Party

NOSOTROS invites the public to a Halloween Latin Dance Party beginning with salsa lessons at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28. (Poster courtesy NOSOTROS)

HOUGHTON -- The NOSOTROS student organization at Michigan Tech will host two free events this week -- a cultural presentation and a Halloween Latin Dance Party.

The fourth presentation of the series "A Door to Latin culture," will be held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 25, in Fisher 138 on the Michigan Tech campus. Rudiger Escobar Wolf will talk about his country, Guatemala. Pizza and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. This event is supported by the Parents' Fund of the Michigan Tech Fund.

NOSOTROS invites the public to a free, family friendly Halloween Party with Latin dancing on Friday evening, Oct. 28, in Memorial Union Ballroom A. The event begins at 8 p.m. with a salsa class and continues at 9 p.m. with open floor. Wear your scary costumes! Light snacks and soft drinks will be provided. The party is sponsored by Graduate Student Government (GSG) and Undergraduate Student Government (USG).

Michigamme Moonshine Gallery to feature work by local artists Oct. 24 - Nov. 29

"The Heron Flight," by Sandra Palmore. (Photo courtesy Michigamme Moonshine Art Gallery)

MICHIGAMME --The Michigamme Moonshine Art Gallery will present "Copper Country Express," featuring work by several local artists, from Oct. 24 through Nov. 29, 2011.

The exhibit will include original art by Lynn Anderson, MaryAnn Beckwith, Cynthia Coté, Ed Gray, Margo McCafferty and and Tom Rudd, Jack Oyler, and Sandra Palmore .

The public is invited to a reception for the artists from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, at the Gallery, located at 136 E. Main in Michigamme. Refreshments will be served.

The U.P.’s "Copper Country" attracts people from all walks of life including a diverse and vibrant community of artists. The relative isolation of the Keweenaw Peninsula provides an opportunity for artists to reflect on nature away from the usual distractions of the 21st century. This remoteness is both a boon and bane for artists who want to show their work to a wider audience. Michigamme Moonshine Art Gallery is bridging that gap by showcasing an invited group of eight talented people in their Marquette County venue for a one-month show.

Lynn Anderson works in fiber arts because she enjoys the "doing" as much as the final result. She likes people to respond to her delicate and carefully produced creations.

Mary Ann Beckwith is a widely known watercolorist who relies on primary colors in her paintings. Her work is mostly abstracts with imbedded meanings.

Cynthia Coté is the director of the Copper Country Community Arts Center in Hancock. Her recent work consists of carefully selected, sorted, and folded paper arranged in thoughtful ways to share a narrative experience with the viewer.

Ed Gray has been deeply involved in the artist community in many places for over fifty years. He has rediscovered and revived traditional pottery making techniques used thousands of years ago by the Upper Peninsula’s "first people." Hand coiled clay is carved with plant and animal figures and fired in earth pits. Native copper in the soil seeps into the clay body to produce a variety of natural colors.

Margo McCaffery and Tom Rudd collaborate in a variety of media that includes the very demanding art of linocut printing with multiple layers of ink to create rich textural surfaces. McCafferty also paints nature and still-lifes in the exacting trompe l’oeil style.

Jack Oyler creates scenes from a pallet of wood pieces carefully formed and colored to produce raised images that convey humorous narratives. Frames provide a context that are an integral part of each piece.

Sandra Palmore has been creating pastels inspired by nature for over ten years. Her whimsical images invite the viewer to see things in a "slightly different way."

Talent, care and devotion are on display in this special exhibit. It is an opportunity to discover fresh new ideas from a dynamic corner of the Upper Peninsula.

Dave Dempsey to speak on Great Lakes policy Oct . 25 at Michigan Tech

HOUGHTON -- Dave Dempsey, policy advisor to the International Joint Commission, will present "New Directions on Great Lakes Water Resources Policy" at 3 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 25, in M and M U115 on the Michigan Tech University campus. A reception will follow in the Dow eighth floor Atrium. The public is welcome.

The seminar is co-sponsored by the Environmental Energy Policy Graduate Program in the Department of Social Sciences and the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

FOLK to announce new project at Annual Meeting Oct. 25

BARAGA -- Friends of the Land of Keweenaw (FOLK) will hold their Annual Meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25, at the Ojibwa Senior Citizen Center in Baraga.*

The meeting will inaugurate a new chapter in FOLK’s efforts to protect and preserve the ecological integrity of the Lake Superior Watershed. It will also include a presentation by visiting Wisconsin activist Frank Koehn of the Penokee Hills Education Project.

During the 2011 Protect the Earth Great Lakes Community Gathering last August near Champion, Mich., Frank Koehn, an active member of the Wisconsin Green Party and a leader of the Penokee Hills Education Project, speaks about taconite iron ore mining in the Penokee Hills. Koehn will be the guest speaker at the Oct. 25th Annual Meeting of FOLK (Friends of the Land of Keweenaw). (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

Following a brief business meeting FOLK members will present their new initiative:
FOLK Mining Education and Empowerment Project: Assessing the risks and benefits of new mining in the western Upper Peninsula.

Guest speaker Frank Koehn, northern Wisconsin activist and politician, will present Old and New Mining in the Lake Superior Basin: Time for a Unified Regional Response.

Koehn has been active in environmental, treaty rights and human rights causes -- including opposition to the Crandon and White Pine mines, support of Ojibwa treaty rights, and support for the proposed Seventh-Generation Amendment to the US Constitution. He was the first Green Party member in the U.S. to be elected to a public office: the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors. He continues to be active in the Wisconsin Green Party, which he helped to create. Koehn is currently one of the leaders of the Penokee Hills Education Project, which is resisting the mining of taconite iron ore in the Penokee Hills. He lives in Herbster, Wisconsin.

The meeting is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

* To get to the Ojibwa Senior Center, going south from Houghton, turn right on M-38 in Baraga. Cross the railroad tracks and take a right on Main Street. Follow Main Street a half mile. The Ojibwa Senior Center will be on your left.

Author Ellen Airgood discusses her novel at Calumet Public Library

Author Ellen Airgood speaks about her novel, South of Superior, during a presentation at the Calumet Public Library in September. (Photos © 2011 and courtesy Katie Alvord)

Story and photos by Katie Alvord*

CALUMET -- About forty people at the Calumet Public Library gave U.P. author Ellen Airgood a warm reception last month as she talked about her debut novel, South of Superior, released earlier this year by Riverhead Press.

Set in a small U.P. tourist town resembling Grand Marais -- where Airgood and her husband own the West Bay Diner -- South of Superior centers around a woman who moves up to the fictitious hamlet of McAllaster from Chicago. The novel unfolds as her life becomes more intertwined with others in the community.

"The story is fictional," Airgood said, "but I really hope it's true."

Fans of the book have already commented to her about the realism of her characters.

"People say, 'These characters are so real, how do you do that?' and I don't know," Airgood said. But she added that her work at the diner probably helps.

"From the first of May to the end of October, it's all diner, all the time," she noted, which leaves her little time to write. Yet she thinks her stories and characters "marinate" as she washes dishes and waits tables. "I deal with people all day, every day," she said. "As I do, the characters are all kind of in my head. They're just always with me. They all become very, very real to me as I try to pay attention to what people are really doing."

Author Ellen Airgood discusses the writing and publishing of her first novel, South of Superior, during her September presentation at the Calumet Public Library.

According to Airgood, her publisher considered this a book about community, but she didn't see quite so clearly that it was about community.

"I think I saw it somewhat, but not totally," Airgood noted. "As a writer, sometimes you yourself don't have as much perspective on what you're writing."

Some distant readers have told Airgood they didn't know towns like McAllaster still existed.

"That's not the way of the world anymore," she told her Calumet audience as she talked about places like her fictitious town, or like Grand Marais. While some express nostalgia for small towns, Airgood noted that living in one can have two sides.

"It's not all beer and skittles," she said. "It's very good but it's very hard. People can be nasty but at the same time people will help people they don't like. No one leaves anyone out in the cold."

Lake Superior is as much a character in the book, Airgood said, as the people of McAllaster.

"I wanted to write about the kind of people Superior creates," she recounted. "It's the spirit of the characters I'm trying to get across."

Describing herself as stubborn, the author said her stubborn nature kept her going through the 18 years of serious writing and rejection letters that finally led to publication of her first book. She has wanted to be a writer since age ten, when she was growing up on a farm in Michigan's thumb. Airgood started writing professionally shortly after moving up to the U.P.

Ellen Airgood signs copies of her novel, South of Superior, after her presentation in the Calumet Public Library in September.

After penning several young adult manuscripts and publishing some essays, she turned to writing a novel for adults. It took her seven years to finish South of Superior. Along the way she hired a freelance editor to help revise the book, and she worked with a London literary agent to revise it further.

While at times she despaired over the book, Airgood noted, her determination paid off when the final version of South of Superior got a nod from Riverhead Press. After the boutique literary division of Penguin released Airgood's novel in May, she and her husband threw a book launch party in Grand Marais that attracted around 200 people.

It's all been a huge boost for Airgood's writing career. One of her young adult novels, Prairie Evers, will be released through Penguin's Young Reader's Group (Nancy Paulsen Books) in May of 2012.

She has also started work on another novel for adults -- this one set in the Keweenaw.

"I'd like to set the book where there's a strong sense of culture," Airgood said, commenting that she senses that here in the Keweenaw region. "A sense of place is very important to me, not only in life but also in writing."

Keweenaw resident Joanne Thomas, who read South of Superior and attended Airgood's presentation, commented on Airgood's ability to capture the local culture in the details of her story.

"Ellen possesses a keen eye in observing the flavor of the personality we call 'yooper,'" Thomas said. "The smallest details of life, person and surroundings were noted in this book. "That made me grin in recognition of our particular culture. Her portrayals of the characters present to the reader the multi-faceted dramas in seemingly ordinary or mundane lives. Yes, everyone has a story, and she knows how to tell it."

Airgood's presentation was organized by Grandpa's Barn Bookstore and the Friends of the Calumet Public Library. South of Superior is for sale at Grandpa's Barn in Copper Harbor, as well as at other local bookstores. Read more about Ellen Airgood on her web site.

* Editor's Note: Keweenaw Now guest writer Katie Alvord is the author of Divorce Your Car and several articles on Keweenaw Now, including three prize-winning articles on climate change in the Lake Superior Basin. Click here to read about her journalism award and links to these articles, which were published on Keweenaw Now in 2007.

Khana Khazana to present Finnish cuisine Oct. 21

HOUGHTON -- This week's Khana Khazana (food treasure) will introduce Finnish cuisine by Heidi Jarvikyla, an exchange student studying English. The Finnish lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, in the Michigan Tech Memorial Union Food Court.

The menu will include karjalanpaisti ja perunamuusi (a traditional Finnish stew with beef, pork and carrots served with mashed potatoes), kaalikääryleet (oven-baked rolls with meat, rice and spices) and marjakiisseli (a thick dessert soup with berries and whipped cream).

A full meal costs $6, and each dish is available a la carte for $2. A free fountain soda, tea or coffee comes with a full meal.

This weekly ethnic lunch is a collaboration of international students and Michigan Tech Dining Services.

Spirit of Harvest Speakers' Forum, Powwow to be Oct. 21-22 at Michigan Tech

Lowery Begay performs a hoop dance with 15 hoops during the 2007 Spirit of the Harvest Speakers' Forum in the Rozsa Center. The Four Thunders Drum accompanies, at left. Begay, an inspirational speaker and renowned Navajo hoop dancer, returns to Michigan Tech this Friday and Saturday, Oct. 21-22, for the Spirit of the Harvest Speakers' Forum and Powwow. (Keweenaw Now file photo)

HOUGHTON -- Michigan Tech's American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) and the Native American Student Association will host two events this weekend. On Friday, Oct. 21, a Speakers' Forum will take place from 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. in the Douglass Houghton Hall Ballroom on the Michigan Tech campus. The Spirit of the Harvest Powwow will follow on Saturday, Oct. 22, at the Student Development Complex (SDC) MultiPurpose Room. Grand Entry starts at 1 p.m. and at 7 p.m.

All events are free and open to the public.

The Speakers' Forum on Friday will include an opening ceremony with a drum group, information about Michigan Tech, a tour of campus laboratories, and, at 1 p.m. in Douglass Houghton Hall, a presentation by Lowery Begay, motivational speaker and Navajo hoop dancer.

Special Presentations during the Powwow include the following:

Hoop Dance by Lowery Begay -- 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Honor Song for Army SPC Robert L. Voakes, Jr. -- 3 p.m.
Pink Shawl Presentation -- 4:30 p.m.
Feast for Dancers/Drummers 5:30 p.m.

The Powwow ends at 8 p.m.

Click here to learn more about Native American programs at Michigan Tech.

Click here to see more photos of Lowery Begay's 2007 performance at Michigan Tech.

Northern Michigan University to host Native American film, poetry, music Oct. 19

MARQUETTE -- Northern Michigan University Center for Native American Studies will host a free showing of the film Remembering the Songs at 7:30 p.m., TONIGHT, Wednesday, Oct. 19, in Jamrich Hall room 102. The film showing will be followed by a poetry and musical performance by visitors from Salish Kootenai College’s (Pablo, Mont.) Center for American Indian Policy and Applied Research (CAIPAR).

The visiting team is taking part in the "Crossing Borders with HeartLines" project, which is sponsored by the W. K. Kellogg Foundation and involves creating, publishing and distributing K-12 Native American tribal history education materials that adhere to Native standards and protocols.

The visitors include renowned Native flute players, singers and recording artists Fernando Cellicion-Zuni, Gary Stroutsos and Paul Thompson-Diné, as well as federal Indian law expert Daniel Decker; Salish poet, journalist and author Jennifer Greene, whose book of poetry What I Keep received the 1988 North American Native Authors Poetry Award; and Milken National Educator Award recipient Julie Cajune, who helped to found the CAIPAR. Cajune was selected for the 2011 Montana Governor’s Humanities Award and was named one of "50 visionaries changing your world" by the Utne Reader in 2009.

Grand Traverse Tribal Chairman Derek Bailey to run for First District Congressional seat

TRAVERSE CITY -- Calling for an end to the gridlock that has gripped Washington, Derek Bailey, Tribal Chairman for the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, recently declared his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives in Michigan’s First District.

Derek Bailey, Tribal Chairman for the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, recently announced he will run as a Democrat for the First Congressional District of Michigan -- the seat now held by Republican Congressman Dan Benishek. (Photo courtesy Derek Bailey for Congress)

Bailey will run as a Democrat -- joining Democrat Gary McDowell, who announced his candidacy in mid-September -- in the Democratic primary. The winner of that primary would challenge Republican Congressman Dan Benishek, one-term incumbent, who defeated McDowell by a small margin in 2010.

"In Congress we need vibrant, creative and strong leadership in advancing the needs of the citizens in northern Michigan," said Bailey. "We need to look at reigning in spending and reducing the nation’s overwhelming pile of debt. We need to look at sensible tax policies that are balanced, fair and responsible, and that address needs of working people and not energy companies, which have seen record profits."

Bailey noted he would work with both parties to solve problems if elected.

"I am running to truly represent the citizenship in District One in word and in deed, to make sure our voice is heard," Bailey said. "Now is the time to promote respect and dignity for every citizen in our district. I'm dedicated to working collaboratively in Washington for the betterment of our citizenship and national economy."

Bailey said he would work to protect the Great Lakes environment. He has been an outspoken tribal and community leader on Asian carp and other invasive species.

"Protection of our greatest natural resource must be shown through a commitment driven by knowledge, understanding and spirit. I will bring that strong northern Michigan voice to the halls of Congress," he said.

Bailey said he would work to strengthen education, and he currently serves on the National Advisory Council on Indian Education -- an appointment made in November 2010 by President Obama. He said he would be a fierce advocate for early childhood education and meeting the needs of rural families.

"Our children, our future leaders, not only need but demand that we find educational opportunities and funding that will secure their success in the future," Bailey said.

He added, "We need to build bridges between our citizens. Working together respectfully -- rolling up our sleeves and getting the work of the people accomplished -- is the basic expectation for our representatives. I pledge, and stand by my past work efforts, that I will bring this perspective to Congress, and, simply, get work done.

"We are all in this together," Bailey said. "We need jobs and we need stability in our economy. Our elected leaders need to start rowing the boat and stop rocking it."

Michigan's First Congressional District has been redrawn for the 2012 election cycle. It now includes the entire Upper Peninsula and portions of the northwest Lower Peninsula, including several counties currently not in the First District.

"It’s time for true leadership in Washington to work together to address the challenges before us," Bailey said. "Let's build the bridges that cross our differences and create a stronger nation for all, just as the founding fathers envisioned. The time is now: our nation's future depends on us."

Bailey was elected to tribal council in 2004 and served until 2008, when he was elected tribal chairman.

For more information, visit Derek Bailey's Web site or email info@derekbaileyforcongress.com.

New "Green Fire" film on Aldo Leopold to be shown Oct. 20

HOUGHTON -- Green Fire: Aldo Leopold and a Land Ethic for our Time will be shown at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, in G002 Hesterberg Hall and Atrium, Michigan Tech Forestry Building.

The film will be followed by refreshments and discussion with Dr. Stan Temple, a distinguished ecologist and fellow at the Aldo Leopold Foundation, and Professor Emeritus in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology at University of Wisconsin-Madison.

This is the first Copper Country showing of this new documentary film. Free admission; $3 suggested donation.

The first full-length documentary film ever made about legendary environmentalist Aldo Leopold, Green Fire highlights Leopold’s extraordinary career, tracing how he shaped and influenced the modern environmental movement. Leopold remains relevant today, inspiring projects all over the country that connect people and land.

Green Fire describes the formation of Leopold’s conservation ethic, exploring how it changed one man and later permeated through all arenas of conservation. The film draws on Leopold’s life and experiences to provide context and validity, then explores the deep impact of his thinking on conservation projects around the world today. Through these examples, the film challenges viewers to contemplate their own relationship with the land community.

The high-definition film utilizes photographs, correspondence, manuscripts and other archival documents from the voluminous Aldo Leopold Archives as well as historical film and contemporary full-color footage on location, including landscapes that influenced Leopold and that he in turn influenced.

The film also features commentary and insight from some of today’s most recognized and credible scholars and conservation leaders, including three of Aldo Leopold’s children -- Nina, Carl, and Estella -- Leopold scholars, noted environmental writers, scientists, humanities experts, public policy leaders, business leaders, and leaders of non-profit groups inspired by Leopold.

Read more: http://www.greenfiremovie.com/

This event is sponsored by the School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, Lake Superior Stewardship Initiative, Michigan Tech Center for Water and Society, Keweenaw Land Trust and the Keweenaw Unitarian Fellowship.

For more information, contact David Flaspohler in the School of Forest Resources and Environmental Sciences at Michigan Tech (906-487-3608 or djflaspo@mtu.edu) or Joan Chadde with the Lake Superior Stewardship Initiative (at jchadde@mtu.edu or 487-3341.)

Keweenaw Krayons offers new classes, Open Studio

MOHAWK -- Keweenaw Krayons will be offering several new classes / workshops this month. You can now register for these classes online by visiting the Keweenaw Krayons calendar page and clicking on the class that interests you. (See below)*

Qigong

This class begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18! Darlene Basto teaches this four-part class to introduce students to the ancient art of Qigong. This class series offers simple movements, self-massage, breathing and meditation techniques to assist you in becoming and staying healthier and minimizing stress. Research shows many diseases are stress-based, or are augmented by stress-filled lives. This method teaches "profoundly simple" tools to better manage those moments to boost your immune system.*

Mosaics

Rachel Tober teaches a two-part Mosaics Class from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 19, and Friday, Oct. 21. Students will learn how to design a mosaic, cut glass and ceramic pieces, and grout an object of their choice (optional). Cost is $30, which includes tools and supplies. No experience necessary. Materials provided: Cutting and nipping tools, glue, stained glass, tiles or glass backing. You also have the option to bring stools, tables, a window or frame you would like to use in the piece. There are still spots available. Register online* or call 934 - 3824 for more details.

Realistic Crayon Drawing

The first class in Realistic Crayon Drawing will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. this Friday, Oct. 21. Diana Langdon teaches this four-part series, in which participants learn techniques to produce amazing crayon drawings. The series will cover sketching, shading, burnishing, color layering, finishing and more. Class fee covers all materials. Participants will receive crayons, sharpeners, bristle brush, and Stonehenge paper. Workshops will culminate in one finished work by each participant being matted, framed, and included in a Keweenaw Krayons exhibit. Cost for the class is $20. Register online* or call 934 - 3824 for more details.

Solo Voice Workshop

Each workshop participant will learn breathing techniques, phrasing and more, using a song chosen at the first workshop. Students will improve confidence and vocal delivery through practice and performance at each session, to culminate in a final public recital at Keweenaw Krayons. The four-session workshop will held from 12 noon to 2 p.m. on Saturdays, beginning Oct. 22. Call 934 - 3824 to find out if registration for this workshop is still open.

Free Open Studio and Free Guitar Lessons

Come to Keweenaw Krayons' Open Studio from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. this Thursday, Oct. 20, and from 12 noon to 2 p.m. this Saturday, Oct. 22, to make whatever you want! Selected supplies and materials will be available -- including paper and paint, crayons, markers, colored pencils, in addition to classic craft materials like cards and magazines, paper towel rolls and milk jugs. If you can dream it, you can make it. Open Studio is free through December; donations are welcome.

Also on Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to noon, free group guitar lessons are being offered for youth 14 and under, courtesy of the Dan Schmitt Gift of Music Fund. Keweenaw Krayons also has several small guitars for little hands to lend for the duration of the 2011-2012 school year. Lessons are free through December. Call Elise at 934 - 3824 for more details.

*Click here to register online for any of these classes or call 934 - 3824 for more details.