MTEC SmartZone receives funds for former UPPCO building renovation (updated*)

By Michele Bourdieu

HOUGHTON -- The former UPPCO (Upper Peninsula Power Co.) Building in Houghton will have a "green" makeover and provide long-term space for the Michigan Tech Enterprise Corporation (MTEC) SmartZone thanks to a $3.02 million U. S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) business incubator grant. In addition, a federal grant of $500,000 awarded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation will help establish a new technology development center in this building.

At a ceremony in the former UPPCO Building on Friday, Oct. 17, Robert Sawyer, left, regional director of the Chicago office of the U. S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), presents a giant "check" for $3,020,000 to Carlton Crothers, CEO of the MTEC SmartZone, second from left, and MTU President Glenn Mroz, third from left. At right are U. S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) and Amy Berglund, aide for U. S. Senator Carl Levin (D-Detroit). (Photo © 2008 Michele Bourdieu)

MTEC, a private, nonprofit corporation, manages the SmartZone, which is an economic development and high-tech business incubator serving Houghton and Hancock. The University and MTEC were co-applicants for the federal grant.

Robert Sawyer, EDA regional director of the Chicago office, presented the $3.02 million check to Carlton Crothers of the MTEC SmartZone and Glenn Mroz, Michigan Tech University president, at a ceremony held on Oct. 17 in the former UPPCO Building in Houghton.

Addressing the audience at the ceremony, Mroz thanked the various partners who worked to obtain this award, including U.S. Senator Carl Levin (D-Detroit) (represented at the ceremony by his aide Amy Berglund), U. S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee), State Representative Mike Lahti and State Senator Mike Prusi, Houghton and Hancock city officials and Kim Stoker of the Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region (WPPDR).

"This is about growth, and it's about the faith that a lot of people have in this community in order to make it grow," Mroz said. "This is where people are going to want to live, because we've got the quality of life."

In addition, Kathy Cole of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) presented the $500,000 check from the State of Michigan to the City of Houghton, noting the new technology development center slated for the renovated UPPCO Building would provide 50 new jobs.

Kathy Cole, representing the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), addresses the audience at the Oct. 17 ceremony in the former UPPCO Building in Houghton and commends Michigan Tech, the MTEC SmartZone, the city of Houghton and State legislators Mike Prusi and Mike Lahti for their cooperation in securing the grant for economic and community development. (Photo © 2008 Michele Bourdieu)

Houghton Mayor Eric Peterson accepted the check signed by Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm.

"We're all successful because of teamwork," Peterson said.

State Representative Mike Lahti (D-Hancock) noted the MTEC SmartZone is an example of what cooperation -- rather than competition -- can do in utilizing student talent to create jobs in Michigan. (See video below.)

State Representative Mike Lahti addresses the audience during the Oct. 17 event celebrating the funding received by the MTEC SmartZone and Michigan Tech for the renovation of the former UPPCO building and the creation of a technology development center. (Video © 2008 Michele Bourdieu)

Representing U.S. Senator Carl Levin (D-Detroit) his aide Amy Berglund said Levin is a senior member of the Small Business Entrepreneurial Committee and is proud to have supported the SmartZone.

"The Senator has always been a very strong advocate for Michigan's small business interests and realizes the significant role that they play in our economy," Berglund said.

U. S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee), another supporter of the MTEC SmartZone, spoke about the 700 high-tech jobs that it has created since 2003 and $60 million going into the Houghton-Hancock economy yearly. He added the expectation is that these new grants will bring nearly 355 more jobs to the community.

U. S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) speaks at the celebration of the new funding for the MTEC SmartZone in the former UPPCO Building on Oct. 17. * Update: this video clip added on Oct. 22. (Video © 2008 Michele Bourdieu)

"I'm so proud of what you're doing here," Stupak said. "I hope this is the second of many more checks to come as we continue to grow the entrepreneurial spirit here in the Keweenaw Peninsula."

U. S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) and State Representative Mike Lahti (D-Hancock), both of whom were instrumental in securing the new funding for the MTEC SmartZone, pause for a photo in the lobby of the former UPPCO Building just before the Oct. 17 ceremony. (Photo © 2008 Michele Bourdieu)

Carlton Crothers, chief executive officer of the MTEC SmartZone, concluded with thanks to all the partners involved in making the grants possible.

"It's not just about the SmartZone," Crothers said. "It's about people -- people in this community coming together -- working as one."

Phil Musser, chairman of the MTEC SmartZone Board and executive director of the Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance (KEDA), has been involved with the SmartZone and local economic development for several years.

"At the point that we thought to form a SmartZone, this community had already gone from dependence on mining and timber to having a much more diversified economy with the start-up of many small businesses across a number of economic sectors," Musser said.

After the Oct. 17 ceremony in the UPPCO Building, Phil Musser, left, chairman of the MTEC SmartZone Board and executive director of the Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance (KEDA), chats with Lisa McKenzie, Hancock City Council member and small business owner, and Don Keith, Keweenaw County Board chairman. (Photo © 2008 Michele Bourdieu)

KEDA's strategy, he explained, has been to grow local companies -- a strategy that now goes under the name "economic gardening." The idea behind it is to encourage businesses that start in the community and stay, rather than importing companies from outside that may leave at some point.

"So by the time we started the SmartZone we already had a strong economic base of manufacturing and service companies and a number of emerging technology businesses (in this community)," Musser added. "In fact, it was the presence of those emerging technology companies around the year 2000 that told us we had an opportunity to create a technology sector and further diversify Keweenaw's economic base."

When the SmartZone began, he noted, it capitalized on the existing economic base and the fact that KEDA already had a high level of partnership through its 200 members. These included businesses, school systems, banks, utilities and municipalities.

"The SmartZone," Musser said, "with its business assistance directed at technology entrepreneurs and businesses, and through its development of small business incubators, has really accelerated the growth of the technology sector in the Keweenaw."

Musser noted also that the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) uses the Keweenaw as an example of how a community can successfully develop its economy.

"The Keweenaw is an important example," Musser said, "because of the economic distress many Michigan communities are now experiencing."

Editor's Note: To learn more about the MTEC SmartZone and KEDA visit their Web site.

Hancock City Hall renovations near completion with handicap accessibility

HANCOCK -- Hancock City Hall will soon have two handicap-accessible parking spaces, large enough for vans, as well as a wheel-chair ramp at the front entrance. Construction of this final stage of the City Hall renovation project, begun this summer, has required changing the grade in front of the building for wheel-chair accessibility.

On Oct. 16 workers from J. Clark Construction work on the new handicap-accessible parking spaces in front of Hancock City Hall. A change of grade in the sidewalk will allow wheel-chair accessibility to the front entrance. The project is the last stage of the City Hall renovation project made possible through a Rural Development grant from the U. S. Department of Agriculture. (Photo © 2008 Gustavo Bourdieu)

Hancock City Clerk Karen Haischer said the handicap accessibility part of the project will also include installing an automatic door opening on the main entrance door.

"They'll hopefully have it done for the election," Haischer noted.

A sign in front of Hancock City Hall indicates funding for the renovations on the building comes from a Rural Development grant through the U. S. Department of Agriculture. Click on photos for larger versions. (Photo © 2008 Gustavo Bourdieu)

The renovations have included work on the clock tower, the roof and exterior painting -- now complete. This month inside work -- including mechanical, electrical and carpet improvements -- is being done. New lighting in the Council Chambers, a new boiler system and a canopy over the front entrance for safety from ice are some of the improvements included in the project.

Exterior work in particular, including the tower, has been done to conform to the historic aspects of the building.

Hitch Engineering is the architect and engineer for the project; J. Clark Construction, Inc., is the contractor.

Community Arts Center to present OCTOBERFEST dance Oct. 18

HANCOCK -- The Copper Country Community Arts Center again presents OCTOBERFEST -- an evening of music, hearty food, drinks, a silent art auction, 50/50 raffles and tons of dancing! The event begins at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, at the South Range Community Hall.

Dancing will be from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. with music by the Polka Drifters from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., followed by the PasiCats from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Brats, hotdogs and vegetarian chili will be available; and the Keweenaw Brewing Company will provide beer.

Bring family, friends and neighbors and support the Arts Center at this fundraising party! Admission is only $5.

Call the Arts Center at 482-2333 for more details.

Bienvenido el otoño

October color in the Keweenaw Peninsula. (Photo © 2008 Gustavo Bourdieu.)

Editor's Note:This is the third in a series of "Comentarios y fotos" by Gustavo Bourdieu, Keweenaw Now photographer, for our readers who speak, read or study Spanish. In this comentario, Gustavo celebrates our change of seasons in a northern climate.

By Gustavo Bourdieu

HANCOCK -- El cambio de las estaciones en Hancock, nos hace sentir en mayor contacto con la vida , con la naturaleza. Los ciclos del año nos van marcando todo el esplendor de lo que nos rodea.

En el transcurso de mi vida he vivido en diferentes latitudes, a diferentes alturas sobre el nivel del mar. Pero las estaciones aquí en el norte del país son marcadas y bien definidas. Cuando viví en Perú -- en el Río Amazonas, a solo cuatro grados de la línea ecuatorial -- las diferencias eran de lluvia o menos lluvia. La temperatura rara vez baja mas de 70 F. Todo eso hace un tiempo un poco mas monótono. Por ejemplo la variedad de maíz dulce allá produce frutos en solo 60 días mientras que aquí la misma variedad necesita 98 dias.

Como decia mi amigo peruano, "¡Viva las diferencias!" Cada región tiene sus encantos.

Buen fin de semana a todos y en especial los que no trabajarán el lunes.

Hasta la próxima,

G. B.

EPA to hold open house on Kennecott mine proposal Oct. 22

MARQUETTE -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will hold an open house on Wednesday, October 22, to answer questions about the federal role in regulating the proposed mine and the underground injection control permit application submitted by Kennecott Eagle Minerals Company. The open house will be held at the Holiday Inn, 1951 U.S. Highway 41, West Marquette, Mich. There will be three sessions -- from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Kennecott proposes to dispose of treated wastewater as part of a nickel and copper sulfide mining operation within the Yellow Dog Plains of northwestern Marquette County. EPA notified the company that any underground disposal system at the mining site must comply with the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act's federal Underground Injection Control (UIC) program before construction and operation. The Safe Drinking Water Act is intended to protect underground sources of drinking water.

The UIC permitting process for the underground disposal system is EPA's only direct regulatory role in the Eagle mine project. EPA is conducting a technical evaluation of the permit application and supporting documents and expects to issue a draft decision before the end of the year. EPA will accept public comments and hold a public hearing when the draft decision is announced.

A copy of the permit application and more information about the Eagle mine project and the underground injection control program is available at: http://www.epa.gov/region5/water/uic/kennecott/index.htm.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife requests EPA delay on Kennecott mine

The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has requested the EPA to determine whether habitat for the endangered Kirtland warbler and threatened Canada lynx occurs in areas that could directly or indirectly be affected by Kennecott's Eagle Project.

According to the USFWS, "Kirtland's warblers utilize young, dense stands of jack pine that are interspersed with treeless openings," and requested the EPA to conduct a survey of male Kirtland's warblers, in late Spring, 2009, if potential habitat is located in the area.

Although key indicators suggest the area as suitable habitat for both species and were acknowledged in Kennecott's Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), the company did not consider the project as potentially affecting Kirtland warbler or Canadian lynx habitat. According to the DEQ, Kennecott conducted only 7 months of the legally-required 2-year flora and fauna study. . . Read more on SaveTheWildUP.

Editor's Note: This information is courtesy SaveTheWildUP.

Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter receives grant

HANCOCK -- The Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter Home for Abused Women has been chosen to receive one of 150 grants awarded by a leading national anti-domestic violence organization, the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation (MKACF). The $20,000 grant will be used to maintain the crisis line and direct services to program participants.

Supporters of the Shelter and recipients of its services recently called attention to the work of the Shelter in helping survivors of domestic violence with a Candlelight Ceremony in Hancock on Oct. 6.

Supporters of the Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter hold a candlelight march in Hancock Oct. 6 after their ceremony honoring survivors of domestic violence. The event also included speakers, poetry and music. Carrying the Shelter Home banner are Anne Haywood, left, of Hancock, and Ann Brady, Shelter Home Board member. Left of Brady, with other marchers, is Emily Newhouse, Shelter Home executive director. Click on photo for larger version. (Photo © 2008 Michele Bourdieu)

Shelters are feeling the impact of a weak economy. According to the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, shelter donations are down; but the need for services is increasing. To help make sure needs are met, the foundation started by the late Mary Kay Ash is donating a total of $3 million in grants to shelters in all 50 states.

"This grant gives us much-needed cash and hope at Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter," said Emily Newhouse, executive director. "The problem of domestic violence isn’t going away and neither is the need for funding. Programs to help those experiencing domestic violence require a lot of resources. It is a tremendous challenge to provide services on a 24 hour basis. Grants specifically for everyday operating expenses are rare, and this funding demonstrates the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation understands this need for funding of day-to-day operations. We’re grateful that the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation is stepping up to the plate in helping us help families in Houghton, Keweenaw and Ontonagon counties."

Hand-decorated tee-shirts are displayed on a clothesline in the Finnish American Heritage Center in Hancock during the Oct. 6 Candlelight Ceremony honoring survivors of domestic violence. The shirts are part of the Clothesline Project -- a program started in 1990 on Cape Cod, Mass., as a vehicle for women affected by violence to express their emotions by decorating a shirt. They then hang the shirt on a clothesline to be viewed by others as testimony to the problem of violence against women. (Photo © 2008 Michele Bourdieu)

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), domestic violence affects one in every four women in the United States. Nationally:
· The cost of intimate partner violence exceeds $5.8 billion each year, 4.1 billion of which is for direct medical and mental health services;
· Boys who witness domestic violence are twice as likely to abuse their own partners and children when they become adults;
· 84 percent of spousal abuse victims are female.

The statistics in Michigan are just as startling. According to the NCADV:
· 48,310 domestic violence offenses were reported to the Michigan Uniform Crime Report (UCR) Program in 2003.
· About 4 of every 10 females seen in selected emergency departments for injuries related to assault were there because of intimate partner violence.
· It is estimated that there were 22,328 domestic violence cases handled in Michigan’s prosecuting attorney offices in 2000.

Rhythm 203 performs folk songs during the Oct. 6 Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter Home Candlelight Ceremony for survivors fo domestic violence. Musicians and singers are, from left, Sue Ellen Kingsley, Phyllis Fredendall and Norm Kendall. (Video © 2008 Michele Bourdieu)

"The Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter has helped so many women and their families in Houghton, Keweenaw and Ontonagon Counties. We know they will use these funds to benefit even more domestic violence survivors and their children," said Jennifer Cook, MKACF board member. "Mary Kay Ash wanted her foundation to help enrich women’s lives. All the tragic stories and statistics we hear about domestic violence encourage us to do our part. We know Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter will use these funds to stop domestic violence and provide help and hope to domestic violence survivors and their children in Houghton, Keweenaw and Ontonagon counties in Michigan."

About the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation

The Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation was created in 1996, and its mission is two-fold: to fund research of cancers affecting women and help prevent domestic violence while raising awareness of the issue. Since the Foundation’s inception, it has awarded nearly $18 million to shelters and programs addressing domestic violence and $10.8 million to cancer researchers and
related causes throughout the United States. To learn more about the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation, log on to www.mkacf.org or call 1-877-MKCARES (652-2737).

Editor's Note: Programs at the Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter Home are supported by the Copper Country United Way. Donations may also be sent to Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter Home for Abused Women, P. O. Box 8, Calumet, MI 49913.

Finlandia's Nordic Film Series begins Oct. 9

HANCOCK -- The Finlandia University Finnish American Heritage Center begins its fall Nordic Film Series today, October 9, with five new documentaries from noted filmmaker and frequent area visitor Erkki Määttänen. Showings are at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

The featured short films are about Finnish and Finnish-American musicians and artists, with the exception of Todistajat (Witnesses), a documentary about a group of Finns whose parents (some of whom had returned to Karelia, Finland, from North America) disappeared in the Soviet Union during the Stalinist purges of the 1930s.

Other films to be shown October 9 include, Suomalaisia kaikuja or Finnish Echoes in the Midwest about a number familiar Finnish American musicians and the places they perform in Michigan and Minnesota; Jim Johnson about the Finnish-American poet from Duluth; and Peruna-Jussin rytmiluut or Johnnie Perona’s Rhythm Bones about the 85-year-old rhythm bones musician of Calumet.

Other films are Gerry about Duluth kantele maker Gerry Henkel and Les Ross, Suupelin soittaja (Les Ross, Mouth Organ Player) about a Negaunee musician who plays harmonica in traditional Finnish-American lumberjack style.

Finally, Lännen-Jukka etsimässä or Looking for Lännen-Jukka explores the music of J. Karjalainen, one of Finland’s most popular singer-songwriters and a well-known devotee of American bluegrass.

Last year Karjalainen released the CD, Lännen Jukka, Amerikansuomalaisia lauluja (Jukka of the West, Finnish-American songs), a collection of American blues songs with Finnish lyrics and a tribute to his musical mentor, Hiski Salomaa, an early Finnish American songwriter who at one time lived in South Range. The album was widely considered one of the best Finnish recordings of 2006.

The films include a number of western Upper Peninsula faces and places, including Jingo Wiitala-Vachon, and the Happala Brothers (George and Albert) from Bruce Crossing, Runeberg Hall in Dollar Bay , The Mosquito Inn and Toivola Lunch of Toivola, and the Co-op Hall in Bruce Crossing.

Film director Erkki Määttänen has been making documentaries for the Finnish Broadcasting company for 30 years. He has made 80 short and feature-length documentaries all over the world. Määttänen’s films have been shown at film festivals in USA, Canada, Europe and Russia. He has filmed a number of documentaries in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Upper Michigan.

The Nordic Film Series occurs on the second Thursday of each month. The films, which show at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., offer the area’s only opportunity to see contemporary Finnish, Sami and Norwegian films. November’s movie is the Finnish film, Colorado Avenue.

For additional information, please contact the Finnish American Heritage Center at 906-487-7505.

Obama fires back in Indianapolis: "I ask you to believe ..."

INDIANAPOLIS -- Following his Oct. 7 presidential candidate debate with Republican Senator John McCain in Nashville, Tenn., Democratic Senator Barack Obama fired up a crowd estimated at 21,000 on Wednesday, Oct. 8, in a rally at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis.

Videos on the Indianapolis Star Web site, IndyStar.com, capture some key moments of his high-energy speech and reactions of the enthusiastic crowd. Click here to see the Star's videos and today's article, "Obama: 'Better days ahead,'" by Mary Beth Schneider, Star reporter.

Los comentarios de Gustavo: El "Tori" de Hancock

Editor's Note: This is the second in a series of "Comentarios y fotos" by Gustavo Bourdieu, Keweenaw Now photographer, for our readers who speak, read or study Spanish. In this week's comentario, Gustavo celebrates Hancock's "Tori," the Finnish word for "market" or, in Spanish, "mercado."

Queridos amigos y amigas,

Como apicultor, tengo una pequeña huerta en el campo para el abastecimiento de verduras frescas durante el verano, y puedo guardar algo para el invierno que está cerca.

Siempre hay un excedente y aprovecho en venderlo en el Tori Market de Hancock. Esta es una gran idea de tener nuestro pequeño mercado, donde se reunen agricultores y artesanos locales para vender sus productos todos los miércoles y sábados.

Lamentablemente, debido al clima, ayer fue la última apertura de la temporada.

Siempre que he viajado en distintas ciudades, aprovecho de visitar los mercados. Estos reflejan la realidad de los pueblos y países. Visitar el mercado es conocer en profundidad cada pueblo.

Los vendedores / compañeros del "Tori" de Hancock se reunen para esta foto el sábado 4 de octubre, el último día de la temporada. (Photo © 2008 Gustavo Bourdieu. Click on photo for larger version.)

El ambiente que se vive en él es de gran camaradería y amistad, donde toda la gente se saluda y sonríe, donde van los clientes a comprar verduras frescas -- la mayoría orgánica -- y artesanías locales de una belleza increíble.

Recomiendo a todos los lectores de nuestra comunidad visitar el Tori market; así consumirán productos locales y frescos. Ahora tendremos que esperar al próximo año.

Les adjunto una foto de ayer de los vendedores y colegas míos en el Tori.

Hasta la próxima,
Gustavo Bourdieu

Candlelight Ceremony to honor survivors of domestic violence Oct. 6

CALUMET -- October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. A Candlelight Ceremony for Survivors of Domestic Violence will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 6, at Finlandia University's Finnish American Heritage Center in Hancock.

The public is welcome to show support in mourning victims, celebrating survivors and reaffirming the struggle for a non-violent future. The ceremony will include music, speakers and poetry. Bring a candle or flashlight and join the walk after the ceremony.

This event is sponsored by the Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter. Call 337-5632 for more information.

Volunteers are needed to work at the Shelter in Calumet to help residents and their children. After receiving training, volunteers help by being empathetic listeners and support persons. Volunteers are also needed to work with the children for childcare during support groups. This is a two-hour commitment once a week. The Shelter is also looking for a volunteer for cleaning house and sorting donations. For information concerning volunteering or training call 337-5632.

Programs at the Shelter are supported by the Copper Country United Way. Donations may also be sent to Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter Home for Abused Women, P. O. Box 8, Calumet, MI 49913.

Recycle household, electronic items at Health Department Oct. 4

HANCOCK -- The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) will collect unwanted household items from 9 a.m. to noon this Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department (540 Depot St., a block south of eastbound US 41) in Hancock.

Among the items accepted are computers and accessories, microwave ovens, stereos, TVs and monitors, DVD players, VCRs, cordless phones and electronic ballasts (all $0.10/lb.); fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent bulbs ($0.50 each); alkaline batteries ($0.85/lb.); rechargeable batteries and cell phones with batteries (free). (This opportunity does not apply to Michigan Tech-owned electronics, which are recycled through the University's e-waste program.)

For more details, see www.wupdhd.org/rsvp/e-waste.html or call Barb Maronen at the health department (482-7382).

Spread the Word: The transition to digital TV in February 2009 may result in people prematurely discarding analog televisions in the mistaken belief that they will no longer work. Only analog TVs that receive signals via rooftop or "rabbit ears" antennas will require converter boxes. A government-sponsored $40 coupon program will help pay for up to two boxes per household: See www.dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-388-2009. Cable and satellite TV subscribers can continue to use their existing TVs, even if they aren't digital-ready models. For more information visit www.dtv.gov/consumercorner.html.

Isle Royale Wolf, Moose photography on display in Calumet Oct. 3 - 31

Isle Royale wolf. (Photo © 2008 Rolf Peterson. Reprinted with permission.)

CALUMET -- Two Michigan Tech wolf-moose researchers and the filmmaker who immortalized their research are mounting an exhibition of some of the best of years of still photography shot at Isle Royale National Park. The show opens at the Omphale Gallery in Calumet with a reception from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3.

Rolf Peterson and John Vucetich, professors in Michigan Tech University's School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, and producer George Desort will host the reception at the gallery at 431 Fifth St., Calumet. Light appetizers and drinks will be provided at the opening. Their exhibit, called "Isle Royale Wolf and Moose Study Collection," will remain on display through Oct. 31.

Walking on the ice of Washington Harbor, Isle Royale, are, from left, Don E. Glaser, winter study pilot, Rolf Peterson, wolf biologist and John Vucetich, wolf biologist. (Photo © 2008 George Desort. Reprinted with permission.)

Desort, an independent Upper Peninsula filmmaker, premiered his full-length documentary about the wolves and moose of Isle Royale, titled Fortunate Wilderness, at a 50th anniversary celebration of the wolf-moose predator-prey study held on Isle Royale July 25-27, 2008. If you missed that premiere, the film will be shown on Oct. 25 at the Rosza Center on the MTU campus.

Close up of antler on Isle Royale moose. (Photo © 2008 John Vucetich. Reprinted with permission.)

See a preview of some of the Isle Royale photos and read about the 50-year Isle Royale Wolf-Moose study on the Wolf-Moose Study Web site.

KLT to hold open house at Marsin Nature Retreat Center Oct. 3

HANCOCK -- The public is invited to a Marsin Nature Retreat Center open house from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3. The Marsin Center, owned and operated by the Keweenaw Land Trust (KLT), is a resource available to community groups for a variety of outdoor and indoor activities and events.

The Marsin Nature Retreat Center, located on the Portage Waterway near Oskar, adjoins the 40-acre Marsin Preserve established in 1999. The late Mary Sinish, who grew up in the Keweenaw, bequeathed these properties to the Keweenaw Land Trust. Her vision was to establish a nature center for those with limited access to the serenity of the outdoors, including the elderly and disadvantaged. Click on photo for larger version. (Photo courtesy Keweenaw Land Trust)

The goals for the Marsin Center are to promote community and partnership while fostering a stronger connection to the natural world. The 16-acre property includes waterfront on the Portage Waterway, a main building suitable for large gatherings and a campus suitable for a variety of educational and recreational activities.

Marsin program volunteers and KLT staff will be on hand to provide guided tours, share plans for the Marsin Center and answer questions. Everyone is welcome to learn about ongoing activities, the facilities and the partnership with Finlandia University’s Design Program assisting with site and facilities improvements.

The Marsin Center is located about 8 miles from Houghton: Take the Canal Road one mile past Oskar, turn right on Red Brick Road and follow signs to the Center. Refreshments will be provided. For more information about the Marsin Nature Retreat Center or the Keweenaw Land Trust, visit www.KeweenawLandTrust.org or call 482-0820.

Finlandia to present musical comedy set in 1930s Finland Oct. 2-5

HANCOCK – Four performances of the play, Herra Puntila and His Man Matti, will be presented Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 2-5, at the Finlandia University Finnish American Heritage Center, Hancock.

Pictured here is a scene from Herra Puntila and His Man Matti, a musical comedy written in 1941 by German playwright Bertolt Brecht, in collaboration with Finnish-Estonian playwright Hella Wuolijoki. Director Melvin Kangas, Finlandia University music and drama instructor, composed music for the play, which runs Oct. 2-5 at Finlandia's Finnish American Heritage Center. (Photo courtesy Finlandia University.)

Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 2-4. The Sunday, Oct. 5, performance begins at 2:30 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the door prior to each performance. Tickets are $5.00 per person; Finlandia student are admitted free with their university ID. The play is performed in English.

Herra Puntila and His Man Matti (Herr Puntila und sein Knecht Matti) was written in 1941 by German playwright Bertolt Brecht, in collaboration with Finnish-Estonian playwright Hella Wuolijoki.

Directed by Finlandia music and drama instructor Melvin Kangas, the musical comedy tells the story of landowner Puntila and his "Jekyll and Hyde" relationships with his daughter, his servant Matti and the workers on his farm. The play was adapted from a Finnish folk tale and is set in Finland in the 1930s.

The play is one of Brecht’s modern social criticism plays. Its message suggests that genuine equality, not the whims of individual philanthropy, bridges the gap between rich and poor.

However, play director Melvin Kangas said the message is not why he chose to produce the play.

"I like to select plays where I can have a creative hand, especially with the music," Kangas explained. "This play gave me that opportunity."

Each of the play’s ten scenes is introduced by a song with music composed by Kangas.

"Brecht wrote the words for the songs, but not the music," Kangas said. "So each production of the play is different."

And to enhance the Finnish ambiance of the play, Kangas has added performances of traditional Finnish dances between each scene. Dancers include Bob and Hester Butler and Phyllis Fredendall and Hannu Leppanen.

The play’s cast and crew numbers more than 25 and includes community members and Finlandia students, staff and faculty.

When Puntila (played by Oren Tikkanen) is sober, he is a mean-spirited, self-centered capitalist who fires workers with communist sympathies, puts profit before people and wants to marry his daughter, Eva (Kendra Benson), to a lame-brained diplomat (Jordan Siegler).

When he is drunk, Puntila is friendly and humane, hiring anyone who needs a job and determined to marry Eva to his chauffeur, Matti (Pasi Lautila), whom he treats as an equal. Oscillating between these two poles, he plays havoc with his workers, his daughter’s marriage and the loyalty of his sardonic chauffeur and valet, Matti.

German playwright, poet, and Marxist Bertolt Brecht (1898-1956) wrote his first plays in the 1920s. With the composer Kurt Weill he wrote the satirical musical The Threepenny Opera, which was produced as a film in 1931. With the rise of the Nazis in Germany he went into exile, first in Scandinavia (1933-1941), then in the U.S., where he wrote the play Mother Courage and Her Children (1941) and several other popular plays. Harassed in the U.S. for his politics, in 1949 he returned to East Germany, where he established the Berliner Ensemble theatre troupe and staged his own plays.

For additional information, please contact Melvin Kangas at 906-487-7250.

Oct. 6 voter registration deadline approaches: Registration forms available on line

LANSING -- Michigan residents who have not yet registered to vote can fill out an online form and mail it in to meet the registration deadline of Oct. 6, 2008, for the November 4 presidential election.

Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm offers on her Web site a new online feature that will print off a pre-filled voter registration form to mail in. You can fill out and print a voter registration form at http://www.jennifergranholm.com/register.

To register, you must be at least 18-years-old on or before Election Day and be a U.S. citizen. You must be a resident of Michigan and the city or township in which you wish to register. You can register in person at any Secretary of State or Department of Human Services office, or by mail.

You can find out if you're registered and where you should vote by signing in at https://services2.sos.state.mi.us/mivote/.

Stupak: Bailout abandons Northern Michigan values

By U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee)*

WASHINGTON, D. C. -- In mid-September, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson insisted there would be no bailout for American International Group (AIG), which was heavily invested in the subprime mortgage market. Thirty six hours late, the Federal Reserve provided $85 billion to save AIG in the largest government bailout of a private corporation in U.S. history. Just days earlier, the failure of Lehman Brothers became the largest bankruptcy in U.S. history, sending global markets into turmoil.

By the end of that same week, the Treasury Secretary came to Congress with a $700 billion bailout proposal for Wall Street, insisting it be implemented immediately to avoid a severe financial crisis.

It was against this backdrop that Secretary Paulson and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke requested unprecedented authority and power, asking elected officials to hand over the keys to the U.S. Treasury. As greed ran amuck, there was now panic on Wall Street.

It came as quite a shock that the same men who have for the past year continued to insist our economy is sound were now asking Congress for government intervention unprecedented since the Great Depression. I did not trust their gloom and doom forecast and wanted time to review the proposal.

Over the past 10 days, Democrats and Republicans have worked with the Bush Administration to craft H.R. 3997, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008. During this time, I have heard from thousands of my constituents across northern Michigan. My staff and I have reached out to banks, credit unions, small businesses and economists. Most sense the urgency of addressing the financial crisis, but had many more questions than answers.

While the debate raged over what Congress should do, a consensus on four main principles emerged: there must be transparency on the purchase of troubled assets; no golden parachutes should be provided for executives; Congress must provide oversight; and the taxpayers must be protected. H.R. 3997 falls short in all of these areas.

Although $700 billion is the number being attached to this bailout, even the Treasury Secretary acknowledges it was arbitrarily chosen to calm the financial markets. No one can tell us the total cost of the bailout or even if the infusion of $700 billion will solve the problem.

My review of H.R. 3997 shows the limitations on Wall Street executive pay only apply if a financial entity receives $300 million in government help. The bailout raises the national debt to $11.3 trillion and leaves taxpayers no way to recoup the interest we will have to pay on the $700 billion bailout. Perhaps most importantly, no one can tell us where or how the United States will come up with $700 billion.

I am concerned $700 billion is just the beginning and additional billions of dollars will almost certainly be necessary. The bailout is likely to go on for years, and over that time I fully expect corruption and criminal activity will be found on Wall Street.

I cannot ask American families -- who work hard, play by the rules and struggle to meet their own financial obligations -- to bailout Wall Street executives for their reckless, lavish lifestyles.

For that reason, I voted “no” on H.R. 3997. This bailout does not represent our northern Michigan values, but instead rewards excessive financial shenanigans without any accountability.

The $700 billion bailout failed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 205-228 on September 29. I expect to be called back to Washington in the coming days to consider an alternative package. I will examine that alternative proposal closely to see that it addresses the concerns I have raised. Congress will do what is necessary to stabilize our economy and restore confidence in the financial markets, but will ensure that protecting the taxpayers is priority number one.

* U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) represents Michigan’s 1st Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. Visit his Web site for more information about his work for this large district, which includes all of the Upper Peninsula and much of Northern Michigan below the Mackinac Bridge as well. This column was written on Sept. 29, 2008.

Keweenaw County launches Web site

EAGLE RIVER -- Keweenaw County now has a new Web site at http://www.keweenawcountyonline.org. The site includes minutes of all the various commission meetings as well as permits and other forms residents can download and complete at their convenience.

In an email to Keweenaw County residents, Janet Shea, chairman of the Keweenaw County Economic Development Committee, announced the site went online today, Sept. 30, 2008.

"The site will make county government activities more transparent," she noted. "Once you have had an opportunity to look through the site, any comments or suggestions you may have for improvements would be very appreciated."

Readers can email comments to the site's Webmaster at inquiries@keweenawcountyonline.org.

"Sometime in the future," Shea added, this site will also be a portal for community information for residents plus travel and tourism information for visitors."

Rep. Mike Lahti meets with Obama supporters

By Michele Bourdieu

HOUGHTON -- State Representative Mike Lahti (D-Hancock) met with supporters of Barack Obama, Democratic presidential candidate, on Saturday, Sept. 27, to discuss volunteer efforts to get out the vote for Obama's Campaign for Change during these last few weeks before the Nov. 4 election.

Mike Lahti, State Representative for Michigan's 110th District, meets with supporters of Barack Obama's Campaign for Change on Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Super 8 Motel in Houghton. Click on photos for larger versions. (Photo © 2008 Michele Bourdieu.)

Lahti offered suggestions and fielded questions from the group on the best ways to reach undecided voters and to inform the public about the coming Oct. 6, 2008, deadline for voter registration.

"I like going door-to-door. It's a nice chance to get to meet folks," Lahti said. "It can be fun."

Volunteers who attended the session, held at the Super 8 Motel in Houghton, reported having good experiences knocking on doors and talking to Copper Country residents.

Mike Levin, field organizer for Obama's Campaign for Change, said he has had some great talks with local residents in his door-to-door canvassing.

"People are so nice up here," he said.

Community artist and volunteer Mary Wright of Hancock confirmed the importance of door-to-door visits.

"Research shows that the most effective way of changing undecided voters is face-to-face, person-to-person contact," she said.

Wright commended the young volunteers from Houghton High School for their efforts on behalf of Obama's Campaign for Change.

Nathan Held, a junior at Houghton High and one of those volunteers, was enthusiastic about working for the Campaign.

"It's the largest presidential campaign ever in Michigan," Held said. "I've been interested in politics since 2000. I lived in Louisiana at that time."

Held's family moved to Houghton in 2006. Before that he became an ardent supporter of Al Gore.

"I'm reading his book right now -- The Assault on Reason," he noted. "I definitely agree with him on global warming."

Stacy Welling, campaign manager for U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) addressed the group and encouraged them to support Stupak's campaign for re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives. Stupak represents Congressional District 1, which includes almost half of Michigan's land mass and 1,613 miles of shoreline.*

State Representative Mike Lahti, second from left, spoke with young Obama supporters at a meeting Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Super 8 Motel in Houghton. Pictured with Lahti, from left, are Mike Levin, field organizer for Obama's Campaign for Change; Nathan Held, Houghton High School volunteer for Obama; and Stacy Welling, campaign manager for U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee), who is running for re-election. (Photo © 2008 Michele Bourdieu.)

"Congressman Stupak has worked extremely hard for the U.P. and Northern Michigan, and I'm honored to work with him," Welling said.

Lahti also spoke in support of Stupak, noting that the U.S. Congressman faces the most opposition he has had so far in his eight terms (since 1992) representing all of the Upper Peninsula and the northern part of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, one of the largest Congressional districts in the nation.

"He's very well prepared and hard-working," Lahti said. "He works hard for the district. He's a good representative for this area."

Welling encouraged those attending the meeting to put out yard signs for the candidates.

"It's so important to do that," she said.

Mike Levin noted a new batch of signs recently arrived in the Houghton County Democrats' new office at 509 Shelden Ave, Houghton. He said the office is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day.

Lahti also spoke about the recent Michigan legislative session. While he noted less rancor among representatives this year, he added Michigan is still in rough shape economically. Training people for jobs needs to happen right in the local community, he added.

In addition to jobs, nursing homes for the aged and health care are big issues in Michigan, Lahti noted.

"We're waiting to see a new person in the White House so we can get some help with that," he said.

Lahti said he would be spending the next few weeks, while the Michigan legislature is on break, working on his own campaign for re-election.**

Mary Hunt, who co-ordinates volunteers at the Calumet office for the Houghton County Democrats, at 305 Sixth St., mentioned the need to inform the public not only about the Oct. 6 registration deadline but also where they should go to vote. This information is available on the Internet.

You can find out if you're registered and where you should vote by signing in at https://services2.sos.state.mi.us/mivote/.

Information on how to register is also on the Michigan.gov site:
http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,1607,7-127-1633_11619-123989--,00.html#5

Learn more about Senator Barack Obama's Campaign for Change by visiting his Web site.

* See Congressman Bart Stupak's Campaign Web site to learn more about issues facing the U.P. and Northern Michigan.
** See Mike Lahti's Campaign Web site, his official Michigan House Democrats site and his new blog to learn more about his campaign and local issues he supports.

New series: "Comentarios y fotos" by Gustavo

Editor's Note: Keweenaw Now presents a new series of "comentarios y fotos" by Keweenaw Now photographer Gustavo Bourdieu. The comments are published in his original Spanish for the enjoyment of our readers who are studying Spanish or who are speakers or readers of the language. We welcome your comments -- in English or en español.

Clouds near Route 203. Photo taken Friday, Sept. 26, 2008. Click on photo for larger version. (Photo © 2008 Gustavo Bourdieu)

By Gustavo Bourdieu

HANCOCK -- Buenos días, lectores. Así empiezo una mañana, escribiendo en español, para entretenimiento y deleite de los que están aprendiendo el idioma.

Trataré de poner en mis notas algo nuevo cada día para que los lectores tengan oportunidad de practicar e investigar las nuevas palabras. Por intermedio de la editora contestaré las preguntas que tengan ustedes. Gracias por compartir el lenguaje.

Gustavo Bourdieu

Esta es una foto tomada ayer en la mañana en las cercanías de la ruta 203.

Rep. Mike Lahti to meet with Obama supporters Sept. 27

HANCOCK -- Obama supporters are invited to a meeting with Mike Lahti, State Representative of the 110th District, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Super 8 Motel in Houghton. Rep. Lahti will take questions and explain how to join The Michigan Campaign for Change in Houghton. Please respond to MLevin@michiganforchange.com if you can attend, or just show up.