Household "Electronics Recycling" to be available June 13 in Hancock

HANCOCK -- The public will have an opportunity to recycle outdated or non-working household electronics from 9 a.m. to noon this Saturday, June 13, at the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department (540 Depot St., a block south of eastbound US 41) in Hancock.

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) will collect unwanted household items such as the following: computers and accessories, microwave ovens, stereos, TVs and monitors, DVD players, VCRs, cordless phones and electronic ballasts (all 10 cents/lb.), fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent bulbs (50 cents each), alkaline batteries (85 cents/lb.), rechargeable batteries and cell phones with batteries (free).

For more details, see www.wupdhd.org and click on the RSVP "Electronics Recycling" link or call Barb Maronen at the health department (482-7382). There will also be collections on July 11 in Baraga and Ontonagon Counties (details TBA) that are open to all western U.P. residents.

If you have still-usable electronic items to donate, check with local thrift shops (Goodwill, Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul). Reusing is even better than recycling!

While Michigan Tech's Center for Science and Environmental Outreach is helping to publicize this "Electronics Recycling," please note that Michigan Tech-owned electronics are recycled through the University's e-waste program.

Library Summer Reading Program begins June 13

HOUGHTON -- Opening day activities and registration for the Portage Lake District Library’s "Be Creative at Your Library" Summer Reading Program begin from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 13.

Kids are invited to make art outdoors, weather permitting; and indoors everyone can create his or her own ice cream sundae in the community room. In addition, balloon artist John Gershenson will make balloon creations for kids.

Registration will continue throughout the eight week program. Participants will receive a book bag when they register, and prizes will be awarded as they progress through their reading lists. The Summer Reading Program is open to all ages, children through adults; and reading logs may include books, magazines, audio books, reading to young children or being read to. The Summer Reading Program ends on Saturday, August 8.

Throughout the summer, the library will host programs and offer weekly Storytimes and projects. Look for listings of programs and events in the library, in the media and at the library's Web site.

Everyone is invited to join the fun and be creative at the Portage Lake District Library!

Houghton's 8th Annual Spring Art, Music Festival to be June 13 on Shelden Ave.

Ceramic artists Dennis Sotala of Copper Harbor and his wife Leslie sell their pottery at the 2008 Art and Music Festival on the Houghton waterfront. This year the festival location is changed: Artists and organizations will have booths and musicians will perform in a two-block area of Shelden Avenue in downtown Houghton. (File photo © Keweenaw Now)

HOUGHTON -- The Copper Country Community Arts Center (CCCAC) and the City of Houghton present the 8th annual Houghton Spring Art and Music Festival from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 13. This year the new location will be along Shelden Avenue, downtown Houghton.

Andrea Puzakulich of Distant Drum exhibits her unique fashion designs and her recent artwork at the 2008 Art and Music Festival in Houghton. (File photo © Keweenaw Now)

The festival’s outstanding features include about 30 artist booths and demos, free family art activities, CCCAC Extreme Bake Sale, prizes from downtown businesses and an awesome music line up. Food will be on site with T’s Taste of Chicago.

Rhythm 203 performs a variety of folk music and songs during the 2008 Art and Music Festival. Pictured, from left, are Norm Kendall, Randy Seppala, Sue Ellen Kingsley and Phyllis Fredendall. (Photo © Brockit.com and courtesy Adam Johnson. Reprinted with permission.)

The Music Line Up is as follows:
Noon -- The Outlaws
1:20 p.m. -- Uncle Pete's Allstar BBQ Blues Band
2:50 p.m. -- Orphans Torch
4:10 p.m. -- Joshua Davis and Joe Wilson from Steppin' In It
5:30 p.m. -- Squeaky Clean Cretins
7 p.m. -- P.J. Olsson and Rock Camp

This year also features a "Frog Hop" activity. We’ve received generous prizes and support from The Library, Down Wind Sports, Wicker and Willow, The Edge, The Lunch Bag, Good Times Music, The Blue Iris and Silver Rae Bead Studio. Stop by the Arts Center booth during the festival to pick up a Frog Hop card to take to our supporting businesses and receive a frog stamp. Fill up your card with all eight stamps and return it to the Arts Center booth to be placed in a drawing for prizes. Participants must be 18+ and present to win and will be announced before the final performance.

Photographer Harvey Desnick of Kearsarge exhibits his wildflower photos during the 2008 Art and Music Festival. Desnick recently published a book of his photos, Keweenaw Wildflowers Blooming Seasons. (File photo © Keweenaw Now)

Speaking of the final performance, this year's headlining act will be P.J. Olsson, who will be performing with over twelve young musicians ages fifteen and under as well as a hip-hop dance team. Participants are in P.J.'s "Rock Camp 2009." Visit their website for details.

During the 2008 Art and Music Festival, Rudiger Escobar, board member of the Copper Country Guatemala Accompaniment Project (CCGAP) provides information about the organization at one of several booths sponsored by local groups. This year also watch for a booth of the newly formed conservation group, Stewards of Bete Grise Preserve. Their volunteers will be selling t-shirts, hats and bags with the organization's logo. (File photo © Keweenaw Now)

Thank you to sponsors Brockit Inc., Brassard Media and MTEC Smart Zone!

Questions? Call the Copper Country Community Arts Center at 482-2333 or e-mail ccarts@chartermi.net.

Health Care forum to be June 13 in Houghton

HOUGHTON -- As Michigan's growing health care crisis continues to worsen, citizens are joining health care experts at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, at a forum on "Finding Solutions to the Health Care Crisis." The forum will be held at the Keweenaw Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in the BHK Child Development Center (Head Start building) in Houghton.

At the event, panelists will lay out national and statewide health care problems and solutions and then will call on citizens to take action for health care reform and to advocate for a public choice plan that would offer all Michigan families access to health care coverage. The forum is free and open to the public.

Panelists include the following: Dr. Richard Imm, Western U.P. Health Care Access Coalition; Rev. Robert White, United Methodist Church Keweenaw Parish; Dr. Fredi de Yampert, president, League of Women Voters of the Copper County and co- dean, Finlandia University College of Health Science; Barbara McLean, Finlandia University visiting assistant professor of Psychology/Human Services, who recently returned from a trip to study Finland’s health care system. Also attending will be State Representative Mike Lahti (D-Hancock).

The BHK Child Development Center is at 700 Park Ave., north of Econo Foods in Houghton. Use the Waterworks Drive entrance and parking lot on the north side of the building.

This event is sponsored by Catholic Charities of the Upper Peninsula, Child Care Providers Together Michigan, Keweenaw Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, League of Women Voters of the Copper Country, Michigan Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Network, Michigan Universal Health Care Access Network, Western Upper Peninsula Health Access Coalition and the United Methodist Church Keweenaw Parish.

Updated: Nominations sought for Heart and Hands award

HANCOCK -- Do you know anyone who has given of Heart and Hands in the service of peace, justice or the environment in our local community? Please consider nominating this person (or couple) for this year’s Heart and Hands of the Keweenaw Award. The nomination form only takes a moment to fill out, and the recognition will mean a lot to a deserving individual!

The winners of this award will be honored during a 4th of July Celebration in Hancock. They will have their names engraved on the beautiful wooden sculpture (pictured here) and will be given $1000 to be designated to the non-profit charity of their choice. Nominations are due June 22, 2009, so get your nomination in as soon as possible! Nomination forms can be obtained from Terry Kinzel at 482-6827 or via e-mail at tkinzel@pasty.net.

Nominations should include a description of how the candidate has had a significant impact on the Keweenaw community in the area of peace, justice, human needs and/or environmental stewardship. Please be specific about what form their contribution or involvement has taken. Again, for more information, contact Terry Kinzel at 482-6827 or tkinzel@pasty.net.

Editor's Note: Keweenaw Now's editor, Michele Bourdieu, was honored to receive the 2008 Heart and Hands of the Keweenaw Award. Save the Wild UP, a non-profit environmental group in Marquette, concerned with the potential dangers of sulfide and uranium mining proposals for the Upper Peninsula, was pleased to receive our $1000 designation.

Previous recipients of this award, whose names appear on the sculpture, are Dana Richter, 1999; Viola Brown and the late Robert Brown, 2000; the late Robert Linn, 2001; Chuck Harris, 2002; Linda Rulison, 2003; Carolyn Peterson, 2004; Vern Simula, 2005; Shalini Suryanarayana, 2006; Barbara Kendall, 2007.

Portage Health to hold first annual Health, Safety Fair June 6

HANCOCK -- Portage Health invites the public to the first annual Health and Safety Fair to be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 6, at Portage Health in Hancock.

This free event features a car seat clinic; cholesterol, bone density, blood pressure, blood glucose, hearing and body mass index screenings*; healthy cooking demonstrations; bike and kayak safety expos; informational booths, giveaways, raffles and much more.

"This is a great opportunity to see our facility, equipment and latest technology all while getting preventative screenings and education," said Angela Lucas, director of Community Health for Portage Health. "Everyone is welcome, as there will be activities for all ages."

Nearly 20 departments will be represented, including radiology, home health, dialysis, the family birthing center and nutrition services. Hospital and ambulance tours will be offered, and physicians and staff will be available to answer questions.

For more informations, call Portage Health's Community Health Department at 483-1149.

* Note: The screenings are not comprehensive exams as done in a physician's office, Lucas explained. For instance, the cholesterol test measures total cholesterol, not a full lipid panel (LDL, HDL, ration, etc.) which would require fasting. The bone density test uses heel ultrasound, as opposed to a full Dexa scan in a physician's office. The purpose of these screenings is to provide base-line numbers to share with a person's medical provider in order to determine whether further tests are appropriate.

First Friday in Calumet, June 5: Book signing, new exhibits

This Raku Basket by artist Ed Risak is part of the new exhibit at the Vertin Gallery, opening Friday, June 5. (Photos courtesy Vertin Gallery)

CALUMET -- First Friday in Calumet, June 5, offers several art events, open to the public: a book signing at the Copper Country Associated Artists (CCAA) Studios and Gallery and art exhibit openings at both the Vertin Gallery and the Miskwabik Ed Gray Gallery.

Wildflower photographer Harvey Desnick to sign new book at CCAA

Photographer and now pictorial author and publisher Harvey Desnick will be debuting his new wildflower pictorial Keweenaw Wildflowers Blooming Seasons with a premier book signing from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, June 5, at the CCAA Studios and Gallery in Historic Downtown Calumet.

Blooming Seasons is a composite photographic work meant to stun readers with the incredible variety and beauty of the Keweenaw’s wildflowers and to encourage outdoor lovers to come and explore.

Blooming Seasons has been several years in the making. Over 300 images depict 278 varieties of wildflowers that bloom on the Keweenaw Peninsula north of the Portage Lake Lift Bridge.

Desnick will also be meeting wildflower lovers and signing books at his Keweenaw Wildflowers Up Close exhibit at Vic’s Cabins on US 41 in Kearsarge all weekend. The exhibit will be open special hours, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., on Saturday, June 6.

The CCAA Gallery is located at 112 Fifth Street in Calumet. Gallery hours are Thursday– Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. First Fridays, the Gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information about the CCAA call 906-337-1252 or visit the CCAA Web site.

Vertin Gallery to host Raku exhibit

"Recent Raku by Ed and Julie Risak" will open with an artist reception from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, June 5. Refreshments will be served. The exhibit will run through July 1.

Double Box, Raku by Julie Risak, is on exhibit at the Vertin Gallery through July 1. (Click on photos for larger versions.)

The Risaks, who work together and individually, produce sculptural pottery, beautifully unique in its form and in the strikingly rich color glazes, which they achieve through a special Raku firing process. Ed and Julie Risak have a studio in Marquette. Both graduated from Northern Michigan University in the ceramics program during the 1980s and have been professional ceramic artists for over 20 years.

"Their work is known widely," said Kerri Corser, artistic coordinator. "We are honored to bring it to the Copper Country."

Located in the heart of downtown Calumet, the Vertin Gallery is one of the Upper Peninsula’s premiere fine art galleries, featuring sculpture, painting, copper, woodworking, glass, fiber, jewelry, and a fine selection of books. The work in the gallery changes frequently. A new exhibit each month showcases artists of the highest quality. For more information visit the Vertin Gallery Web site or phone Kerri Corser at: (906) 337-2200.

Mixed Media show at Miskwabik Ed Gray Gallery

"All About the Sun and Other Things," a Mixed Media, one-person show by Laura Stahl Maze, will open at the Miskwabik Ed Gray Gallery with a reception from 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. on Friday, June 5. An artist demo will take place from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

For more information call 906-337-5970 or visit the Ed Gray Gallery Web site.

Updated: Keweenaw Brewgrass to perform "train songs" June 4 in Lake Linden

LAKE LINDEN -- Keweenaw Brewgrass will be performing favorite bluegrass and newgrass "train songs" to benefit the restoration of the Houghton County Historical Society's mining train and train-related museum displays at 7 p.m. tonight, Thursday, June 4, at the Heritage Center on First Street in Lake Linden. (Doors open at 7 p.m. and music starts at 7:30 p.m.)

The Heritage Center is an old church near the museum in Lake Linden. To get there from the south, drive just past the museum, then turn left (west) at the first street. The Heritage center is the church with brown siding.

Tickets are $5 at the door.

Houghton County Dems to host discussion with election law expert Jocelyn Benson June 3

HOUGHTON -- Jocelyn Benson -- author, law professor and candidate for Michigan Secretary of State in 2010 -- will "engage voters" this evening, Wednesday, June 3, about the role of Secretary of State in ensuring "fairness, access to government, and integrity in the electoral process." Her visit is part of a public discussion hosted by the Houghton County Democratic Party in a forum following the regular monthly membership meeting in the conference room of the Super 8 Motel in Houghton.

The Houghton County Dems plan to welcome Benson with a potluck dinner at 6 p.m. at the Super 8, Houghton. A brief membership meeting at 7 p.m. will be followed at 7:30 p.m. by Benson. The public is welcome to participate.

Benson, a professor of law at Wayne State University, portrays Secretaries of State as "guardians of democracy" in her book Democracy and the Secretary of State, to be published this year.

The book is a study of best practices used by Secretaries of States across the country and seeks to inform voters about how Secretaries of State from either side of the political spectrum can work to advance democracy and election reform.

"My goal as Secretary of State is to promote access and accountability and advocate for a responsive government," Benson said in a recent interview. "Michigan has been a leader in electoral reforms in the past, as with voters registering when they get driver’s licenses; and we need to regain that position as an innovative leader," she said.

Benson's dedication to electoral reform started in Montgomery, Alabama, when she worked for the Southern Poverty Law Center as an investigative journalist studying white supremacist and neo-Nazi organizations.

Benson became a Marshall Scholar at Oxford University. She received her law degree from Harvard University, where she became the Voting Rights Policy Coordinator of the Harvard Civil Rights Project and worked on the passage of the federal Help America Vote Act.

For more information visit the Houghton County Democrats' Web site.

Stewards of Bete Grise Preserve to meet June 4 in Calumet

CALUMET -- The Stewards of Bete Grise Preserve will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, at Calumet's Keweenaw Heritage Center at St. Anne's, corner of Fifth and Scott streets, across from Copper World. Please use the entrance on the right side of the building for the meeting in the basement.

Discussion will include planning the August picnic to be held at Bete Grise and results of a meeting with the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) Cultural Committee. New members and interested persons are welcome.

"Recent Works by Tom Rudd and Margo McCafferty" to open June 4 at Community Arts Center

"Pine Street" is one of the recent color reduction relief prints by Tom Rudd and Margo McCafferty on exhibit at Hancock's Community Arts Center from June 4 through July 3. (Photos courtesy Community Arts Center)

HANCOCK -- The new exhibit in the Community Arts Center's Kerredge Gallery, "Recent Works by Tom Rudd and Margo McCafferty," will open with a reception from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 4. The exhibit will run through July 3.

In 2005 the two artists were awarded an Artists in Residency on Isle Royale. After spending three weeks on the Island working on their art along with their young son, Max, they decided to buy a house and move to Calumet.

"Calumet Windows" by Tom Rudd and Margo McCafferty.

Rudd and McCafferty have had long careers in the arts. As an arts administrator, Rudd facilitated a state program for support to individual artists, directed projects for a public art program and was visual arts coordinator for yet another state arts commission. McCafferty, who earned her MFA in drawing and painting from Arizona State University, has taught English in Japan and painting, drawing, design and printmaking for colleges and universities. She has also worked as an arts administrator on the state level and has written art reviews. Both have continued making their art individually and showing art in museums, art centers and galleries and have their work in private collections throughout the world.

"Winter Raven" is another of the recent works by Tom Rudd and Margo McCafferty on exhibit in the Kerredge Gallery.

Their collaborative work, color reduction relief prints, combines their talents for drawing, painting and carving. Each year for the past decade they have completed a series of prints depicting an environment or happening in the places where they have lived. Their show of recent works will include nine new relief prints from this winter as well as McCafferty's drawings and paintings and Rudd's sculpture with an installation featuring 89 carved fish.

The exhibit is supported by a grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. The Community Arts Center is located at 126 Quincy Street in Hancock. For more information call (906) 482-2333.

Hancock's Tori (Farmer's Market) to open June 3

HANCOCK -- The Hancock Tori (farmer's market) is scheduled to open this Wednesday, June 3. The Tori is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Wednesday and Saturday from June 3 through the first Saturday in October in Lower Montezuma Park, downtown Hancock.

"Stop down at the park in Hancock and support your friends and neighbors," says Jeanne Medlyn, Tori board member. "I know there will be plant starts for your garden as well jams, baked goods and other treats."

If you have questions call Jeanne between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. at 482-1605. Visit the Tori blog and post your comments.

WPPDR to hold open houses on non-motorized improvements needs June 2, 4

HOUGHTON -- Lori Hauswirth, associate planner for the Western U.P. Planning and Development Region (WPPDR), is working with MDOT (Michigan Department of Transportation) on a project to identify non-motorized improvements needs in the Western U.P. and will be holding open houses in Houghton and Keweenaw counties Tuesday, June 2, and Thursday, June 4, to gather public input.

The meeting times and locations are as follows:
Houghton County Courthouse Conference Room, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday, June 2;
Keweenaw County Courthouse Court Room, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday, June 4.
These open house meetings are open to the public.

Purpose of Project:
The Western U.P. Planning and Development Region is working with the Michigan DOT on a Non-Motorized Transportation Plan and Investment Strategy for our region. The information gathered and prioritized for our six counties will be incorporated into a U.P.-wide strategy that will guide non-motorized improvements and funding in the upcoming years. In order to gather input on local planning efforts and to identify priorities in each community, open houses are being held in each county. WUPPDR will be using the information from the county meetings to develop the plan and help prioritize projects on a regional level.

Project Goals:
•Work with stakeholders to identify gaps in the existing non-motorized system.
•Address needs and/or wants of trail groups and local officials.
•Identify potential projects
•Generate action plan.

What is a Non-Motorized Transportation Facility?
MDOT classifies facilities as one of two general types including on-road and off-road:
ON-ROAD
1) Paved shoulders (4' or wider)
2) Striped bicycle lanes
3) Widened curb lanes (lane closest to curb) – collector roads
4) Shared roadway – residential road

OFF-ROAD
1) Sidewalks
2) Sidepaths
3) Shared-use off-road paths

If anyone has ideas to share, please stop by the WPPDR office in Houghton or email Lori at lhauswirth@wuppdr.org.

KLT to hold Spring Frog and Flower Walk May 6

Frogs are sometimes hard to see since they take on the colors of their environment. (Photos © 2009 Keweenaw Now)

CALUMET -- . Ever wanted to know more about the Keweenaw's frogs, flowers or land trusts? Here's your chance: Keweenaw Land Trust's Spring Frog and Flower Walk at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 6.

Participants will meet at the property of the KLT Project Specialist Pat Toczydlowski to look for frogs and flowers in fields, woods and vernal ponds -- with frog surveyor Nancy Leonard and botanist Janet Marr. Toczydlowski will also be there, in her own back yard, to provide insight into how the Trust evaluates a property for conservation purposes from both the landowner’s and the land trust's perspective.

Frogs swimming in ponds do us a favor by snacking on mosquitoes and other pesky insects.

Where: From U.S. 41 take the Boston Road (north of Hancock near a self-store facility -- a left turn if headed north), travel about 2.7 miles and turn left on Rhode Island Road, travel 2 miles to STOP sign, go straight and travel 0.5 miles, turn left on Johnson Road (Dead End). Meet in yard at end of road: 22140 Johnson Road, 337-0037. To reserve a place or obtain more information, e-mail elillesk@mtu.edu.

Keweenaw Krayons features Recycled-Art Program beginning June 1, 2

Hannah Kariniemi, 10, of Fulton, holds up a bag made of fabric samples and recycled materials in a sewing class taught at Keweenaw Krayons by fiber artist Liz Johnson of Eagle Harbor. (Photos courtesy Keweenaw Krayons)

MOHAWK -- Youth, families, educators, artists as well as visitors and the general public are invited to attend a Recycling Art Sampler, facilitated by artist, Margaret Gerhard on Monday, June 1, and Tuesday, June 2, at Keweenaw Krayons, located in the Mohawk School. The Sampler will kick off a summer-long recycled-art program.

Monday’s (June 1) session will be held from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Tuesday's (June 2) will be from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. A special session for Horizons’ students and staff will be held on Tuesday during the day.

Registrations for the Recycled Art Sampler as well as the Found Object Garden Sculpture can be made by calling 337-4706 or emailing staff@keweenawkrayons.com. While all ages are welcome, youth younger than six are asked to bring an older teen or an adult along.

On Tuesday, June 16, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Darlene Basto will be present to facilitate work on the ongoing project, "Found Object Garden Sculpture," which was started last fall.

Horizons Alternative High School recently won the first Green School certificate in the western Upper Peninsula from the non-profit organization, Michigan Green Schools. Social Studies teacher Brad Wickstrom served as coordinator for the school’s recycling and energy conservation program.

"This recycled-art project fits in very well with what the students have been learning all year," said Horizons Principal, Chris Davidson.

Another student in fiber artist Liz Johnson's sewing class, Stephanie Harry, 10, of Gay, sews a bag at Keweenaw Krayons.

Gerhard, who resides in Wisconsin, says her "Mother Nature" persona "isn’t a job, but a passion." Often referred to as the "Queen of Green," the oldest of 13 children, she learned the benefits of recycling as a child. As an art teacher in West Green Bay, Gerhard turned even more to creating recycled art when her budget was cut. Today she continues to recycle products that would otherwise go to the landfill. She creates art out of wallpaper scraps, old greeting cards, record albums, CDs, placemats, magazines, carpet samples, old buttons, discarded jeans and what she calls "stuff and junk."

"We have always made art out of otherwise discarded objects," said Carol Rose, Keweenaw Krayons Interim Director. "Margaret has been one of our recycled-art teachers for a number of years, and we always have a good turn-out at classes she teaches."

Fiber artist Liz Johnson of Eagle Harbor has been teaching sewing lessons for youth since March of this year, using fabric samples and donated material to make shopping bags and quilts. The bags will be for sale at Johnson's Eagle Lodge Gift Shop, with all profits going to Keweenaw Krayons. Eagle Lodge is located on M-26 ten miles north of Eagle Harbor and four miles from Copper Harbor.

Stephanie Harry proudly displays her finished bag, made of donated recycled materials at Keweenaw Krayons.

"While there is no charge for the Recycled Art Sampler or any of the summer classes and open studio time, we are requesting that participants consider donating some of their finished work to Keweenaw Krayons," Rose stated. "We’ll then have these items for sale at our art center, the Eagle Lodge Gift Shop and other businesses around the area as well as the various art fairs in which Keweenaw Krayons participates. This is a way to ensure we can keep our doors open and our programs free or low-cost."

The Recycled Art Project is funded in part through the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the Copper Country Community Arts Council and the Denise Marth Memorial Grant through the Superior Child Abuse Prevention Council.

"We’ll be doing gardening, too, where we’ll be recycling our food with rich compost from our worm bin," Rose said. "We’ll also do garden art."

Keweenaw Krayons is located in the FAR South end of Horizons Alternative High School -- the former Mohawk School, 110 Stanton Ave., Mohawk.

Visit the Keweenaw Krayons Web site for more information.

Great Lakes events scheduled for June, July, August

MARQUETTE -- Join the staff and supporters of Save the Wild UP, Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve and Freshwater Future in a Great Lakes Walk, Paddle and Roll Fundraising event, which kicks off with a 5-mile paddle around beautiful Lake Independence on Saturday, June 6.

There will be three events throughout the summer, including an orienteering event to be held on Sunday, July 12, in Big Bay as well as a biking event in August in Marquette. All funds raised will be used to support environmental outreach, educational activities and similar efforts around the Great Lakes region.

Visit Save the Wild UP for details.

Photo Contest

The Central Upper Peninsula Group of the Sierra Club is sponsoring a photo contest to celebrate the beauty of the Yellow Dog River Watershed. Do you have favorite photographs of the area? Enter them in the contest for a chance to win prizes and help make everyone aware how special this area is. You need not be a member of the Sierra Club to enter.

Photos that are entered should fit one of these categories: 1) Water –- lakes or rivers in the Yellow Dog Plains; 2) watershed scenery and landscapes –- beautiful photographs that don’t feature water recreation; 3) hiking, fishing, blueberry picking, skiing or whatever you, friends or family enjoy doing in this area; 4) Plants and animals –-living things that make the watershed special.

Up to four photographs may be submitted by each contestant. Please send pictures electronically to john.rebers@michigan.sierraclub.org. Entries should be submitted no later than Aug. 28, 2009.

Prizes to be awarded include: $100 cash prize for the best photograph overall and additional prizes for great photos in each of the categories above.

For more information Click here.

Protect the Earth Gathering

Mark your calendars for Saturday, Aug. 1, and Sunday, Aug. 2, for the 2009 Protect the Earth Gathering on the Shores of Gichigami. Last year, Protect the Earth was very powerful, uniting people of all walks of life to protect our land and water. A warm invitation is extended to all those who value the Earth and want to protect it. Although Protect the Earth is not just about mining issues, potential metallic sulfide and uranium mining activity is still a major threat to the health of Great Lakes communities and our freshwater resources and will be a major focus of this year's gathering.

Saturday's events will take place in Marquette, Mich., and will include speakers, music and dance, workshops, a film premiere and displays about current environmental issues in the Great Lakes Basin. Sunday will begin with an annual walk to Eagle Rock and will culminate with a lunch and a special ceremony for our land and water, including a memorial for author, friend, historian and community activist Fred Rydholm with his family and friends.

Help is needed in all stages of the event (planning, setting up, cleaning up), so please email yellowdogsummer@gmail.com or call 906.942.7325 if you can contribute your time. Also, if you are able, please make any monetary contributions payable to Keepers of the Water, 254 Dukes Rd., Skandia, MI 49885. Please specify if you would like to donate specifically to Fred's memorial.

The Protect the Earth Gathering is sponsored by: Keepers of the Water, Yellow Dog Summer, Students Against Sulfide Mining and Friends. Stay tuned for updates, maps and more information, coming soon. Please visit http://yellowdogsummer.wordpress.com for details.

"John Hubbard: Recent Paintings" to be on exhibit at Finlandia Gallery May 28 - July 17

HANCOCK -- An exhibit of recent paintings by Marquette artist John Hubbard will be featured from May 28 to July 17 at the Finlandia University Gallery, located in the Finnish American Heritage Center, Hancock.

Artist John Hubbard in his studio. (Photo courtesy Finlandia University)

An opening reception for the artist will take place from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, at the gallery. An artist talk will begin at 7:15 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

Drawing inspiration from well-known Canadian painters, The Group of Seven and the California impressionists, John Hubbard’s recent series of landscape paintings, created during a recent sabbatical, express the rugged beauty and luminous light of the northern landscape. Closely cropped water patterns, treetops viewed from below and the blue-green light of the deep forest fill Hubbard’s canvases.

Spider Trees 2009, Oil on Canvas, 18" x 24," is one of John Hubbard's recent northern landscape paintings. (Photo courtesy Finlandia University)

Working alla prima, from the Italian "at once," Hubbard created each painting in one sitting. He begins his process by searching the surrounding woods and photographing thousands of images, seeking to capture a fleeting quality of light that will bring authenticity to his landscape painting.

"My goal as a painter is not to duplicate the photo, but to bring to the viewer those aspects of the image that are significant and to make it look not like a photo, but a painting that was done with brushes, rags, fingers and paint," notes Hubbard. "The interest in a painting or any work of art is the unique visual formation of the marks that differ from one person to the next."

Hubbard is also interested in conveying through his work the inherent value and vulnerability of nature.

"The relation of man and nature has been explored by many artists, especially the Hudson River artists; but my concern is different in that I am fearful of man’s impact on the environment as we face global warming and other events that may affect our world as we know it," says Hubbard, adding that his future work will continue to explore these concerns.

The productive and creative momentum created in Hubbard’s recent sabbatical, and continuing intensive painting research, are significant influences in his work. In this new series of landscape paintings, Hubbard continues to refine his process as he discovers new techniques and ideas.

A professor in the School of Art and Design at Northern Michigan University for nearly 40 years, Hubbard teaches drawing, painting and printmaking. His work has been exhibited in numerous one-person and juried exhibits. Public commissions of his work include the Fredeen Art Project in Marquette and the Copper Country Mental Health Building in Houghton.

The Finlandia University Gallery is in the Finnish American Heritage Center, 435 Quincy Street, Hancock. Gallery hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; or by appointment. Please call 906-487-7500 for more information.

Vertin Gallery seeks musicians for Saturday "Music at Noon Hour"

CALUMET -- The Vertin Gallery in Calumet is participating in the Main Street Calumet summer window display theme, "Keweenaw Music Traditions." We are hoping to attract some volunteer musicians who would like to come and perform on Saturdays at noon for one hour in the gallery throughout the summer.

Just an hour or so...we would be happy to pass out your business cards or flyers in lieu of payment while you are with us. Plus we will be advertising the "Music at Noon Hour." If we have enough names, we can publish them in press releases and announce them on radio to give you more exposure.

We are looking for anything from singles to doubles to trios to whatever! Keep in mind it is a gallery space so we hope to attract some milder, sweeter music. Heavy metal or really loud stuff probably won't do in this venue.

If any one is interested, please call the Vertin Gallery at (906) 337-2200 and ask for Kerri or leave a message!

Volunteers needed for Chain Drive bike races June 20

HANCOCK -- Volunteers are still needed for the Portage Health System Keweenaw Chain Drive Festival mountain bike races on Saturday, June 20. People to help with traffic control from the race start to the top of the Hancock Cemetery hill are especially in demand.

"Volunteers do not have to be cyclists!" says Dan Dalquist of Keweenaw Trekkers, organizers of the Chain Drive race. "Time commitment is typically 30-45 minutes on Saturday morning. We do have some positions that are longer -- for example, at the finish line."

If you wish to volunteer, fill out the form on the Chain Drive Web site. Please be sure to include your t-shirt size.

Cyclists who wish to register for the Chain Drive should note the $10 discount for registering by Sunday, May 31. Visit the Chain Drive Web site for details.

The challenging 16-mile and 32-mile cross-country races traverse the Maasto Hiihto/ Churning Rapids trail system in Hancock. The course includes miles of singletrack and lots of elevation change. The finish will be at the Portage Health System hospital parking lot in Hancock.*

The Junior Chain Drive starts at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, June 20. The race will be on a single-track trail in a wooded area east of the hospital and will end at the Portage Health campus. The event includes timed races for youth ages 8-13 above and non-timed races for those age 7 and under. Click here for details.

* Editor's Note: Photo: Participants in a previous Chain Drive Race cross the Portage Lift Bridge from Houghton to Hancock at the start of the race. This year construction in Houghton may result in a variation on the start of the race. Watch for an announcement on this. (Chain Drive file photo © Keweenaw Now)

Low-cost natural weight / wellness classes begin May 27 in Hancock

HANCOCK -- A group of natural wellness experts from Finlandia's Jutila Center for Global Design and Business will launch a series of low-cost community classes called "Perfect Weight and Wellness" at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, in Room 324 of the Jutila Center.

Subtitled "Bringing Balance to Your Relationship with Food and your Body," the series will run on Wednesday evenings through the summer and cover topics ranging from mind-body wellness to why popular diets don't always work.

Patty Markham Peterson, RN, of Keweenaw Natural Wellness will introduce the series with her class titled "The Physical Body and the Energy Body," based on her experiences working locally in natural wellness since 1997.

Patty Markham Peterson, RN, of Keweenaw Natural Wellness, is an energy healer. She is pictured here teaching a previous class on wellness at the Jutila Center in Hancock. (Photo courtesy Patty Markham Peterson, Keweenaw Natural Wellness)

"As I work with clients I see how much energy affects their health," Peterson said. "In this class, I'll talk about how that happens and how we can manage our energy to stay healthy."

Peterson has taught previous wellness and intuition classes, which have grown in popularity since beginning about three years ago. As part of the current series, she will also teach the classes "Eating Without FEAR" (June 24) and "Conscious and Unconscious Beliefs and Body Weight" (Aug. 5).

Kim Menzel, LMSW, of Indigo Creek Counseling; Vicki Usitalo, RN, of Preventive Health Maintenance; and Katie Alvord of North Coast Holistics will present additional classes in the Perfect Weight and Wellness series.

Menzel, a clinical psychotherapist who works closely with area health care providers in the prevention and treatment of eating disorders, will present the classes "Mindfulness and Body Image" (June 10), "Overcoming Self-Sabotage" (July 22) and "Food as a Metaphor" (Sept. 9). Menzel has been in practice since 1994 and has operated Indigo Creek Counseling since 2006. She specializes in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.

Usitalo, a registered nurse who has worked locally in natural health since 2002, specializes in field control therapy, a method of internal cleansing which uses homeopathy and herbs. Her June 17 class will focus on ways this method can reduce fatigue, support weight management and improve overall wellness.

Alvord, an award-winning writer and educator with training in holistic health and nutrition, will present the classes "Journaling for Perfect Weight and Wellness" (July 8) and "Popular Diets vs. the Unique You" (Aug. 19). She will also host the class "Tapping for Wellness" (June 3) on neural tapping, a technique related to acupressure and designed to promote self-healing.

Alvord stressed the low-cost aspect of the classes.

"Especially with the economy now, we wanted to offer classes that are both practical and affordable," she said. "We hope the holistic approaches we'll cover will help people save money on medical bills, too."

All classes are $10 at the door, and will be held at Finlandia's Jutila Center for Global Design and Business at 200 Michigan Street in Hancock. All will run from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday evenings, with informal discussion to follow. For more information, call 487-7451 or email NorthCoastHolistics@gmail.com.

For a complete schedule of the classes, visit the North Coast Holistics Web site.

Coaster brook trout protection denied by USFWS

MARQUETTE -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) announced a 12-month finding on a petition to list the coaster brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. The petition also asked that critical habitat be designated for the species.

According to a May 18, 2009, article in the Duluth News Tribune, environmental groups have sought federal protection since 2006 for the native fish now found only in Lake Superior near a few streams.

"Coaster brook trout are brook trout that spend a portion of their life cycle in the Great Lakes," the article states. "At one time, there were more than 50 runs in the U.S. waters of Lake Superior. They also were found in Lakes Huron and Michigan, where they now are extinct.

"Today, there are only four known wild populations in the U.S. waters of Lake Superior, all in Michigan -- one in the Salmon Trout River in the Upper Peninsula and three on Isle Royale."*

The Salmon Trout River is now threatened by Kennecott Minerals / Rio Tinto's proposed sulfide mine for nickel and copper.

The article also notes that USFWS "determined that the coaster is not a 'distinct population' from other brook trout and that it doesn’t deserve special designation because the overall brook trout population is not in peril."

From the USFWS: "After review of all available scientific and commercial information, we find that the coaster brook trout is not a listable entity under the Act, and therefore, listing is not warranted. We ask the public to continue to submit to us any new information that becomes available concerning the taxonomy, biology, ecology, and status of coaster brook trout and to support cooperative conservation of coaster brook trout within its historical range in the Great Lakes."

Editor's Notes:
* For the complete online article, go to: http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/article/id/120559/

This update is courtesy Save the Wild UP.

Stupak introduces legislation to address excessive energy market speculation

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) has introduced revised legislation aimed at closing loopholes that have allowed speculators to manipulate energy markets and artificially inflate prices. Stupak’s Prevent Unfair Manipulation of Prices (PUMP) Act, H.R. 2448, takes a comprehensive approach to addressing the loopholes that allow energy traders to evade federal oversight and for the first time establishes carbon derivatives as a regulated energy commodity.

"The crises in the housing and financial sectors have shown us what happens when federal regulators are not keeping a close eye on Wall Street," Stupak said. "The Obama Administration’s announcement this week to strictly regulate the derivatives market and put an end to some of this excessive speculation is a welcome step. Congress must take what the Administration has proposed and build on it to create a strong regulatory system that protects American consumers."

Next week the House Energy and Commerce Committee, of which Stupak is a member, will markup energy and climate change legislation, the American Clean Energy and Security Act, which will create an entirely new carbon derivates market which speculators can manipulate. The 2009 PUMP Act would give the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) the authority to regulate carbon derivates as an energy commodity.

"The carbon derivatives market should based on a strong regulatory framework," Stupak said. "The finite nature of carbon credits and absence of a physical commodity leave it particularly vulnerable to speculation. That is why it is so important that any cap and trade system we consider includes the strong provisions the PUMP Act provides."

Stupak noted that although energy costs are down substantially from a year ago, the American people, Congress and federal regulators should not be lulled into a false sense of complacency. Addressing excessive energy speculation should be a key part of any new energy policy because another dramatic increase in oil prices, such as the one we saw last spring and summer, would further devastate the already weakened economy.

"We need look no further than today’s oil prices, which have jumped 30 cents in some communities in the past week, to see the effect speculators have on energy prices," Stupak said. "Supply is at a 20-year high, demand is at a 10-year low, yet oil prices are up 70 percent since the beginning of the year. The national average price for gasoline was $1.61 in January; today it is $2.29. This cannot be explained by simple supply and demand. Speculators are driving these prices."

Stupak is a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and Chairman of its Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. In this role, Stupak has led House investigations into the role speculators play in driving up the cost of energy. Documents and testimony related to the Subcommittee’s investigation in the 110th Congress can be found at http://energycommerce.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1393&catid=31&Itemid=58 and at http://energycommerce.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=635&catid=31&Itemid=58.

For more information on Congressman Stupak's issues, visit his Web site.

Arts Center to offer children's class on Henri Matisse May 23

HANCOCK -- The Copper Country Community Arts Center presents "An Afternoon with Henri Matisse," an art class for students ages 6-12 years old. The class will study the life and work of artist Henri Matisse. Students will then make art in the style of Matisse’s cut outs.

The class will be taught by Leona Blessing from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 23. Students must register by Wednesday, May 20.

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

Sons of Norway to celebrate Norwegian Constitution Day May 17

HANCOCK -- Please join the Sons of Norway for their Annual Syttende Mai celebration from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Hancock.

The event will include a potluck dinner and musical entertainment by the children, Robin Oye and special guest musicians Dave Bezotte and friends, playing Norwegian music. This is the Norwegian Constitution Day celebration, which is one of Norway's most important Celebrations of the Year, so you do not want to miss this! If you have Norwegian clothing, please wear your outfit.

"Bring the family, friend(s) and a dish to share and be ready for fun!" says Connie Julien, member and webmaster, Ulseth Lodge, Sons of Norway. "We will eat about 6 p.m. so arrive early!"

For more information about the Ulseth Lodge, Sons of Norway, visit www.nlc-calumet.org/son.

"Kalevala: Land of Heroes" to be May 15, 16 in Negaunee

MARQUETTE -- A special two-day run of "Kalevala: Land of Heroes" will be performed on Friday, May 15, and Saturday, May 16, at the Vista Theater in Negaunee.

Evening shows begin at 7:30 p.m., and the Saturday Matinee will be at 2 p.m. (with special reduced pricing).

Come about 15 minutes ahead of curtain to hear Tanya Stanaway play a lovely mini-concert before each performance.

If you are unable to make the show, Paul Olson offers some video from the show on his YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/olsonpau

Olson notes also that a segment of the show (approximately 30-45 minutes) will be performed at Marquette's Scandinavian Midsummer Festival on June 20.

Bike to Work Day offers events, info, prizes May 15

HOUGHTON -- Join a group of cyclists who will hold Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 15. The event is co-sponsored by Michigan Tech Sports and Recreation and the Outdoor Activities Club.

The point: demonstrate how easy it is and encourage the activity.

Cyclists on the waterfront trail in downtown Houghton can enjoy free food and beverages. Cyclists and pedestrians can also pick up commuting information, visit a bike fix-it booth and see the City of Houghton's new bike rack design.

For those cycling from north of the bridge to Michigan Tech, the recommended route is riding southbound on the bridge, then turning right by the Powerhouse and connecting with the waterfront trail and on to the Tech campus.

Other events include a bike expo from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Shelden Avenue.

"The city is closing a couple of blocks (no, not the ones that currently have large holes)," says Dean Woodbeck of Keweenaw Trails. "We'll have giveaways, prizes, discounts on commuter gear from Cross Country Sports, bike movies at the Rhythm Theater, details on Downwind's summer bike to work program, tricycle races for all ages, a kids' mountain bike skills course and much, much more."

Cyclists can register for Bike to Work Day, making them eligible for a prize drawing, by visiting www.keweenawtrails.com/commute. Details about all of the events are also available at Keweenaw Trails.

Mont Ripley offers its two parking lots, on either side of M-26, to Michigan Tech employees to park for free and either bike or carpool to campus.

Volunteers needed for Hancock Clean Up May 9

HANCOCK -- Hancock Clean Up Day is tomorrow, Saturday, May 9. Volunteers will meet at Jim's Pizza at 8 a.m. for a free buffet breakfast. Free gloves will be provided for the first 50 people. The City of Hancock will furnish free garbage bags for all. Areas will be assigned for pickup.

At 9 a.m., following the breakfast at Jim's, Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club volunteers will clean around the chalet and the sand pit not too far from the chalet. In case you arrive late, the sand pit is at the top of Sisu Hill which is the climb out of the Gorge at the downstream end of the River Trail; from the chalet just go through the fence onto the trails and take the first marked trail to the left.

Volunteers are simply asked to help as long as they can stay. Anyone with questions on the ski club part of the clean up may call Jay Green at 487-5411.

Hancock Clean Up Day is sponsored by the City of Hancock, Hancock Downtown Development Authority and the Hancock Professional Businessperson Association.

Hancock High students take first place in MTU Bio-Athlon

HOUGHTON -- Students from Hancock High School took first place in the 20th annual Department of Biological Sciences Bio-Athlon, held May 6 at Michigan Technological University.

The team members were Holly Bekkala, Josh Hendrickson, Stacy Ruotsala and Jari Sague. Their coach was Kristin Schourek. Each team member will receive a $200 U.S. Savings Bond.

The Bio-Athlon aims to stimulate interest and problem-solving in biology among area youth. Teams from 15 Upper Peninsula high schools participated, including Baraga, Chassell, Dollar Bay, Jeffers and Lake Linden-Hubbell.

The teams spent one hour solving each of four problems involving dissection, field identification, biological principles and microscopic freshwater algae. None had biology course work beyond the traditional high school sophomore course.

Bio-Athlons also provide workshops for the participating biology teachers. Funding is provided by the Michigan Tech Admissions Office, the Department of Biological Sciences and the Michigan Tech Fund and by Michigan Tech alumni Mark Cowan, M.D.; Robert DellAngelo, M.D.; Olive Cornish Kimball, D.Ed., Ph.D.; and Sandra Lewin.

Editor's Note: This press release courtesy Marcia Goodrich, senior writer, MTU Marketing and Communications.

Dick Storm Interview on MTU's Rail Transportation Program available on MP3

HOUGHTON -- Pasi Lautala, director of Michigan Tech's Rail Transportation Program, and graduate student Shane Ferrell, president of the Rail Engineering and Activities Club (REAC), were invited guests of Dick Storm recently on his "Keeping It in the UP" radio program on WOLV 97.7.

To download an MP3 file of the interview, which focuses on rail transportation in North American and rail activities at Michigan Tech, click here.

Kerredge Gallery features art by Stacy Vaughn Davis

"Uh-oh!... Who is Judging Who?" is the title of this pen and ink drawing by Stacy Vaughn Davis of Republic, Mich. Davis is the featured artist in the Kerredge Gallery of the Community Arts Center through May 30. (Photo courtesy Community Arts Center)

HANCOCK -- The May exhibit in the Community Arts Center’s Kerredge Gallery is "Through My Eyes in Black and White," pen and ink drawings by Stacy Vaughn Davis. Davis tells his stories through intricately detailed drawings with areas of rich texture and repeat pattern creating depth and movement.

"My art has been a major driving force in my life since I was a young child," the artist states. "I truly hope to move people deeply when they view my work."

The exhibit will run through May 30. This exhibit is supported by a grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. The Community Arts Center is located at 126 Quincy Street in Hancock. For more information call (906) 482-2333.

Stewards of Bete Grise Preserve to meet May 7

HOUGHTON -- Stewards of Bete Grise Preserve (SBGP) will meet at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, in the first floor conference room of the UPPCO Bldg in Houghton. New members are welcome.

"The Board is very excited about our new logo and recent order of hats, t-shirts and canvas bags,” said Anita Campbell, SBGP secretary. "Our mission to raise awareness of the Bete Grise Preserve and encourage folks to enjoy and protect it has begun!"

The group kicked off their first sale of the new items at the Houghton Keweenaw Conservation District (HKCD) Tree Sale last weekend. They include hats in tan or blue; T-shirts in tan or gray (adult sizes S, M, L and a few children's sizes also); and bags in a natural tone canvas w/logo.

"They make great gifts and remind the community to help protect one of Lake Superior's crown jewels," Campbell said.

New brochures prepared by HKCD Administrator Sue Haralson are also available.

If you would like to place an order for any of the new items -- all priced at $15 each -- checks may be made payable to SBGP and sent to Sue Haralson at 600 E. Lakeshore Dr., Suite 2, Houghton, MI 49931.

Presentation on sustainable communities to be held May 6

HANCOCK -- "Sustainable Keweenaw: Learning from Northern Communities," a free public presentation, will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, at the Finnish American Heritage Center in Hancock. Learn how businesses, governments, tribes, schools and organizations are working together to preserve and enhance quality of life while saving energy and resources.

Representatives from the Alliance for Sustainability will share their experiences in revitalizing Lake Superior communities using practical ideas developed in Sweden and adopted by the American Planning Association. Its model comes from The Natural Step, an international nonprofit research, education and advisory organization that uses a science-based systems framework to help organizations, individuals and communities take meaningful steps toward sustainability.

Partners often include colleges and universities. Northland College and Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College are "early adopters" in the Sustainable Chequamegon Initiative, and the University of Wisconsin-Superior is part of the Sustainable Twin Ports Initiative.

Find out how The Natural Step's flexible, science-based sustainability framework can benefit organizations and communities.

The Finnish American Heritage Center is at 435 W. Quincy Street in Hancock.

Finlandia art students exhibit Diploma Works through May 22

Finlandia Art and Design student Jordan Siegler's diploma works exhibit is an exploration of culture’s ability to consume its people. This is part of Finlandia University's 2009 International School of Art and Design Diploma Works Exhibition at the Finnish American Heritage Center. (Photos by Keweenaw Now)

HANCOCK -- The 2009 International School of Art and Design Diploma Works Exhibition is featured at the Finlandia University Gallery of the Finnish American Heritage Center through May 22, 2009.

Ansley Knoch's exhibit,"Repurposed for Good," is a line of bags, purses and accessories made primarily from recycled/repurposed plastic shopping bags that can be manufactured and sold.

A reception for the artists will take place at the gallery from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, May 2. The reception is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

This exhibit features the "diploma works" of graduating Finlandia bachelor of fine arts (BFA) students. Each individual’s exhibit represents his or her final body of student work. The work takes the forms of intensive research projects, series of individual artworks, or design prototypes.

Colleen Carroll's exhibit is titled "Ocarinas: Listening to the Clay."

Graduating BFA seniors featured in the exhibit are: Colleen Carroll (Calumet, Mich.); Chaslyn Duffek (Pelkie, Mich.); Jennifer Hamel ( Livonia, Mich.); Stacy Karvonen (Nisula , Mich.); Jennette Katona (Negaunee , Mich.); Ansley Knoch (Madison, Wis.); Fred Knoch (Madison, Wis.); Joss Martin (Crystal Falls, Mich.); Jessica Millar (Acton, Calif.); Anne Patrick (Hancock, Mich.); Jordan Siegler (Felch, Mich.; and Whitney Sirard (L’Anse, Mich.).

The Finlandia University Gallery is located in the Finnish American Heritage Center, Hancock. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., or by appointment.

Please call 906-487-7500 for more information.

Ontonagon High School to host Fine Arts Night May 8

ONTONAGON -- Fine Arts Night will be held on Friday, May 8, at Ontonagon Area Jr. Sr. High School. Art viewing, refreshments and slide show will be from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m., followed by a Band and Choir concert at 7 p.m. Art will remain on exhibit through and after the show as well. Please help us celebrate Youth Arts.

First Friday in Calumet to feature 3 art events May 1

"Sun Dance," Acrylic, by Artist Ed Schuck, is part of his exhibit "THE UNIVERSE" at the Vertin Gallery from May 1 to June 3. An opening reception will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 1. (Photo courtesy Vertin Gallery)

CALUMET -- First Friday in Calumet offers three interesting art events, open to the public, this Friday evening, May 1.

Vertin Gallery exhibit, "THE UNIVERSE," to open with artist reception

The Vertin Gallery will present its newest exhibition, "THE UNIVERSE," paintings by Artist Ed Schuck, with a public reception for the artist from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 1. The exhibition will be on display through June 3, 2009.

Schuck , originally from the Big Apple, New York City, has been a resident of the Keweenaw for the past 30 years. This exhibit features his large format acrylic abstract paintings, inspired after the images of our universe, that have been produced by the Hubble Telescope. He received a BFA in Painting and Film Making from Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan.

Located in the heart of downtown Calumet, Michigan, the Vertin Gallery is one of the Upper Peninsula’s premiere fine art galleries, featuring sculpture, painting, copper, glass, fiber, woodworking, jewelry and a fine selection of books. The work in the gallery changes frequently, and each month premieres a new exhibit to feature artists of the highest quality.

For more information on upcoming events and the gallery itself, visit www.vertingallery.com or call Kerri Corser, artistic coordinator, at 906-337-2200.

CCAA First Friday Demonstration with Clyde Mikkola

Clyde Mikkola’s drawings are admired by many for the feelings his work exudes. Enjoy hearing him discuss his approach, then pick up a pencil and put your own hand to paper. Mikkola's CCAA (Copper Country Associated Artists) First Friday demonstration runs continuously so join in anytime from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 1, at the CCAA Studios and Gallery in Historic Downtown Calumet.

The essence of Mikkola’s demonstration will be to explain how he sees and how he uses what he sees to create a drawing. Hearing Clyde discuss his personal style is sure to inspire beginners and accomplished artists alike.

A still life will be set up, and everyone will be supplied materials and can work according to the explanation of Clyde’s approach. All CCAA demonstrations are free, so come and enjoy.

First Friday CCAA demonstrations are an opportunity to introduce visitors to a variety of arts and fine craft techniques by some of the area’s most talented practitioners.

The CCAA Gallery is located at 112 Fifth Street in Calumet. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m, Thursday through Saturday. First Fridays, the Gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information about the CCAA call 906-337-1252 or visit ccaartists.org.

Ed Gray Gallery to feature "Places and Dwellings"

An opening reception for the one-person show "Places and Dwellings," by Todd A. Erickson, will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 1, at the Ed Gray Gallery, 109 Fifth Street, Calumet. The exhibit features unique bronze castings created by the "lost wax" tradition.

For more information call 906-337-5970 or visit http://www.edgraygallery.com.

Conservation District Volunteers help prepare for Tree Sale May 1 - 2

Wrapping trees and plants to keep them fresh, volunteers help Houghton Keweenaw Conservation District Administrator Sue Haralson, center, on Monday morning, Apr. 27, in preparation for the HKCD Tree Sale pick-up this Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2. (Photo © 2009 Gustavo Bourdieu)

HANCOCK -- Volunteers have been working hard this week preparing trees and plants for the Houghton Keweenaw Conservation District (HKCD) Tree Sale to be held this weekend. Pick-up times are 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, May 1, and 9 a.m. to Noon on Saturday, May 2, at the Houghton County Arena in Hancock. While most items have been pre-ordered, extra stock will be sold at that time.

The tree sale is the District's biggest fundraiser. All proceeds go to conservation efforts and education in Houghton and Keweenaw counties.

For more information about HKCD or the tree sale, call HKCD Administrator Sue Haralson at 482-0214.

"Where Do the Children Play?" film, discussion to be at Portage Library May 4

HOUGHTON -- As adults, some of our fondest childhood memories include exploring in the woods, streams and sand boxes in our backyards. In contrast, children today are often connected to electronic media or scheduled sports events that leave them little time to imagine or engage in make-believe play. Time spent building forts, playing neighborhood games and exploring nature’s wild edge is slipping away from children’s lives. Should we be concerned?

Where Do the Children Play? -- a one-hour award-winning documentary produced for Michigan Public Television will be shown from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. on Monday, May 4, at the Portage Lake District Library. A discussion will follow for those who wish to examine whether this is a concern in our own communities.

The film visits three separate locations (Beaver Island, a suburb and an inner-city Detroit neighborhood) to probe how sprawl, congestion and suburban development may be impacting children's mental and physical health.

Parents of young children, childcare givers, grandparents, teachers and everyone interested in the well-being of all life is encouraged to attend.

This program is sponsored by the Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education; Get Outdoors Michigan! Western U.P. Summit Planning Committee; the Lake Superior Stewardship Initiative; Western U.P. Center for Science, Mathematics and Environmental Education; and Michigan Technological University.

For more information, contact the library at 482-4570 or the Western U.P. Center (Email Joan Chadde at jchadde@mtu.edu or call 487-3341). Library events and presentations are free and open to the public.

Peter Van Pelt to deliver Finlandia Commencement address May 3

HANCOCK -- Peter Van Pelt, executive director of the Pine Mountain Music Festival, will deliver this year’s Commencement address at Finlandia University on Sunday, May 3. Finlandia is pleased to honor Peter Van Pelt with an honorary doctoral degree in recognition of his sincere and substantive engagement in the life of the western Upper Peninsula.

Peter Van Pelt, executive director of the Pine Mountain Music Festival, will deliver this year’s Commencement address for Finlandia University graduates and will receive an honorary doctoral degree on Sunday, May 3, 2009. (Photos courtesy Finlandia University)

Commencement exercises will take place at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, 2009, at the Paavo Nurmi Center, Hancock. Finlandia will award diplomas to 108 graduation candidates.

A Baccalaureate worship service will be held at 10 a.m. Sunday, May 3, at the Finnish American Heritage Center, Hancock. The Rev. Dr. Lee Goodwin, the director of the ELCA Northern Great Lakes Synod Sabbath Project, will deliver the sermon.

The Finlandia University Class of 2009 Valedictorian is Lauren VanderLind. She has completed a bachelor of arts in Liberal Studies: English, with concentrations in philosophy and religion. If she had to name three things she’s gained at Finlandia, Lauren says they would have to be confidence, a direction in life and a voice. Lauren graduated from Houghton High School in 2003. She lives in Hancock with her husband, Blake. Her parents, Joan and Marshall Logue, live in Houghton.

Degrees conferred to Finlandia’s Class of 2009 are: 8 Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees in Elementary Education; 4 B.A.s in Liberal Studies; 1 B.A. in Liberal Studies: English; 1 B.A. in Liberal Studies: Social Science; 5 B.A.s in Human Services; 28 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degrees; 13 Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) degrees; 14 Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degrees; 12 Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees in Criminal Justice; 15 A.A.S. degrees in Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA); and 7 Associate of General Studies (A.G.S.) degrees.

Alumnus speaker Jan Wisniewski is a senior fiscal analyst for the Michigan House of Representatives, overseeing the fiscal budgets of the Michigan State Police and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Jan earned an associate degree in English at Suomi College in 1993 and was awarded a bachelor of science in English and a master of public administration degree by Northern Michigan University.

For additional information, please contact the office of Finlandia University Provost Jeanne Rellahan at 906-487-7512.

Johnson / Wiitanen photography exhibit continues through May 15 at Rhythm Skate Shop

A large number of visitors attended the Apr. 17 reception for the collaborative project by photographer Adam Johnson (pictured here, far right, greeting guests) and artist/model Heidi Wiitanen -- on exhibit at the Rhythm Skate Shop in Houghton through May 15. (Photo © 2009 Gustavo Bourdieu)

HOUGHTON -- A large crowd attended the Apr. 17 reception for "A Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness: An acknowledgment of life, death, grief and rebirth" -- a collaborative project by photographer Adam Johnson and artist/model Heidi Wiitanen -- at the Rhythm Skate Shop in Houghton.

"I didn't expect so many people," Johnson said as he greeted visitors in the spacious, remodeled shop, an interesting venue for the exhibit.

The 11 black-and-white nude photographs conveying the emotions involved in the process of life, death, grief and rebirth are Wiitanen's tribute to her mother's long battle with cancer. Also displayed with the photographs is the mask her mother wore for radiation treatments. The exhibit continues through May 15.

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