The first “Finn Fun Day” in the Upper Peninsula is planned for Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009, at the Ishpeming Township Hall, West US Hwy 41, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  “Finn Fun Day” is the new version of the 14th annual League of Finnish-American Societies September picnic, and will last all day with many more activities.
Randy Seppanen and Wilho Kilpela will take part in the event.
   Food, fun and short workshops will fill the day, ending with dancing in the late afternoon. Coffee and coffee bread will be available all day long, with Lawry’s pasties and cudighis, and “Taste of Chicago” hot dogs, toasted almonds and other foods and beverages for sale.

   Since becoming available earlier this year, use of the state’s online system for claiming unemployment benefits has more than tripled and continues to grow in popularity.
   “Over the past five months, usage of our MARVIN online system has grown from 4.5 percent of weekly certifications in early March to 15.5 percent for the week ending Aug. 22,” Stephen Geskey, director of the state’s Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) reported Wednesday, Aug. 26.
   Individuals claiming unemployment benefits are required to certify with UIA’s MARVIN (Michigan’s Automated Response Voice Interactive Network) system every other week in order to receive their biweekly unemployment benefit payment. Through MARVIN, workers certify that they are unemployed and meet the program’s eligibility requirements. They also report any earnings they may have received.

   Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI, has released its list of May 2009 graduates. Victoria Santti of Baraga earned a Bachelor of Sciences degree in education.

   Quilts of any size, quilted garments and miscellaneous, al completed and non-commercial, are being sought from this area for display or sale at the biennial Carrie Jacobs-Bond Quilt Show and sale, Sept. 19-20, 2009, at the Iron County Museum Complex, Caspian.
   Limited to 300 articles, each must be pre-registered with registrar Bonnie Beck, 1202 Gibbs City Road, Iron River, MI, 49935. Registration forms are available through quilt guilds, fabric shops or SASE to Beck or phone her at 906-265-3849. All entries will vie for viewers’ choice ribbon.

   The Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) will hold its regular board meeting on Friday, Sept. 18, 2009, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Marquette at The Landmark Inn, 230 N. Front Street. The meeting is open to the public and will be of interest to people who are blind or visually impaired, their family members and friends, and anyone interested in learning more about the state and federally funded services provided throughout the state by the Michigan Commission for the Blind.

   The ninth annual meeting of the Community Coalition on Grief and Bereavement will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009, at 3:30 p.m. at the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Quincy St. West Hancock. All interested people are welcome to attend. The coalition’s mission is to provide grief education, support and referrals to the people of Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw and Ontonagon Counties.

   The Upper Peninsula Recycling Coalition (UPRC) is looking for nominations for the annual “Recycler of the Year Award”. Nominations for categories for both individual and organization are being accepted.
   The “Recycler of the Year Award” recognizes outstanding achievements in resource recovery in the Upper Peninsula.
   The UPRC wishes to recognize organizations, businesses, and individuals for innovative recycling, composting. and waste reduction programs throughout the UP.

   Elo and Tapiola have gotten their grocery stores back, and the customers couldn’t be happier.
   The former Pheiffer’s Corner in Elo was closed 12 years ago. It re-opened July 23 as the new Kurt’s Korner store. After an 18-month hiatus, the door at Karvakko’s Market in Tapiola swung open once again on Aug. 3.
   Both towns lie roughly 20 miles from the next nearest grocery cart, and local shopping has been sorely missed. The new store owners have brought fresh ideas into play while continuing with the dependable service that makes them both valued members of their communities.

   The Finlandia University Reflection Gallery will host an exhibit of photography by artist Brian Parmeter from Aug. 28 to Sept. 23, 2009.
   An opening reception and artist talk will take place Thursday, Sept. 3, from 1 to 2 p.m., at the Reflection Gallery. The reception is open to the public and all are welcome. The Reflection Gallery is located on the second level of Finlandia’s Jutila Center campus. Refreshments will be served.

   The Fall Cluster 2 meeting for Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (WELCA) will be held on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, at United Lutheran Church in L’Anse.
   Registration starts at 9 a.m. with morning coffee. The meeting and program start at 9:30 a.m. and ends with lunch at noon. A cost of $5 covers material and lunch. The program includes Bible study, special music, speaker, a representative from the women’s synodical unit, and will end with a communion service.

   The L’Anse Waterfront Concert Series is extended an additional week. The Wolfgang classic rock band will be back to perform a benefit concert on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009, at 7 p.m.
   Wolfgang opened the summer concerts playing at the L’Anse band shell on Friday night, June 12, in conjunction with the Baraga County Lake Trout Festival. The regular Thursday night summer series began three weeks later and was scheduled to conclude this Thursday, Aug. 27, with the Greenstone string band at 7 p.m.

   The Upper Peninsula Chapter #16 of the State Employee Retirees Association will hold its fall luncheon Monday, Sept. 14, 2009 at noon at the Highland Golf Club which is located seven miles west of Escanaba on US 2 and Hwy. 41.
   Lisa Keeler from Express Scripts will be there. Also invited are Arva Overton from BC/BS and Lisa Eggert of Delta Dental.

   The annual UP Senior Citizen’s Convention and Expo will be Thursday, Sept. 17 from 9:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. (EDT) in the Ruth Butler Exhibition Building at the UP State Fairgrounds in Escanaba. This year the theme is “Mardi Gras” and organizers encourage everyone to attend dressed for the occasion.
   The convention is being co-sponsored by Marquette General Health Systems and the UP Area Agency on Aging/UPCAP, the annual coordinator of the event.

   Bay Cliff Health Camp is offering its innovative health and wellness retreat for polio survivors once again this Fall. The fourth annual retreat will take place Sept. 14-19, 2009 in Big Bay.
   The program goes one step beyond rehabilitation by focusing on improving participants’ overall health and quality of life with ongoing health and wellness. Educational sessions, taught by volunteer health care professionals, will assist polio survivors in learning more about Post Polio Syndrome and leading a healthier lifestyle.

   Six members of the Baraga County Community Foundation Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) have recently returned from Michigan State University. They gathered with other YAC’s from across the nation at the annual Youth Grantmakers Summer Leadership Conference.
   The 2009 conference theme was “A Second Look: Seeing Challenges as Opportunities.” Sessions and speakers focused on how YACs can turn these difficult economic times into new opportunities through grantmaking and community service projects.

   Baraga High School graduate Geleah Dowler has been awarded a major scholarship through her step-father Darin Walendowski’s employer, Frito Lay in   Atlantic Mine. Dowler won a Pepsico scholarship which will provide $6,000 per year for three years toward her college costs. Pepsico employees’ children nationwide can apply for the highly competitive scholarships.
   Dowler is the daughter of Porter and Becky Dowler, and Darin and Bonny Walendowski.

   Arvon Township School staff will participate in professional development and hold parent conferences on Aug. 24-26, 2009.
   Parents are invited to call and schedule a time to meet with teachers to answer questions and establish individual student goals for the year.
   On Tuesday, Sept. 8 we will begin our regular school year with a full day of instruction. Parents and community members are encouraged to join us at 8 a.m. for the flag raising.

   Merva Menard’s “School-Girl Days” scrapbook is a history lesson with a heart.
   The book was given to Menard in 1923, and she graduated from L’Anse High School in 1925. In between she filled its pages to overflowing with photos, dance cards, neatly jotted remarks and other treasures from days now long gone by:
   “My second year, my favorite class is English II taught by Mr. MacKay. History is my next favorite. Mr. Carlyon thinks I’m a pest I guess. He’s only changed my seat twice. But I seem to have too much to say for my own good. But that’s a Frenchman all over!”

   Grand Valley State University announced the names of students who were placed on the dean’s list for the Winter 2009 semester. The list includes those students who have maintained a 3.5 grade point average and been enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits. The honor is noted on the students’ official records. Elisha Fish of L’Anse was named to the list.

   Mission United Lutheran Church is offering “Mega Sports Camp” Vacation Bible School for kids, from Monday, Aug. 10 through 14, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
   Mission United in Pelkie is offering the camp for kids age 3 through 6th grade. “We want to give kids the chance to learn more about sports, discover character-building concepts, and have a whole lot of fun,” says Pastor John Autio.

   Fr. Janusz Romanek of Poland is the new associate pastor for Sacred Heart, St. Ann’s and Most Holy Name of Jesus Catholic churches. A big fan of hunting, fishing and small-town living, Romanek is finding his new assignment starting July 1, 2009, a near-perfect fit.
   The Catholic Diocese in Marquette assigns a percentage of its priests to new parishes each year. Fr. John Longbucco is now serving as the new pastor for the three churches in L’Anse, Baraga and Assinins, respectively. He resides at Sacred Heart’s rectory in L’Anse.
   Romanek is based at the rectory at St. Anne’s in Baraga. The priests rotate their mass schedules so both serve all three churches, and are assisted in their duties by deacons John Cadeau and Robert Wahmhoff.

   Central Michigan University announces its May, 2009, spring semester honor students who earned a 3.5 and higher grade point average. From L’Anse, Amanda Lynn Harju, freshman.

   Author Joy Ibsen of Trout Creek will sign her latest book “Unafraid” from 4-5 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, 2009, at North Wind Books in Hancock.
   “Unafraid” is co-authored by Ibsen and her late father Rev. Harald Ibsen, a Danish American minister. Ibsen rescued her father’s sermon notes from an old filing cabinet.

   Trout Creek’s annual Pond Fest is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009, with the flag raising by the American Legion Post 494 at 10:30 a.m. The planning committee extends an invitation to “come on down” and enjoy a day of music, crafts, food and “reunionating” at Abbott Fox Park on M-28 in Trout Creek. The Trout Creek High School Class of ’59 will be celebrating its 50-year reunion.
   The day’s music begins with Mike Keating of Bessemer offering a variety of musical entertainment. At 2 p.m. the featured musicians will be the Bill Hassey Orchestra of Eagle River, WI, presenting popular dance music including swing, polka, and waltz.

    On July 11, 2009, the Andrew and Selma Heikkinen Family Reunion was held where it all started in 1907--on a small farm on Askel Hill.
   The Matriarch of the family, Asta Heikkinen, was honored as she celebrated her 90th birthday surrounded by 200 family members.
   Heikkinen descendants who gathered for the reunion traveled from as far away as Alaska, Washington State, Texas, Missouri, Pennsylvania and even Japan. Others had a shorter drive, convening at the Hill from Michigan locations.

   The Baraga County Department of Human Services agency is seeking candidates for the state appointee position on the local Human Services Board.
   The three-member board represents the community and serves the local DHS office in an advisory capacity. Two members are appointed by the county Board of Commissioners; the third member is appointed by the state DHS Director.
   Serving on the board gives county residents an opportunity to provide DHS with local input. The local DHS office director serves as secretary to the board during its monthly meetings when state and local issues related to the department’s mission are discussed and acted upon. Interested candidates should contact Louisa Wills, Director, Baraga County DHS, at 108 Main Street, Baraga, MI 49908. The deadline for applications is Aug. 15, 2009.

   In an effort to help older drivers brush up on their driving skills, the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is sponsoring the AARP Driver Safety Program.
   The AARP Driver Safety Program is the Nation’s first curriculum designed specifically for drivers age 50 and over. This eight-hour, two-day course includes use of a workbook, video presentations, and active group discussions. There are no tests.
   Participants can expect to learn about current rules of the road, how to operate a vehicle more safely, and how to adjust for common age-related changes in vision, hearing, and reaction time. The local class will be taught by Don Balmer, an AARP volunteer and retired high school driving instructor.

   Thursday, July 30, 2009, from 10 to 11 a.m., Finlandia University’s North Wind Books will host a children’s event with Finnish educator Kaisa Randolph.
   Randolph, a Finnish national, will read several children’s books with Finnish themes and engage the children in an activity related to the books.
   Refreshments will be served. North Wind Books is located at 437 Quincy St., downtown Hancock. For information, call 487-7217.

   Gene Ovist is the newest member of the team of real estate professionals at CENTURY 21 North Country Agency. As part of the CENTURY 21 System, he is able to offer buyer and seller representation and can offer the benefits of programs like CENTURY 21 Connections, which can help with everything from qualifying for a mortgage to saving on moving costs.
   “We are very proud to have Gene join our team of professional REALTORS® which led the Keweenaw MLS in total sales again in 2008 and continues to lead in 2009”, said Dave Jukuri, Broker.

   New pastoral assignments have brought a changing of the guard to Catholic churches in L’Anse, Baraga and Assinins.
   The Diocese of Marquette has announced Fr. John Longbucco will serve as new pastor for Sacred Heart in L’Anse, St. Ann’s in Baraga and Most Holy Name of Jesus Church in Assinins. Fr. Janusz Romanek will be associate pastor. The changes became effective July 1, 2009.
   The former pastor and associate pastor for the three churches have also received new assignments in the UP. Fr. George Augustin is now serving as pastor of Resurrection Parish in Hancock and St. Francis of Assisi Mission in Dollar Bay.
   Former associate pastor Fr. George Maki is now associate pastor at Sacred Heart Parish in Ewen, St. Ann Mission in Bergland and Immaculate Conception Parish in Watersmeet. Augustin, Maki, Longbucco and Romanek were among a total of 13 priests reassigned by the diocese.

   Alpha Mu Tau Fraternity announced that Michael Lazzari of Watton will be receiving an Education & Research Scholarship from American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science on Thursday, July 23, 2009, at the Awards Ceremony of the annual meeting in Chicago, IL. Lazzari is a student at A. T. Still University in the study of clinical laboratory science.
   American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) serves as an advocate for the value and the role of the clinical laboratory science professional ensuring safe, effective, efficient, equitable, and patient centered health care. For further information about ASCLS consult the www.ascls.org website.

   On Monday morning, July 13 members of the L’Anse High School International Travel Club went to the Old Skanee Ravine River Cemetery. This trip, the club members spent their time cleaning brush and rotten wood, off of the historical site.
   Veteran workers, Nicole Delene and Rebecca Augustine, along with their teacher/leader, Laura Augustine, and new worker, Jessica Nagele, climbed to the south side of the hill with rakes, clippers and gloves in hands. With a little help from Ray Prill and his power saw, they successfully loaded ‘their’ trailer several times and then unloaded it, at the site of the rapidly growing cemetery brush pile.

   The Ottawa National Forest is pleased to announce a program on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009, at the Ottawa Visitor Center, US 2 and Hwy.45, Watersmeet, MI. Guest speaker Dr. Lee Frelich will be presenting, “Wind, Fire and Deer in Northern Hardwood-Hemlock Forests,” beginning at 7 p.m. (CST) and will be available to answer questions after the program.
   Frelich is a recognized expert in Forest Ecology, and particularly the ecology of hardwood-hemlock forests of the Upper Great Lakes Region

   Creating Confident Caregivers is a new program in select regions of Michigan, for family caregivers of persons with dementia and/or memory loss.
   Highlighting the Savvy Caregiver training program, Creating Confident Caregivers is a six-session program led by trained dementia care specialists. This university tested program provides participants with information, skills and attitudes to manage stress and increase their effectiveness as a Caregiver.
   Creating Confident Caregivers is now available in the L’Anse/Baraga area through a federal grant from the U.S. Administration on Aging to the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging, the U.P. Area Agency on Aging/UPCAP and the Alger County Commission on Aging.

   Traffic was heavy in Skanee Sunday thanks to the Zion Lutheran Church Pie Social and Arvon Township Historical Society Quilt Show.
   The events proved a fine blend of entertainment on a sun-washed afternoon. The Quilt Show commenced at noon at the historic parsonage-museum. At Zion Lutheran Church across the street workers began serving up slabs of homemade pie and ice cream at 1. Events ended at 4 p.m.

   Sarah Duerkop received a certificate for High Academic Achievement from Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI. The achievement is from Spring, 2009. Duerkop, a graduate of Baraga High School, is attending Ferris pursuing a degree in dental hygiene.

   Creating Confident Caregivers is a new program in select regions of Michigan, for family caregivers of persons with dementia and/or memory loss.
   Highlighting the Savvy Caregiver training program, Creating Confident Caregivers is a six-session program led by trained dementia care specialists. This university tested program provides participants with information, skills and attitudes to manage stress and increase their effectiveness as a Caregiver.

   Weather conditions couldn’t have been better for this year’s annual Denise Marth Memorial Family Fun Run. A large number of athletes participated in both the run along Bayshore Drive. Others took things a little slower with a casual walk.
   This marked the fourth time for the event, sponsored by the Baraga County Community Foundation (BCCF). According to BCCF Director Gordette Leutz, individuals were encouraged to run, walk, bike, skateboard or Roller Blade the course.

   Anthony Giudicelli has been named to the Dean’s List in the Indiana University College of Arts and Sciences for the Spring semester of 2009, in recognition of outstanding academic achievement. Eligibility for the Dean’s List is reserved for those students who complete at least 12 graded credit hours in a single semester, earning at least a 3.70 GPA.
   He is the son of Ange and Ruth Guidicelli of L’Anse.

   The Marquette General Cancer Center will be hosting a “Living with Cancer” support group on July 23 and Aug. 20. The group will meet from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the Lombardi Room at Marquette General Hospital, which is located on the ground floor near the cafeteria.
   Videoconferencing will be provided to Portage Health in the Portage Health Conference Center.

   Representatives from Superior Home Health and Hospice, currently a division of Western U.P. Health Department, and Aspirus health system held a press conference at the offices of Western U.P. Health Department in Hancock. They described a business deal that will “ensure the viability of vital health care for years to come”.
On Sept. 1, 2009, Superior Home Health and Hospice will become Aspirus Superior Home Health and Hospice.
   Through a collaboration between government and private entities, Superior will transition from operating as a service of the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department to standing alone as an independent company. Superior Home Health employs 60 workers and serves 200 clients in five counties, from offices in Hancock, L’Anse, Ontonagon and Bessemer. Aspirus is an integrated health system based in Wausau, WI.

   Local artists, organizations, and small business owners are encouraged to exhibit or sell their products at the 2009 Baraga County Fair on August 7-9.
   “With hundreds of community members attending the fair, it is the perfect venue to showcase your products or services. There is ample space in the exhibit building for you to set up a table/booth,” according to Joyce Hoskins.
   Local crafters and small business owners can use the fair as an opportunity to reach members of the community that otherwise might not know what they have to offer. Unique craft products, such as jewelry, woodworking, and home decorations, can be displayed and sold throughout the weekend. Also small business representatives such as Tupperware, PartyLite, Lia Sophia, and Home and Garden, could benefit from this type of venue.

   The Community Market will start again this summer at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 16, at the L’Anse Waterfront Park for the Aura Jamboree Preview concert.
   Like last summer the market will run for the duration of the community concert series.
   Those wishing to sell concert refreshments, such as bakery, soft drinks, etc. may call Susan at 524-7899 to sign up for free space in the pavilion.

   Winners of the frog jumping contest at Michigamme’s Fourth of July contest are:
   0-3 age group-Addy Lein, 4-6 age group-Gabrielle Gilbertson, 7-8 age group -Kenzie Blau, 9-10 age group-Zoe Desimone, 11-12 age group-Hannah Bershing, 13 and over age group- Cole Schultz.
   Frog jumping jump off: 1st place-Hannah Bershing, 2nd place-Kenzie Blau and 3rd place- Cole Schultz.
   Official frog judge was Penny Frisk.

   Since January of 2008 Weight Watchers has been meeting on Monday evenings at the Baraga Lakeside Inn. The group has celebrated much success losing over 3,000 collective pounds and learning to live and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
   Group Leader Marcy Romps of Houghton announced a change in the meeting format as of Monday, July 13, 2009. The meeting will change from a “CCW (Closed Community Workshop)” to a “Traditional” format.
   Participants have more flexibility in membership. Members will have options to fit their personal needs. They will be able to join and pay on a weekly basis or purchase one of the four, eight, 12, 16 or 20-week passes. When purchasing a pass members do not pay a joining fee and are offered substantial discounts. Lifetime members can weigh in at any meeting and as always if you are within two pounds of their goal, and weigh in monthly, there is no charge.

   Twelve girls are competing to be the 2009 Baraga Lumberjack Days Queen. The queen will be crowned at a program at 7 p.m. on Superior Avenue, preceding the street dance on Friday, July 3.
   Melissa Velmer: I am the daughter of Dennis and Julie Velmer of Alston.
   Devinne Kent: I am the daughter of Danielle Kent of L’Anse.
   Chelsea Marie Paynter: I recently graduated from Baraga High School. I live in Nisula with my father figure, Steve Carlson, and also love spending time with my mother, Julie Hemmilla,
   Elisa Reynolds: I am the daughter of Rob and Beth Reynolds.
   Brittney Koskinen: I’m the daughter of Kim Koskinen of Baraga.
   Cassandra Evans: I am the daughter of Sonya and Bill Evans of L’Anse.
   Kaitlin Tikkanen: I am the daughter of Ryan and Stacy Tikkanen.
   Rebecca Rasanen: I am a fifth generation Rasanen’s of Baraga, daughter or Carl and Julie.
   Erica Bedner: I am the 17-year-old daughter of Brennan and Mary Bedner of Baraga
   Courtney Lloyd: I am the daughter of Scott and Tammie Lloyd of L’Anse.
   Samantha Lloyd: I am the daughter of Steve and Shelley Lloyd of L’Anse.
   Betsey Ekdahl: I am the daughter of Dianna Chamberlain of Baraga.

   Brothers John and Scott Michels of L’Anse recently earned their college bachlers degrees.
   John Michels, a 2004 graduate of L’Anse High School, received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan on May 2, 2009. In the fall John will be attending the Peabody School of Education at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. John will be pursuing a Masters degree in Special Education.
   Scott Michels, a 2005 graduate of L’Anse High School, received his Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan Technological University on May 2, 2009. Scott is currently working at Bay Cliff Health Camp and then is planning to work for Americorps for a year.
   John and Scott are the sons of Bob and Lyn Michels of L’Anse.

   The administration of the L’Anse Area Schools encourages any parent who has not yet registered their child for kindergarten to do so as soon as possible.
   To be enrolled in kindergarten a child must be five years old on or before Dec. 1,2009. A valid birth certificate, hospital certificate or baptismal certificate must be presented at the time of registration. Parents who already have registered their child, but have not returned the immunization sheet, should do so as soon as possible.

   Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO), along with all other Michigan utilities, will begin collecting funds from customers for energy efficiency programs as indicated by Michigan Act 295, the Clean, Renewable, and Efficient Energy Act, which was voted into law in 2008. To comply with the program, utilities are required to collect money to fund their own energy-efficiency projects or to forward the money to a third party selected by the state that will design and administer energy-efficiency programs.
   UPPCO will forward the money it collects to the third-party administrator, which the State of Michigan has not yet named.
   “I know it sounds and feels counter-intuitive,” said Janet Wolfe, UPPCO spokesperson. “But customers should see savings in the long run as a result of these programs.”

   About 20 elementary-aged kids gave up four days of their summer vacation to go back to school–but there didn’t appear to be any complaints. The children are from various schools in the area and they had a fun week of activities learning about aquatic environments.
   “Wet and Wild” was the title of the free program offered from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. last Monday through Thursday. A second four-day program is scheduled Monday-Thursday, Aug. 10-13. “Mathcapades” will feature fun learning activities for reinforcing mathematics skills.

   Northern Michigan University announces its graduates. The following students from our area satisfied their degree requirements in May 2009.
   Vocational Diploma: Jason Olson, L’Anse, VOC Electrical Line Technician.
Associate Degree: Kevin Huhtasaari, Pelkie, AAS Industrial Electrical Tech.
   Baccalaureate Degree: Karen Andersen, Baraga, BS Psychology, Cum Laude; Brigitte LaPointe-Tolonen, Baraga, BS Sports Science; Eric VanStraten, Baraga, BS Industrial Technology; and Travis Lloyd, L’Anse, BS Criminal Justice, Cum Laude.

   Northern Michigan University announces the Dean’s List for the Winter 2009 semester. The following students from our area qualified with a grade point average of 4.00.
   L’Anse: Jamie Desrochers.
The following students from our area qualified with a grade point average of 3.25-3.99.
Baraga: Clifford Andersen, Kelley Artley, Gerald Kirkish, Richard Knisely, Craig Koski, Jessica LeClaire, Katherine Massie.
   L’Anse: Lauren Beeler, Daniel Cavanaugh, Anthony Gerzetich, Drew VanBuren, Lauren Bianco, Jerry Bugni, Jessica Caverly, Melissa Crebessa, Tyler Delene, Jarod Kent, Nickolas Lincoln, Emily Schwartz, Sarah Waisanen.
   Pelkie: Darrel Cladas, Joshua Dufek, Kevin Huhtasaari, Jessica Kemppainen, Matthew McKindles.
   Watton: Samuel Besonen.

   The Historic Pelkie School will celebrate its 100th anniversary this summer with grace and dignity: lemonade and cookies, and no running in the aisles please.
   Actually, that was once an acceptable method teachers in the one-room country schoolhouse used for de-frosting students on frigid school days. It’s just one of many historic tidbits awaiting visitors this summer at Pelkie’s most well-preserved piece of history.
   School was in session again on a blustery afternoon last week as Irene Mantila, seated at the teacher’s desk, gave a short history lesson to a class consisting of one reporter. It began with her role as secretary of the Sturgeon Valley Historical Society, the group that keeps the school and its history alive.

   Finlandia University’s North Wind Books, Hancock, will host a book signing with author Steve Lehto Thursday, June 25, from 4 to 5 p.m.
   Lehto will sign copies of his new book, “Michigan’s Columbus, The Life of Douglass Houghton,” a chronicle of Dr. Houghton’s life and tragic death.
   The name, “Houghton” is well-known to Michiganians as a city, a county, a lake, waterfalls, schools, and more. But how did Douglass Houghton become such a “star?”

   The Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) and Finlandia University invite area entrepreneurs to take advantage of free one-on-one business counseling sessions at the university’s Jutila Center on Wednesday, June 24, 2009.
   Business consultant Roger Woods of Homer Productivity, LLC, can advise on all aspects of small business development from the initial idea through growth and expansion strategies.

   Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division officials are seeking comments on proposed changes to state trout fishing regulations on inland lakes and streams that are designed to further simplify the rules.
   The current regulations, which were adopted in April 2000, were designed to simplify and standardize trout regulations by stream type, matching regulations to resource potential and allowing for diverse recreational opportunity. Analysis of creel surveys conducted on some of the streams showed that some of the regulations have not produced the desired results.
   The proposal calls for elimination of Type 2 stream regulations, which were designed to produce larger fish.

   George Portice is practicing genealogy the hard way.
   Portice is learning about his grandfather, John McComb, through renovating his old homestead in Skanee. The harder Portice works, the deeper he digs into the history of the home, and the make of the man who built it. Eventually, he’d like to write McComb’s story.
   Portice grew up in Skanee, just across the road from his late grandfather’s homestead on Portice Road. He graduated from L’Anse High School in 1954, then Michigan State University, and went on to teach vocational agriculture downstate.

   Finlandia University recognizes its students in the Spring 2009 semester, earning grade point averages from 3.50 to 4.00.
   The Dean’s 4.0, Dean’s, and Honors lists include students who completed at least 12 credit hours in the Spring 2009 semester.
   Dean’s List 4.00: Katelyn Maki, 4.00, Baraga; Marc Marcotte, 4.00, L’Anse.
   Dean’s List: Chaslyn Duffek, 3.75, Pelkie.
   Honors List: Kristen Collins, 3.68, L’Anse; Whitney Sirard, 3.66, L’Anse; Andrea Mantta, 3.67, Pelkie.

   L’Anse-Baraga Community Schools has released the Alternative Education honor roll for the fourth quarter, 2009. Edward LeRue, Jr. was placed on the list.
   The Adult Education honor roll includes: Peggy Cadeau, Sondra Chapman, Shanda Frank, Julie Gauthier, Steven Lokers, Jordan Pyykkonen and Lisa Vokoviak.

   Baraga Area Schools Director of Bands Brandon Nelson was recently elected the vice president of Honors Band for District XIV of the Michigan State Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA). District XIV covers the western half of the UP.
   “Honors Band is a unique opportunity for our top music students to come together and play a concert under the baton of a respected guest conductor,” explained Nelson.
Nelson’s duties will include appointing the conductors for both the concert and jazz bands and auditioning students for spots in those ensembles. The term of office is two years.

   Erin Sikorsky-Stewart has received a master’s degree in International Affairs from the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University in New York City, NY. The graduation ceremony was held on Monday, May 19, 2009, at Riverside Church in Manhattan.
   While attending Columbia, Sikorsky-Stewart served as an intern in the U.S. State Department in Washington D.C. At Columbia she served as senior editor of the Journal of International Affairs and also received a Fellowship Award and taught economics.

   Opening day activities and registration for the Portage Lake District Library’s “Be Creative at Your Library” Summer Reading Program begins Saturday, June 13, from noon – 3 p.m. at the library on the Houghton waterfront.
   Kids are invited to make art outdoors, weather permitting, and indoors everyone can create their 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.

   Business is budding this Spring at Joan Roberts’ “Branching Out” in Watton.
   Roberts creates twig baskets, garden fences, furniture and more of wood products harvested locally, from fresh shoots of tag alder to weathered slabs of barn wood. It’s a cottage industry in every sense of the word, based at the family home on M-28 five miles south of Covington.
   The business tracks its roots back to the Ozarks. Joan and her husband, Lale, lived so far back in the “sticks” they decided to create a business from them. (Pun intended–no apologies here). Before they had electricity, they fashioned their crafts with a hatchet, hammer and nails.

   Bells on the Bay Community Handbell Choir will present a public concert on Sunday, June 14, 2009, at 2 p.m. in the sanctuary of Sacred Heart Church in L’Anse.
   Music to be presented will include patriotic, sacred, Americana, spiritual, and original compositions.
   The handbells will be joined by Nick Enz of MTU’s Fine Arts faculty, Melissa Williams, local vocal and instrumental music teacher, and the United Lutheran Church Choir.

   Sacred Heart School has released its honor roll for the fourth quarter. Names with an asterisk * indicate all A’s.
   Grade 4: Alexis Francois, Victoria Francois, Ashok Ravindran, Carolyn Schwartz and Brandt Tembreull.
   Grade 5: Sierra Frank, Jacob Freeman*, Colin Jackson, Emily Magaraggia*, Lila Morningstar* and Jessica Velmer.
   Grade 6: Lauren Jackson and Elsa Schwartz*.

   The Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) and Finlandia University invite area entrepreneurs to take advantage of free one-on-one business counseling sessions at the university’s Jutila Center on Tuesday, June 9, 2009.
   Business consultant Roger Woods of Homer Productivity, LLC, can advise on all aspects of small business development from the initial idea through growth and expansion strategies.
   Appointments are recommended and can be made by phone at 487-7450, or e-mail cgdb@finlandia.edu

   BHK Child Development will have an “Early Bird” registration event for fall preschool and childcare from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at its Centennial, Houghton and L’Anse centers.
   Parents can register for free half-day preschool for 3, 4 and 5-year-old children and low-cost, full-day childcare for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years old. Lower incme families and children with special needs will receive priority placement. Vision and hearing screenings will be offered as part of the Early Bird registrations in Houghton and Centennial.
   Appointments are required. To make an appointment, call 482-3663 or 1-800-236-5657 by Friday, June 12, 2009.

   The new exhibit in the Community Arts Centers’ Kerredge Gallery is Recent Works by local artists, Tom Rudd and Margo McCafferty. 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.

   When he was a young boy in Finland, a small kindness made a big impact on the life of Kyosti Kallionpaa. Last week he crossed an ocean to give thanks.
   The story starts in 1948, when Ilmi Jackson of Watton set out to send a care package to relatives in Finland. Ilmi had struggles enough of her own, raising two children by herself, but Finland had been brought to its knees fighting off Germany and Russia in WWII, and family needed help.
   “They needed some articles, and we had them,” said Ilmi’s son, Roy Norman of Watton. “Fishing gear, clothing, even buttons. All they had were leather buttons, and she figured those wouldn’t dry straight after you washed ‘em.”

   A Celebration of Excellence was held May 14, 2009, to honor people in the Copper Country Education Association who have made a difference in their public schools for the 2008-2009 school year.
   A dinner was held at the Ramada Inn in Hancock. Honorees for the L’Anse Area Schools were Janet Gerzetich and Pat Marinich.
   Gerzetich was commended for her professionalism, attention to curriculum needs and her overall commitment to the school she works in and assuming personal responsibility for the success of events run within the school by doing her part.
   Gerzetich teaches second grade and is in her 29th year of teaching in the L’Anse Area School.
   Marinich was commended for the volunteer time he puts into the L’Anse Area Schools Public Library every day. He is a friend to all.
   The students have a wonderful rapport with Mr. Marinich. He is a true friend to the L’Anse schools and the community of L’Anse and continues to make a difference.

   Fourth and fifth grade L’Anse math teachers, Rebecca Stroube and Kristina Mechlin had 50 students participate in this year’s St. Jude Mathathon. St. Jude sponsors the mathathon each year to raise money to help childhood cancer research. This year’s event raised $3,040.
   A celebration luncheon was held on May 6 to present awards to students, along with pizza and pop. Because this year’s students beat last year’s goal Mechlin and Stroube made chocolate cake as a treat for their extra efforts.

   The ninth annual Tin Lizzie Day will be presented by the Ford Center in Alberta on Saturday, June 27, 2009, from 10 a.m to 3 p.m. The Ford Center is still seeking volunteers, vintage car owners and artist/craftspeople to participate in this year’s event.  The deadlines have been extended. Vehicles need to be at least 30 years old and can be in any stage of restoration.
   Other events include an apple dessert challenge (baking contest), as well as a pasty eating and log throwing contests. For more information call 524-6181 or go to www.fordcenter.mtu.edu/tinlizzie
   Due to the recession, admission for this year’s event will be free. Admission also includes the sawmill museum.

   The Ivory Mansion boasts many “great rooms”. Its living room with oriental accents and decor soars three stories high, with a hand-carved railing of flowers and birds and painted dragon that weaves its way down. The Scandinavian room features a hot tub, sauna and Superior view.
   Lynn designed the rooms, incorporating family heirlooms and indulging her love of antiquing in the process. Steve’s hand-carvings, gifted wood working and painting put a polish on the house that Crebassa built, and the Ketolas later re-built into a home and business.

   St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Mass City will be hosting a lunch reception for Dr. Tulitweni Mwinuka and Mr. Charles Robert of Tanzania on Saturday, May 23, 2009, from noon to 1:30 p.m. The public is invited.
   In September of 2008, St. Paul’s, a member of the Northern Great Lakes Synod (NGLS) of the ELCA, invited Bishop Thomas and Luanne Skrenes to give a presentation on their November 2007 trip to the Eastern and Coastal Diocese of Tanzania which is the companion synod of the NGLS.

   The BHK Foundation is accepting applications for three $500 scholarships from area high school seniors who attended BHK Child Development Board early childhood programs.
   The scholarships may be used to cover any expenses related to post-secondary education, including tuition, room, board, books, supplies and other expenses at colleges, universities and trade schools.
   “Post-secondary education is a key ingredient to success in the 21st century,” said Willis Fontaine, Foundation President. “By offering these scholarships, the BHK Foundation hopes to help some of our local youth achieve that success.”

To encourage youth to read during the summer months the annual “Read to Ride” program is again underway. Spearheaded years ago by the late Herman Gundlach, the program invites youth ages 6-14 across the region to read books for a chance to win a mountain bike later this summer.
Youth in Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw, Ontonagon or Gogebic counties are eligible. They can read a book, or better yet, several books, and then fill out a Read to Ride entry form. Forms are available at school offices, public libraries, the Copper Country ISD in Hancock, the Gogebic-Ontonagon ISD. Or call 482-4520 or 800-562-7613; or on the web at www.readtoride.net
Completed forms are due in by Aug. 3, 2009. A minimum of 20 bicycles will be awarded on Aug. 12, 2009. The event is sponsored by REMC #1, CCISD and Gogebic-Ontonagon ISD, Daily Mining Gazette, Good Will Farm and Houghton Rotary.

   The Spring Word and Song Festival of the Suomi Conference USA will be held on Sunday, May 31, 2009, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church on N. US 41 in Chassell. The event will begin at 2:30 p.m. with a coffee social, followed by the main worship service at 3 pm.
   The theme for the day will be “Remembering Luther League” with Pastor Henry Aukee of Barnes, WI, as the featured speaker. Aukee, an Ironwood native was the league president in the predecessor body just before church merger.
   The festival will give opportunity to “play with the past” as we recall the vitality of youth work in the good old days. There will be special music, including solos by Dan Maki, and a violin presentation by Marcia Niemi, duet by Norma Nominelli and Lois Seaton.
   The festival will conclude with a lasagna and baked chicken dinner served by the Shelby Turnquist Caterers at 5 p.m.
   Suomi Conference is a special Interest Group of the Lutheran Church in America. The public is invited.

   The FIFI ladies are at it again!
   The Skanee-based club has produced another stunning, queen-size quilt that will be awarded in a raffle July 12, 2009. All proceeds will once again benefit the continuing renovation of the Arvon Township Historical Museum.
   The museum is the former parsonage for the Zion Lutheran Church, located right across the street. Built about 100 years ago, the parsonage now houses items and displays from the area’s past, open Saturday afternoons from 1-4 p.m. from June through August.

   Baraga County Memorial Hospital has added a new physical therapist, Kalyan Chintapalli, P.T. to their therapy staff.
   Chintapalli will be providing services for inpatients at the hospital, and for outpatients at the BCMH Rehab & Fitness Center. He is filling the physical therapist position that has been open for some time at BCMH.
   Chintapalli was most recently employed as a physical therapist at Putnam County Hospital in Greencastle, IN, and prior to that at Creative Health Solutions in Marion, IN, which is a long term care facility.

   National Hospital Week will be celebrated at Baraga County Memorial Hospital during the week of May 10-16, 2009. The theme of this year’s National Hospital Week, “A Healthy Commitment in Changing Times.”
   During National Hospital Week, BCMH will be offering a free health screening on Tuesday, May 12, 2009, from 6 to 10 a.m. in the basement area of the hospital. The screening will consist of a blood pressure check, blood sugar, and cholesterol test (including triglycerides, HDL and LDL). The results of the tests will be mailed to participants during the week following the screening.

   Karen Milszeski will be leading a textile art activity at the Trout Creek Art Show to be held Saturday, May 9, 2009.
   Always interested in experimentation, Milszeski will be demonstrating and giving art show attendees the opportunity to play and experiment with textile art.
   A six-year resident of Sidnaw, Milszeski has been an artist for eight years. In studying “The Artist Way” books with a group of friends, she realized her fear of painting, and knew she needed to paint to overcome that fear.

  More complete stories and details in this weeks' paper, pick up a copy at one of our news stands or subscribe today!

   KBIC Even Start Family Literacy Program announced the selection of this year’s recipients for the second annual “Dream Catcher Award” in celebration of the NAEYC National Week of the Young Child, April 19-25. Joyce Chosa, Education and Disabilities Coordinator of KBIC Head Start/Early Head Start was selected from an impressive group of nominees.
   The “Dream Catcher Award” recognizes the contributions of community individuals to the success of children through their efforts in the areas of early childhood education, social services, parenting or mentoring. Through this award, KBIC Even Start spotlights the people who make a positive difference in the lives of young children in our community.

   The UP Made Artist Market will open for its fourth season Friday, May 1, 2009, at 10 a.m. in the Historic Covington School in Covington.
   The juried artists’ market, which is sponsored by the non-profit Community Women’s Group, promotes the “Keep it in the UP” slogan by supporting UP artists and fine crafters.
   The market debuted with works by a dozen contributors, but quickly grew to represent 60 as artists from across the UP submitted their works to this new venue. Many have been recruited at art shows, and only the best works are accepted for show and sale at the Artist Market.

   The Ontonagon County 4-H Small Animal Swap & Sale will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2009, starting at 9 a.m. EST, at the Stannard Township Recreation Park in Bruce Crossing, MI, located on US-45 one block north of the US-45/M-28 junction.
   The 23rd annual Small Animal Swap and Sale is not only an opportunity for small animal enthusiasts to sell excess stock but also an opportunity to buy something new and different. In previous years, a variety of farm and garden related items have also been sold. Anything goes- birds, sheep, goats, small pigs, chickens, ducks, pheasants, quail, garden and house plants, horse tack and clothing and more. No large livestock are allowed, but flyers are welcome. A $2 vendor fee will be charged to the seller.

   “Casseroles are making a comeback,” writes Beatrice Ojakangas in her introduction to her latest cookbook, “The Best Casserole Cookbook Ever.”
   Finlandia University’s North Wind Books will host an event with Ojakangas Thursday, May 7 from 4 to 5 p.m. She will sign copies of her books and dishes made using recipes from her cookbooks will be served. The event is free and open to the public.
   “The Best Casserole Cookbook Ever” includes over 500 recipes for just about any type of casserole imaginable. The 640-page paperback was published in August 2008 by publisher Chronicle Books. The cookbook has been nominated for a 2009 James Beard Foundation Award.

   The Baraga High School Band is preparing to do something few other high school bands get to do: premier a new composition. Band Director and composer Brandon Nelson has written a piece for his band that highlights regional history. Entitled “Snowshoe Priest Saga”, the work portrays Bishop Frederick Baraga’s pioneering spirit and desire for peace among all peoples.
   “I think it’s important for students to experience the creative process first-hand. It really brings home the point that music is a living art and that music is still being created,” Nelson said. “This piece is what’s called a ‘tone poem’. It has some contrasting sections and is quite dramatic. The casual listener would be able to discern several distinct themes, or melodies, which come back in various forms throughout.”

   A National Weather Service Storm Spotter training class will be held in L’Anse on Tuesday, May 19, 2009, at 6:30 p.m. The location will be in the L’Anse Village Chambers in downtown L’Anse.
   Each year, the National Weather Service in Marquette presents Severe Weather Storm Spotter Training Courses across the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The presentations are free, open to the public, and no advance registration is required. The program provides details on why storm spotters are so important to the weather warning process, how to become a weather spotter, and how to submit reports to the National Weather Service. The program is also open to general weather enthusiasts who want to learn more about the weather.

   Larry Menard of L’Anse quietly closed the door on a career spanning about 25 years when he retired from the Baraga County Board of Commissioners this past January.
That doesn’t mean we’ve heard the last from Larry.
   The L’Anse native owns and manages the L’Anse Ace Hardware store on Main St. with his wife, Virginia. His interest in civic duty stretches to his pre-county board days, pegging him as a prime candidate for the District 5 seat that opened in 1977.
   “I was appointed to fill Dick Francois’ seat,” Menard said. Figuring back a little farther he recalled, “They came and asked me . . . Dick did. He said, ‘You wanna’ be on the board?’ I said, ‘Why not?–sure!’”

   Some are debating the influence of the media today, but few people are speaking a language that captures the attention of youth and adults, sheds new light—and ignites real laughter. Frank Runyeon does. Runyeon will present his speech, “Hollywood vs.   Faith”, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in L’Anse on Friday, May 1, 2009, at 7 p.m.
   Runyeon speaks with humor about his own experiences in the media, inviting his audience to “look behind the curtain” at the wizards who have become America’s storytellers. Drawing on examples from his 25 years in television, film, and radio, Runyeon describes with humorous anecdotes exactly how the media work.

   “If you feel the ground shake slightly on May 6, 2009, do not get nervous. It’s just millions of children all over the world exercising simultaneously. With childhood obesity on the rise, and young children showing risk factors for heart disease, children are starting to fight back,” said MSU Family Nutrition Program director Marie Harju.
   Children, friends and family members and staff from Sacred Heart School are going to join together for a mile walk on May 6. The walk will begin at Sacred Heart School with destination being the L’Anse Waterfront Park and back to the school. It is expected that a minimum of 60 adults and children will be participating. Parents and community members are invited The walk is set for 12:10 to 12:40 p.m.

   Monica Kohn of L’Anse struggled with her weight for years, so when she opted for bariatric surgery at Marquette General Hospital, the last thing she wanted to struggle with was traveling for her follow-up appointments, especially during the winter months.
   Recently, through “telehealth” technology, Kohn only had to travel four miles to Baraga County Memorial Hospital, versus 68 miles to Marquette General Hospital, to have her six-month post-operative appointment with Marquette General Bariatric Surgeon, Dr. Wayne English.
   During her telehealth appointment, Kohn was able to see and speak to English face-to-face via two-way interactive technology. A camera and television screen at BCMH and another system in Marquette have routinely saved many patients hours of lost time and travel expenses.

   The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Natural Resources Committee Department will sponsor its eighth annual tree and shrub give-away for tribal members in Pequaming Saturday, May 9, 2009, from 10 a.m. to noon. No early birds allowed, and the recipient must be present. Limit for receiving trees is two per person.
   Species available are black cherry, sugar maple, red osier dogwood, riverbank grape, Native American plum, common purple and white lilac, red and white rugosa rose, blueberry (patriot and northland), heritage raspberry, apple trees (Jonathon, Jonamac, Lodi, Macoun), and Black Gold sweet cherry.

   Robby Emmert of Houghton invites beginners and those with some computer experience to “Get Control of Your PC” and participate in his series of free instructional computer classes at the Portage Lake District Library. Emmert is offering this course to the community as his Eagle Scout project and all are invited to attend.
   Emmert will present “Surfing in the UP,” which is a project designed to provide local communities with basic computer knowledge including email, internet browsing, data management, Office programs such as Word and Excel, and music and video management.
   Everyone is invited to attend library events and presentations are free. For more information, call the library at 482-4570.

   Celebrate Earth Day and help support arts and art entrepreneurship at Finlandia University’s second annual Fusion Fest Saturday, April 18, 2009, at Finlandia’s Jutila Center campus, Hancock.
   Fusion Fest activities will take place from noon to 6 p.m. Admission is free. A community dance will follow from 6 to 8 p.m.

   “There has never been a better time to quit smoking.
   “On April 1 the federal cigarette tax increased by 62 cents to a total of $1.01 per pack, to fund the expansion of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program that was signed into law earlier this year,” Western UP Health Department Prevention Specialist Gail Ploe said. “A survey, commissioned by the marketers of Nicorette, showed 70 percent of smokers say that the current price of cigarettes is already very expensive and is one of their main concerns about smoking, second only to health concerns,” Ploe added.

   Every summer approximately 180 children, ages 3 to 17, call Bay Cliff Health Camp home for seven weeks of therapy, activities, friendships and fun; preschoolers attend for three and a half weeks. Through many experiences, campers learn new skills and work towards goals, that they themselves help develop. These experiences and new skills help them lead a fuller, more independent life.
   Bay Cliff, located in Big Bay, is the only program of its kind in the United States and priority for enrollment goes to the kids of the Upper Peninsula! Every UP county is represented. In fact, over 12,000 children, from all parts of the UP have attended Bay Cliff since it started in 1934. When space is available, applicants who live outside of the UP are considered.

   Gabby Jukkala of Pelkie, has received the Lake Superior Academic Excellence Scholarship from Northland College in Ashland, WI. The Lake Superior Academic   Excellence Scholarship is awarded to students for exceptional academic achievement.
   Jukkala, the daughter of Jennie and Ronald Jukkala, is a senior at Baraga High School. Jukkala is involved in volleyball, basketball, track, National Honor Society, International Club and Drama Club. After high school, she intends to pursue her interest in biology.

   The Finlandia University Nordic Film Series continues Thursday, April 16, with the 2005 film, “Sweet Land.” Showings are at 2 and 6 p.m. at the Finnish American Heritage Center, Hancock.
   “Sweet Land,” filmed on location in southern Minnesota, is a poignant and lyrical celebration of land, love, and the American immigrant experience. It was written and directed by Minnesota native Ali Selim, and is based on the short story, “A Gravestone Made of Wheat” by Minnesotan Will Weaver.

   Michigan Works! is providing an opportunity for area youth to earn money this summer while learning more about careers that interest them through its “Put Some Green in Your Jeans” campaign.
   Through this effort, qualifying local youth age 14-24 have an opportunity to be placed at work sites that have jobs which match their interests and career goals.
   Some work experiences will be in project-based learning environments that will require the youth to work in teams and research, organize and strategize to achieve a definable goal while other work experiences will be at individual worksite locations.
The Michigan Works! campaign is designed to provide youth an opportunity to learn about occupations, improve future job prospects and offer exposure to well-supervised work experiences and other employment related services while earning money this summer.
   Call Michigan Works! at 800-562-4808 by April 27 for a pre-application or visit www.jobforce.org.

   The Community Coalition on Grief and Bereavement announced winners in its recent contest where participants expressed personal grief through the written word.
   Students and adults from Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga, and Ontonagon counties were asked to submit a short story, poem or essay expressing personal grief.
   The winners received an engraved plaque and an invitation to read their entry at a reception held at Finlandia University Heritage Center in Hancock on Thursday evening April 2, 2009, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The public was invited to attend this event to celebrate with the winners, enjoy refreshments, music and meet the members of the coalition.

   L’Anse-Baraga Community Schools Alternative Education announces its third quarter honor roll for 2008-09: Harley Finnerty and David Maki.
   L’Anse-Baraga Community Schools Adult Education announces its third quarter honor roll for 2008-09. Peggy Cadeau, Sondra Chapman, David Crum, Shanda Frank, Julie Gauthier, Jessica Hill, Ashley Hine, Steven Lokers, Peggy Marcotte, Robert Moilanen, Jordan Pyykkonen and Lisa Vokoviak.

   Sacred Heart School has announced its honor roll for the third quarter.
   Fourth grade: Victoria Francois, Ashok Ravindran, Carrie Schwartz and Brandt Tembruell.
   Fifth grade: Sierra Frank, Jacob Freeman, Colin Jackson, Emily Magaraggia, Lila Morningstar and Jessica Velmer.
   Sixth grade: Lauren Jackson and Elsa Schwartz.

   The Portage Lake District Library will offer the fourth program of its gardening through the winter series. Master Gardener Lynn Watson will present “Sun, Soil, and Seeds” on Thursday, April 9, at 7 p.m. in the community room.
   Watson will teach participants how to get the most from their gardening efforts. She will show how good garden beginnings start with site selection and explain how to plan flowers and vegetables in relation to minimum and maximum sun and shade orientation. For those who have a garden challenged site, she will explain the technique of vertical gardening and show how to grow vegetables up rather than out. Watson will also discuss the advantages of container gardening if a poor site location exists.

   Three hundred and sixty students in grades 4-8 participated in the 11th Annual Western Upper Peninsula Science Fair on Monday, March 30, 2009, at Michigan Tech’s Memorial Union Ballroom (MUB). Projects entered in the Western UP Science Fair were on public display.
   Students in grades 4-8 submitted projects on experiments they conducted using the scientific method. They were judged on the scientific content of their written report, a display and an oral interview with two judges. Approximately 75 Michigan Tech faculty, students and staff, and community volunteers served as judges.

   The Michigan History magazine, published by the State of Michigan, featured Michigamme’s 1900 steam fire engine in its 2009 March/April issue. The history of the 1900 steamer was written and submitted to the magazine by author, Bill VanKoskey of Marquette.
   VanKoskey captures the 30-year journey to unearth and return the historical artifact back home to Michigamme. The committee formed to acquire the steamer feels honored to be recognized in the magazine.
   The group continually strives to pay back the $150,000 they borrowed to procure the 1900 fire engine. A huge rummage sale begins Memorial Day weekend, the third annual Art Auction & Strawberry Social will take place Saturday, July 11, 2009. Many other events are scheduled throughout the year. The committee has raised $120,000 so far, but will need to raise at least $50,000 plus to pay off the loan.

   The Michigamme Museum 1900 Steamer Committee, better known as the “Steam Team”, received the Peter White Award on Feb. 24, 2009. The Peter White Award is presented each year by the Marquette History Museum to a group that makes an outstanding effort to preserve Upper Peninsula history.
   The Steam Team received the award for their successful effort to bring home to Michigamme its original 1900 American Metropolitan Steam Fire Engine in May of 2007.
   The steamer is one of approximately 400 left in the world today of the 5500 produced over the ages. It is possibly the best example of an original condition engine in existence.

   Da Shack is a new Baraga business that caters to the kid in us all.
   Owned and managed by brothers Don and Jason Messer, the shop on M-38 and Lyon includes an arcade, lunch counter featuring fresh sub sandwiches, plus a tanning salon. Don said business in all three areas has been picking up steam since Da Shack opened about two months back.
   “It’s just something Baraga lacked,” Don explained. “The kids were hanging out at the park, at the parking lot by the ice arena–they needed a place. We figured we’d start something, get something going.”

   Grand Valley State University announces the names of students who were placed on the dean’s list for the Fall 2008 semester. The list includes those students who have maintained a 3.5 grade point average and been enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits. The honor is noted on the students’ official records.
   Area students honored for the fall semester include:
    Baraga--Kelly Selden.
    L’Anse--Erin Brennan.

   Iron County Community Hospital is changing its name to NORTHSTAR Health System.
   “Over the last year, the hospital has undergone extensive transformations. We have recruited new primary care and specialty physicians, we have implemented a new customer service program, we have launched a $17 million construction project and we are about to break ground on a new physician clinic,” said Lindsay Harmon Director of Marketing.

   An exhibit of work by watercolorist Chris Wirtanen is featured at the Finlandia University Reflection Gallery through April 10, 2009. An opening reception and an artist’s talk will take place at the gallery Thursday, April 2, at 1 p.m.
   Wirtanen says his watercolors reflect the many moods of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. His impressions of the rugged landscape and stark beauty of his familiar haunts are difficult to categorize, and he shuns the idea of developing a ‘style.’ He describes his paintings as a reaction to the moment.
   “I have no particular approach,” confirms Wirtanen. “Whatever I am about at that instant, I will paint.”

   The Rice Memorial Clinic Foundation is offering Community Mental Health Careers Scholarship Awards again this year.
   The foundation established the program in 1992 to promote careers in professions related to Community Mental Health.
   A $500 scholarship is available to a graduating senior from each of the 15 high schools in Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw and Ontonagon counties, the area served by Copper Country Mental Health Services Board.

   The Community Coalition on Grief and Bereavement announced the winners of the 2009 Art from the Grieving Heart competition. Students and adults from Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga, and Ontonagon counties were asked to submit a short story, poem or essay expressing personal grief from a loss.
   Judging took place resulting in winners in four categories. The second grade winner is Jaycie Forcia from CJ Sullivan Elementary School in L’Anse. The fourth grade winner is Emma Ostemieyer from CJ Sullivan.

    The Midwest Skills Development Center’s Electrical Line Technician Program is still accepting applications for Fall 2009 enrollment.
   The Electrical Line Technician Program is a one year technical diploma program that prepares students to install, maintain and operate electrical systems to supply electric energy to residential, commercial, industrial customers, and joint gas and electric underground generation facilities.

   Western UP Healthcare Access Coalition (WUPHAC) is one of five local access-to-health-care coalitions.
   Coalitions are currently serving uninsured working-age adult residents from UP counties, enrolling patients around the region.
   Nonprofit community-based organizations, the coalitions connect qualifying adults age 19 to 64 with volunteered care and screening from medical professionals and free or low-cost prescription medications donated by pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies.

   Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has announced a time-limited open enrollment for the Adult Benefits Waiver (ABW) program. The ABW program provides basic health insurance coverage to residents of the State of Michigan with countable incomes at or below 35 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
   Adults without dependent children and who are under the age of 65, do not have private insurance, do not qualify for Medicaid, and have a gross monthly income between $0-580 (for an individual) and $0-716 (for a two-person household) may be eligible for the ABW program. A self-screening tool is available at: http://www.mfia.state.mi.us/mars/ez_track/MARS000.asp 

   As most eyes focus on the scoreboard at the NCAA Final Four at Ford Field in Detroit, State Representatives Mike Lahti (D-Hancock) and Judy Nerat (D-Menominee) will be checking out the craftsmanship of the floor. Connor Sports Flooring, which operates a lumber mill in Amasa in the Upper Peninsula, is the exclusive lumber supplier for the courts at both the men’s and women’s Final Four games.
   “I want to commend the hard-working men and women at Connor Sports Flooring for putting the UP on the map as a leader in sports flooring,” Lahti said. “This Michigan company took a natural resource from Michigan-our wood-and created something that will be seen by millions.”

   A long-term eighth grade project in Scott Schwarz’ Baraga English class has produced donations to be used toward the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry.
   The St. Vincent board member and volunteer told the students their community work will result in 1,000 pounds of food to be donated to local people in need in coming months. Students raised cash donations by earning funds by collecting returnable cans and bottles.
   Students were under the direction of Northern Michigan University student teacher Amanda (Selden) Rinkinen, of L’Anse. While student teaching in Schwarz’ class she taught a Holocaust unit and assigned students to read “The Diary of Anne Frank”.

   Jean LaBerge, Executive Director of the Baraga-Houghton-Keweenaw Community Action Agency announced that the local CAA is awarding nine $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors attending each of the nine area high schools. This is the second year the CAA has offered scholarships throughout its three county service area.
   LaBerge said awards are the result of a partnership arrangement between the CAA and the Western Upper Peninsula Food Bank (Houghton). LaBerge noted that all funding for the scholarships is made possible through revenue derived from the sale of Food Bank product to eligible non-profit organizations in Iron, Gogebic, Ontonagon, Houghton, Baraga, and Keweenaw counties.

   When will be the first time the ice leaves Keweenaw Bay for at least 24 hours this spring? Pick the right date and time and you could be a hundred dollars richer.
   Diane Gallagher, manager of The Canteen bar and grill in L’Anse said the pub is running a contest with all generated funds earmarked for the ongoing L’Anse Sports Complex project. Gallagher explained anyone can enter the contest for a dollar a square. Each square has a date and an hour and the contest runs through May 21.

   Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes will be hosting booth sales from Friday, March 13 – Sunday, April 26. The Girl Scout Cookie Program provides an opportunity for girls to discover their own entrepreneurial skills, connect with others through teamwork, and take action by achieving their individual goals as well as their troop goals.
   The activity of selling cookies is directly related to our purpose of helping all girls realize their full potential and become strong, confident, and resourceful citizens.

   Bonnie Kemppainen-Maki is the newest real estate agent at CENTURY 21 North Country Agency. She is able to offer buyer and seller representation and can offer the benefits of programs like CENTURY 21 Connections, which can help with qualifying for a mortgage to saving on moving costs.
   “We are very proud to have Bonnie join our team of professional REALTORS® which led the Keweenaw MLS in total sales again in 2008”, said Dave Jukuri, Broker.

   The idea that “Organic Agriculture Pays, and It Pays Well” deserves to be considered by farmers across the UP, including established, conventional farms, growers using organic practices and non-farming landowners looking for enterprises to put their fields to use.
   Three similar meetings will be held in different UP locations as follows:
• Monday, March 30, 2009: Bruce Township Hall, 3156 E. 12 Mile Road, Dafter, MI
• Tuesday, March 31, 2009: Bay College, Escanaba, Room 952, Heirman Center.
• Wednesday, April 1, 2009: Chassell Township Hall, 22115 7th Street, Chassell, MI

   Father Corbin Eddy will preach the 2009 Parish Mission at St. Ann Church, Baraga.
   This year, Sacred Heart of Jesus, St. Ann and The Most Holy Name of Jesus/ Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Parishes will reflect and pray together on how Paul’s experience of conversion, transformation, and commitment can characterize people’s lives.
   The Mission will be held at St. Ann Church in Baraga on Sunday, March 29; Monday, March 30; Tuesday, March 31; and Wednesday, April 1 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. each night.

   The Keweenaw Unitarian Universalist Fellowship will host a series of visiting ministers during the spring while their minister is on sabbatical. The first in the series was the Rev. Roger Bertschausen from the Fox Valley UU Fellowship, Appleton, WI, on Sunday, March 22, 2009,
   On March 29 the Rev. Paul Beckel, First Church of Wausau, WI, “Social Graces, Unwrapped”, April 5, the Rev. Patt Herdklotz, Tacoma, WA, May 3, the Rev. Karen Gustafson, First UU Society, Madison, WI, (former minister in Duluth, MN).

   As with all seasoned UPers, we here at Arvon Township School find that the weather causes us to practice flexibility. Due to inclement weather, our annual school sleepover was postponed until March 5, 2009. But spirits were not dampened. We still had a fun and memorable evening and pajama day.
   We began the evening with our typical After School Program, making a snowman outside and creating recycled boats inside. The students worked in teams, using recycled materials to construct boats that would float. Competition was fierce as they compared results.

   The L’Anse International Travel Club will be holding a fundraising rummage sale/bake sale on Saturday, March 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the K of C Hall in L’Anse.
It’s multi-family! The club will be traveling to Germany, Austria and Switzerland in the summer of 2010.

   The Alzheimer’s Association will conduct its Annual Caregiver Education Conference, “Triumphs and Challenges of Caregiving,” on Monday, April 20, 2009, at Northern Michigan University’s Great Lakes Room, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. eastern time.
   The keynote speaker is Dr. Bruno Giordani, Ph.D., Director of Neuropsychology at the University of Michigan Medical School.
   This annual conference is designed to educate caregivers, family members, and professionals who provide care to a person with dementia, Alzheimer’s or any serious illness.

   As the BCMH Melt-Down enters its final four weeks it is important for participants to examine the changes they have made to accomplish their weight loss thus far. Many individuals have made positive dietary and exercise changes, and it is important to continue these changes once the challenge has ended. For many individuals, taking the weight off is not nearly as difficult as it is to maintain that loss.
   Perhaps one of the best ways to keep your calorie intake in control is to plan your meals in advance. How often do you come home from work, starving, with no idea what you will make for dinner?

   Christina Lazzari, of Watton, earned the distinction of being included on the Lake Superior State University Dean’s List for the Fall 2008 semester.
   To make the Dean’s List, students must achieve a 3.5 grade point average for the semester on a 4.0 scale. Lazzari is a senior studying biology.

   Marie Salo makes sure that victims of domestic violence always have someone to turn to.
   Salo has been on board as a counselor at the Baraga County Shelter Home in L’Anse for the past 17 years. Hired fresh out of college, she’s earned continuing credits in the trenches as she guides victims of domestic violence back from the brink.
   “I started with my regular associates degree, then got my bachelors degree in rural human services from Suomi,” Salo said. “It was the last graduating class before it became Finlandia University–I believe I was the oldest graduate at 58.”

   High school play fans will be entertained by Baraga and L’Anse plays coming up. Baraga’s spring play is scheduled this weekend on Friday and Saturday, March 13-14. L’Anse’s play will be staged on the weekend of March 27, 28 and 29, 2009.
   Baraga Drama Club presents “Jerry Finnegan’s Sister” this Friday and Saturday. Emily Marie, the AmeriCorps worker at the Pelkie school, will direct the two-person play. Tyler LaTendresse and Ashley Poehls star in the production.
   “It’s about a boy and girl who grow up next door to each other. The boy is now 23 and the girl, 22,” Marie explained. “The boy likes the girl but always says the wrong thing. It’s a romantic comedy.”
   The Baraga play takes place in the big gym. Cost of admission is $2. The play starts each night, March 13 and 14, at 7 p.m.
   The L’Anse High School spring production is “Just Another High School Play”.  The play is directed by Denise Laakko. The L’Anse High School Drama Club presents the play at 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, March 27-29.
   The L’Anse play takes place on the stage at the school cafetorium. Tickets will be available at the door for $3 for students and $5 for adults.

   The days may be getting longer, but our school year is getting shorter. March 20 ends our third marking period, and parent teacher conferences will follow the next week, on Thursday, Mar. 26, 2009. Every classroom is working hard to complete projects and meet goals before that time.
   Kindergarten news
   Kindergarten has been a flurry of activity. As winter draws on we have found many ways to stay warm while learning. We celebrated our 100th day of school with many learning activities that has us laughing, working together and counting to 100.
Students learned how to be a good friend to each other with our Valentine celebration. As we approach spring (hopefully) Kindergartners are celebrating our reading accomplishments by participating in March is Reading Month activities. Students are making leaps and bounds in both their reading and math skills.

   St. Patrick’s Day and National Quilt Day will be celebrated jointly Tuesday, Mar. 17, 2009, when Carrie Jacobs-Bond Composing Threaders host an open house from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Grace Covenant Church, 316 Jasper Street, Iron River.
   There will be “wearin’ of the green” by all who wish, green food and drink, sewing and quilting with more than just green. There will be no “green” $ to enter or register for door prizes. All is free with an ample parking lot.

   Nine L’Anse High School HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America) member have qualified for state competition after competing regionally at Findlandia University Feb. 5.
   Included in the group are Jessica Walitalo, Rebecca Dufek, Chelsea Paynter, Courtney Cadeau, Shelby Sikkila, Holly Supanich, Melissa Velmer, Kylee Kristo and Samantha Tollefson. L’Anse HOSA adviser Laura Schneider explained HOSA is a leadership organization that helps students develop skills in communication, leadership, teamwork and social responsibility while focusing on health-related curriculum.
   Schneider noted that her entire group of students qualified for state competition. This year’s state event is scheduled for April 23-24 in downstate Traverse City.

   Michigan State University Extension is offering the program, “Dealing with Family Finances in Tough Times” in Baraga on March 5, 2009. The Baraga County MSUE educational program can help families deal with finances in these tough times. “The program will focus on accessing local resources and provide information on planning, budgeting, dealing with creditors, avoiding foreclosure, and cost saving tips,” Extension Director Mike Jensen said.
   “The program is free and open to all. We do ask that you make a reservation as seating will be limited.”
   The Thursday, March 5, program runs from 7-9:30 p.m. at the Baraga Best Western Lakeside Inn. Call the MSU Extension Office in Baraga County at 524-6300 to reserve a seat. Seating will be limited to 40 participants. Reservations are required.

   High school seniors graduating in 2009 can now apply for paid summer internship positions with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). Upon completion of the seven-week program, students will receive a $2,500 scholarship to one of the seven participating civil engineering colleges or universities of their choice.
   The Transportation and Civil Engineering (TRAC) Pipeline Internship program is designed to interest high school students in transportation and civil engineering careers. MDOT is offering the Pipeline program to help students learn about civil engineering through a series of assignments, under the direction of a civil engineer, selected to aid in career decision making.

   At a special convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan on Feb. 21, 2009, at St. Stephen’s Church in Escanaba, a new bishop was elected and a Episcopal Ministry Support Team was affirmed.
   The 76 delegates representing 23 of the 27 congregations affirmed the choice of Kevin Thew Forrester as the diocese’s next bishop. He joined the Diocese as Ministry Development Coordinator in 2001 and in 2007 became Rector/Ministry Developer at St. Paul’s Church in Marquette and St. John’s Church in Negaunee. Thew Forrester will hold the title of “Bishop/Ministry Developer” and the affirmed Episcopal Ministry Support Team (EMST) will work as partners with him in episcopal oversight of the diocese.

   L’Anse’s junior and senior high school band not only hosted this year’s regional Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association’s (MSBOA) Solo and Ensemble, five high school musicians earned top ratings and will compete at the state level in Escanaba on March 28, 2009.
   L’Anse band director Aaron VanDusen noted that a good number of junior high musicians also received ratings of I but only high school students with that rating are invited to participate in State Solo and Ensemble.
   High school students receiving a I rating include-Rebecca Augustine, flute solo; Sarah Mars, flute solo; Jacob Schwartz, timpani solo; Jordan Dix, saxophone solo; Joe Augustine, tuba solo.
   II ratings were obtained by–Cassie Dix, trumpet and piano solo; Acacia Copley, clarinet solo; Andrew Schwartz, trumpet solo; Matt Korpi, flute solo; Emma Tembreull, trumpet solo; Sierra Ayres and Molly Wilder, trumpet duet; Gary Gagnier, trombone solo; Ian Hiltunen and Andrew Schwartz, trumpet duet; Matt Korpi and Sarah Mars, flute duet; Amanda Rantala and Acacia Copley, woodwind duet; Chris Mayo, bass clarinet solo.
   Brittney Kemppainen received a III rating. Rebecca Augustine and Cassie Dix competed in a violin duet but received no rating.
   At the junior high level, those receiving a I rating included–Heather McCarthy, snare drum solo; Charlotte Chosa Evans, flute solo; Jenna Hiltunen, alto-saxophone solo. II ratings were given to–Mary Schwartz, timpani solo; Brandon Scroggs, snare drum solo; Lauren Hendricks and Abby Marinich, woodwind duet; Samantha Hatfield, bass clarinet solo, Alix Puwal, clarinet solo.
   Rating III recipients included–Alix Puwal, Jenna Hiltunen and Rebecca Roth, woodwind trio; Eva Lind and Kaila Copley, woodwind duet.

   Copper Country Mental Health Services Institute will be providing a D.U.M.P. (Discard of Unused Medications Promptly) program during the Western UP District Health Department’s senior health screening at Baragaland Senior Center, on Mar. 19, 2009, from 9-11:30 a.m.
   Seniors, can bring unused and outdated medications and they will be safely disposed of. Seniors can register for prizes to be given away. “DUMP” is funded through the Western UP Substance Abuse Services Coordinating Agency. For more information, call the Aging Services Coordinator at the Institute at 482-4880.

   Central Michigan University’s fall semester honors list includes two students from the Baraga County area.
   They earned 3.5 (on a 4.0) scale and higher grade point averages. The fall semester at CMU, in Mount Pleasant ended in December, 2008.
   Making the honors list are Victoria Santii, a senior from Baraga; and Elizabeth Smith, a freshman from L’Anse.

   Students in grades 4 through 12 are invited to participate in the National History Day competition again in 2009. Through exhibits, research papers, performances, web sites or documentaries, students’ creations will center around this year’s theme of “The Individual in History.”
   Starting with regional competitions around the state, winning entries may move on to the state finals competition in April, and could continue to the national finals at the University of Maryland in June. Many Copper Country students have placed at the national level.
   The competition for Michigan’s Region 1 is scheduled for Saturday, Mar. 21, 2009, at the Memorial Union Building at Michigan Technological University. Region 1 includes twelve counties in the Central and Western Upper Peninsula, including the Copper Country.

   The BHK Wellness Center is bringing more and more families out of the house for health and fun activities this winter. A special “Winter Family Fun” event takes place at the L’Anse facility on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009, from 1-3 p.m.
   Snowshoe races, biggest snowman and snowball contests take place outdoors, and the indoor gym will be open. Hot drinks, snacks and door prizes will be offered.
   The Wellness Center is located in the old church on Meador Street, L’Anse, that is known by many as the former cooperative nursery school. Parents banded together to run the center for years, providing a healthy and fun child care option for working moms and dads.

   Local children’s book author Terri Martin will present the next Finlandia University Writer’s Journey seminar Thursday, Feb. 19, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the university’s Chapel of St. Matthew, Hancock.
   Through discussion and group participation, Martin will cover children’s book writing, and fiction writing in general, giving special attention to discovering the writer’s voice. She will also share tips on forming a critique group and information about helpful websites.

   Northern Michigan University announces its graduates. The following students from our area satisfied their degree requirements in December 2008.
   Associate Degree:
Benjamin Johnson, Baraga, AAS Building Technology; Kimberly Peterson, L’Anse, AB Health Information Processing.
   Baccalaureate Degree:
Tracy LaPlante, Baraga, BS Accounting.

   On Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009, at the Rozsa Center in Houghton, the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra will present “Echoes of the North,” a musical collaboration between the KSO and conductor Milton Olsson, bassist-composer Evan Premo, soprano Mary Bonhag, Nordic fiddler Laurel Premo, and White Water. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 (general public) and $7 for age 18 and under (MTU students are admitted free). To place ticket orders on-line, visit http://www.rozsa.mtu.edu 

   Ontonagon County MSU Extension is once again teaming up with Les McBean, owner of White Birch Apiary in Bruce Crossing, to offer two “Backyard Beekeeping Workshops”.
   The Beginning Beekeeping workshop will be held Saturday, Mar. 14 at the Ewen-Trout School, 144 Airport Road in Ewen from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST. McBean will focus on a year in the life of a beekeeper and will cover what equipment is needed to get started, kinds of equipment easily made at home, inspecting your colonies and how to recognize a queen-right colony, a laying worker or queenless colony.

   A number of community teenagers and adult volunteers involved in the MSU Extension 4-H Youth Program in Baraga County have identified the critical need of transportation as limiting their ability to participate in positive activities and educational opportunities. They have begun to explore a number of potential solutions.
   A public meeting is set for Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009, at 7 p.m. at the L’Anse Village Council Chambers.

   Starting Feb. 21, 2009, a series of free Life and Personal History Writing workshops, led by Finlandia University professor and Paloheimo Scholar Beth Virtanen, Ph.D., will help participants write their own personal narratives. The writings may be poems, descriptions of people or places, beginnings of short stories, personal histories, or memoirs.
   “I am hoping people from high school age to senior citizens will attend one or more of the writing workshops,” said Virtanen. “Participants will be invited to explore the many perspectives of their personal stories as part of a collaborative experience to enrich what they write.”

   Feb. 15-21, 2009, marks Through With Chew Week, which was established in 1989 by the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Inc. In recognition of the week, the Copper Country Tobacco Coalition joins with other concerned organizations around the nation in an effort to decrease use of spit tobacco and raise awareness of the negative health effects caused by this product.
   According to Joan McGowan, RDH, PhD, Chair of Tobacco-Free Michigan and Coordinator of the Michigan Spit Tobacco Education Program, spit tobacco and other tobacco products are not a safe alternative to smoking cigarettes.

   Johnny B. Perona (Giovanni Batista Perona) died early Sunday morning, Feb. 1, 2009, at “Our Lady of Mercy Nursing and Rehab Facility” in Hubbell. He had been a resident for the past 18 months.
   Born to Italian immigrant parents in Calumet, Perona was exposed to many cultures and their music, for which which he had a very keen ear.
   Perona gave his first musical performance at the school Christmas program at the age of 12 on the accordion. He was regarded a virtuoso on the concertina, accordion, violin, mandolin and guitar. He played old-time dance music for Italians, French, Finns, Slovenians and Croatians at local house parties, community dances, taverns and many music festivals for over 75 years.

   Northern Michigan University announces the Dean’s List for the Fall 2008 semester. The following students from Baraga County qualified with a grade point average of 3.25-3.99.
   Baraga: Kelley Artley, Richard Knisely, Tracy LaPlante, Jessica LeClaire, Katherine Massie, Amanda Rinkinen, Eric Van Straten and John Varline.
   L’Anse: Daniel Cavanaugh, Lisa Bennett, Melissa Crebessa, JamieL Desrochers, Tanya Kayramo, Jarod Kent, Nickolas Lincoln, Ryan Niemela, Kimberly Peterson and Emily Schwartz.
   Pelkie: Jordan Maki and Jonas Wolfe.
   Watton: Daniel Rajala.

   Traditionally during the Sunday Mass that kicks off Catholic Schools Week, Sacred Heart School presents a Distinguished Alumnus Award. This year however in keeping with the theme of Celebrate Service the school presented a Dedicated Service Award.
   Barb Edwards began playing the organ for daily Mass for the students of Sacred Heart School when it first opened in 1954. She also has played for the schools Christmas and spring programs in more recent years as well as at Sunday Masses at Sacred Heart Church.
   For over 50 years she has faithfully volunteered her time and talents to the children and parishioners in the school and church communities.

   The Sno Valley Riders and Mi-TRALE are going to team up to raise money for the Ontonagon Habitat for Humanity by hosting a Snowmobile Drag Race. The MASTERS Sanctioned race will take place at the Sidnaw Airport on Saturday, Feb 28, 2009.
   This year Habitat for Humanity will be building a home for John and Sandy Smith of Matchwood Township. John Smith is currently residing in a Long Term Care Unit, and his wife is living in an apartment in the Village of Ontonagon. Donations to watch and/or compete at the snowmobile drag races and proceeds from the concession stand will go toward building the Smith home.

   The Upper Peninsula Environmental Coalition, the oldest grassroots environmental organization in the UP, is once again offering grants to UP educators. The grants are intended to provide students with quality, outdoor educational experiences.
   In the past, grants of up to $500 have been awarded for many exciting projects: to create new outdoor curricula, a hands-on museum exhibit, to do water, snow and soil studies, outdoor journals, forest management plans and stream monitoring. Some of the projects were so well done, their results have been used by the federal government.

   Do you remember the Senior Girls Tea? Mary Dudo Bucklin will never forget it.
   The tea was a post-WWII tradition that introduced graduating senior girls from L’Anse and Baraga to a new level of social graces. It was part treat and part preparation for stepping out into a world much bigger than Baraga County.
   The program varied, but the girls always wore their Sunday best and enjoyed elegant finger sandwiches, sweets and tea from a silver service. Autographs were exchanged, and when cameras came into vogue, photos snapped to preserve the senior girls’ last and finest social.

   L’Anse-Baraga Community Schools Alternative Education has announced its second quarter 2008-09 honor roll. Cody Mills was named to the list.
   The second quarter, 2008-09, honor roll for the L’Anse-Baraga Community Schools Adult Education includes: Peggy Cadeau, Shanda Frank, Brittany Gain, Mark Gain, Julie Gauthier, Amber Pelon and Lisa Vokoviak.

   Once again, Copper Country residents will have the opportunity to be involved in one of the most intensive and up-to-date horticulture education programs in the nation.
   The 10-week, Michigan Master Gardener Program will be offered this fall at the MSU Extension Office, 1500 Birch Street, in Hancock. The course starts on Monday, Mar. 16, 2009, and for each consecutive Monday evening thereafter through May 18, 2009. The classes will begin at 6:30 p.m and conclude at 9:30-10 p.m.

   Chad Brunet, L’Anse, has joined Farm Bureau Insurance as a new agent serving this area from 47431 Highway M-26, Houghton.
   Brunet recently completed an extensive career development program for new agents, which prepared him for the state licensing examination and provided instruction in all areas of property/casualty and life insurance.
   His training included the agent career school at the Farm Bureau Insurance home office in Lansing. Farm Bureau agents are licensed to sell all lines of insurance, including life, home, auto, farm, retirement, and business.

   On Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009, Veterinarian Doctor’s Ben Bartlet and Mike Brunner will be presenting the Four Keys to a Healthy, Productive & Profitable Heard at the Extension office in Hancock from 6:30 - 9 p.m.
   Topics include several heard health areas and pointers; as well as an update on what they have learned from the BVD program and needs that should be addressed in your vaccinating programs.
   There is an opportunity for questions and discussions with this session.

   With the 2008 tax season getting underway, local volunteers are gearing up to provide free income tax assistance and preparation through the AARP Tax Aide Program.
   Tax Aide, a free tax preparation service for seniors and low to moderate income families and individuals, is supported by trained volunteers serving as Certified Tax Aide Counselors. Services offered by the Tax Aide Program include the completion and electronic filing of forms: 1040 & Schedules A, B, D, C-EZ, EIC & R; 1040A & Schedules 1, 2, 3 & EIC; 1O4OEZ and Michigan Income Tax Returns and Credits only returns.

   Need a ride? Need a prescription? Need a pizza from a place that doesn't deliver?
L.L. Lynx Transport, Baraga County's new cab business, is living up to its name by providing a vital link--transportation and delivery services--to customers in need of wheels. Piloted by Lori LaFernier, the business was begun about two weeks ago, and its cabs haven't idled much since.
   "The area doesn't have any type of transportation," LaFernier said. "We figured it could use some."
   After a year of planning and development, L.L. Lynx of Baraga opened its doors to riders Jan. 12, 2009.

   Michigan Tech honored the achievements of approximately 300 graduates Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008, at Midyear Commencement. A total of 260 undergraduate degrees, 27 master's degrees and 16 PhD degrees will be awarded.
   Among them were the following from this area:
   Baraga: Keith Herrala, Associate in Applied Science in Electrical Engineering Technology and Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology; Timothy Wilson, Master of Science in Biological Sciences.
   L’Anse: Aaron Loosemore, Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science; Brooke Sirard, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
   Watton: Michael Lazzari, Master of Science in Biological Sciences.

   Michael Lazzari, Watton, participated in the winter commencement exercises held at Michigan Technological University on Dec. 13, 2008.
   Lazzari received his masters degree in Clinical Laboratory Science Management, graduating Summa Cum Laude. He is employed at War Memorial Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie and is pursuing his PhD in Health Education with A.T. Still University, Mesa, AZ.
   He is the son of Greg and Karen Lazzari of Watton.

   Students from Sacred Heart School and the Faith Formation Program of the area’s three Catholic Churches participated in a very well-attended Pro-Life Mass on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009. “The Mass was held in prayer and penance for sins against life and in remembrance of the 26,000 children who were victims of abortion in the state of Michigan in 2007. Prayers were offered for an end to abortion,” said Christy Miron, Faith Formation coordinator of Sacred Heart, St. Ann’s and Holy Name Catholic churches.
   The Mass started with 26 children processing in, each carrying a white carnation that represented 1,000 deaths by abortion. The flowers were placed in front of the altar while the church bell was tolled 26 times, once for every 1,000 abortions in Michigan in 2007. Fr. Augustin George, Pastor, and Fr. George Maki, Associate Pastor, were joined by Bishop James Garland and Deacons John Cadeau and Bob Wahmhoff. Garland was the main celebrant for the Mass, and the Knights of Columbus from the Msgr. Rezek Assembly provided the honor guard.

   This year’s Melt-Down is off to a sizzling start. With 43 teams in the weight loss competition. As of Jan. 26, 2009, the participants have lost a total 265 pounds following their second weigh-in. Participants are competing for large cash prizes paid out to the top three teams. The first place team will receive $800; followed by $500 for second place; and $300 for third.
   Top individual losers will receive 12, 6, and 3 month memberships. Prizes are awarded based on percentage of body weight lost. In addition, all 43 teams are competing against the Aspirus Ontonagon Rehab & Fitness Center. This year Aspirus Ontonagon has 64 teams participating in the Melt-Down.

   Sacred Heart School announces its second quarter honor roll. Names with an asterisk * indicate all A’s.
   Grade four: Victoria Francois, Ashok Ravindran, Carrie Schwartz and Brandt Tembreull.
   Grade five: Jacob Freeman, Colin Jackson, Emily Magaraggia and Lila Morningstar.
   Grade six: Lauren Jackson and Elsa Schwartz.

   The Trout Creek Library presents its second Quilt Show on Saturday, March 7, 2009. The show will feature quilts made by both local and non-local crafters of all ages. Family heirloom quilts will be exhibited along with newly made ones of both familiar and one-of-a kind patterns. Attendees will be delighted by the expertise and wide variety of patterns and color.

   Thanks to a federal grant, the Ojibwa Community Library (OCL) in Baraga is the recipient of three visual magnification machines.
   According to library director Mary Bergerson, the OCL secured an enhancement grant from the Institutes of Museum and Library Services for Native Americans in Washington D.C. The grant is entitled Elder Wiidookodaadig (which translates into “help each other”) Project.
   “There were 55 tribes going after 14 grants,” said Bergerson. “It was very competitive.”

   This past spring and summer, Sentinel readers learned they spend a good part of every day speaking French.
   The truth was unearthed by Ange Giudicelli of L'Anse via two installments of an article he wrote titled "The Origins of the English Language." It tracks the course of our language through history and how it's picked up words along the way, with an emphasis on France.
   Giudicelli and wife, Ruth, moved to L'Anse from Strasbourg, France in late summer, 2007. While Ange was still mastering English, he was both amazed and delighted at how much French he was hearing out on the streets. A scholar at heart, he set out to find out why.

   Jessica (Schultz) Koskinen graduated with a Master’s of Science in Nurse Anesthesia from The University of Miami in Coral Gables, FL, on Dec. 18, 2008. She is a member of the Beta Tau Chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau, International Honor Society of Nursing.
   Koskinen accepted a position at the Cleveland Clinic Florida in Weston, FL, where she will be working as a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA).
   In 2004, she graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from Michigan State University and is a 1999 graduate of L’Anse High School. Koskinen is the daughter of Jim and Jean Schultz of L’Anse.

   Finlandia University’s North Wind Books, Hancock, will host a book signing for local author Carolyn Peterson Saturday, Jan. 24, from noon to 1 p.m., in conjunction with the City of Hancock’s Heikinpäivä mid-winter celebration.
   Peterson will sign copies of her new book, “View from the Wolf's Eye,” a memoir of the 37 summers she spent on Isle Royale, a National Park wilderness in Lake Superior, as wife and assistant to wolf and moose researcher Rolf Peterson.

   Jessica Walitalo, a senior at the L'Anse High School, has won the Village of L'Anse Public Power scholarship. The annual high school scholarship is sponsored by WPPI Energy for its member communities.
   “As a municipally owned utility, we believe that providing educational opportunities for promising local students is a sound investment in our community,” says Bob LaFave, Village Manager. “We congratulate Jessica on her accomplishments and extend our best wishes for a successful future.”

   Although there are many times throughout the year that prove to be busy at any elementary school, the last week in January is one of the busiest for Catholic elementary schools across the country.
   That is because this time is set aside to celebrate Catholic Schools Week. What is Catholic Schools Week? It is an opportunity to showcase all that Catholic Schools have to offer. For teachers and staff it can be exhausting, but for students it is a lot of fun.

   Her dad, Carlos, was Italian. Her mom, Eileen, was French. And Phyllis (Seratti) LaBranche runs a Swedish restaurant!
   “People say, you’re not Swedish. How can an Italian run a Swedish restaurant? When I walk into the restaurant the wonderful aroma of the baked goods reminds me of my mothers’ kitchen at home. It’s a wonderful combination!”
   Born and raised in Baraga, LaBranche has owned The Swedish Pantry on Ludington Street in downtown Escanaba for 13 years. The restaurant is regionally famous and has been written about in The Detroit Free Press for its special cuisine.

   Learn the basics of the Finnish language in the Spring 2009 Finlandia University class, Elementary Finnish I, taught by Finnish national Kaisa Randolph.
   Students will engage in lots of conversation, read short texts and comics, learn some basic grammar, sing favorite Finnish hits, and watch popular Finnish shows. The class may even enjoy a visit or two from celebrity Finnish guests.
   No previous Finnish language knowledge required, just bring your sisu.

   Superior Americorps members are organizing a supply drive for the Baraga County Shelter Home. The wish list includes towels, toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies, storage containers, portable heaters, throw rugs, trash bags, vacuum cleaner and office supplies.
   Donations may be made a the Baraga County Federal Credit Union in Baraga or L’Anse during business hours, and the L’Anse Wellness Center located at 4 Meador Street, L’Anse, on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009, from 10 a.m. to noon.
   For more information call Linda Puckett at 487-6600 ext 136.

   The Calumet Theatre presents the Keweenaw World Festival, a night of folk music on Jan. 31, 2009, at 7 pm. Old Irish folk music, bluegrass and the music of the Copper Country’s Pasi Cats is on the menu.
   Detour is a bluegrass band from Northern Lower Michigan. Detour combines original contemporary bluegrass sounds along with great traditional favorites. With tight focused harmonies, precision instrumentals, and creative melodies, Detour takes you down a unique bluegrass road.

   Put on a few unwanted pounds over the holidays?
   If it’s time to trim down, and if one lacks the motivation to “go it alone”, BCMH’s Rehab and Fitness Center might be the answer.
   The 2009 “Winter Melt-Down” is a community weight loss challenge encouraging participants to change their lifestyle and become healthier. This is the third time the program has been offered. In the past members of the Fitness Center participated; this winter it’s open to members and non-members.
   “The BCMH Weight Loss Challenge is a 12-week program designed to encourage individuals to lose weight through diet and exercise while gaining the knowledge needed to keep the weight off,” Fitness Center Coordinator Pam Dove explained.

   Finnish language and kantele classes will be offered at the Finlandia University Finnish American Heritage Center beginning in the New Year.
   Three 10-week Finnish language classes begin the week of Jan. 12. All are held at the Finnish American Heritage Center, Hancock.

   Ashley Jean Archambeau of Ann Arbor graduated from University of Michigan December, 2008.
   The L’Anse High School graduate received a bachelor’s degree in biology and plans to continue her education with graduate studies at U of M.
   Archambeau is the daugter of Tom and Cheryl Archambeau of L’Anse.

   The Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) and Finlandia University invite area entrepreneurs to take advantage of free one-on-one business counseling sessions at the university’s Jutila Center on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009.
   Business consultant Roger Woods of Homer Productivity, LLC, can advise on all aspects of small business development from the initial idea through growth and expansion strategies.
   Appointments are recommended and can be made by phone 487-7450 or e-mail cgdb@finlandia.edu
   The Finlandia University Jutila Center is at 200 Michigan Street, Hancock.

   The Finlandia University Nordic Film Series continues this Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, with the Norwegian documentary, “Give Us Back Our Skeletons”.
   Showings are at 2 and 6 p.m. at the Finnish American Heritage Center, Hancock.
Released in 1999, ‘Give Us Back Our Skeletons’ tells the story of a Sámi activist and his quest for the return of the human remains of his ancestors.
   Locked up in the Anatomical Institute in Oslo, Norway, two skeletons are all that is left of Mons Somby and Aslak Hetta, two Sámi men who were executed in 1854 for murder following a rebellion against the Norwegian government.

   First you ski. Then you fly.
   That was the rule for the four toughs pictured at left, posing before the ski jump at Limestone Mountain in Alston. The photo was snapped back in 1942. The guy on the right, George Koskimaki, remembers it like it was yesterday.
   The photo was submitted to the Sentinel this past summer by Jean Kangas, Koskimaki's niece. His brother, Onnie, at his left was Jean's father. To hear Koskimaki tell it, it's a wonder any of them survived long enough to grow up and settle down.

   Lake Superior State University announced that Elisa Reynolds, a senior at Baraga High School, has been awarded the Board of Trustees Academic Achievement Scholarship commencing for the Fall 2009 semester.
   She is the daughter of Robert and Beth Reynolds of Baraga. Reynolds will major in Physical Therapy/ Sports Medicine.

   Michigan Department of Human Services Director Ismael Ahmed announced that as many as 80,000 Michigan senior citizens and adults with disabilities could automatically get help with their food budgets next year under a federal pilot project.
   The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service granted Michigan a series of waivers allowing the state to implement the Michigan Combined Application Project (MiCAP). Under the project, adults who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and who live independently could receive at least $60 each month in food assistance.

   In lieu of a grand re-opening, the law office of Graybill & Mead in L'Anse is offering a grand opportunity: Call in with your legal questions.
   Starting the first full week in January, persons may call to schedule an appointment to discuss a legal question regarding the following topics: real property, estate planning, family law and business law.
   Appointments will be accepted for Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the month of January. When scheduling an appointment, please mention this story and describe which topic your legal question pertains to. Appointments will be limited to 30 minutes.

   Rich LaPlante received a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice from Northern Michigan University Dec. 13, 2008.
    LaPlante is in his 15th year in law enforcement and is currently a corporal with the NMU Public Safety Department. He resides in Negaunee with his wife Tracy and children, Shelby and Alec. LaPlante is the son of Lynn Forrest and Rick LaPlante.

   Pastor David Hoover mans the pulpit at Victory Christian Assembly church, spreading the Word in a building that's stood for over 110 years in Baraga.
   Hoover has been on the job almost three years now, tending a small but gradually growing flock of the faithful. He and his wife, Sherry, trek south from their home in Calumet each Sunday and Wednesday for services and family Bible studies at the church on 111 Pennock Ave.
   "We're a non-denominational charismatic church, part of the Fellowship of Christian Assemblies," Hoover explained. "The church has been here for 32 years. It took 30 years for me to get here!"

   The Bishop Baraga Shrine Gift Shop is up and running and open for business.
   The gift shop is located atop the Red Rocks at the tip of Keweenaw Bay. It stands at the approach to the Bishop Baraga Shrine, a towering monument to the "snowshoe priest" who spread God's word amongst the region's Native Americans and early settlers.
   The gift shop and surrounding 14 acres were purchased last December by a non-profit organization named Missions of the Liturgy. The shrine is owned by a separate foundation. Maria Volp, head of the Missions, hopes to nurture Christian faith via the shop and grounds.

   A crowd of 90 people braved unplowed, slippery roads to attend the annual Light Keepers benefit concert at Zion Lutheran Church in Skanee on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 14, 2008. The event brings in cash donations and many, many new toys for the Marine Corps League’s Toys for Tots drive.
   Pastor Judy Mattson said the total offering for Toys for Tots came to $855, and an estimated $1,000 worth of toys lined the altar. They will be distributed to local children to brighten their Christmas morning. L’Anse Lions Club President Suzie Presslein donated a $200 check on behalf of the Lions.

   The L’Anse “Purple Hornets” played the St. Ignace “Saints” in the first round of High School Bowl and won by a score of 190-150. Fifty schools from the Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin field teams for Public TV 13’s High School Bowl tournament, now celebrating 31 years on the air. Single-elimination play continues until the Championship game next April.
   L’Anse will advance to the second round when they play Menominee in Game 31, scheduled to air on Jan. 24, 2009. High School Bowl can be seen on Public TV 13 on Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Mondays at noon.

   Michigan State University Extension (MSU-E) and the Michigan Maple Syrup Association (MMSA) will be co-sponsoring a day-long educational program in Lower Michigan on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009, for any interested maple syrup producers.
   The highlight of this year’s program will be two in-depth presentations focusing on “The Health Benefits of Maple Syrup” by Dr. Kerrie Sanders and “Farm Market Marketing of Maple Syrup Products”. In addition, there will be several break-out sessions after lunch that will focus on methods of filtering maple syrup to remove impurities, an opportunity to test sap or syrup hydrometers and a “beginner’s session” for newer producers.

   Neither rain nor sleet nor snow used to keep Jaren Tollefson from his appointed rounds. Now, he's happy to watch them through his living room window.
   Tollefson retired Nov. 30, 2008 from the U.S. Postal Service, ending a 15-year run of walking a mail route in L'Anse. Tollefson traveled about 10 miles a day on foot to get the mail through, delivering letters and packages to over 500 customers along the way.
   In the comfort of his home on Jack-O-Lantern Road on a bitterly cold Saturday afternoon, Tollefson fondly looked back on a job well done. He misses his customers, even the furry four- legged ones, but it was time to hang up his mail sack.

   Singer-songwriter Cathy Bolton’s eighth recording takes her “Back To My Roots” with a collection of folk and country songs she learned to play on the guitar as a teen. She’s been performing around the country and internationally for 16 years.
   “Back To My Roots” is the fifth recording Bolton has done with friend, engineer, co-producer and co-arranger Jim Fischer from Vancouver, WA. The title track is a creation of Bolton and Fischer. Bolton wrote the lyrics and Fischer, the music. The rest of the album includes well-known songs that audiences will sing along with.

   For those who have lost a loved one the holidays can be particularly difficult. On Dec. 2, 2008, Baraga County Home Care and Hospice honored the memory of those held dear with the annual Love Light Tree Lighting Ceremony.
   During the weeks prior to the ceremony, individuals had the opportunity to secure a star on the tree in remembrance of a loved one who has passed away, or in honor of someone dear to them.

   On Thursday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m., Jacobson Funeral Home will host a Holiday Remembrance Program for all area residents who have experienced the death of someone loved. The program will include a presentation on coping with holiday grief by Pastor Judy Mattson, as well as a non-denominational tree lighting.
   “The holidays are a wonderful time of year. But they can be a particularly difficult time to cope with the loss of a loved one. At Jacobson Funeral Home we realize that the first Christmas without a loved one is especially challenging. Therefore, we would like to offer a special holiday remembrance to commemorate your loved ones during this holiday season”, says Susan Jacobs of Jacobson Funeral Home.

   In 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt bailed the country out by putting it to work.
   His Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was part of Roosevelt’s New Deal legislation geared to battle unemployment during the Great Depression. The program was established to conserve natural resources nation-wide while providing work and training for young men without jobs.
   The fruits of CCC crews’ efforts can still be seen and enjoyed throughout the UP. Keweenaw Mountain Lodge and the stone guardrails framing Brockway Mountain Drive were created by CCC crews. Camp Nesbit, located south of Sidnaw, was also built by the CCC.

   Gallery 325 will celebrate its 6th annual student art show with a reception from 7-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, 2008, at the Marilyn Dammann Art Center, 315 McGillan Street, Baraga.
   The show is titled, "Left Brain Recess" and will feature artworks in a variety of media by students from L’Anse, Arvon and Baraga area schools. Kid-friendly refreshments (pizza & pop!) will be served at the event which is free of charge and open to the public.

   Just as the circle is a Native American symbol of the wheel of life, it is also KBIC Even Start’s symbol of community, family, and unity. This Baraga County family literacy program strives to build and strengthen the circle through family-focused activities that support the educational goals of all of its participants.
   Family Circle is a weekly gathering of KBIC Even Start participants that brings together the educational components of the program through intergenerational literacy activities. Infants and children arrive with their parents, grandparents, or maybe even an uncle, ready to explore and interact in a home-like setting. A family-style lunch is often the starting point of the Circle after which families break off into small clusters to visit and share parenting experiences.

   Finlandia University will present its 91st annual Finnish Independence Day program Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008, at 2 p.m. at the Finnish American Heritage Center, Hancock.
   “Take a break from Christmas shopping and craft shows and stop in at the Finnish American Heritage Center to rest your feet, have an aromatic cup of Finnish coffee, enjoy the entertainment, and help a group of young people travel to Finland,” urges Jim Kurtti, director of the Heritage Center.

   The 36th annual Children’s Christmas Party hosted by the Baraga Fire Department is currently being planned by the department. The children’s party is scheduled for Dec. 20, 2008, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Baraga Fire Hall.
   Some of the highlights of the day will include: fire truck rides, gift drawings for children of all ages, treats for one and all, and of course a visit from Santa himself.

   Three attorneys from the law firm of Kendricks, Bordeau, Adamini, Chilman & Greenlee, P.C. in Marquette have been named by Michigan Super Lawyers magazine as some of the top attorneys in Michigan for 2008.
   Ronald Keefe and Kenneth Seavoy from L’Anse were among five percent of the lawyers in the state selected for inclusion in the "Super Lawyers" category of the publication. Laura Katers Reilly was among 2.5 percent of the lawyers in the state selected for inclusion in the "Rising Stars" category of the publication, which are attorneys age 40 or younger or in practice 10 years or less.

   There are still a few weeks left in 2008 if you’re an UPPCO customer who has been meaning to contribute to UPPCO’s We Care program and take advantage of the company’s 100 percent match. All funds collected are sent to St. Vincent de Paul along with a matching check from UPPCO.
   Because of the great need, several months ago UPPCO announced it would renew its pledge to match all dollars customers contribute to the “We Care” program from January through December 2008. UPPCO collects the money through customer’s bill payments and sends it to St. Vincent de Paul in the donor’s area. St. Vincent de Paul uses it to help needy families pay their electric bills, which frees up other St. Vincent de Paul funds for food and other aid to the needy.