Local concerned citizens hold vigil in support of Standing Rock camp, call on Wells Fargo to divest from DAPL

December 14, 2016, 10:55 am

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By Michele Bourdieu, with photos and videos by Allan Baker

Concerned citizens set out from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Houghton for a vigil near the Wells Fargo Bank. Signs support the water protectors at Standing Rock, opposed to the Dakota Access Pipeline, and call for Wells Fargo to divest from Energy Transfer Partners, the oil company building the pipeline. (Photos by Allan Baker for Keweenaw Now)

HOUGHTON -- Regina Alleman, who volunteered as a nurse to help injured water protectors at Standing Rock in North Dakota, was nearly in tears as she described what she considered human rights violations against peaceful protesters during a discussion at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Houghton on Dec. 8, 2016 -- a few days after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) finally refused to approve an easement that will allow the proposed Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) to cross under Lake Oahe.*

Alleman was speaking to a group of local citizens who wished to show their solidarity with thousands of Native and non-Native people who have gathered peacefully in a huge camp in North Dakota to demonstrate against potential impacts to the drinking water and sacred sites of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. The Houghton group held a discussion before walking up College Avenue to stand a vigil near the local Wells Fargo Bank and call for the bank's divestment from DAPL.

Noting her shock at the human rights abuses perpetrated on the crowds of peaceful protesters, also known as water protectors, Alleman said this should be a concern of all Americans:

Regina Alleman, who volunteered as a nurse at Standing Rock, shares her experiences with a group of concerned citizens gathered at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Houghton, Mich., on Dec. 8, 2016. (Videos by Allan Baker for Keweenaw Now)

Rodney Loonsfoot, a member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, helped organized the Dec. 8 event.

"I have not been to standing rock YET," Loonsfoot told Keweenaw Now. "I was waiting for the second wave of veterans that was supposed to happen. The first bunch of veterans did the job and that weekend the ACE denied the permit. So our wave didn't go. Although the permit has been denied, we ask communities to continue to pray for our mother earth, our sacred water and for the new administration to respect our mother earth and stand to protect her."

Loonsfoot also spoke to the group at Good Shepherd during the discussion:

During the discussion at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, preceding a vigil against DAPL investor Wells Fargo Bank, Rodney Loonsfoot of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) speaks about the injustices against the water protectors at Standing Rock and the oil company's lack of respect for Native American sacred burial grounds.

Others added to the discussion with descriptions of some of the worst injuries suffered by water protectors at the hands of police and security forces using rubber bullets, pepper spray, and more:

Vigil participants comment on serious injuries suffered by peaceful water protectors, including eye injuries described here by Copper Harbor resident Donica Dravillas, who was accompanied by her daughter, Maddie. Donica recently made a trip to bring supplies to Standing Rock.

Jerry Jondreau, also a KBIC member, said the purpose of the Dec. 8 event was to show support for the people at Standing Rock and to raise awareness that Wells Fargo is an investor in the DAPL.

"The event was held for people to come together to show support for the No DAPL movement, share stories and provide a community of support for those affected emotionally, spiritually and physically," Jondreau explained. "After snacks and introductions the group walked to Wells Fargo with their signage."

The vigil participants stand near Wells Fargo Bank in Houghton, taking care not to block the sidewalk.

Good Shepherd Pastor Bucky Beach said the intent of the vigil was to raise awareness of how the DAPL is funded and to register people's concerns with Wells Fargo.

"It was to encourage them to look at the implications of their investments and to consider divesting, and investing in other ways," Pastor Beach noted.

Concerned citizens chant "Mni Wiconi / Water is Life!"(in Lakota and in English) and "Wells Fargo, divest!" during their vigil in support of the water protectors of Standing Rock. The event took place near the local branch of the Wells Fargo Bank. Wells Fargo is one of the investors in the Dakota Access Pipeline that threatens the water and sacred Native American sites in North Dakota.

William Thompson, a Finlandia student and U.S. Marine Corps veteran who visited Standing Rock, joined in the vigil.

"I was at the sacred stone camp donating supplies and helping with needs around camp," Thompson said. "I can best describe being at camp like standing on the divide of the yin and yang. Camp was a powerful sacred place filled with peaceful prayerful people sharing love for our earth and one another, and across the river there was razor wire, militarized police/vehicles with weapons. Many nations of indigenous people from Alaska to Peru were there standing in peaceful solidarity to protect the earth and our fresh water for everyone. While in orientation at camp we were told to maintain a state of prayer, make ourselves useful, look after the elders, be self sufficient, maintain nonviolence, and BRING IT HOME amongst others. I felt compelled to go to Standing Rock to honor my oath as a marine to defend against all threats foreign (or in this case) domestic. I attended the vigil to honor the request to bring it home."

William Thompson, center, Finlandia student and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, displays the bilingual sign, "Mni Wiconi/Water is Life" during the Dec. 8 vigil near Wells Fargo Bank in Houghton. Pictured also are, at left, Regina Alleman, and Donica Dravillas with her daughter, Maddie.

After the vigil, the group returned to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church for a Prayer Circle.

Pastor Beach said, "The prayer circle was to offer support to people at Standing Rock and prayers for the earth."

Miguel and Anita Levy of Chassell also participated in the vigil.

Miguel Levy said, in addition to raising awareness about the DAPL, the vigil was intended to demonstrate the role of financial institutions such as Wells Fargo in perpetuating environmental and social injustice.

"This has the effect of helping to organize resistance to DAPL," Miguel noted. "As to the effectiveness of this kind of protest activity, it should be seen in the broader context of what's going on nationally and internationally. Hundreds of protests against banks' funding of DAPL have taken place this month alone throughout the country and abroad. On December 1st alone there were at least 80 protests against funding DAPL -- from Alaska, to California, to Florida, in 30 states, and in Canada, Europe and Japan. Building strength to the resistance movement, as these actions show, is critical to defeating DAPL and strengthening the whole environmental movement."

* Editor's Note: See "Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s statement on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers decision against easement."

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An open Letter to Electors

December 16, 2016, 10:22 am

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Note: This letter was published in the Washington Post, Philadelphia Inquirer, Austin American-Statesman, Salt Lake City Tribune and Tampa Bay Times on Dec. 14, 2016. It was published in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the Wisconsin State Journal on Dec. 15, 2016. Letter to Electors is a project of Democracy and Progress PAC and the Electoral College Petition.

Esteemed Electors:

We, a bipartisan coalition of Americans including Electors, scholars, officials, and concerned citizens write to you in the spirit of fellowship, out of our sense of patriotism, and with great urgency.

There are times in the life of a nation when extraordinary circumstances call for extraordinary measures. Now is a such time, and your courage and leadership are required.

Never in our Republic’s history has there been a President-apparent comparable to Donald Trump. His inauguration would present a grave and continual threat to the Constitution, to domestic tranquility, and to international stability:

• He has threatened the freedom of speech by condoning violence at public events, and suggesting criminal penalties and even revocation of citizenship to punish political expression;


• He has threatened the freedom of press by vowing to revoke First Amendment protections for journalists;

• He has threatened the freedom of religion by proposing to bar entry to the country and force the registration of members of certain faiths;

• He has entangled himself with foreign interests through his personal business dealings, and refused to provide records of his taxes, which could allay suspicions;

• He has indicated a willingness to condone torture, in contravention of the Constitution and our international treaties, which carry the force of law;

• He is uncomfortably close to the regime of Russia, which has interfered in the election;

• He has shown reckless disregard for diplomacy, communicating impulsively, in public forums, regarding matters of national security, and allowing personal emotions to interfere with reasoned judgment, calling into question his fitness as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and the nuclear capabilities of the United States;

• He has, unlike every previous Commander-in-Chief, never served in any public position, whether elected or appointed, civilian or military, thereby bringing no experience or proven judgment on behalf of The People, or evidence of a character suited to high office.

For these reasons, his assumption of office endangers the Constitution, the freedoms it protects, and the continued prosperity and welfare of the United States.

You, Electors, possess the power to prevent this outcome. You are not bound to cast your vote for the candidate of your party -- and, as he won neither a majority nor even a plurality of the popular vote, there can be no question of undermining the will of The People.

The Constitution empowers Electors to exercise judgment and choice. If your role were only ceremonial, our Founders would not have required the states to elect you, or that you cast ballots by your own hand. State laws notwithstanding, you are free to vote your conscience. You have a mandate, like all officials, to protect and defend the Constitution. And you have the right and responsibility to investigate those who stand for this office, and to deliberate before casting your vote.

We place country before party in imploring you, our fellow Americans, to investigate and deliberate. We stand with you as you exercise your conscience and give profound consideration to the consequences of your vote. We affirm your right and your duty to do so free from intimidation, and urge you to cast your ballot for a person with the temperament, integrity and commitment to Constitutional principles necessary in a President.

In doing so, know that you enjoy the support of millions of Americans.

Thank you for your service to our country.

Read signatories here.

CLICK HERE for the PETITION.

Plug In for renewable energy

December 21, 2016, 10:06 am

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An example of plug and play solar. (Photo courtesy Joshua Pearce and Michigan Tech University)

By Stefanie Sidortsova*
With additional information from Joshua Pearce
Posted Dec. 5, 2016, on Michigan Tech News
Reprinted here with permission

HOUGHTON -- A new study shows a huge US market for plug and play solar energy, with billions of dollars in retail sales and energy savings. So what's holding up widespread use?

Support for solar energy is vast. According to a 2015 Gallup poll, 79 percent of Americans want the US to put more emphasis on developing solar power. Most of the same people, unfortunately, can’t afford to install solar energy systems in their homes. Even after federal tax credits, installing solar panels to cover all of a family's electricity needs can cost tens of thousands of dollars. For others, a home solar system isn’t a consideration because they rent, or move frequently.

But Michigan Technological University’s Joshua Pearce says he knows the solution: plug and play solar.

"Plug and play systems are affordable, easy to install, and portable," says Pearce, associate professor of materials science and engineering and of electrical and computer engineering. "The average American consumer can buy and install them with no training."

In a study funded by the Conway Fellowship and published in Renewable Energy (DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2016.11.034), Pearce and researchers Aishwarya Mundada and Emily Prehoda estimate that plug and play solar could provide 57 gigawatts of renewable energy -- enough to power the cities of New York and Detroit -- with potentially $14.3 to $71.7 billion in sales for retailers and $13 billion a year in cost savings for energy users.

Sounds great, right? Well, there’s one problem: in many parts of the United States, electrical regulations don’t allow consumers to plug and play.

Small Investment, Big Return

Plug and play solar panels connect to an ordinary electrical outlet. You’re still on the grid, but you’ve become a "prosumer" -- a consumer of energy who also produces it. The panels range in wattage and are relatively affordable, with some costing just a couple hundred dollars apiece. A prosumer can start small, with just one panel, and slowly build up over time to a system that produces 1 kilowatt of energy, the equivalent of powering 10 100-watt LED light bulbs.

The panels are also portable. So, for example, if a college student buys one 250-watt plug and play panel each year for four years, reaching 1 kilowatt of energy by senior year, that student can unplug the four panels when she graduates and take them to her next destination.

 "The technology is already there. Europeans do this all the time." Joshua Pearce

Pearce estimates that plug and play systems could generate more than four times the amount of electricity generated from all of US solar last year. 

"The vast majority of this energy never leaves the home," Pearce says. "It’s the equivalent of handling a hair dryer load. We’re talking about almost nothing on the electrical grid -- but that nothing adds up. It’s an appliance with a high rate of return."
 
Safe, Simple -- And Largely Prohibited

In the United States, a patchwork of local jurisdictions and regulations make it difficult to figure out if and where plug and play panels are allowed.

"You can buy the panels," Pearce says, "but you might not be able to plug them in, depending on your utility."

Pearce cites the Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO) as an example of a utility that prohibits this plug and play solar use.

"UPPCO has hit their self-imposed 1 percent  limit (the minimum the state mandates they allow) for all net metering of any kind," Pearce notes. "This makes both new traditional solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and new plug and play PV systems unable to connect now unless consumers  1) use a transfer switch that can switch various home circuits from grid to the solar so if you have extra solar power, you just put more load on that system, 2) use a battery back up system, or 3) simply leave the grid. The latter is possible to do economically in this region by combining solar, a small battery bank and a cogen system (a technology that produces both electricity and heat -- usually from natural gas).

"We essentially have the highest electric rates in the country and UP customers are being blocked by financing their own less-expensive grid tied solar systems to protect a short-term utility monopoly. As grid defection becomes a progressively more profitable investment for many people in the UP, utilities that follow this short-sighted strategy risk losing significant fractions of their customer base. Our earlier analysis showed 92 percent of seasonal households and ~75 percent of year-round households are projected to meet electricity demands with lower costs using their own PV+battery+cogen systems."

In a paper published earlier this year in Solar Energy (DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2016.06.002), Pearce, Mundada and researcher Yuenyong Nilsiam reviewed all regulations in the US that would apply to plug and play systems. They found no safety or technical issues with the equipment on the market.

"This is an area where less regulation could really help renewable energy," Pearce says. "We know that the technology is safe, and the law should reflect that."

The risk, according to Pearce, is putting too much current on one circuit, so he recommends that homeowners keep their plug and play systems to a kilowatt or less. Simple precautions make this easy -- if a panel is plugged into an outdoor outlet, for example, safety plugs on all other outdoor outlets on that circuit can prevent overload.

While some jurisdictions have recognized that there are no major safety or technical issues with plug and play panels, paperwork holds up the process. Potential prosumers often have to fill out complicated forms to fulfill utility requirements, and the paperwork and associated fees vary by utility. To simplify the process, Pearce and colleagues automated it, by writing open-source computer code that fills out every possible technical requirement. Utilities can easily use the free code on their websites.

"Some utilities have embraced plug and play, and some have ignored it because they think it’s a pittance," Pearce says. "But plug and play solar is something that can help most Americans."

Inset Photo: Joshua Pearce. (Photo courtesy Michigan Tech University)
 
* Editor's Note: Guest author Stefanie Sidortsova is a Science and Technology Publications writer for Michigan Tech University.

National Park Service seeks Public Comment on Draft Environmental Impact Statement to Address the Introduction of Wolves to Isle Royale

December 27, 2016, 2:18 pm

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Isle Royale wolf. (Photo © and courtesy Rolf Peterson)

HOUGHTON -- Isle Royale National Park (ISRO) released for public review and comment the draft Environmental Impact Statement to Address the Presence of Wolves (draft EIS). The wolf population has declined to just two wolves in the past five years and scientists believe that natural recovery of the population is unlikely.

The draft EIS is open for public review and comment for 90 days, concluding March 15, 2017. Click here to read the draft EIS and comment on it.

The draft EIS evaluates four alternatives:  a no-action alternative and three action alternatives.  Alternative B is the National Park Service (NPS) preferred alternative. It calls for the immediate introduction of 20 to 30 wolves to the park over a three year period. The goal of the preferred alternative is the immediate introduction of enough wolves to the park to sustain a population.

Alternative A is no action. Under alternative C, the National Park Service would immediately introduce 6 - 15 wolves with the potential for subsequent introductions over a 20-year period in order to maintain a wolf population in the park. Alternative D provides continued monitoring with no immediate action to bring in wolves but the ability to do so in the future. The decision about future introductions would be based on moose population metrics and other observed changes in the ecosystem.

This slide from a July 2015 Open House presentation in Houghton by Andrew Coburn, NPS environmental protection specialist and project manager for the Isle Royale management plan/EIS, outlines the estimated schedule NPS has been following to prepare the Moose-Wolf-Vegetation Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (plan/EIS). The Draft Plan/EIS now available for public review concerns the presence of wolves on the island.* 

"This is about more than wolves," Park Superintendent Phyllis Green said. "It’s about the entire park ecosystem and where it is heading in the future with changing conditions. This is a complex issue to address. We have sought input from subject matter experts to evaluate the situation, and we would like to hear from the public on the current draft plan."

Click here to read the purpose of the draft EISand to see the time left in the comment period. A limited number of hard copies of the draft EIS are available at park headquarters as well as public libraries in Houghton and Marquette, Michigan;  Superior, Wisconsin; and Duluth, Minnesota.

Comments may be submitted online as indicated above or by mailing or hand delivering comments to Superintendent Phyllis Green, Isle Royale National Park, ISRO Wolves, 800 East Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, Michigan 49931-1896.**

Public Meetings, Webinars to be held in February 2017

Isle Royale National Park will host public meetings and webinars to discuss the draft EIS in February, 2017.  Meetings will be held in the Houghton area as well as other sites to be determined in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and/or Michigan.  Dates, times and locations of these meetings will be announced in future news releases, on the park’s website, Isle Royale's Facebook page, and at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?projectId=59316.

Editor's Notes:

* See our Aug. 25, 2015, article on the July 2015 Isle Royale National Park Open House, "Public comments on Isle Royale Moose-Wolf-Vegetation Management Plan/EIS due Aug. 29; wildlife experts concerned about wolf rescue" for discussion on the wolf management issue and video clips from the presentations.

** For more background on this issue see this April 2016 article by Allison Mills of the Michigan Tech News: Michigan Tech News: Two Wolves Remain on Isle Royale.

Prominent U.P. environmental groups merge

January 4, 2017, 4:17 pm

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In September 2016, friends of Save the Wild U.P. (SWUP) and the Upper Peninsula Environmental Coalition (UPEC) gather at the historic Peter White Camp as the planned merger of the two environmental groups is announced, creating the Mining Action Group within UPEC. (Photo courtesy UPEC)

By Michele Bourdieu
With information from Save the Wild U.P. (now Mining Action Group) and the Upper Peninsula Environmental Coalition 

MARQUETTE -- Two of the most respected environmental organizations in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula have joined forces! Save the Wild U.P. (SWUP) and Upper Peninsula Environmental Coalition (UPEC) recently completed a year-end merger, resulting in the formation of a Mining Action Group (MAG) within UPEC. The merger became effective on Jan. 1, 2017.

"This merger brings together five decades of leadership and grassroots effort," said Horst Schmidt, UPEC president. "We are now truly speaking with 'One Voice' to protect the environment of the Upper Peninsula. We could not have done it without the dedication of board members of both groups."

Kathleen Heideman, SWUP’s outgoing president, said the two groups have joined to create an active, far-reaching and inclusive environmental advocacy group for the U.P.

"We are combining our strengths and building on our cooperative efforts to protect clean water, healthy ecosystems, and wild places," Heideman explained. "This transformation enables members of the Mining Action Group to remain focused on the grassroots work of defending Upper Michigan's clean water and wild places from the threat of sulfide mining. We're not getting bigger, we're getting better."*

Concerned citizens are encouraged to support the work of the Mining Action Group by becoming members of the Upper Peninsula Environmental Coalition.*

Save the Wild U.P.'s activism

According to Alexandra Maxwell, SWUP’s outgoing executive director, SWUP's activism took many forms during the past year.

"From the first hours of 2016 until the last, we worked tirelessly opposing Aquila’s Back Forty proposal for an open-pit sulfide mine and mill on the bank of the Menominee River," Maxwell said. "We hosted forums to discuss the proposed mine, held trainings for concerned citizens, facilitated a red-flag review by the Center for Science in Public Participation, prepared evidenced-based comments for the DEQ, and more."

Poster for one of the forums on the Back Forty mining proposal held by Save the Wild U.P. last year. Front 40 is a citizens' group working with SWUP on educating the public about the dangers of sulfide mining. (Poster courtesy SWUP) 

"We also worked to raise awareness about wetlands and wildlands threatened by the controversial County Road 595 proposal; we hosted cultural events and boots-on-the-ground experiences including musical events and poetry readings, opportunities to explore wetlands, waterfalls and native plant habitats; and we participated in a U.P. Environmental Stakeholder Group in order to provide meaningful input on sulfide mining permits to Michigan’s Department of Environmental Quality," Maxwell added.

Even before 2016, Maxwell and Heideman worked on collaboration with other community groups to gain support for their work, and the recent merger with UPEC is the most recent development in that effort.

During SWUP's December 2015 gala fundraiser in Marquette, Heideman and Maxwell spoke to supporters about working with various other groups concerned about conservation and environmental protection:

During the December 2015 Save the Wild U.P. fundraiser in Marquette, SWUP President Kathleen Heideman and Executive Director Alexandra Maxwell (foreground), speak to supporters about their environmental work on mining and mineral lease issues, water and land protection -- and collaboration with other community organizations and concerned individuals. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

At that same fundraiser, SWUP welcomed noted New York filmmaker Louis Galdieri, co-producer of the film 1913 Massacre (about the Italian Hall disaster), who has taken a personal interest in current U.P. mining issues since visiting the area for the making of that film and has written about these issues on his blog.**

Filmmaker Louis Galdieri -- guest speaker at the December 2015 gala fundraiser for Save the Wild U.P. -- speaks about the importance of saving what is left of the wild and protecting it from unsustainable, destructive industrial development such as mining. (Video by Keweenaw Now)**

Founded in 2004, SWUP has become widely known for leveraging social media and providing hard-hitting public commentary on sulfide mining related permits, most recently on the proposed zinc-copper mine targeting the Menominee River and proposed expansion of the Eagle Mine in Marquette County. MAG activists will continue serving as environmental watchdogs, urging regulators to make wise decisions to protect the natural resources and public lands of Upper Michigan, educating citizens about the risks of sulfide mining and the industrialization of wild lands, reviewing permits for new mineral leases in sensitive areas, speaking out at public hearings, and working collaboratively with regional tribal nations and watershed organizations.

At a "lunch and learn" informative session on Aquila Resources’ Back Forty Project for an open-pit mine near the Menominee River, Save the Wild U.P. (now outgoing) President Kathleen Heideman points out the location of the proposed pit (red circle) and its proximity to the Menominee River.  (Keweenaw Now file photo)

Following the merger, the Upper Peninsula Environmental Coalition will maintain its focus on environmental education and advocacy for U.P. wild lands. The Mining Action Group, operating as a semi-autonomous arm within UPEC, will carry on Save the Wild U.P.’s legacy of informed grassroots activism.

SWUP leaders Steven Garske, Kathleen Heideman, Alexandra Maxwell, and Jon Saari will form the initial MAG team within UPEC.***

Upper Peninsula Environmental Coalition: education, grants, culture changes

According to Jon Saari, who has served in leadership roles with both organizations, UPEC's perspective is broader and more historical.

"U.P. environmental groups have vacillated about the best way to do our work," Saari said. "The Hard Power wing pushes lobbying, watchdogging government and industry, relentless pursuit in crisis mode, while the Soft Power wing stresses public education, strategic grant giving, and long term cultural changes. SWUP is more in the former tradition, UPEC in the latter. Now the two approaches will be combined in one organization."

Jon Saari, right, speaks during the UPEC-SWUP event last September at the Peter White Camp. (Photo courtesy UPEC)

As a member-based organization, UPEC has been helping to protect the U.P.’s great places since 1976; activities focus on community outreach through a quarterly newsletter, the annual Celebration of the U.P. event, and grant programs in environmental education and community conservation.

"UPEC awarded $34,000 in grants in 2016," said UPEC President Horst Schmidt, "and going forward we want to enhance our presence and partnerships U.P.-wide."

UPEC's biggest annual event is "Celebrate the U.P." -- usually held each year in March at various locations. In March 2016 the event was held at the Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College and included tribal representatives among the organizers and guest speakers.

During the Upper Peninsula Environmental Coalition's annual "Celebrate the U.P." event, held on March 19, 2016, Jerry Jondreau, a member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and tribal forester, speaks about Ojibwa history and the importance of water for wild rice. The event was held at Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College in Baraga. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

Connie Sherry of Houghton, UPEC board member and chair of UPEC's Education Grants Committee, welcomes visitors to the 2016 "Celebrate the U.P." event at Ojibwa Community College. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

Linda Rulison, board member of the Lake Superior Stewardship Initiative (LSSI), helped write the initial grant for this group that focuses on environmental education about the Lake Superior watershed. Rulison is also president of FOLK (Friends of the Land of Keweenaw), an environmental group involved with mining, air pollution and climate change issues. A variety of educational and environmental groups exhibit information about their work at UPEC's "Celebrate the U.P." (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

At her 2016 "Celebrate the U.P." exhibit, Carolyn Peterson chats with Connie Julien, president of the local Peter Wolfe Chapter of the North Country Trail and UPEC webmaster, about the moose bones on Isle Royale. Peterson works on the island with her husband, Rolf Peterson, co-director of the Isle Royale Wolf-Moose study. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

Rolf Peterson is pictured here at the Isle Royale exhibit with Nancy Warren of Wolfwatchers, former UPEC president. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

The keynote speaker at the 2016 "Celebrate the U.P." was Trevor Thomas, a professional blind hiker, who told his inspiring story of adapting to blindness so that he can still enjoy outdoor activities and the natural places he loves, with the indispensable help of his guide dog.

At UPEC's 2016 "Celebrate the U.P." event, keynote speaker Trevor Thomas, professional blind hiker, speaks about how he reacted when he first learned he was going blind and wondered how he would ever be able to continue the extreme outdoor sports he loved. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

Thomas said his dog, Tennille, while accompanying him on hikes, is able to point out things that might hurt him.

"Positive reinforcement is all she needs," he said.

Following his talk, blind hiker Trevor Thomas answers questions from some members of the audience while his guide dog, Tennille, takes a rest. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

Thomas explained he works as a brand ambassador for multiple outdoor manufacturers. In addition to help from his guide dog, he uses his cell phone technology while hiking.

"I keep track of cadence -- walking speed -- that gives me distance, and I can match distances with the directions that are in my phone," he said.

Thomas also noted he would like to see braille signs on easy and moderate trails -- especially for people blind from birth who can't trace the alphabet on signs.

During the supper served by Keweenaw Bay Indian Community members, several people commented that they were very inspired by Thomas's talk.

Marjorie Johnston said she thought both Trevor and his dog were great.

"I'm amazed at what he does, but I'm also amazed at the training of the dog," Johnston said.

Founded in 1976, the Upper Peninsula Environmental Coalition’s purpose remains unchanged: to protect and maintain the unique environmental qualities of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan by educating the public and acting as a watchdog to industry and government. UPEC is a nonprofit, registered 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, call 906-201-1949, see UPenvironment.org, visit their Facebook page, or contact: upec@upenvironment.org.

The UPEC Mining Action Group (MAG) is a grassroots effort to defend the clean water and wild places of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula from the dangers of sulfide mining -- previously known as Save the Wild U.P. (SWUP). Contact the UPEC Mining Action Group at info@savethewildup.org or call (906) 662-9987. Learn more about the Mining Action Group at miningactiongroup.org or follow MAG’s work on Facebook or Twitter. 

Editor's Notes:

* Read more about the merger and see more photos in UPEC's Fall 2016 Newsletter. Visit the UPEC Web site for more information. See also UPEC's Winter 2016-17 Newsletter.

**Click here to read Louis Galdieri's complete speech at the SWUP gala fundraiser.

***Click here for news from the Mining Action Group (formerly Save the Wild U.P.).

Call to action rally to SAVE HEALTH CARE to be Jan. 15 on Portage Lift Bridge

January 10, 2017, 12:07 pm

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The Portage Lift Bridge, seen here today from the Portage Lake District Library, will be the scene of a SAVE HEALTH CARE rally on Sunday, Jan. 15. Concerned citizens will cross the bridge on the sidewalks from Houghton to Hancock and back, carrying signs to protest proposed changes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Medicare, and Medicaid. Participants will gather at 1 p.m. on the lower (covered) level of the parking ramp in downtown Houghton and walk together onto the bridge. All participants are welcome. Dress warmly and invite friends and neighbors. (Photo courtesy Portage Lake District Library)

HOUGHTON -- The Houghton County Democratic Party will host a SAVE HEALTH CARE rallyat 1 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 15. Marchers will cross the Portage Lift Bridge (on the sidewalks) to protest proposed changes to the ACA (Affordable Care Act), Medicare, and Medicaid. The intent of the march is to raise awareness that the Republicans -- including newly sworn-in First District Representative Jack Bergman -- intend to attack and destroy programs that so many residents and voters in this community rely on for their health care.

Republicans in Washington, DC, are working to immediately repeal the ACA, which provides health insurance for over 20 million Americans. And they don’t plan to stop with the ACA. House Speaker Paul Ryan has announced his intent to convert Medicare to a privatized voucher system, to reduce funding for Medicaid, and to de-fund Planned Parenthood. In response, Democratic Congressional leaders (led by Sen. Bernie Sanders) have called for a day of action, "Our First Stand: Save Health Care," on Jan. 15. The Houghton event will be one of many rallies to be held around the country to vigorously oppose the Republican plan to end Medicare as we know it and throw our health care system into chaos.

Donald Trump promised that he would "not cut Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid." This is an opportunity to hold Congress and the President-elect accountable. One purpose of the rally is to target Rep. Bergman to let him know concerned voters are watching him and will remember his vote on health care when he runs for office again in two years.

Participants will gather at 1 p.m. on the lower (covered) level of the parking ramp in downtown Houghton and walk together onto the bridge. The goal is to line the bridge with marchers. Ask your friends and neighbors to join you. Invite people who you think should be on the bridge, including not only recipients of these programs but people who have family members who rely on these programs and people whose livelihoods depend on the programs -- nursing home employees, doctors, nurses, etc. All are welcome, especially people whose own health insurance will be affected if these programs are cut, which includes almost anyone with employer-provided health insurance.

If possible, bring a sign that is large, with few words, and easy to read. (Some suggestions: NO HEALTH CARE CUTS! SAVE MEDICARE! REPUBLICANS - DON'T CUT MEDICAID! HEALTH CARE NOT WARFARE! or your own words.)

For more information, contact Valorie Troesch at vtroesch@gmail.com.

"What's the Deal with Solar?" presentation to be Jan. 12 at Orpheum Theater; Keweenaw Climate Community holds December discussions on Local Climate Action

January 11, 2017, 5:08 pm

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By Michele Bourdieu, with information from Robert Handler, operations manager for Michigan Tech's Sustainable Futures Institute*

The Keweenaw Climate Community and Keweenaw Young Professionals will present "What's the Deal with Solar?" Thursday, Jan. 12, at the Orpheum Theater in Hancock. (Poster courtesy Keweenaw Young Professionals.)

HANCOCK -- The Keweenaw Climate Community (KCC) and Keweenaw Young Professionals will host "What's the Deal with Solar?"from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, at the Orpheum Theater in Hancock.

Joshua Pearce, Michigan Tech associate professor in Materials Science and Engineering and in Electrical and Computer Engineering, will explain the science behind solar and will discuss the benefits and challenges of using solar in the Keweenaw and what the future holds.

Pearce has done extensive research on solar energy, sustainable development, sustainability education and much more. He heads the Pearce Research Group, Michigan Tech's Lab in Open Sustainability Technology.**

Terance McNinch, who has lived more than 30 years off the grid with low-cost solar, will share his experience. He will speak about how he has seen the costs associated with solar setups change over the years.

Each guest speaker will give a presentation and answer questions afterwards.

The event is free and open to the public. Pizza will be served. BYOB. For more information contact the Keweenaw Young Professionals Board at info@keweenawyp.com.

Inset photo of Joshua Pearce courtesy Michigan Tech University. Photo of Terance McNinch courtesy Keweenaw Young Professionals.)

December Climate Café: Groups discuss "Taking Local Climate Action"

Solar energy was among the topics discussed at the Keweenaw Climate Community's December 1, 2016, Climate Café, the fourth in a series of community discussions on climate change held at the Orpheum last fall. The December event attracted more than 75 community participants. Following some brief presentations by experts, the attendees broke into groups to discuss various options for local climate action. These included renewables, energy conservation, health impacts, education, local policy, and land adaptation.

Introduced by Robert Handler of KCC, Dave Camps of Blue Terra Energy spoke about his work helping customers with solar and with LED lighting:

Dave Camps of Blue Terra Energy speaks about some solar alternatives to the grid, now that UPPCO (Upper Peninsula Power Company) no longer offers full net metering to residential solar customers. He also explains some advantages of LED lighting for commercial as well as residential use. (Videos by Keweenaw Now)

Renewables

During the breakout session, Camps, along with Seamus Crane, helped lead a group discussion on renewables. Participants in that group discussed the following solar topics:

• Solar -- wait until next year for legislation changes
• Understand your house’s electricity demand and how it varies
• Start with system design, consultation to see if it is worth the investment
• Make people aware of solar as an option in this area, integration with storage (Tesla power walls, etc.)
• Solar panel costs are decreasing every year
• "Black on black" panels (black frame, black panel) are good for this area
• Manual position changes are fine, 2x per yr
• Microinverters make each panel its own power plant and can reduce effects of shading; individual panels can be swapped out if needed.

During the breakout session at the KCC December meeting on local climate action, Dave Camps leads the group discussion on renewables. (Photos by Keweenaw Now unless otherwise indicated.)

Energy Conservation

Melissa Davis, energy manager for the Houghton Energy Efficiency Team (HEET) and managing director for New Power Tour, spoke about HEET's accomplishments during the two-year period of competition for the Georgetown Energy Prize.

Melissa Davis, energy manager for the Houghton Energy Efficiency Team, speaks about local projects of energy conservation, including home insulation and LED lighting programs the group has been working on for the Georgetown Energy Prize and beyond.

Melissa Davis, along with Andy Roth and Parth Bhatt, led the energy conservation group discussion. This group discussed tying energy production to transportation. They talked about the feasibility of a regional public transit system with both long distance and local routes. An example might be transport twice a week from Houghton-Hancock to Iron Mountain or Marquette. They noted the need for community education on public transit.

Melissa Davis, second from left, facilitates the group discussion on energy conservation while Parth Bhatt, standing, takes notes.

They also discussed ways to assist low-income households with energy conservation by extending HEET group home weatherizations; including more advertising such as pamphlets listing benefits; going door-to-door talking to people; and recruiting volunteers from service organizations, high school and college groups, religious groups, etc. Engaging with renters was also discussed.

Health Impacts

Ray Sharp of the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department spoke about potential public health impacts of climate change in the not-so-distant, if not immediate, future.

Ray Sharp of the Western Upper Peninsula Health Dept. talks about potential dangers to public health that could result from warmer temperatures caused by climate change -- including mosquito-borne illnesses.

The message for the group discussion on health effects was to be on the lookout for things likely to increase, such as issues from warmer water temperatures or heavy rains: algal blooms, swimmers' itch, E-coli in water, etc. Communities should strengthen beach monitoring programs, promote more well testing and drain still-water areas where mosquitoes breed.

Ray Sharp, right, listens to participants in the group discussion on health effects.

As for diseases now common in the tropics that could spread north, local action can include raising awareness in local health care providers so they may increase testing and treatment capabilities.

Education

The group discussion on education, facilitated by Andi Vendlinski and Stephen Handler, attracted a large number of participants, including children.

A variety of age groups are represented in the education group discussion.

Some of the many issues discussed included these:

• Providing opportunities (and grants) for kids to learn what's going to happen with climate change, such as connections with  Michigan Tech organizations like the Sustainable Futures Institute, Green Campus Enterprise, and others
• Tangible local projects, including recycling and incentives to reduce paper
• Possibility of solar panels at schools
• Educational opportunities for a variety of areas -- science, engineering, trades, etc.
• Learning labs and electricity production
• Opportunities for kids to engage in activism, such as writing letters to elected officials after they learn about a related issue -- energy, trash, recycling, renewables
• Interact with small groups of students, after-school clubs
• Introduce Earth Day activities
• Find a group of teachers to pilot ideas
• Get parents involved

Local Policy

Grayson Morrow of Wakefield spoke about the Citizens Climate Lobby.

Grayson Morrow of Wakefield speaks about his experience with the Citizens Climate Lobby.

Morrow also participated in the group discussion on local policy, led by Richelle Winkler, Michigan Tech associate professor of sociology and demography in Social Sciences.

Michigan Tech's Richelle Winkler (third from left in red) facilitates the group discussion on local policy. Standing at right is Nancy Langston, environmental historian and Michigan Tech professor in Social Sciences, Forestry and the Great Lakes Research Center.

Participants in the policy group discussed the need to understand what is in current versions of an upcoming energy bill and lobby to exert pressure for an increase in renewables, net metering, etc. (possibly through the Citizens Climate Lobby).

Other ideas they discussed were quite progressive, some raising questions to be researched:

• Hancock could be an ideal location -- a whole town powered by solar. UPPCO would be reluctant. The City would need to create a municipal utility.
• Explore the feasibilityof becoming a municipal utility. Do this as a negotiation tactic with UPPCO? Be familiar with the Michigan Public Service Commission and become aware of the issues.
• REA/local co-op might be more realistic. Could REA members be convinced not to pay their bills (as protest)?
• Does Keweenaw have local regulations inhibiting wind power installations? Small scale or large scale?
• Partner with HEET and Keweenaw Community Foundation
• Form a local chapter of Citizens Climate Lobby (CCL)
• Re-connect with person from Traverse City about forming CCL
• Reduce number of school buses, promote walking and biking and plowing sidewalks
• Promote non-motorized travel more generally
• Serve on planning boards and other local government groups

Land Adaptation

The land adaptation group, led by Todd Ontl and Kristin Schmitt, discussed sustainable agriculture -- how it affects the water table and soil carbon. They mentioned the importance of best practices, e.g., mulching gardens in the fall, planting cover crops, adding compost or other organic amendments.

Participants in the Land Adaptation group discuss a variety of topics related to sustainable agriculture.

Other topics included the following:

• Wetlands -- preservation and remediation
• Low impact development, how we will change our infrastructure
• Climate change impacts to historic mining sites (e.g. extreme precipitation and mine tailings)
• Invasive species, insect pests, tree pathogens: how they will affect our forests
• Forest management for adaptation; particularly lack of sustainable forest management practices
• Biomass for energy production; use of forest biomass in municipal energy production (L’Anse?)
• Infrastructure compatibility
• Wind power and agriculture
• Michigan Public Service commission
• Try to get net metering rules changed!
• UPPCO won’t set up any more net metering for customers, won’t change unless they are made to change.

The group also discussed contacting the conservation districts (Houghton/Keweenaw and Marquette) about distributing info on climate change and forests during their annual tree sale, e.g., importance of wetlands, maintaining biodiversity, etc.

Notes:

* KCC's Robert Handler, operations manager for Michigan Tech's Sustainable Futures Institute, served as Master of Ceremonies during the Dec. 1, 2016, Climate Café and compiled notes from the discussion groups summarized in this article.

** Click here to learn about the Pearce Research Group, Michigan Tech's Lab in Open Sustainability Technology.

Michigan Tech to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day Jan. 16

January 13, 2017, 3:25 pm

≫ Next: 2017 Green Film Series begins Jan. 19 at Michigan Tech

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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. poster courtesy Michigan Technological University.

HOUGHTON -- Michigan Technological University will celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with events planned for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 16. Again this year Michigan Tech students will read stories about Dr. King to elementary students in local schools.

The 28th Annual MLK Banquet will be held at 6 p.m. in the Memorial Union Building Ballroom. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. This year's keynote speaker is Robert Scott. Dr. Scott is the director of the Center for Engineering Diversity and Outreach at the University of Michigan.

Tickets for the banquet are free but registration is required. While tickets for the banquet are currently all reserved, check with Zach Rubinstein at 906-487-1195 or email him at zlrubins@mtu.edu since seats often open up.

The theme for the 2017 Martin Luther King, Jr. banquet is Strength In Community. Following the banquet, at 8 p.m., all are welcome to attend an open community discussion on ways to understand, build and develop strength and community. Bucky Beach, pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Houghton, will lead the discussion based on the following:

In 1967-1968 King wrote a book called Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community? That question can continue to guide us. Phrasing it differently, how do we go from here at this time in America? How are we "strong?" How are we "community?" How do we listen to, and be heard by, those who are ideologically different? What are our guiding principles?

Martin Luther King Jr. Day events are sponsored by Michigan Tech's Center for Diversity and Inclusion.

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2017 Green Film Series begins Jan. 19 at Michigan Tech

January 16, 2017, 1:11 pm

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HOUGHTON -- The 2017 Green Film Series begins this Thursday, Jan. 19, with two films: After Coal (60 minutes) and Half Life (12 minutes). The films in the series will be shown at 7 p.m. in G002 Hesterberg Hall in Michigan Tech's Forestry Building. A facilitator will lead a discussion after the films -- usually until 8:30 p.m.

After Coal profiles individuals building a new future in the coalfields of central Appalachia and Wales. Welsh coalfields were shut down in the 1980s, eliminating more than 20,000 jobs while Appalachian coalfields lost 20,000+ mining jobs from 1994 -2014. Both regions have survived disasters associated with mining production and waste disposal, and each has explored strategies for remembering the past while looking to the future. What lessons does this film have for us today?

The second film, Half Life: America's Last Uranium Mill, describes the Ute tribe's concern that toxic and radioactive contamination from the White Mesa Mill in SE Utah threatens their water supply and way of life. Why is this a common outcome of so many mines and/or mineral processing facilities? How can we change the ending?

The films are free and open to all, with a suggested $3 donation. Enjoy coffee and dessert after the film(s).

Coming films in this series include the following:

Feb. 16 -- Just Eat It: A Food Waste Story (75 minutes)
March 2 -- Death by Design: The Dirty Story of Our Digital Addiction (73 minutes)
March 23 -- Last Call at the Oasis (105 Minutes) -- Part of World Water Day
April 13 -- City of Trees (76 minutes)
May 18 -- The Messenger (99 minutes) -- Based on the award-winning book Silence of the Songbirds, by Stutchbury.

Click here for details on these films.

The Green Film Series is cosponsored by Lake Superior Stewardship Initiative, Michigan Tech Great Lakes Research Center, Keweenaw Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, and Keweenaw Land Trust.

Battle Heats Up Over Enbridge Pipelines in the North

January 16, 2017, 4:00 pm

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John Bolenbaugh, Enbridge whistleblower, speaks to a full house at the Black Cat Café in Ashland, Wis., Jan. 9, 2017. (Photo © and courtesy David Joe Bates)

By Barbara With*
Posted Jan. 12, 2017, on Wisconsin Citizens Media Cooperative
Reprinted here in part with permission

ASHLAND, Wis. -- Enbridge whistleblower John Bolenbaugh recently made a series of appearances around Lake Superior, speaking about his experiences with an Enbridge oil spill in Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 2010.

Bolenbaugh’s truth-telling forced Enbridge to re-clean several dozen areas that had been approved as 100 percent clean by Enbridge, the EPA and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. His exposure forced Enbridge to re-clean the cover-up areas and re-dredge the river at an estimated cost of $600 million.

Bolenbaugh traveled through the Chequamegon Bay region for three days, bringing his message to packed houses. From the Bad River Lodge and Casino Conference Center, to Blue Wave and Black Cat in Ashland, through Washburn, Bayfield, and Red Cliff, people crowded into venues to hear his first-hand account of the Enbridge oil spill that happened in his back yard, and his efforts to bring it to light.

Bolenbaugh brought the documentary videos he made during the oil spill in Kalamazoo showing the oil company not just covering up the damage from the spill, but harassing him as he attempted to bring the truth to light. He stressed to audiences that all pipelines leak, no matter what the oil companies say, and that the oil running through the pipelines is being shipped overseas and is not for domestic use. ... CLICK HERE to read the rest of this article and see a video interview with John Bolenbaugh.
See also: "Bad River Band Denies Renewal of Enbridge Line 5 Grant of Easement," posted Jan. 5, 2017, on Wisconsin Citizens Media Cooperative.

* Author Barbara With is a citizen journalist from La Pointe, Wis.

Local residents rally on Lift Bridge in solidarity with national day of action, "Our First Stand: Save Health Care"

January 17, 2017, 4:36 pm

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By Michele Bourdieu

More than 150 local supporters walk across the Portage Lift Bridge on Sunday, Jan. 15, in solidarity with a national day of action to Save Health Care. Click on photos for larger view. (Photos by Keweenaw Now unless otherwise indicated)

HOUGHTON -- The sun finally appeared with some warmer weather -- about 30 degrees F -- on Sunday, Jan. 15, well timed for the crowd of more than 150 local residents concerned about health care who marched across the Portage Lift Bridge with a variety of signs expressing support for Medicare, Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act and Planned Parenthood. The Houghton event, organized by the Houghton County Democratic Party, was one of many rallies around the country participating in a day of action, "Our First Stand: Save Health Care," called for by Democratic Congressional leaders led by Bernie Sanders.

Health care supporters walk across the Portage Lift Bridge on Sunday, Jan. 15, many displaying signs to express their concerns about potential Republican threats to privatize, eliminate or de-fund Medicare, Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Planned Parenthood. Click on YouTube icon for larger picture. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

Valorie Troesch of Houghton, one of the organizers of the Houghton event and an active member of the Houghton County Democratic Party, said she was really pleased with the large turnout.

"It shows how much people in the community care about health care issues," Troesch said. "It's not just the Affordable Care Act. It's Medicare, Medicaid and Planned Parenthood."

Troesch noted 99 percent of Planned Parenthood's funding goes to pay for health care for poor women.

Valorie Troesch, one of the organizers of Houghton's day of action to Save Health Care, displays a sign reminding concerned citizens to call newly elected First District U.S. Congressman Jack Bergman (R) and Republican Speaker of the House Paul Ryan to let them know Medicare should not be privatized or de-funded.

"The big point I want to make is our job isn't done with this rally," Troesch added. "It's just beginning. The most important thing people need to do is to contact their representative in Congress, in particular Bergman and Ryan. People have to inundate their offices with phone calls."*

Troesch said it's important to make these calls to Congressmen, who think about their chances of re-election, to communicate the message that large numbers of people want to save public health care.

Janeen Stephenson of Houghton said she would like to participate in a march like this every weekend.

Janeen Stephenson, left, and Keren Tischler pause for a photo on the Portage Lift Bridge during Sunday's Save Health Care rally.

"I don't want to see the Affordable Care Act gutted," Stephenson said. "I'd like to see our country invest more resources in health care for all."

Stephenson said she believes we all have a responsibility to act on this issue.

"My heart is broken because people will die if they start gutting this," Stephenson added.

Hilary Virtanen, Finlandia University professor of Finnish Studies, said she was concerned about Congress taking away or de-funding existing health care programs without letting the public know the plan for what they'll do next to replace them.

Hilary Virtanen, Finlandia University professor of Finnish Studies, right, and Keith Troesch, husband of organizer Valorie Troesch of Houghton, display their signs near the Lift Bridge during the Save Health Care rally.

A large banner announced the concerns of Moyle construction employees, who recently went on strike in 2016 to convince the company to offer health care. The company then offered individual health care plans, but the present policy is not for families.

A group of employees and former employees of Moyle Construction Co. display a large banner expressing their need for family health care.

"We're hoping for family health care in the future," said Troy Haapala, a former Moyle construction employee.

Bill Wanhala, a Moyle employee who participated in the strike, said he was called back to work for two weeks and then laid off.

Also helping carry the banner was visitor Clark Palmer of Bemidji, Minn., who was supporting the Moyle employees.

Among the younger participants in the rally were Daphne Maki and Mya Johnson, juniors at Houghton High School. Wearing pink hats, they said they learned about the event from Daphne's Mom, Katie Maki of Houghton. They also hope to accompany her to the Women's March in Washington, DC, on Jan. 21.

Daphne Maki, left, and Mya Johnson, Houghton High School juniors, said they learned about the Save Health Care rally from Daphne's Mom, Katie Maki, of Houghton. Both are hoping to accompany Katie to the Women's March in Washington, DC, on Jan. 21, 2017.

Katie Maki told Keweenaw Now she marched in the bridge rally on Sunday because she believes health care is a human right.

"We should all have access to great care no matter our finances nor pre-existing conditions," Katie said. "The Republicans have not come up with any replacement for the ACA. The ACA needs improvements and is not perfect, but going backwards only hurts everyone."

Katie Maki took this photo of Daphne, right, and Mya, who carries a sign with statistics on how much health care Planned Parenthood provides each year. (Photo © and courtesy Katie Maki)

David Hall and his wife, Dana Van Kooy, of Houghton said they were very impressed with the great turnout at the bridge march on Sunday.

"It is obviously important to a lot of people in this area that we need to preserve the Affordable Health Care Act," Hall said. "We cannot return to the time when millions of Americans were uninsurable due to preexisting conditions and when women paid higher premiums, just because of their gender. The Affordable Care Act has allowed millions of us to have health insurance, regardless of income, and has saved families from bankruptcy due to high health care costs. Our freshman Congressman Jack Bergman seems to be out of touch with the needs of our community. He has voted to kill affordable health insurance, and we need to let him know we are displeased. Access to affordable health insurance and health care is a human right. Health insurance should be universal. A healthy community is a vibrant community."

More photos ...
   

Displaying their signs on the bridge are, from left, Miguel Levy and Anita Levy of Chassell and Lois Jambekar of Houghton.

From left, Michigan Tech Professor Sarah Green, Jill Burkland of Houghton and Becky Darling of Chassell soak up the sunshine while walking across the Lift Bridge for Health Care.

Libby Meyer, Michigan Tech music professor, holds a sign that acknowledges Bernie Sanders as the leader of Sunday's Save Health Care rallies across the country. Behind her is her husband, Evan McDonald, Keweenaw Land Trust executive director.

Rally participants display "Honk 4 Health Care" signs inviting passing motorists to sound their horns in support, which many did. (Photo © and courtesy Katie Maki)

More participants with their signs line the length of the Lift Bridge. (Photo © and courtesy Katie Maki)

Joan Chadde, director of Michigan Tech's Center for Science and Environmental Outreach, waves while crossing the bridge with the crowd of health care supporters.

After walking across the bridge from Houghton to Hancock, the marchers stood peacefully along the bridge displaying their signs and then returned to Houghton. 

For background on the Jan. 15 day of action to Save Health Care, click here.

*Editor's Note: Call House Speaker Paul Ryan at  (202) 225-3031. Call U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman at (202) 225-4735.

Rozsa welcomes Russian National Ballet Theatre Jan. 24, 25

January 18, 2017, 5:32 pm

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A scene from Giselle, one of three ballet pieces that the Russian National Ballet Theatre will perform at the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts. (Photo © Alexander Daev and courtesy Michigan Technological University)

HOUGHTON -- Michigan Technological University’s Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts presents two magical nights of incomparable Russian ballet! Direct from Moscow, the Russian National Ballet Theatre, featuring fifty of Russia’s finest dancers, will perform three timeless ballet pieces, Romeo and Juliet, and Carmen on Tuesday, Jan. 24, and Giselle, on Wednesday, Jan. 25, with shows starting at 7:30 p.m. each evening.

According to Rozsa Center Director of Programming Mary Jennings, "…the Russian National Ballet Theatre is an institution in Russian Ballet. Legendary Bolshoi principal dancer Elena Radchenko, the founder of the Russian National Ballet Theatre, has focused the company on upholding the grand, national tradition of the major Russian ballet works."

On the first of two nights, Jan. 24, they will perform the full-length Romeo and Juliet, a ballet by Sergei Prokofiev based on William Shakespeare's tragic play Romeo and Juliet. Performed in one act, this is the story of Romeo and Juliet, the quintessential star-crossed lovers. The music is composed by the incomparable Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovski, with original choreography by Marius Petipa, the "godfather of Russian ballet." In the second act they will perform Carmen, a full-length ballet also in one act: Music by Rodion Shchedrin based on the classic opera by Georges Bizet with choreography by Alberto Alonso. Carmen, a passionate, free-spirited woman, is caught in a love triangle between Don José and a bullfighter. The impetus and cause for the creation of the ballet Carmen was the cherished dream of the celebrated Russian ballerina Maya Plisetskaya to depict the highly strung and riveting character of Carmen in a ballet.

On the second evening, Jan. 25, the Russian National Ballet Theatre performs the full-length, tragic ballet Giselle, about a peasant girl who dies of a broken heart after discovering her lover is betrothed to another. Composed by Adolphe Adam, Giselle is a romantic jewel of the preeminent choreographer Marius Pepita. Giselle was first seen in Moscow in 1843, just two years after its creation in Paris and a year after it was staged in St. Petersburg. The ballet's history in Russia since that time has shown a continuous sequence of performances, with Jules Perrot -- one of the great originators of the choreography -- providing a basic text which has been illuminated by the care and genius of generations of ballerinas and producers. When Giselle was forgotten everywhere else in Europe -- it was dropped from the Paris Opera repertory in 1868 -- Russian dancers and ballet-masters preserved and honored it. The Moscow Festival Ballet's production maintains the Russian tradition of scrupulous production and loving concern for this gem of the Romantic ballet.

The Russian National Ballet Theatre was founded in Moscow during the transitional period of Perestroika in the late 1980s, when many of the great dancers and choreographers of the Soviet Union's ballet institutions were exercising their new-found creative freedom by starting new, vibrant companies dedicated to following the timeless tradition of classical Russian Ballet while invigorating this tradition as the Russians began to accept new developments in the dance from around the world. Today, the Russian National Ballet Theatre is its own institution, with over 50 dancers of singular instruction and vast experience, many of whom have been with the company since its inception.

Tickets to the ballet performances each evening are $28 for adults; $50 for Family Packs (2 adults and 2 youth each night); $45 Ballet Package (one adult for both nights); $10 for youth; and no additional cost to students with the Experience Tech Fee. To purchase tickets, please call (906) 487-2073, go online at rozsa.mtu.edu, or visit Ticketing Operations at Michigan Tech’s Student Development Complex (SDC), 600 MacInnes Drive, in Houghton. SDC box office hours are 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday, and noon - 8 p.m. on Sunday. Please note the Rozsa Box Office is closed during regular business hours and will only open two hours prior to show times.

Joyce Koskenmaki: Retrospective opens Jan. 19 at Finlandia University Gallery

January 19, 2017, 2:40 pm

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Art by Hancock Finnish American artist Joyce Koskenmaki is now on exhibit, through Feb. 18, 2017, in the Finlandia University Gallery, located in the Finnish American Heritage Center. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, Jan. 19. (Photos courtesy Finlandia University)

HANCOCK -- Finlandia University Gallery presents Joyce Koskenmaki: Retrospective, an exhibit of paintings, drawings, and mixed media work spanning Koskenmaki’s lifetime career in the arts.  Koskenmaki’s work will be on display at the Finlandia University Gallery, located in the Finnish American Heritage Center, Hancock, from Jan. 19 to Feb. 18, 2017.

An opening reception at the gallery will take place from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. TONIGHT, Thursday, Jan. 19, with an artist talk beginning at 7:15 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

Finnish American artist Joyce Koskenmaki has a special place in the hearts of Copper Country residents as an artist who has contributed greatly to the art culture of the Keweenaw. Her reverence for her Finnish heritage and its expression in her artwork, her internationally recognized art career, her teaching at Finlandia University International School of Art and Design and her dedication to the Copper Country Community Art Center are just a few activities that have left a lasting legacy for the community.

Koskenmaki moved back to the Copper Country in 1998 to teach at the International School of Art and Design at Finlandia University; however, her ties to the Upper Peninsula began in her childhood. Koskenmaki was born in Herman, Michigan, to second generation Finnish American parents. Her grandparents arrived in Michigan directly from Finland in 1904. It was her grandmother Sanna who would play a significant role in the young girl’s connection to her Finnish Heritage. She grew up hearing Finnish spoken in her grandparents' home, helping to cut rags to create traditional Finnish rag rugs and digging up potatoes on her grandparents' farm.

"Both my grandmother and my mother were very religious, although there wasn’t a church in Herman. Their spirituality was more mystical than religious. My father, on the other hand, rebelled against formal religion. He sought spirituality in the woods, where he earned a living as a trapper and guide for hunters and fisherman."

It was these early formative experiences, along with a deep devotion to nature fostered by her Upper Peninsula childhood, that would later inform her artwork.

Leaving Home, Quilt, 28" x 34" 1996, by Joyce Koskenmaki.

"My work is grounded in my background as a poor child in a Finnish immigrant community, which formed my deepest values as a person," notes Koskenmaki. "My subject matter reflects my connection to nature: water, rocks, trees, wild animals, and my concern for their preservation and safety. They also serve as metaphors for my own life and the life around me."

A compassionate impulse is at the center of Koskenmaki’s work. Her artwork acknowledges the significance of the human spirit and the natural world along with their need to be respected and nurtured.

"I think this is what Finnish people believe also: that sense of reverence for nature, the oneness of everything, the equality of people, and the mysticism -- the relation also to what’s hidden," she notes. "That’s what I want to be able to say in my work."

Koskenmaki receive a Bachelor of Arts from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, and a Master of Fine Arts in painting from University of Iowa. Koskenmaki’s strongest influences were the painters who taught her abstract expressionism and the process of composing, and a printmaking teacher from Argentina named Mauricio Lasansky, who taught her the importance of making art from her heart and her life.

Elegy for my Dog, Crayon on paper 28" x 28" by Joyce Koskenmaki.

Her love of learning in the arts continued as she independently researched Native American art forms including ancient petroglyphs, travelled to northern Finland to study Sami culture and visited Africa -- which resulted in a series of paintings of African animals.

"I always felt drawn to folk art, early Medieval church art, early Greek Minoan art, outsider art, the traditional art of women and also very early Chinese landscape painting," remarks Koskenmaki. "I have never been inspired by European Renaissance art and the academic process that grew out from it, maybe because the lives that created and supported that work were those of the elite and powerful, including the monarchy and the church."

Koskenmaki’s work is in the collections of the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C.; the Nelimarkka Museum in Alajärvi, Finland; and the Voyageurs National Park, among others. She was recently honored to have her work included in the collection of the American Embassy in Helsinki, Finland.

The Finlandia University Gallery is in the Finnish American Heritage Center, 435 Quincy Street, Hancock. Gallery hours are Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m, Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m and Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. For more information, call 906-487-7500.

Inset photo: Artist Joyce Koskenmaki. (Photo courtesy Finlandia University.)

Editor's Note: See more of Joyce Koskenmaki's work on her Web site.  

Art from the Kalevala: Boatlore exhibit is at Community Arts Center through Jan. 28

January 22, 2017, 12:12 pm

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This Finnish River Boat (Hamalainen vene), made with traditional Finnish woodworking and boat building skills, is on loan from the Finnish American Heritage Center for the Copper Country Community Arts Center's Art from the Kalevala: Boatlore group exhibition coinciding with the City of Hancock’s Heikinpäivä mid-winter festival. (Photos courtesy Copper Country Community Arts Center)

HANCOCK -- The Copper Country Community Arts Center presents Art from the Kalevala: Boatlore, a group exhibition coinciding with the City of Hancock’s Heikinpäivä mid-winter celebration. The exhibit features boat-themed art by 16 local and regional artists, as well five paintings and a wood carving from the Finlandia University’s Finnish American Heritage Center Archives. An additional piece of significance, a full sized Finnish River Boat, has been added to the exhibition, on loan from the Finnish American Heritage Center in Hancock.

The boat and the boat-themed artwork will be on display through Jan. 28. A public reception will take place from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28. Finnish style refreshments will be served.

The Finnish River Boat (Hamalainen vene) was made as part of Michigan State University Museum’s Michigan Traditional Arts Apprenticeship program by the late Elmer Johnson, master artist, and his apprentice David Paavola in 1991.

Johnson grew up in the Lake Linden area and was taught by his parents and grandparents how to build Finnish-style boats. In 1956 Johnson began a woodworking business in Lake Linden. In the 1970s, his childhood interest in traditional boat building was rekindled and he built them annually for over twenty years.

Elmer Johnson met David Paavola through involvement in the Hanka Farmstead, a local historical site that preserves Finnish cultural traditions common to the area. Together they used traditional skills in woodworking and boat building to construct this boat. The curved keel is carved from a continuous piece of pine with a decorative knob on the bow end.

Art from the Kalevala: Boatlore

Art from the Kalevala: Boatloreis on exhibit in the Kerredge Gallery of the Copper Country Community Arts Center in Hancock through Jan. 28, 2017.

The Kalevala is a 19th century work of poetry compiled by Elias Lönnrot from Finnish and Karelian oral folklore and mythology. It is regarded as the national epic poem of Finland and is one of the most significant works of Finnish literature. For this exhibit, artists submitted work related to boats and passages from the Kalevala in mediums including photography, fiber art, assemblage, painting, and pastels.

This bas relief wood carving by Chassell artist Wilmer Savela is one of the works on loan from the Finnish American Heritage Center for the exhibit.

Artists taking part in this year’s exhibition are Bob Dawson, Toivo Salo, Tammy Gajewski, Rod Waara, Cynthia Coté, Madhura Mehendale, Stephen Smith, Paula Jacobs, Bryan Lowney, Leona Blessing, Kanak Nanavati, jd slack, and Phyllis Fredendall. The exhibition includes a selection of boat-related artwork from Finlandia University’s Finnish American Heritage Center Archives. Works on loan include paintings by Mabel V. Mustonen, Sigfred Silberg, Koski, and Rankin; a block print by Kathleen Johnson Oettinger, who was part of the Finlandia University Gallery’s Finnish American Artist Series; and a bas relief wood carving by Chassell artist Wilmer Savela. Some of these were early Finnish American artists living in the Copper Country; others were directly from Finland.

Exhibitions are supported by a grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. The Copper Country Community Arts Center is located at 126 Quincy Street in Hancock. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday 10 a. m. - 6 p.m. and Saturdays 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. For more information call 482-2333 or visit the website www.coppercountryarts.com. 

Rep. Scott Dianda's resolution names January 2017 as Finnish American Heritage Month

January 23, 2017, 8:52 pm

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LANSING -- State Rep. Scott Dianda’s (D-Calumet) resolution declaring January 2017 as Finnish-American Heritage Month won approval in the House of Representatives on Thursday, Jan. 12. Michigan is home to the highest density of Finnish-Americans, and more than 30 percent of the Upper Peninsula’s Copper Country residents can claim Finnish ancestry.

"Finnish 'sisu' -- grit and determination -- helped build Copper Country," said Dianda. "Finnish immigrants went to work in U.P. mines and helped make Michigan the world’s largest provider of copper for decades. Their work ethic, their strong cultural heritage and their belief in the value of a good education have created strong communities throughout District 110; and I’m pleased that my House colleagues have recognized these contributions by approving my resolution."

Dianda will present the resolution to community leaders at Hancock’s Heikinpäivä, the annual mid-winter celebration of Finnish ethnic identity and culture that marks the midpoint of the winter season. Hancock is also the home of the only institution of higher education founded by Finns in the United States, Finlandia University.

The Heikinpäivä parade will highlight a day of activities for the whole family this Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017. (2016 file photo by Keweenaw Now)

"It’s not at all surprising that Finnish immigrants founded Finlandia University, as Finland is known for its excellent system of education that follows children from their first days in school and prepares them for either the university or training for a good-paying skilled trade job," said Dianda. "We would do well to study their system and adapt their ideas to improve our public education system so we do a better job of preparing our students for college or meaningful careers in the trades."

Dianda invites his downstate friends to visit Hancock and enjoy Heikinpäivä 2017. Click here for the schedule of activities this week.

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Copper Country Sister March participants -- 500 strong -- demonstrate solidarity with Jan. 21 Women's March in DC and beyond

January 25, 2017, 10:40 pm

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By Michele Bourdieu

Nearly 500 Copper Country residents turned out for the Sister March on the Portage Lake Lift Bridge on Saturday afternoon, Jan. 21, 2017, in solidarity with the main Women's March in Washington, DC, and sister marches all over the world. Here marchers line both sides of the bridge and display their signs to oncoming traffic. (Photo © and courtesy Bill Fink Communications, LLC)

HOUGHTON -- Lori Gray and her daughter, Lucy, of Hancock, worked together to create their colorful signs and pink "pussy" hats for the Jan. 21, 2017, Sister March on the Portage Lift Bridge, in solidarity with the Women's March in Washington, DC that same day -- brightening the grayness of the cold, wet Keweenaw Saturday.

Lori Gray and daughter, Lucy, display their brightly colored, hand-made signs during the Jan. 21 Sister March on the Portage Lift Bridge. Click on photos for larger versions. (Photos by Keweenaw Now unless otherwise indicated)

Lori Gray said she and Lucy joined the march "to show support for women and other minorities."

The freezing rain on the bridge and cold, damp weather did not deter an estimated 500 or more local concerned citizens -- women, men and children -- from participating in the Sister March.

Participants line up near Bridgeview Park in Houghton for the Jan. 21 Sister March. At 2 p.m. they started up the hill to Shelden Ave. and then walked the length of the bridge to Hancock, with many crossing to the other side. They displayed a variety of signs to traffic heading in both directions.

Leading the marchers as they head up Shelden Avenue are Laura Smyth, left, of Calumet, and Carol Ekstrom of Houghton.

Marchers head from Houghton to Hancock on the Portage Lift Bridge. Most passing drivers honking horns appeared to be supportive, although a few shouted their support for President Donald Trump as they drove by. Click on YouTube icon for larger view. (Videos by Keweenaw Now)

Many participants learned about the march from an email sent by Susan Burack of Hancock, who was one of several organizers of the event.

Susan Burack, left, of Hancock was one of the organizers of the local Sister March, one of many held on Jan. 21, 2017, not only in the U.S. but in countries around the world.

"I 'instigated' the Sister March, registered it with the Women's March website so we got on the map, spread the word via email, Facebook, and local media," Burack said. "I was amazed at the turnout. Close to 200 people had RSVPed on the website, which was already remarkable. We think there were 500 people on the Bridge -- a couple of people thought 1000!"

One participant who received info on the march from Burack's email and helped spread the word was Faith Morrison, Michigan Tech professor of chemical engineering and associate dean of the Graduate School.

"I really appreciated having an opportunity to gather and express support for the rights of women, minorities, immigrants, and members of the LGBTQ community, for freedom of religion, for science, truth, and facts, and for civility," Morrison told Keweenaw Now. "It was a very uplifting event, graciously received by the passersby with only a few exceptions."

Despite the inclement weather and somewhat icy sidewalk on the bridge, the mood of the marchers appeared to be upbeat as they continued to line the bridge, eventually on both sides.

Joanne Thomas of Allouez (Keweenaw County) said she noted the estimate of 500 marchers in other local media and felt that was accurate according to the numbers she observed during the march.

Joanne Thomas of Allouez displays a "women power" sign during the Sister March on the Lift Bridge. Behind her is Dr. Jon Neufeld of Portage Health.

Thomas said she participated in the march "because it was the most important thing that I could be doing to confirm women’s advancement -- that  this new administration has threatened. I am grateful to the organizers who arranged this Sister March. It became more relevant and meaningful to millions worldwide than I had realized."

The Minerick family of Houghton was one of many families who marched together on the bridge. Madison Minerick, 10, was proud of the sign she made:

Rob and Adrienne Minerick pause on the bridge for a photo with their children, Madison, 10, and Luke, 6.

"I'd like equal rights when I'm older," Madison said in explanation of her sign.

Her Mom, Adrienne, said the family discussed some of the issues together before coming to the march, such as the fact that women earn 79 cents on a dollar earned by men.

Marlys Bacon of Houghton carried a brightly colored sign that matched her garb:

Marlys Bacon of Houghton displays her sign for passing traffic on the Lift Bridge.

"I don't think women should have to ask men what we can do with our bodies," Bacon said.

Jessica Anderson and her daughter, Aubrey Anderson, of South Range, marched together, displaying their signs.

Jessica Anderson, left, and her daughter, Aubrey Anderson, came from South Range to join the Sister March.

"I'm here because women are the backbone of the country -- any country," Jessica said.

The progress of the country depends on women, she added, because they raise the future leaders.

During the march, more and more participants joined, slowing the pace while marchers at the front of the line crossed U.S. 41 to continue on the other side of the bridge for the return to Houghton.

The Sister March in Houghton on the Portage Lift Bridge slows down at a few points while marchers on one side of the bridge wait for many of those at the head of the march to cross traffic safely to the other side of the street. Eventually participants stood or walked on both sidewalks lining the bridge. In this video clip a few latecomers hurry up an icy hill to join the march.

Pastor Bucky Beach of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Houghton carried a rainbow flag in the march.

"Women's rights are all people's rights," Beach noted. "Women's issues are all people's issues. The rainbow flag represents that we need to stand together, not apart."

Bucky Beach, pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, carries a rainbow flag representing unity. Pictured with him, from left, are David Hall and his wife, Dana Van Kooy, of Houghton and Ramon Fonkoué of Cameroun, Michigan Tech associate professor of French language and French and Francophone culture and literature.

Keren Tischler of Hancock carried a world flag in the march, reflecting her concern for the planet.

Keren Tischler of Hancock carries a world flag across the Lift Bridge during the march.

"I participated in the Sister March because showing up feels like the right action right now," Tischler said. "I think our planet and its occupants need help bringing voice to matters that involve dignity, respect and stewardship. Seeing both sides of the bridge packed with people made me proud of our community."

Krissy Sundstrom of Houghton and Kayla Cowan of Calumet carried signs supporting women's issues.

Kayla Cowan of Calumet, left, and Krissy Sundstrom of Houghton display their signs of concern for women's issues. In the background, carrying her colorful Kindness sign, is Susan Dlutkowski of Stanton Township. Susan's husband, Dave Harmon, and their two daughters also participated in the march.

"I am here to stand in solidarity with the women and families who are marching in D.C.," Krissy Sundstrom told Keweenaw Now. "This event has been filled with friendship, kindness, and positive energy. It has been a wonderful experience!"

More photos:

More colorful signs of solidarity.

Gloria Melton, retired Michigan Tech dean of students, with her sign.

Grace Parikh, Michigan Tech Ph.D. student in Forestry, is joined by her fiancé, Daniel Jamison, visiting from Duluth. Daniel said he joined the march with Grace "to support the cause."

Displaying brightly colored signs to cheer the cloudy day are, from right, Deb Mann, her daughter Meryl Lucchesi-Freyberg (both of Houghton), and Tiffany Scullion of Tamarack City.

After crossing U.S. 41 in Hancock, marchers return to Houghton on the opposite side of the bridge, displaying their signs to the passing traffic. Cynthia Coté, Copper Country Community Arts Center executive director, in white jacket, is visible in the crowd.

Connie Julien of the Upper Peninsula Environmental Coalition and Sons of Norway displays a progressive message about the limited options for women in the 1950s, while Emily Newhouse (not visible here -- see video above) "plays" her Woman Card (a reference to one of Donald Trump's comments on Hillary Clinton).

Her big smile indicates that Renee Bernal of Calumet, center, is happy to be marching.

Another happy participant is Amy Wisti of Hancock, active Democrat and former aide to former First District U.S. Rep. Bart Stupak.

Retired Michigan Tech librarians Janet Dalquist, left, and Ellen Seidel, march together. In the background, all in pink, is Kathy Roberts of Hancock Township.

The march wouldn't be a community event without Nancy, left, and Dianne Sprague of Ripley.

Marchers in Houghton express several concerns with their signs, and the pink "pussy" hats show solidarity with the Women's March in Washington, D.C.

One of the youngest participants gets a ride from Mom.

After the march, Frank Fiala, Fifth and Elm coffee house owner, center, welcomes marchers for hot soup and drinks. Here he chats with former Hancock City Councilman John Slivon and his wife, Ann Pace. Pace, an active Democrat, said she participated in the march "because it was the right (left) thing to do."

LETTER: From Michigan Tech President Glenn Mroz to university community

January 30, 2017, 10:47 am

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HOUGHTON -- Michigan Tech President Glenn Mroz sent the following letter to students, faculty and staff last night regarding the White House's executive order on immigration and travel from 7 designated countries:

Student, Faculty and Staff Colleagues,

Most of you are aware that an Executive Order was signed by President Trump that prevents the granting of U.S. visas to citizens of Iran, Iraq, Syria, Somalia, Libya, Sudan and Yemen for the next 90 days. A subsequent ruling by a Federal judge has blocked parts of that order. Cassy Tefft de Munoz, our director of International Programs and Services, has communicated the current understanding of the Executive Order as it applies to students from those countries and has offered to meet with individuals concerned about their status. Up-to-date and accurate information as it relates to all of us on campus will be shared as it becomes available.

I can't relieve the distress that many of you might be feeling as a result of this and other events of the recent past. But what I can say is that with your help, we can, and we will, as the Michigan Tech Community, advocate for respect, understanding and compassion in the way we treat each other regardless of our differences. We can and we will defend the Constitutional rights of all in the Michigan Tech community. And we can and we will treasure and protect the free and open exchange that is essential to scholarship, research and creativity. By remaining committed to these core values we can all help to ensure that Michigan Tech remains a community that is open to people from across our nation and around the world.

commUNITY

Glenn

We thank you in advance for your patience as we all sort through the details of this situation.

Rozsa to host "Michigan Music" -- from Stevie Wonder to Count Basie Orchestra to powwow music -- Feb. 3

February 1, 2017, 10:10 am

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Michael Christianson, Michigan Tech's director of bands, is pictured here, right, with Cat Saraza (2017 Winter Carnival Queen candidate), left, and Scott Robinson of NYC in mid-performance with Michigan Tech's Superior Wind Symphony. (Photo courtesy Michigan Tech University)

HOUGHTON -- Did you know that as a child prodigy, Stevie Wonder signed with a Motown record label at the age of 11? That after the death of Count Basie, the Pontiac, Mich., native Thaddeus Jones took over the leadership of the legendary Count Basie Orchestra? That students majoring in Engineering, Chemistry, Forestry, and Business currently also perform in a wind ensemble and take classes in music composition-at Michigan Tech?

The Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts and Department of Visual and Performing Arts are proud to present the Superior Wind Symphony in a concert titled "Michigan Music." The performance will be led by Michael Christianson, Michigan Tech’s Director of Bands, at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 3, in the Rozsa Center.

According to Christianson, "Michigan Music is a collection of music by Michigan composers, arrangers and communities for wind band. The range of music includes a classic march, Bach for clarinet choir, a piece for hand clappers, powwow music, a piece that captures the inner mind of a single dancer, several beautiful ballads, a joyous Motown tune, and a modern Rag. Michigan Composers featured will be Pulitzer Prize winner William Bolcom, Grammy Winner Stevie Wonder, Thad Jones, Warren Benson, George Kenny, and Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. The Michigan arrangers are H. Robert Reynolds and Clare Fischer, and they arranged music by J.S. Bach, and Morten Lauridsen."

Tickets for Michigan Music are on sale now: $13 for adults, $5 for youth, and no charge for Michigan Tech students with the Experience Tech fee. Tickets are available by phone at (906) 487-2073, online at Rozsa.mtu.edu, in person at the Central Ticketing Office or at the Rozsa Box Office the evening of the performance. Please note the Rozsa Box Office only opens two hours prior to performances.

Update on Standing Rock: Trump Regime Targets Water Protectors in Camp Eviction

February 2, 2017, 1:01 pm

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Feb. 1, 2017, eviction of Last Child Camp. (Photo courtesy of Redhawk, Standing Rock Rising.)

By Barbara With*
Posted Feb. 2, 2017, on Wisconsin Citizens' Media Cooperative
Reprinted with permission.

Seventy-six water protectors were arrested yesterday near the confluence of the Cannonball and Missouri Rivers when they refused to leave the newly established Last Child camp. Last Child Camp moved across the road from Oceti Sakowin, which is being vacated due to the high potential for spring flooding.

Chase Iron Eyes was among those arrested on Wednesday. According to TYT Politics Reporter Jordan Chariton, Iron Eyes is being targeted as a "ringleader" and was told by police that he will be held responsible for the actions of all others at the camp.

In the video below taken by Steven Jeffrey Chrisjohn just before the arrests and the eviction of the camp, Iron Eyes said, "It’s our birthright to determine our own destiny, to seek a life of dignity, and to be free from legal, economic and political oppression which is being perpetrated by the United States, by the State of North Dakota, by the institutions of finance and extraction and the military-prison-industrial-complex over and against not only Native Nations but all American citizens."

Chase Iron Eyes speaks about the peaceful Standing Rock struggle against the Dakota Access Pipeline and the need for more supporters. (Video © Steven Jeffrey Chrisjohn and courtesy Wisconsin Citizens' Media Cooperative)

* Guest author Barbara With is a citizen journalist from La Pointe, Wis.

Local mothers, daughters, friends inspired by joining Jan. 21 Women's March in D.C.

February 3, 2017, 11:12 am

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By Michele Bourdieu

Katie Maki, right in green jacket, and her daughter, Daphne, of Houghton, march together displaying their original signs during the Jan. 21 Women's March in Washington, D.C. Katie's sign quotes from a song Daphne wrote for the march, "Stand Tall," a song of peace and inclusion and love, not hate, while Daphne's sign is about the "pussy hats" worn by participants as a statement of women's solidarity, feminine power and women's rights. The U.S. Capitol building can be seen in the background. (Photo courtesy Katie Maki)*

HOUGHTON -- At the Jan. 21, 2017, Women's March in Washington, D.C., many mothers marched with or on behalf of their daughters. Others marched with sisters, children and friends -- old and new. Thousands wore pink "pussy hats" to show their solidarity. Among them were women -- and men -- from the Copper Country and other parts of the Upper Peninsula, many of whom took a long bus ride from Marquette, making friends with fellow marchers and sharing energy and inspiration.

Katie and Daphne Maki

Katie Maki of Houghton and her daughter, Daphne, 16, who had marched across the Lift Bridge in Houghton for the Save Health Care march on Jan. 15, told Keweenaw Now they would be going to D.C. for the Women's March and promised to share their experience and photos. They traveled with a large group of U.P. marchers -- men, women and children -- by bus from Marquette -- 18 hours each way. Katie said it was a life-changing experience for both of them.

"One of the most powerful chants that we heard during our march was the Women chanting, 'My body my choice,' and the men responding with 'Her body her choice.'" Katie said. "The echoing chants sent chills down my spine and my hair stood up. Along with 'Tell me what democracy looks like! This is what democracy looks like' and many many others. The energy was palpable. The police and security people were friendly and supportive, some even wearing pink Pussy Project hats."**

Daphne Maki and her sign can be seen in this video clip her mother, Katie Maki, took during the Women's March in Washington, D.C. (Video © and courtesy Katie Maki)

Katie noted the march was characterized by peace and unity.

Marchers walk past the Washington Monument during the Jan. 21 Women’s March in Washington D.C. (Video © and courtesy Katie Maki)

"Everyone was there to support each other and to make it clear that we are WATCHING and we are not going anywhere," she said. "The resistance to Trump and all that he stands for will be omnipresent. We will not stand by and let the Trump administration divide us by race, religion, sexual orientation and identity, or anything else. We are all motivated to keep moving forward with different groups to mobilize and organize into action moving forward to fight for the Earth and all of its people."

Participants  march alongside a giant Earth ball at the Jan. 21 Women’s March in Washington, D.C. (Photo © and courtesy Katie Maki)

Katie said she was impressed that everyone treated her 16-year-old daughter as an equal. The other marchers were an inspiration to both of them, she added.

"We met wonderful people along the journey and bonded with many in their 60s who had protested Vietnam and fought for equality for decades," Katie noted. "The sea of pink hats and the amount of men supporting us at the march was absolutely overwhelming."

Thousands of marchers fill Constitution Ave. at 4 p.m. -- all ages, men and women, all races, all religions. Participants numbered nearly half a million, according to estimates. (Video © and courtesy Katie Maki)

Katie said it was important for her to share the march with her daughter.

Daphne, left, and Katie Maki at the Women's March in D.C. (Photo courtesy Katie Maki)

"I want to teach my daughter that she has a voice," Katie explained. "That she matters. That we all have the power to change minds and move mountains."

Daphne Maki, 16, of Houghton marches with her hand-painted sign in the Women’s March in Washington, D.C. The sign says "Pussy Power" in Russian. The sign represents that all women all over the world have power. (Photo courtesy Katie Maki)**

Daphne Maki said the experience of participating in the march gave her hope for the future.

"Living somewhere where my thoughts and feelings on social issues seem to be a minority, the march gave me so much reassurance that I am definitely not alone and I have hope for the future and my generation," she said.

Beth and Kate Flynn

Elizabeth (Beth) Flynn of Hancock Township joined her daughter, Kate Flynn, in Washington, D.C., for the Jan. 21 Women's March. Kate, a former Keweenaw Now guest writer, is now living and working in D.C. Beth and Kate both shared their photos with Keweenaw Now.

Beth Flynn, Michigan Tech emerita professor of reading and composition, is pictured here with her daughter, Kate Flynn, at the Jan. 21 Women's March in Washington, D.C. (Photo courtesy Elizabeth Flynn)

"The experience was so much more than I expected," Beth said. "People may not be aware that the crowd was so big that there really couldn't be a march. All the space was filled with smiling women, men, girls, babies. I saw an American Indian group, some women in head scarves, women in wheelchairs, women drumming, people chanting and cheering.

Nurses march for women's health and women's lives. (Photo © and courtesy Elizabeth Flynn)

"The experience continues as I read about and see pictures of other marches in other locations including other countries and Seneca Falls, the birthplace of the women's suffrage movement. All of this is juxtaposed against reports about alternate facts, a dystopian inaugural address, and anti-abortion initiatives. I think we are all just going to continue to meet and do what we can to build a kinder, more aware and sensitive culture."***

Signs rise above the heads of the huge crowd at the Women's March in D.C. (Photo © and courtesy Elizabeth Flynn)

Beth also noted that former Secretary of State John Kerry was present at the march.

"Toward the end, maybe 2:30 or 3:00, some space opened up, probably because some people had left by then," she commented. "We marched toward the city for about a half an hour. There were people on bridges cheering us on, in some cases wearing pussy hats."

The U.S. Capitol can be seen in the background in this photo of the crowded marchers. (Photo © and courtesy Elizabeth Flynn)

Kate Flynn noted the march was peaceful in spite of the fact that so many people showed up, preventing the participants from following the original planned route.

Displaying a variety of messages on their signs, marchers walk through the streets near D.C.'s L'Enfant Plaza. (Photo © and courtesy Kate Flynn)

"The march was a great peaceful, intersectional experience that featured a lot of creative homemade signs and positive energy," Kate said. "It seemed like anyone who wanted to air grievances over Donald Trump had showed up, but the focus remained squarely on women's empowerment. It was an amazing experience to share with my mother, who raised me to be a feminist!"

Marchers carry signs and cardboard puppets near the National Mall. (Photo © and courtesy Kate Flynn)

Kate Flynn displays a sign saying, "Women's Rights Are Human Rights." (Photo © and courtesy Aybs Warner. Reprinted with permission.)

Cynthia May Drake, with Kim Green

Local residents Cynthia (Cindy) May Drake and Kim Green also participated in the Women's March in D.C. Although Cindy's daughters did not accompany her, they helped her make her sign. Also, her oldest daughter, a student at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, marched there in a sister march.

Cynthia Drake displays the sign her daughters helped her make for the Women's March in Washington, D.C. Kim Green is just behind her, in pink hat. (Photo © Anne Savage of of Anne Savage Photography. Reprinted with permission.)

"Of all of the signs I saw on Saturday, mine was the most artistic and detailed and many asked me about it or wanted to take a picture of it," Cynthia said. "I was so proud of my girls, helping me create this wonderful sign; and it felt like I carried them with me through it."

Cynthia said her daughters' future was one reason she marched in D.C.

"I dare now to hope for a world we are creating here and now where my three precious daughters do not have to live any longer with fear of being violated simply because they are female gendered," she explained.

Cynthia Drake pauses for a photo with Keweenaw resident Kim Green during the Women's March in D.C. (Photo © Anne Savage of of Anne Savage Photography. Reprinted with permission.)

Cynthia said she described the march in an email to a friend, in part, as follows: "It was a slow, steady pace and everyone was friendly, full of energy and chanting, singing, talking...observing, witnessing.  A sea of humanity of all shapes, sizes, colors, creeds, sexual orientation, ethnicity, etc."

Cynthia also noted she loved seeing families and everyone marching together in this celebration of humanity.

"The most powerful part was again the waves of cheering which would sweep it seems like from a far distance, the echo of sound moving through us all and forward echoing up ahead and back again," she writes. "I will never, as long as I live, forget that sound and vibration in my being."

Kim Green cited the First Amendment as her inspiration for marching: "The First Amendment states: 'Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.' This is why I marched in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, January 21st, because I can and believe it my civic duty when these and other rights are threatened, violated, or are being challenged by the Government responsible for upholding said rights."

Carolyn Peterson, René Johnson, Barry Fink

Carolyn (Candy) Peterson of Houghton, René Johnson of Hancock and Barry Fink of Houghton also rode to D.C. on a bus from Marquette.

Carolyn Peterson of Houghton waits with other bus riders in Vienna, MD, where they would board the metro at the end of the Orange Line and head into D.C. for the march. Not pictured but also present here is Barry Fink of Houghton. "The march was a fabulous experience," Barry said. "The energy and wonderful spirit of civility and hope was so uplifting." (Photo © and courtesy René Johnson)

"There were four buses from the UP," Carolyn said. "We left from Marquette at 6 a.m. Friday.  Fantastic trip! It was so very positive and warm and inspiring and FUN!!! Haven't felt so energized in years!!!

She was able to connect with other Upper Peninsula marchers -- including Cindy and Dickie Selfe, former Michigan Tech faculty -- thanks to a Yooper sign in the crowd.

A sign in the shape of the U.P. attracts fellow Yoopers during the Women's March. (Photo © and courtesy Cindy Selfe. Reprinted with permission.)

"One of our Yooper marchers, P.J. Besonen, made this sign, which inspired many who recognized the shape of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, to engage us in conversation," Carolyn said. "Two of my favorite moments -- a little boy, on his dad's shoulders, shouting 'What does democracy look like?' and our response, 'This is what democracy looks like!' Second, walking with a young Chinese woman who had been reluctant to join the march until we encouraged her to walk with us, surrounded by people of all colors, chanting 'No hate, no fear -- immigrants are welcome here!' Now....... to put all this loving energy into action in our home communities!"

Carolyn Peterson (center, facing camera) marches with other participants from the U.P. (Photo courtesy René Johnson)

René Johnson, Finlandia University Servant Leadership director and assistant professor of religion, said she wanted to go to the march as soon as she heard about it.

"I was troubled by the bigotry that the election had inflamed and was unable to tolerate that negative tone being promoted by 'leadership,'" René explained. "My motivation for going was to exude a positive message during negative times. I wanted to promote togetherness, and the unity principles of the march were right in line with what I'd been thinking about."

René Johnson of Hancock wears her message on an original sign during the Women's March in D.C. (Photo © P.J. Besonen of Covington, Mich., and courtesy René Johnson)

René wore a sign that took lyrics from the Pointer Sisters' 1973 song "Yes We Can, Can":

René's message, from a Pointer Sisters' 1973 song, continues on her back. (Photo © P.J. Besonen of Covington, Mich., and courtesy René Johnson)

"And kindness was indeed everywhere," René continued. "Participating in the march in D.C. was an encouragement to me, restoring my hope in humanity; this was the most diverse group of people (in age, gender, race, religion....), the largest mob, and the most positive energy I have ever been around. I had the privilege of going to D.C. to take part in a historic event. Now I must buckle down and be a part of history by committing to the hard work ahead to 'make this land a better land than the world in which we live.'"

Notes:

* Click here to watch and listen to Daphne Maki's song for the Women's March, "Stand Tall."

** Click here to learn about the Pussy Hat Project to demonstrate sister solidarity and support for women's rights.

*** See also our Jan. 26, 2017, article on the Sister March in Houghton: "Copper Country Sister March participants -- 500 strong -- demonstrate solidarity with Jan. 21 Women's March in D.C. and beyond."