Central UP Events

All are invited to the Annual Lenten Breakfast and Musical Program At Immanuel Lutheran Church 600 South Lincoln Road Escanaba, MI Saturday, March 1st Theme: WAITING FOR GOD’S TIME Breakfast: 9:15 a.m. Program: 10:00 a.m. A free will offering will be collected at the program, part of which will go toward the VICTIM SERVICE UNIT OF DELTA COUNTY Limited to 200 for breakfast, but unlimited for the program. For Reservations call 906-786-6771 or 906-280-4938 by February 26th.

A Shakespeare play presented with the second week of deer camp in the Upper Peninsula as its backdrop might seem a strange combination or stretch, but Jimmy Ludwig, director of this month’s Northern Michigan University production of Much Ado About Nothing, said his adaptation is designed to make the show more relatable to local audiences. “Shakespeare isn’t really worth doing if the audience doesn’t see themselves in it; otherwise, it’s museum theater, which is a lovely production that sort of mimics how it was done back in the day,” said Ludwig, who grew up hunting near Iron River. “It may be interesting

The League of Women Voters of Marquette County will hold its next general membership meeting on Wednesday, March 5th at 6:45 p.m. Social time begins at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in Studio 1 on the Lower Level of the Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St., Marquette. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. All community members are welcome to attend. For more information, send an email to lwvmqtco@gmail.com. If inclement weather,

He Went Down with His Ship: Captain Burke and the Steamer Arlington Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. At the Marquette Regional History Center Scuba diver and historian Dan Fountain will take you on the voyage of the Arlington. In the summer of 2023, a group of shipwreck hunters set out for the middle of Lake Superior in search of a shipwreck. They succeeded in finding an intact steel steamer in deep water, but what was it? Subsequent ROV dives to the wreck revealed its unexpected identity, and further research revealed that the wreck had tales to tell of

NEA Big Read Marty Achatz Creative Writing Workshop  Thursday, March 6, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library, Heritage Room.  Adults, Seniors, Family Friendly.  Marty Achatz (two-time U.P. Poet Laureate) will lead participants through writing prompts based on Roz Chast’s Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant?, exploring the theme of home and the people who make/made us.  No admission charge.  For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

Repair Café  Saturday, March 8, 2025. 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Toss it? No way! The Repair Café is back thanks to a partnership with the Marquette Sustainability Coalition. Bring in broken household goods such as appliances, clothing, or bikes and skilled fixers with assist you in repairing them. This is a great way to save money, learn valuable repair skills, and reduce your environmental impact. No admission charge. For further information, please contact mqtsustainability@gmail.com  or call 906-226-4303.

NEA Big Read Tyler Tichelaar Keynote:  Chief Kawbawgam  Saturday, March 8, 2025, 1:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.  Marquette Regional History Museum.  Adults, Seniors, Family Friendly.  Keynote Presentation:  Tyler Tichelaar (award-winning author).  Tyler Tichelaar will present information on local historical figure Charles Kawbawgam based on his book Kawbawgam:  The Chief, the Legend, the Man.  For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

UPCC Apprentice of the Year Banquet   WHEN: Saturday, March 8, 2025. Program begins at 6:15 p.m.   WHERE: Island Resort and Casino, W 399 U.S. Rte 2, Harris, MI 49845 DETAILS: The UPCC will hold its annual Apprentice of the Year banquet to recognize outstanding apprentices in the U.P. construction industry. Eighteen apprentices have been nominated for the title. The winner will receive $1,000, and two runners up will each receive $500. Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, who has announced his intention to run for Michigan governor, will be the guest speaker.   CONTACT: Jen Eyer, jeneyer@gmail.com, 734-846-1566

NEA Big Read Roz Chast Virtual Keynote  Monday, March 10, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.  Peter White Public Library, Community Room.  Adults, Seniors, Family Friendly.  Author Roz Chast will participate in a Q&A on the subject matter/themes of Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant? and the challenges/rewards of writing a graphic memoir.   Elizabeth Peterson from WLUC TV 6 will be the guest moderator.  For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

Michigan State University Extension will once again host the annual Agriculture for Tomorrow Conference in Escanaba. The event will take place Tuesday, March 11th, 2025 from 9:00am to 4:00pm ET at the Joseph Heirman University Center, Room 952, at Bay College in Escanaba, MI. Online registration for the event is open now with early bird pricing available until March 1st. Participants registering before March 1st will save $10 and reserve their spot for a delicious local food lunch at the conference. A keynote address from MSU Associate Director of AgBioResearch, Dr. James Averill, will kick-off the event highlighting the recently

NEA Big Read B.G. Bradley Creative Writing Workshop  Tuesday, March 11, 2025, 4:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.  Peter White Public Library, Heritage Room. Adults, Seniors, Family Friendly.   B. G. Bradley (award-winning novelist and teacher) will lead participants–teens, adults, seniors–through writing prompts encouraging participants to write short memoir pieces about parents, grandparents, and persons of note in their lives.  For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

The Northern Michigan University Department of Music will present a choral concert, Soundscapes and Supernovas, at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, in Reynolds Recital Hall. The concert will feature the NMU Arts Chorale, the University Choir, and multiple student conductors under the direction of Associate Professor Erin Colwitz. Admission is free. The program will explore the theme of soundscapes and supernovas, with selections including Cell’s Planets by Erika Lloyd (arr. Vince Peterson), Hymne au Soleil by Lili Boulanger, and How to Sing Like a Planet by Elizabeth Alexander.

Marquette City Manager Karen Kovacs will hold her next community office hours on Wednesday, March 12 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Heritage Room, of the Peter White Public Library. The meeting is intended to provide an informal opportunity to discuss issues within the community, and to give citizens the opportunity for direct dialogue with City staff about interests and concerns.

Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. At the Marquette Regional History Center Scuba diver and historian Dan Fountain will take you on the voyage of the Arlington. In the summer of 2023, a group of shipwreck hunters set out for the middle of Lake Superior in search of a shipwreck. They succeeded in finding an intact steel steamer in deep water, but what was it? Subsequent ROV dives to the wreck revealed its unexpected identity, and further research revealed that the wreck had tales to tell of rescue by a nearby freighter, the first trip on the lake for

Silver Creek Church and Silver Creek Thrift are partnering with Feeding America West Michigan to host a Mobile Food Pantry. Taking place on Thursday, March 13. Food distribution will begin at 10:00am and continue while supplies last or until 11:30am. Food will be available for approximately 550 families. Due to changes with Feeding America West Michigan, proxy pickup will be limited. This will be a drive-thru event with directions given by parking lot attendants. Guests are asked to remain in their cars and have adequate space prepared in their trunk or back seat in advance to allow the distribution team

Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale Thursday, March 13, 2025. 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Peter White Public Library Community Room. All Ages, Family Friendly. oin the Friends of PWPL in their bi-annual book sale. Thursday Night is a presale fundraiser event. There is a $5.00 admission fee/person. All other book sale dates have free admission. Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. To learn more about this amazing group of volunteers, visit our website https://pwpl.info/friends-of-pwpl//.

Join us for our Second Thursday Creativity Series at the Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum: “The Big Read” Thursday, March 13, 2025 Cloverland in Concert In cahoots with the Peter White Public Library Explore words and music at the Children’s Museum. Come to play, listen, write, and tell your story. Experience hands-on craft activities, music, seed planting, and FREE Culver’s Frozen Custard. FREE to participate.

NEA Big Read:  Marquette Poets Circle  Thursday, March 13, 2025, 6:30 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Shiras Room.  Adults, Seniors, Family Friendly.  Join local poets, writers, and poetry enthusiasts for an evening of poetry.  Starting at 6:30 p.m., participants gather to workshop their current work, followed by an Open Mic at 7:15 p.m.  New and experienced poets are welcome for either or both events.  No admission charge.  For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

NEA Big Read Docu Cinema:  Very Semi-Serious  Friday, March 14, 2025, 12:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Peter White Public Library, Shiras Room.   Adults, Seniors, Family Friendly.  This documentary features Roz Chast and explores the genius of The New Yorker single-panel cartoon.  Following the film, there will be a discussion of the humor of Roz Chast in Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant?  No admission charge.  For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

The Beijing Guitar duo, composed of Meng Su and Yameng Wang, will follow a 12-city U.S. tour with a performance at Northern Michigan University as part of the Siril Concert Series. The event is scheduled at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 14. The guitarists will also deliver two free events the same day: a music appreciation presentation at 11 a.m., and a masterclass at 1 p.m. All will be held in Reynolds Recital Hall. Admission is $12 for general admission and free for NMU students and youth 18 and under. Tickets are available at nmu.universitytickets.com. Praised by the distinguished Classical Guitar Magazine as “having the star potential

  Northern Michigan University’s 18th annual UNITED Conference will be held Monday and Tuesday, March 17-18, in the Northern Center. It revolves around the theme “Voices of the Earth: Learning, Leading and Advancing Equity Together.” Keynote speakers/presentations are: Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, author of this year’s NMU Diversity Common Reader Program selection, “As We Have Always Done”; RJ Smith of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, who will address the traditional Anishinaabe game Bagodowe, or lacrosse; and an Anishinaabe theatrical performance. The conference will also feature breakout sessions on a variety of topics—including some led by students; an

Cyber Clinic: Families Monday March 17, 2025. 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Peter White Public Library Shiras Room. In partnership with the Upper Peninsula Cybersecurity Institute. Staying safe online and recognizing scams in today’s ever changing cyber world is difficult. Peter White Public Library is working in partnership with the UPCI to bring the Marquette community authoritative and up-to-date information about computer and internet safety in our new program series “Cyber Clinic”. Cyber Clinic: Families is perfect for parents and guardians of children and teens trying to navigate how to keep your children safe online, manage their apps, messaging and

Northern Michigan University’s 18th annual UNITED Conference will be held Monday and Tuesday, March 17-18, in the Northern Center. It revolves around the theme “Voices of the Earth: Learning, Leading and Advancing Equity Together.” Keynote speakers/presentations are: Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, author of this year’s NMU Diversity Common Reader Program selection, “As We Have Always Done”; RJ Smith of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, who will address the traditional Anishinaabe game Bagodowe, or lacrosse; and an Anishinaabe theatrical performance. The conference will also feature breakout sessions on a variety of topics—including some led by students; an optional

PWPL Board of Trustees Meeting Tuesday, March 18, 2025. 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Peter White Public Library, George Shiras III Room. Regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Peter White Public Library. The meeting is open to all.  Meeting agenda, materials, and remote attendance link are available on the library’s website: www.pwpl.info.

The Marquette Regional History Center presents the Film Premiere: My Sister by NMU Alumni Dan Aho Wednesday, March 19, 6:30 p.m. Negaunee’s Dan Aho, an NMU Alumni, has worked as an actor in Chicago and L.A., where he delved into the world of film writing and producing. His latest short film was shot in Marquette County. “The premise for My Sister is loosely inspired by real events. The script was in production, in Los Angeles, on three different occasions, with three different sets of actresses. For various reasons it never made it in front of the camera, and it wasn’t

The game benefits the Marquette County Fire Relief Fund, and gets underway at 630 at Lakeview Arena.  A $1 donation gets you in, and once there, aside from the action, there are many chances to bid on items and purchase raffle tickets.  The family friendly event has raised over half a million dollars since its inception.

Northern Michigan University’s Social Work Department will hold two events marking the 50th anniversary of its “unwavering dedication to social justice, community engagement and transformative education.” A reception will take place from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, March 20, at the Landmark Inn’s Harbor Room. An open house on campus is scheduled from noon to 2 p.m. in 2400 Jamrich Hall. Alumni, students, faculty and community partners are invited to honor the department’s legacy and envision its future. The reception will feature a welcome and opening remarks by Department Head LaMart Hightower; land acknowledgement by Graduate Administrative Assistant Shelby Boggs; department history and highlights from

NEA Big Read Elder Caregiving Thursday, March 20, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.  Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church.  Adults, Seniors, Family Friendly.  For this event, a representative of the Alzheimer’s Association will discuss how to care for individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia.  No admission charge.  For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

NEA Big Read Global Cinema:  Tokyo Story Friday, March 21, 2025, 12:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m.  Peter White Public Library, Community Room.  Adults, Seniors.  PWPL screens Yasujiro Ozu’s crowning achievement, Tokyo Story, a devastating film that explores the themes of old age and parenting.  Following the film, there will be a discussion about the effects of aging and caregiving for the people who made us, including elements from Roz Chast’s Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant? For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

This month’s Northern Michigan University Jazz Festival will be preceded by a presentation on the history of jazz at NMU to coincide with the university’s 125th anniversary and feature opening and closing concerts with guest artist Matt Wilson, a drummer, band leader and educator. The annual festival brings middle and high school students from throughout the region to campus for performances and clinics. Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center Director Dan Truckey will discuss the little-known history of the first jazz performers in Northern’s dance halls, gymnasiums and auditoriums during a free public presentation at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, in Mead

  Northern Michigan University students at Radio X (WUPX-FM) will broadcast an all-day NMU 125th Anniversary Alumni Show from 6 a.m. to midnight Saturday, March 22. Radio X alumni are scheduled to guest-DJ radio shows, and there will be interviews with other alumni. Radio X announcements from the past will air, and students will present NMU history moments that they have researched in the NMU Archives. The day-long broadcast can be heard on WUPX at 91.5 FM, or streamed online at http://www.nmu.edu/wupx.

NEA Big Read The People Library Saturday, March 22, 2025, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library, Community Room. Adults, Seniors, Family Friendly.  For this unique program, participants will be able to “check out” individuals from the library for short, individual conversations about their lives and experiences as miners, Native Americans, authors, teachers, clergy, individuals with mental illness—the people who make up our home.  For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

The regular monthly meeting of the Marquette County Board of Health will be held on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at 6:00 pm.  The meeting will take place in Room 231 of the Henry A. Skewis Annex, Marquette County Courthouse, Marquette.

NEA Big Read Christine Saari Book Release:  A Stitched Life  Thursday, March 27, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.  Peter White Public Library, Community Room.  Adults, Seniors, Family Friendly.  Writer/artist Christine Saari reads from her newly released memoir in poems, A Stitched Life.  The book details Saari’s childhood experiences growing up in Austria during the rise of Adolf Hitler to her eventual settlement in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  Join us for this powerful testament to the human spirit overcoming authoritarianism, war, loss, and grief to find this place we call home.  For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

NEA Big Read Cinema:  On Golden Pond  Friday, March 28, 2025, 12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library, Community Room.  Adults, Seniors, Family Friendly.  PWPL screens this classic film which explores aging, dementia, and intergenerational communication.  Following the film, there will be a discussion of the movie and Roz Chast’s Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant? with a representative from the Marquette Alzheimer’s Association, focused on connections and care of the people we call home.  For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

NEA Big Read Dr. Martin Reinhardt Keynote:  Indigenous People in the U.P.  Saturday, March 29, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.  Marquette Regional History Museum.  Adults, Seniors, Family Friendly.  Dr. Martin Reinhardt will speak about Native Americans in the Upper Peninsula, including information on culture, history, interaction with white settlers, and Native American Boarding Schools.  For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.