Northern Michigan University’s Seaborg Center will host its annual FIRST LEGO League Challenge Qualifier on Saturday, Dec. 7, in Jamrich Hall. There will be 24 upper elementary teams (about 500 students) competing. Media are welcome to cover this STEM event, which brings many visitors to campus from the local community and larger central U.P. area. The qualifying tournament begins with an opening ceremony at 9 a.m. Robot matches and judging will follow throughout the day. The event will conclude around 4 p.m. with an awards ceremony to celebrate teams advancing to the state tournament.

 Saturday, December 7, 2024. 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Peter White Public Library, George Shiras III Room. Four mindfulness meditation and yoga teachers invite you to engage in a year of mindful living.  Each month, one of the teachers will present a topic that addresses the different dimensions where we can practice mindfulness and presence.  The intent is for us to cultivate mindfulness, care, and well-being individually and in our love, business, and social relationships.  These are drop-in sessions, although committing to a full year is a way to build a consistent mindfulness practice. For more information and to check

  Northern Michigan University Theatre and Dance will present a festive new production titled “Home for the Holidays” Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 5-7 and 12-14 in Forest Roberts Theatre. The show is about a group of NMU students who convene to share tales of their diverse family traditions before they journey home for the holidays. It features musical singing and dance numbers—many familiar—with bits of dialogue to tie it all together. “Home can mean a lot of different things to different people, and the holidays are a momentous time for various reasons,” said Karina Johnson, who developed and is directing

Celebrate Finnish Christmas and Independence on Dec.. 8 A program of music and delicious Finnish food to celebrate Finnish Christmas and Independence Day is planned for Sunday, December 8, at Messiah Lutheran Church in Magnuson Hall.  Messiah is located at 305 West Magnetic in Marquette. All are welcome to attend.  The program is presented by the Lake Superior Chapter of the Finlandia Foundation National.  President Ron Hill will begin with a short review of how the Finns have celebrated their Independence Day on December 6th since 1917. Musicial selections will include Oscar Forsman playing his accordion, Tanja Stanaway leading singing

Heather Bell Cookbook Release-Mama Bell’s Big Family Cookbook  Monday, December 9, 2024, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Community Room.  Teens, Family, Adults, Seniors.  Join viral cooking and lifestyle influencer Heather Bell for a night of cookbook chat.  Bell shares family stories and recipes from her recently released Mama Bell’s Big Family Cookbook. You’ll leave with full hearts and hungry bellies.  No admission charge.  For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

Marquette City Manager Karen Kovacs will hold her next community office hours on Wednesday, December 11 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Shiras Room, on the top level of Peter White Public Library (Front Street side). 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.

  Northern Michigan University Theatre and Dance will present its Holiday Soirée celebration and fundraiser for student scholarships on Wednesday, Dec. 11. The festive event kicks off with a holiday buffet and live auction from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Panowski Black Box Theatre, followed by student and guest-star performances from 7:30-9. There will also be a special visit from Santa Claus. Director Kristen Beth Ludwig said last year’s inaugural Holiday Soirée was such a success that a 2.0 version was planned to close out this semester. Marquette natives and NMU seniors Michael Ahlstrom and John Thomson will return as hosts before they pass the