PWPL Presents: Poetry-Palooza: NMU’s MFA Poetry Student Reading
2025-12-06 13:00 - 14:30 UTC | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Saturday, December 6, 2025,
1:00 p.m.- 2:30 p.m.
Peter White Public Library Heritage Room.
Adults, Seniors, Family Friendly. For this special event, PWPL partners with NMU’s MFA Program to sponsor an end-of-semester poetry reading. Students currently enrolled in NMU’s graduate-level poetry workshop will share their work in a poetry-palooza. No admission charge. For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

HOLIDAY LASERS ON THE ORE DOCK
2025-12-06 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-11 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-12 18:00 - 21:00 | Lower Harbor Ore Dock, City Multi Use Path, Marquette, MI, 49855, United States
Experience the magic of the season in downtown Marquette! The historic Lower Harbor Ore Dock will light up for the holidays with dazzling laser displays by Fresh Coast Light Lab, every Thursday through Saturday from 6-9 PM on the north side of the dock.

This free, family-friendly show offers something new each week from festive and winter-themed scenes to colorful, abstract displays inspired by Marquette itself. While you’re downtown, warm up with dinner, local brews, or a little holiday shopping just steps away.

2025 DATES
November 20 – December 27 & New Year’s Eve

Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 6-9 PM

Michigan Tech Choirs Performance
2025-12-06 19:30 | St. Joseph Church, 701 Calumet Street, Lake Linden, Michigan, 49945
On Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Lake Linden, MI hosts the combined Choirs of Michigan Tech, conducted by Jared Anderson, to perform Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Vespers. The music is based on pre-existing and newly composed chants from the Russian Orthodox All-Night Vigil service. The vespers portion of the service comprises the first six movements of the fifteen movement work. Vespers services are focused on texts and chants related to evening prayer. “Rachmaninoff grew up attending services in the Orthodox church,” says Jared Anderson, “The chanting that he heard there, and the bells from the churches, had profound influences on his music.”

The Choirs of Michigan Tech have performed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on an annual basis and audiences look forward each year to experiencing these concerts in such a beautiful and unique setting. “For many years the choirs have presented Music for a Sacred Space, an opportunity to prepare music that was written for worship settings, often in churches that have a resonant acoustic environment,” says Anderson, “St. Joseph’s is a wonderful space to hear Rachmaninoff’s All-Night Vigil (Vespers). We are grateful for the opportunity to sing in that space.”

Pay as you are able tickets are still available online and at the door for this event. Don’t miss this final performance of the year from the Michigan Tech Choirs.

PWPL Presents: Tuba Christmas
2025-12-07 13:30 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Sunday, December 7, 2025,
1:30 p.m.
Marquette Regional History Center.
Family Friendly, Adults, Seniors. Join Peter White Public Library, in partnership with the Marquette Regional History Center, for a booming, brassy concert of Christmas carols. Let the spirit of Christmas resonate within you. This event will be livestreamed on the PWPL YouTube Channel. No admission charge. For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

Holiday Open House and additional festivities at the Marquette Regional History Center
2025-12-07 13:30, 2025-12-10 18:30 | Marquette Regional History Center, 145 W. Spring Street, Marquette, Michigan
Holiday Open House
December 10, 6:30pm at the Marquette Regional History Center
Wrap up the calendar year with a gathering of greetings. This year, join us for a reading by Bruce Closser of “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” Known to most as the poem, “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” this verse and some special surprises will cheer your winter eve. Light refreshments. Free, donations appreciated. For more info visit marquettehistory.org or call 906.226.3571.

Tuba Christmas
December 7, 1:30pm at the Marquette Regional History Center
Join us for the start of the holiday season with Tuba Christmas. We are happy to host this joyful and humorous concert! Doors open at 1:00. Free, donations appreciated and will support the History Center.

Brass Choir
December 21, 4:00pm at the Marquette Regional History Center
Come with your hot cocoa and your listening ears! Enjoy beautiful brass music with the whole family. Free, donations appreciated and will support the History Center.

Houghton Country Jail Committee Update LWV
2025-12-08 16:00 | Houghton County Courthouse, 401 East Houghton Avenue, Houghton, MI, 49931, United States
Houghton County Jail issues are back on the front burner after the failure, in August, of a $32 million, 30-year bond millage vote. For a history of the jail discussion, please see the Past Jail Projects tab on the County’s website https://houghtoncounty.net.

Three committees have been formed and all three have met. The three committees are addressing 1) How to modify the jail plan to address voters’ concerns so that a millage can pass; 2) What to do with the building on the Sharon Avenue property and what to do with the old jail should a new one be authorized; and 3) What county-held properties could be sold to reduce the tax burden of financing a new jail. The discussions of the committees are being conducted in public meetings announced on the county’s website, https://houghtoncounty.net . There is often a Zoom/Teams option for attending virtually.

The first committee is called the Jail Committee. Chaired by Jared Hyrkas from UP Engineers and Architects, this is the largest committee and has the biggest job. As articulated by Chair Hyrkas in the committee’s minutes, their objective is “to get a new plan that the people can support.” The first meeting included getting-to-know-you discussions and a gathering of what members and attendees had heard were the voters’ objections to passing the August jail millage. The next meeting of this committee is Monday December 8 at 4pm in the 5th floor conference room in the Courthouse. The public is invited to attend; there will be a Zoom/Microsoft Teams option to attend and participate virtually.

The second committee (The Sharon Avenue Property-Use Committee) has focused on the former church building on the Sharon Avenue property. After two meetings, a tour of the building, and input from contractors and building experts, it appears that the deficiencies of the building are substantial. The difficulty is that the standards are high for a structure to be used by the county for anything jail related. At its second meeting, the committee voted to recommend that the building be demolished due to the high cost and futility of re-using the structure. The committee will report more details at the next Board of Commissioners meeting, which is Wednesday November 12 at 6pm in the Circuit Courtroom on the 3rd floor of the Courthouse. The public is invited to attend; there will be a Zoom/Microsoft Teams option to attend and participate (public comment) virtually.

The third committee (County-Held Properties Committee) has generated controversy due to a conflict over Canal View, the Houghton County medical care facility. Canal View, which is owned and operated by Houghton County, is a popular and cherished facility with an outstanding reputation in elder care and fiscal governance. In August 2025 Canal View’s operating millage was strongly supported by the voters of Houghton County.

What does Canal View have to do with the jail? The answer to this is that, as a county owned facility, Canal View represents an asset that the county holds. Some members of the community are advocating that sale of county-held assets be considered to raise funds for other county priorities, specifically the jail.

It is unclear how much support there is in the county or on the Board of Commissioners for selling county properties, especially Canal View. In the spring of 2025, this topic was raised in County Board discussions but not acted upon. After the failure of the August jail millage, and in the spirit of considering all options, the Board agreed to fully investigate the idea that sale of some county-held assets (mentioned were the Marina, Transfer Station, Airport, and yes, Canal View) could generate funds for the jail. This is not a commitment to selling any of the county’s assets—rather it is an acknowledgement that knowing the value of county-held assets will allow for a more complete assessment of any decision to retain or sell that asset.

The County-Held Properties Committee recommended to the County Board (as reported in the October 14 2025 Board Minutes) to put out a request for proposals (RFP) for an appraisal of both Canal View and the Houghton County Marina; the Board voted in October to do this. There has been substantial push-back from some members of the public and from the Canal View Board, as the RFP was interpreted as a step towards selling Canal View. This topic is slated to be revisited by the County Board at their next meeting, Wednesday November 12 at 6pm in the 3rd floor courtroom and online. As stated above, this meeting, and all County Board meetings, are open to the public and have the option of virtual attendance and public comment periods. The recent move of County Board meetings from 3pm in the small 5th floor conference room to 6pm in the much larger 3rd floor Circuit Court courtroom is intended to encourage participation by the public.

All citizens of Houghton County are encouraged to engage in the important discussion of how we address the advancing age and poor condition of the current jail and the lack of appropriate space for housing both inmates and Sheri ‘s services. This discussion has been ongoing for at least 25 years. The project costs keep going up, and the challenges posed by the current facilities keep growing. The League of Women Voters of the Copper Country are in favor of addressing these issues; and sooner, rather than later. For more information, please see the pages discussed here and the YouTube videos made earlier this year by the League (see links below; links available on County website as well).

Marquette Area Public Schools BOARD OF EDUCATION Regular Meeting
2025-12-08 17:30 | MI
Agenda for 12-08-25

PWPL Presents: Winter Holiday Family Storytime
2025-12-08 18:00 - 18:30 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Monday December 8, 2025.
6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Peter White Public Library Community Room.
Families with children of all ages are invited to this special winter holiday storytime to enjoy interactive stories and songs. PJ’s or holiday-themed apparel encouraged. No admission charge. For more information and to check the status of the program, call 906-226-4323 or visit pwpl.info.

PWPL Presents: Tech Coaching for Seniors
2025-12-09 10:00 - 13:00 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Tuesdays and Thursdays, December (2, 9, 16, 18), 2025.
10:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m.
Peter White Public Library Heritage Room.
Need help with the settings on your phone? Want to download the downtown parking app? Learn how to make your electronic devices work the way you want them to with the help of Christine Ault, retired teacher and librarian. Call the Reference Desk at 906-226-4311 to schedule your 30-minute session. Please charge your electronic device before each session, and bring passwords with you. No fees.

PWPL Presents: Tasty Reads Book Group
2025-12-09 12:00 - 13:30 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Tuesday, December 9, 2025.
12:00 p.m. -1:30 p.m.
Peter White Public Library Heritage Room.
A book group for readers, who love to cook. With a focus on food-themed literature, the group explores a variety of books from cookbooks to culinary memoirs. Participants can enjoy tasty treats inspired by the book of the month while sharing their thoughts and connecting with others who share their passion for both literature and food. This month’s book is Wild Chocolate by Rowan Jacobsen. No admission charge. For more information call 226-4303 or visit pwpl.info.

Keweenaw Indivisible Public Gathering
2025-12-09 17:00 | Houghton County Courthouse, 401 East Houghton Avenue, Houghton, MI, 49931, United States
Keweenaw Indivisible, other community organizations, and the public will gather outside the Houghton County Circuit Court on Tuesday, December 9th starting at 5 PM, and to attend the Houghton County Board of Commissioners meeting at 6 PM, to voice concerns over a proposed board resolution to declare there are only two sexes.

DETAILS:

Houghton County Board of Commissioners Meeting

Tuesday, December 9th at 5 PM

Houghton County Circuit Court at 401 E Houghton Ave (3rd Floor) in Houghton

We hope you will be able to join us. We expect at least 100–200 people to attend.

PWPL Presents: Meditate Marquette
2025-12-09 18:00 - 19:00 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Tuesdays, December (2, 9, 16, 23, 30) 2025.
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Peter White Public Library Heritage Room.
Mediate Marquette and PWPL have collaborated to offer a weekly, in-person
mindfulness meditation program. The sessions begin at 6:00 pm followed by a period of fellowship. Dr. Debra Smith, a Certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher and psychologist, will deliver brief talks exploring various aspects of meditation and its impact on our lives. These talks will take place on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, while longer meditation sessions are scheduled for the remaining Tuesdays. All individuals, regardless of skill level or spiritual affiliation, are welcome to attend. For further information, please contact meditatemarquette@gmail.com or call 906-226-4303.

PWPL Presents: Book Launch Reading: Suzanne Sunshower & Still Wild: Poems from Bear Shack
2025-12-09 18:30 - 19:30 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Tuesday, December 9, 2025.
6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Peter White Public Library Community Room.
Adults, Seniors, Teens. Join PWPL in celebrating the release of poet Suzanne Sunshower’s collection, Still Wild: poems from the bear shack. This latest release of the Yooper Poetry series from Modern History Press contains meditations from Sunshower, who, at the age of 60, moved to a remote hunting camp trailer in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to start a new adventure. No admission charge. For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

Marquette City Manager Community Office Hours
2025-12-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Marquette City Manager Karen Kovacs will hold her next community office hours on Wednesday, December 10, 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.

Dementia Caregiving Series
2025-12-10 11:00 - 12:00 | MI
Dementia Caregiving Series, a three-part online program designed for caregivers of people with dementia, will be held on Wednesdays, December 3, 10 and 17, 2025, from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm (Eastern) via Zoom.
During the three online sessions participants will learn basic information about dementia and its impact on brain function, how to communicate more effectively with someone who has dementia, recognize stages of dementia, how to provide meaningful daily activities based on the interests and abilities of the person with dementia, how to better understand and address dementia related behaviors, and learn strategies and benefits of self-care. Each session is an hour long.
There is no charge for this program, but registration is required. To register, visit www.upcap.org (click on EVENTS) or call 2-1-1 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (EST) for assistance. Registration ends on November 21. Participants must have a device with internet connection and email address to attend.
Dementia Caregiving Series is offered by Upper Peninsula Commission for Area Progress (UPCAP). This series is available in part through funding from the Older American’s Act and Michigan Department of Health & Human Services Bureau of Aging, Community Living, and Supports.

PWPL Presents: Northwords and Music: Christmas Sounds
2025-12-10 18:30 - 20:00 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Wednesday, December 10, 2025.
6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Peter White Public Library Community Room.
Adults, Seniors, Family. Join 2022 Marquette Writer of the Year B. G. Bradley and his friends for an evening of music, stories, poetry, and skits sure to make you laugh, cry, clap, and sing for those big moments in our lives. The show features two-time U. P. Poet Laureate Marty Achatz; celebrated musicians Linda Smith and Seamus Collins (Big Lake Acoustic); actress Jacque Love; actor Jim Edwards; and special guest star Whiskey Ryan. This event will also be livestreamed. For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

Better Together presentation "The Wonder of Christmas"
2025-12-11 09:30 | Zion Lutheran Church, 13511 Roland Lake Road, Skanee, Michigan, 49962
Better Together will meet on Thursday, December 11 at 9:30 at the Zion Lutheran Church on 400 Ingot Street in Hancock. The speaker will be Kathy Ptaszek and her presentation will be “The Wonder of Christmas.” All area women are cordially invited to this special holiday event. A brunch will served and there is suggested donation of $10. All proceeds over the cost of the event will be donated to local charities. To reserve a spot, call Barb Worrall at 906-523-4445 or email judyusitalo@hotmail.com. This will be the last gathering until April 2026.

December Feeding America Mobile Pantry at SCC.
2025-12-11 10:00 - 11:30 | Silver Creek Church, 219 Silver Creek Rd, Marquette, MI, 49855, United States
Marquette -Silver Creek Church and Silver Creek Thrift are partnering with Feeding America West Michigan to host a Mobile Food Pantry. Taking place on Thursday, December 11. 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 to place food boxes directly in the vehicle. Silver Creek Church and Silver Creek Thrift are located at 219 Silver Creek Road in Harvey. Businesses or organizations that are interested in supporting these monthly mobile food pantries are encouraged to call 906.249.1715 for more information.

Stuff a Blue Goose
2025-12-11 13:00 - 16:00 | Pat’s Foods – L’Anse, 139 N. Main Street, L'Anse, MI, 49946, United States
Troopers from the Michigan State Police Calumet Post and five grocery stores in Baraga and Houghton counties will be working together to host “STUFF A BLUE GOOSE” Harvest Gathering charity events. The purpose is to raise food donations for local food pantries.

Troopers will be at Taydch’s Marketplace in Houghton, Louie’s Super Foods in Lake Linden, Larry’s Market in Baraga, Pat’s Foods in L’Anse, Pat’s Foods in Calumet, to assist in the collection of donated food items. A “BLUE GOOSE” patrol car will be at the sites to haul donated items to local food pantries at the conclusion of the events. The events will be as follows:

Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. at Pat’s Foods in L’Anse

Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. at Pat’s Foods in Calumet

All grocery stores will have pre-made bags available for purchase, which will be stuffed in the “BLUE GOOSE”. Each bag will be pre-filled with non-perishable food items. You may also donate your own non-perishable food items.

There is a significant need for food items in our local pantries and the participation and involvement from the public is greatly appreciated. Come help “STUFF A BLUE GOOSE”.

Stuff a Blue Goose
2025-12-11 13:00 - 16:00 | Pat’s Foods – Calumet, 56845 Station Drive, Calumet, Michigan, 49913

Let's Eat Free Community Meal
2025-12-11 16:00 - 17:30 | St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 318 Lyons Street, Baraga, Michigan, 49908
Let’s Eat Free Community Meal
sponsored by: Baraga County Chamber of Commerce
Eat inside for food and fellowship!!!

January 11, 2026 from 4pm – 5:30pm
St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Baraga, MI

Menu includes: BBQ pork on a bun, potato salad, fruit salad, dessert

PWPL Presents: Marquette Poets Circle Annual Holiday Gathering
2025-12-11 17:00 - 18:30 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Thursday, December 11, 2025,
5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Peter White Public Library Shiras Room.
Adults, Seniors, Family Friendly. Join local poets, writers, and poetry enthusiasts for an evening of poetic holiday celebration. Gather at 5 p.m. for refreshments and an Open Mic, then head downstairs for the Winter Solstice Art & Evergreen Walk. 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.

PWPL Presents: An Evening of Art and Evergreen
2025-12-11 18:00 - 20:00 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Thursday, December 11, 2025.
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Huron Mountain Club Gallery and Deo Gallery.
Teens, Adults, Seniors. Combining the previous events of Winter Charm and Winter Wonderland Walk. A winter-themed art exhibit will be on display in both the Deo Gallery and Huron Mountain Club Gallery as well as themed trees decorated by community members throughout the library. In addition, PWPL will also host the Pierce Holiday Village. Enjoy an artist reception with refreshments, stroll through the winter tree walk, challenge yourself to a scavenger hunt, view the holiday village, and take in the sounds of the season with strolling music featuring Kerry Yost and Company as we welcome winter. For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

Noteworthy Holiday Concert "A Holiday of Harmony"
2025-12-11 19:00 | Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Calumet, Michigan, 49913
Noteworthy Holiday Concert

7 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 11
Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Calumet

The women’s barbershop chorus Noteworthy will present a wide variety of popular and sacred music its annual holiday concert, “A Holiday of Harmony,” .
“We’re excited to be rolling out a number of contemporary classics, as well as an intricate arrangement of two Christmas hymns,” said Noteworthy director Joan Harbour. “I predict the audience will love this concert.”

Noteworthy is the region’s only women’s barbershop chorus, with a repertoire of singable melodies performed a cappella in four-part harmony.
Noteworthy will be joined by Maple Sugar Folk, which will perform a selection of French carols.

Admission is free to Noteworthy concerts. A free-will offering will be taken to benefit the Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter Home.
“We always welcome new members,” said Harbour. For more information about joining Noteworthy, email noteworthychorus@gmail.com or call 906-482-5088.

PWPL Presents: Cultivating Care, Compassion, and Connection
2025-12-12 12:00 - 13:00 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Fridays, December (5, 12, 19, 26) 2025.
Noon – 1:00 p.m.
Peter White Public Library, Heritage Room.
In partnership with several area organizations, this hour-long event offers a safe space to pause, reflect, and build meaningful connections with others who are committed to cultivating kindness in our world. Each week, a different organization takes the lead, with experienced educators and leaders facilitating. This rotating format ensures diverse perspectives and practices while maintaining a shared commitment to the Charter for Compassion and the Circle of Trust principles. For more information and to check on the status of the program, call 906-226-4303 or
visit pwpl.info.

PWPL Presents: Docu Cinema: The First Silent Night: The Christmas Carol that United the World
2025-12-12 12:00 - 14:30 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Friday, December 12, 2025.
12:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
Peter White Public Library Shiras Room.
Adults, Seniors. Renowned actor Simon Callow uncovers the moving origins of the song “Silent Night,” from the Austrian village of Oberndorf to the city of Salzburg. Not Rated. No admission charge. For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

Graduating Senior Art Exhibit on Display
2025-12-12 19:00 - 21:00 | DeVos Art Museum, 401 Presque Isle Ave, Marquette, MI, 49855, United States
Northern Michigan University’s School of Art and Design is hosting its Fall 2025 Senior Exhibition at the DeVos Art Museum. A closing reception is scheduled from 7-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, with an awards announcement at 8 p.m.
This year’s exhibition highlights the work of five students: Grace Matthews and Devyn Clark in graphic design; and Alayna Storey, Shelby Goode and Jaylee Pol in painting.
The reception and exhibition are free and open to the public. For more information, go to nmuartmuseum.com
