300: Voyage on the Baltic Sea, Part 2

Date/Time: Monday, May 5, 2025, 6:30-8:30pm

Location: NMU Dome 101B

Cost: $5 members, $10 non-members

Presenter: Carol Margrif, longtime NCLL member and avid traveler

This is a continuation of a Powerpoint presentation of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Bornholm Island, and Copenhagen. Tallinn’s Song Festival Grounds, Art Nouveau District in Riga, A Day in the Life of Organic Farmers on the “Sunshine Island”, House of the Blackheads, and a Local Products Walk/tour in fine native clothing, silver and amber jewelry, and linen/ porcelain shops. Old Town architecture and food are other highlights. Even if you didn’t attend Part 1, this will be a fun and informative way to learn about travel around the Baltic Sea!

Liaison: Paula McCormick, 906-869-5291, mccormpaula@gmail.com

Event Size: 75

 

301: Opening Bay Cliff Health Camp Work Day

Date/Time: Thursday, May 8, 2025, 9:30am-3pm

Location: Bay Cliff Health Camp

Cost: No Charge

Presenter: Sue Holliday

Join NCLL and Transition Students to help with our annual clean up of Bay Cliff Health Camp for the season. We will be served a family style lunch in the Big House. There are all kinds of clean up areas for all levels of ability. NCLL will carpool from Target-Dairy Queen parking lot at 9:30am.

Liaison: Susan Holliday, 906-235-8532, susanholliday83@gmail.com

Event Size: 40

 

302: Mariucci Family Beacon House Tour

Date/Time: Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 1-2:30pm

Location: Beacon House, 200 S Seventh St, Mqt

Cost: $5 members, $10 non-members

Presenter: Mary Tavernini Dowling, CEO

The Beacon House becomes a “home away from home” for patients and families that travel across the Upper Peninsula to receive specialty care at U.P. Health System-Marquette and the Upper Peninsula Medical Center. Join us for a tour and learn more about this very special oasis in our community.

Liaison: Jan Julian, 906-362-1956, terv.julj51@gmail.com

Event Size: 35

 

303: Obesity and Weight Loss Medication

Date/Time: Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 2-3:30pm

Location: PWPL – Heritage Room

Cost: $5 members, $10 non-members

Presenter: Dr. Mohey Mowafy

Many factors participate in causing obesity which is a chronic and complicated medical condition that involves having too much body fat. Eating and activity patterns, your genes, the environment, and your emotions all play a role. Hormones, the medical conditions you have and medications you take also contribute to obesity. Our talk today will discuss obesity as a threat to our health with a focus on some of the recent medications, particularly the classification of drugs known as GPL-1.

Liaison: Bev Evans, 248-464-3828, bevans@nmu.edu

Event Size: 40

 

304: Lunch and Learn – “Important Life Lesson”

Date/Time: Monday, May 19, 2025, 11am-1pm

Location: Jasper Ridge Brewery and Restaurant, 1075 Country Lane, Ishpeming

Cost: Cost of your lunch

Presenter: N/A

Join us for conversation and learning. The focus of the conversation will be, “What is one thing your parents taught you that you really value? Is it something your grandchildren should know?” Stay after lunch to explore shops and sites in Ishpeming. Information will be sent to registrants regarding carpooling.

Liaison: Carol Steinhaus, 906-458-5408, csteinha@nmu.edu

Event Size: 25

 

305: Tour of Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Date/Time: Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 5-6pm

Location: Habitat ReStore, 133 Carmen Dr, Mqt

Cost: $5 members, $10 non-members

Presenter: Bob Howe, Director of ReStore

Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit organization founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, decent place to live in dignity and safety. The Marquette County Habitat builds new homes, helps repair homes, installs permanent and temporary ramps and operates the Habitat ReStore. Join us for a tour of the Habitat Restore to learn about how this non-profit home improvement store, donation and recycling center raises funds and the impact it has in Marquette County.

Liaison: Margi Licht-Mallo, 906-250-3883, mlichtmallo@charter.net

Event Size: 20

 

306: Tour of the Longyear Building

Date/Time: Thursday, May 22, 2025, 6-7:30pm

Location: Longyear Bldg, 210 N Front St, Mqt

Cost: $5 members, $10 non-members

Presenter: Jason Povey, ERP Systems and Business

Join us to hear about the life and contributions of J.M Longyear and tour the Longyear Building, originally built in 1917. The Longyear Building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Liaison: Margi Licht-Mallo, 906-250-3883, mlichtmallo@charter.net

Event Size: 20

 

307: Tour the Recycle Center:

Date/Time: Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 11am-1pm

Location: Marquette Recycle Center, County Road 480, Marquette

Cost: $5 members, $10 non-members

Presenter: Josh Wales 

Part II of Understanding Recycling series. Come learn and see the modern techniques of recycling that are now available here in Marquette. Tour the big warehouse where recycling materials are stored and then shipped. Carpool from Tadych’s Marketplace at 1030 am, if desired.

Liaison: Susan Holliday, 906-235-8532, susanholliday83@gmail.com

Event Size: 20

 

308: Wildfire Hazards Around Your Home

Date/Time: Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 12:30-4pm

Location: DNR Repair Shop & Warehouse, 110 Ford Road, Chocolay Twp

Cost: $5 members, $10 non-members

Presenter: Robert Ziel

You might be unaware that Marquette County has its own wildfire history. Large fires burned and threatened homes in the springs of 1986, 1999, 2010, and more. Even fires that start in your backyard are a threat. Warmer, windier weather in recent autumn months suggest even more wildfires are possible. Come and learn a simple inspection process to find hazards around your home and yard so you can make changes to protect it. This class will begin with an informational lecture and proceed to a field activity.

Liaison: Ruth Robb, 248-217-5434, rrobb28@yahoo.com

Event Size: 30

 

309: Manistique Day Trip

Date/Time: Thursday, June 12, 2025, 9am-5pm

Location: Meet at Lofaro’s Market in Harvey at 9am to carpool

Cost: $5 members, $10 non-members

Presenter: Christine Worley

Spend the day exploring Manistique, Michigan. We’ll tour some of the unique shops, including The Mustard Seed, Bohemian Manistique, Treats & Things, and Paper Mill Books. After, we will have lunch at the Cedar Street Café. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Lake Effect Arts to hear the inspiring story of managing this all volunteer art facility. Before heading home, a stop at Palms Brook State Park, home of the famous Kitch-iti-kipi Springs is a must see!

Liaison: Bev Evans, 248-464-3828, bevans@nmu.edu

Event Size: 15

 

310: Introduction to Riparian Ecology

Date/Time: Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 9am-noon

Location: Vielmetti-Peters Reserve, end of Brickyard Road near Meijers

Cost: $5 members, $10 non-members

Presenter: Clare Fastiggi

The word “riparian” refers to the areas where waterways and land interact. Clare will lead a tour showing us the plant communities and wildlife that are found in riparian zones and the critical role these areas play in a healthy ecosystem. Join us to learn more about riparian ecology on the ground in our local preserves! *Note: mosquito nets and bug spray recommended!*

Liaison: Fran Wrate, 906-241-9800, whitebirch07@icloud.com

Event Size: 16

 

311: Marquette Board of Light and Power

Date/Time: Wednesday, June 25, 2025, 10am-12pm

Location: Mqt Board of Light & Power, 2200 Wright St., Mqt

Cost: $5 members, $10 non-members

Presenter: Matthew Zavislak

Part II of the initial presentation of Your Board of Light and Power. Join us for a guided tour of the BLP’s grounds. The tour will help you understand and learn about BLP services now and planning Marquette’s future needs. Please bring an umbrella or wear rain gear as the event will go on even in inclement weather.

Liaison: Susan Holliday, 906-235-8532, susanholliday83@gmail.com

Event Size: 20

 

312: Lunch and Learn – “I Wish Marquette Had…”

Date/Time: Thursday, June 26, 2025, 11am-1pm

Location: Slabz Restaurant in the Ramada, 412 W Washington St, Mqt

Cost: Cost of your lunch

Presenter: N/A

Join us for conversation and learning. The focus of the conversation will be “What service for our age group do you feel is lacking in Marquette?”

Liaison: Carol Steinhaus, 906-458-5408, csteinha@nmu.edu

Event Size: 25

 

313: Cliffs Mine Shaft and Museum Tour

Date/Time: Thursday, July 17, 2025, 12:15pm and 2:15pm – Two Tours

Location: Cliffs Mine Shaft & Museum, 501 W Euclid St, Ishpeming

Cost: $13 + $5 Members/$13 + $10 Non-members

Explore the Cliffs Mine Shaft museum for artifacts and operational facts from the mine’s past. Museum browsing will be followed by a brief history and tour of the underground shaft of the longest running ore mine in the history of the Iron Range. Attendees are responsible for the $13.00 fee for the museum and tour.

Liaison: Susan Holliday, 906-235-8532, susanholliday83@gmail.com

Event Size: 16 each tour

 

314: Intermediate Hike Along the Little Garlic River

Date/Time: Tuesday, July 22, 2025, 2-4:30pm

Location: Elliot Donnelly Wilderness Trail

Cost: $5 members, $10 non-members

Presenter: Elizabeth Bates

This trail is intermediate with ups and downs, creek crossings and wonderful scenic views of the Little Garlic River. We’ll hike approximately 1 mile and then cut over to the Little Garlic Road and walk back. Directions and carpool options will be emailed to attendees.

Liaison: Elizabeth J Bates, 906-345-9295, elizabethjbates@hotmail.com

Event Size: 8

 

315: The Future of Fungal Remediation and Environmental Innovation, Part 1

Date/Time: Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 10-11:30am

Location: Innovate MQT SmartZone, NycoNaut Co, 101 W Washington St in the Flagstar Bldg, Mqt

Cost: $5 members, $10 non-members

Presenter: Cofounders Joe Lane and Ryan Iacovacci

Are you concerned about environmental pollution, particularly PFAS contamination and heavy metals? Do you value clean water and sustainable solutions for protecting our ecosystems?

Join MycoNaut for an engaging discussion on how fungal-based remediation is offering innovative, nature-based solutions to the challenges of industrial pollution. This event will feature a lab tour at the Innovate MQT SmartZone, where you’ll gain firsthand insight into the cutting-edge work being conducted by MycoNaut.

This event, and Event #317 - Part 2, offer unique learning opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to engage with cutting-edge science, nature’s solutions, and community-driven environmental action.

Liaison: Carol Margrif, 906-249-9975, margrifs@gmail.com

Event Size: 30

 

316: Lunch and Learn, “Why Marquette?”

Date/Time: Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 12-1:30pm

Location: El Santo Tacos and Tequila, 113 W Baraga next to the Children’s Museum

Cost: Cost of your lunch

Presenter: N/A

Join us for conversation and learning. The focus of the conversation will be “What attracted you to Marquette? Does that reason/characteristic still exist?” You may wish to attend event #315, The Future of Fungal Remediation at 10am taking place right before this lunch.

Liaison: Carol Steinhaus, 906-458-5408, csteinhanmu.edu

Event Size: 20

 

317: Lunch and Learn – Favorite Outdoor Places in Marquette

Date/Time: Friday, August 8, 2025, 12-1pm

Location: Pavilion by the Ice Cream Store Presque Isle

Cost: No Charge

Presenter: N/A

Enjoy lunch only or stay for Event #318 Part 2 MycoNaut Wild Mushroom Foray and Medicinal Uses and Ecological Benefits. Our conversational topic will be, “What is your favorite outdoor place in Marquette and why?”

Liaison: Carol Steinhaus, 906-458-5408, csteinha@nmu.edu

Event Size: 40

 

318: Part 2: MycoNaut Wild Mushroom Foray - Medicinal Uses & Ecological Benefits

Date/Time: Friday, August 8, 2025, 1-3pm

Location: Pavilion by the Ice Cream Store, Presque Isle

Cost: $5 members, $10 non-members

Presenter: Joe Lane and Ryan Iacovacci, cofounders of MycoNaut

Did you know that fungi are being studied for cancer treatments, neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, and immune support? As one of nature’s most remarkable organisms, fungi may hold the key to the future of human and environmental health. Join MycoNaut founders Joe Lane & Ryan Iacovacci for a guided mushroom foray at Presque Isle Pavilion. Together, we will take a short hike and discuss the medicinal properties of fungi and their applications in human health and the essential ecological roles fungi play in maintaining healthy ecosystems and how fungi contribute to environmental sustainability.

Liaison: Carol Margrif, 906-249-9975, margrifs@gmail.com

Event Size: 40

 

319: Echo Lake Hike and Picnic

Date/Time: Tuesday, August 12, 2025, 11am-3pm

Location: Echo Lake

Cost: $5 members, $10 non-members

Presenter: Elizabeth Bates

We’ll park and carpool from the 550 to the Echo Lake parking lot. From there, our hike is a pleasant and easy 1 mile hike to the lake where we’ll enjoy the beautiful scenery and the picnic lunch you’ve brought.

Liaison: Elizabeth J Bates, 906-345-9295, elizabethjbates@hotmail.com

Event Size: 10

 

320: Chic-A-Bee Family Farm

Date/Time: Thursday, August 14, 2025, 12-2pm

Location: Chic-A-Bee Farm, US-41 South

Cost: $5 members, $10 non-members

Presenter: Sue Holliday

Come along to explore and learn the details of running a family farm. Chic-A-Bee has pigs, goats, and bees. You’ll have the opportunity to purchase soaps and honey and ask about their egg program. Chic-A-Bee Farm is located approximately 7 miles south on Hwy 41 from the intersection of US-41 and M-94. We can carpool from LaFaro’s Market parking area at 11:40am.

Liaison: Susan Holliday, 906-235-8532, susanholliday83@gmail.com

Event Size: 20

 

321: Bell Forest Wood Products

Date/Time: Tuesday, August 19, 2025, 1:30-2:30pm

Location: 200 E Hematite, Ishpeming

Cost: $5 members, $10 non-members

Presenter: Josh Nicholas

Come and let Josh tell you about the vast wood products available at Bell Forest. They have wood from all over the world. If staff are working on designs, we might also be able to view the processes utilized in their work. Bell Forest Wood Products offers custom work and design for the public as well.

Liaison: Susan Holliday, 906-235-8532, susanholliday83@gmail.com

Event Size: 25

 

322: Tyoga Historical Pathway

Date/Time: Thursday, August 21, 2025, 10am-noon

Location: Deerton, directions will be provided

Cost: $5 members, $10 non-members

Presenter: Lizabeth Binns

Tyoga Historical Pathway is a 1.6 mile loop around Laughing Whitefish River. The hike is easy with small ups and downs and possible wet or muddy trails. We’ll see old growth pine and hardwoods while circumnavigating around the remnants of the old logging town. Our hike will be on the history of the logging town. Bring hiking poles if you use them, good walking shoes or boots, and bug spray. We’ll meet at LaFaro’s market parking lot in Harvey at 9:30am to carpool.

Liaison: Lizabeth Binns, 248-767-5973, lzbinns@yahoo.com

Event Size: 25

 

323: Blacks in the U.P.

Date/Time: Tuesday, August 26, 2025, 3-4:30pm

Location: Mead Auditorium NMU Campus

Cost: $5 members, $10 non-members

Presenter: Dr. Russell M. Magnaghi

Most people residing or from the U.P., are unaware of the stories and history of Black populations in this area. However, a careful study of the subject shows that over the centuries there has always been a Black presence in the U.P. that deserves our attention and study. Black slaves were found among the French and English that settled at the Straits of Mackinac. With the opening of copper and iron mines and a prosperous economy, Black populations migrated north predominately by utilizing the Underground Railroad and arrived in Marquette and Houghton in the 1850’s and1860’s. Later, Black musicians and singers came to the UP along with minstrels, while others were members of black baseball teams in the summer, and some belonged to the Coast Guard. A few, from the beginning, were farmers and woodsmen. Come and learn about the contributions and rich history and fascinating stories of Blacks in the U.P.

Liaison: Carol Margrif, 906-249-9975, margrifs@gmail.com

Event Size: 50

 

324: Mycology Hike

Date/Time: Thursday, August 28, 2025, 10am-1pm

Location: Vielmetti- Peters Reserve, Brickyard Road

Cost: $5 members, $10 non-members

Presenter: Adam Berger, mushroom enthusiast and Hannah Boyd, UPLC

It’s chanterelle season!! On this hike we’ll forage for edible mushrooms and learn about the fascinating fungi of the Northwoods.

Liaison: Carol Steinhaus, 906-458-5408, csteinha@nmu.edu

Event Size: 16