Keweenaw Community Foundation / Houghton, MI

Keweenaw Community Foundation News

May 22, 2013

Winners of Teen Anxiety Video Contest announced by Youth Advisory Council

Many teens face anxiety and stress during their high school years. The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) of the Keweenaw Community Foundation wanted to do something about it. The YAC decided to sponsor an Overcoming Teen Anxiety Video Contest for students in grades 8-12 in Houghton and Keweenaw Counties where local students could offer their own advice. The contest took place from April 22 to May 17 during which students created one to three minute videos that addressed teen stress, anxiety, or depression, and what to do about it.

The 1st place winner is “Blue World” a video about depression, produced by Luke Malnar and Justin Kaipio, both 10th graders at Calumet High School. The 2nd place video, “What Really Happens”, addresses bullying and was created by Maija Sebbas, Kaisa Holmstrom, Abby Simonsen, and Tonia Levanen, all 8th grade students at Hancock Middle School.

The videos were judged by a panel of three judges: Kris Poncek, Houghton Elementary School counselor, Rhys Edwards, Dial Help social worker, and Shezwae Fleming, Director, Center for Diversity & Inclusion at Michigan Tech University.

All of the videos may be viewed on YouTube under the title “YAC Video Contest 2013.”

Video contest information and links to all of the videos will be posted on the Keweenaw Community Foundation website (www.k-c-f.org/yac-videocontest.html).

The Youth Advisory Council is part of the Keweenaw Community Foundation. Their mission is to address youth needs in Houghton and Keweenaw Counties. Teen stress, anxiety and depression were ranked high in the Youth Needs Survey conducted in November 2011 in Houghton and Keweenaw Counties.

October 13, 2012

Kayaks grant benefits local youth

The Daily Mining Gazette

To the editor:
Dial Help was recently awarded a grant from the Keweenaw Community Foundation Youth Endowment Fund. The fund designates financial support to creative projects that serve youth in the local community. The money went towards the purchase of nine kayaks and safety equipment to support Dial Help's "Kayak Youth Adventure Program." This program promotes meaningful youth activities related to the existing Leadership Resiliency Program that focuses on the prevention of substance abuse as well as on building leadership, teamwork, self-esteem, coping and other positive life skills.

Although Dial Help's Leadership Resiliency Program has been around for many years and is an existing project, the Kayaking Youth Adventure extension of the program was made possible by the generous grant award from the Keweenaw Community Foundation.

Dial Help staff have used the kayaks this summer with students from the area. They were used as part of day activities and overnight camping trips. Recently the kayaks were used as part of an overnight camping trip in Bootjack which also included a trip to Copper Harbor to visit Fort Wilkins Historic State Park.

Kayaking is a low-impact activity that can improve your aerobic fitness, strength and flexibility. Although the kayaks are single-person, a lot of teamwork is required when traveling down the lake as part of a group. Kayaking can also be peaceful and meditative and an excellent way for local youth to enjoy our local waterways.

Dial Help would like to thank the Keweenaw Community Foundation Youth Endowment Fund for the generous award. The kayaks will be used by local children for many years to come.

Rhys Edwards and Sue Kauppi
Dial Help Prevention Department
Houghton

August 27, 2012

Beers for a cause

Brewfest aids Foundation

By Kurt Hauglie - DMG Writer khauglie@mininggazette.com

HOUGHTON - Crystal McLeod was getting a couple of beers from the Bell's Brewery table Saturday at her first Keweenaw Brewfest, and she was enjoying herself.

"It's a lot of fun," she said

McLeod said she tried four beers and she particularly enjoyed Tommy Knocker from Colorado and Magic Hat from Vermont. Her husband, Phil, liked the Bell's Oberon.

The Brewfest, now in its third year, is a fundraising event for the Keweenaw Community Foundation.

Mike Rose, event chair, said he expected attendance to surpass last year's, which was 1,225.

"I'm hopeful we'll beat last year by 200," he said.

Rose said he heard that many of the people attending this year's Brewfest traveled from out of town.

The event featured 35 breweries and more than 100 beers, Rose said.

Last year, the Keweenaw Brewfest raised $19,000, Rose said.

"It all goes to the Foundation," he said.

Tom Rozich was attending Brewfest for the first time, and he liked what he saw and tasted.

"I think it's great," he said.

The good weather, the variety of beers and the fact the money raised is for the KCF all made the day a good one, Rozich said.

Rozich said he was trying out the India Pale Ales.

"I like the hoppier beers," he said.

August 25, 2012

A growing tradition with beer and friends

By Andrew LaCombe

Andrew LaCombe

HOUGHTON -- The Keweenaw Brewfest is growing. Bryant Weathers from Chassell has attended each festival since it began three years ago.

"It's definitely grown," said Weathers. "The grounds are a lot bigger. It's definitely improved, a lot more breweries here."

The event at the Houghton Waterfront started with 600 people attending back in 2010, according to founder and organizer Mike Rose.

"This year we're looking at 1500 people," said Rose. "Just the hub-bub, the music, the vibe, it's really good."

Thirty-five breweries were there displaying over 100 different beers. One local distributor had a special guest.

Tyler Hunter is a brewmaster for Anheuser-Busch. He was at Peterlin Distributing of Calumet's booth, educating people about their products.

"Our distributors are what sell our beer, they're the ones that keep us going," said Hunter. "Whatever we need to do for them, we're there for them to help them sell beer."

Hunter said the American Lager beers he makes are very challenging to keep consistent but celebrates the success of smaller breweries making craft beers.

"My whole goal is to elevate the image of beer, and any brewer, I respect any beer that they're making," commented Hunter. "I love the taste of beers, I love the creativity that goes along with it."

One family found Saturday's event by accident. The Carnago family is from downstate St. Clair. They have spent the week camping in the Copper Country. One of their favorites beers was from the Keweenaw Brewing Company.

"We've enjoyed their bar a lot. Their beer is really good," said Mary Carnago.

As more people discover the event and ticket sales grow, the whole community benefits. Saturday's proceeds go to the Keweenaw Community Foundation.

"That foundation has more than 65 endowments in it that help special areas of the Keweenaw and make the life better here," Rose said.

August 1, 2012

Grants available from Keweenaw Community Foundation to address youth needs

The Keweenaw Community Foundation announces the availability of grants to address local youth needs. The total amount available for grants from the Kellogg Youth Endowment Fund is $8.778 for this funding cycle. Applicants may request a maximum of $3,000. Projects should take place between November 15, 2012 and June 30, 2013.

Grants must address the needs of youth in grades 6-12 in Houghton and Keweenaw Counties that were identified in the 2011 Youth Needs Survey conducted by the Youth Advisory Council. The survey found that drugs, alcohol, smoking and stress represent the greatest challenges to local youth. The survey also asked teens which programs they’d be most interested in. Many teens are interested in after-school programs, gaining job skills, and having a teen center established in their community. The survey results are posted on the Keweenaw Community Foundation website: http://www.k-c-f.org/yac.html

Grant applications will be reviewed by the Youth Advisory Council (YAC), a group of area youth in grades 8-12 who volunteer their time to help address local youth needs. Other community service programs they have spearheaded in the past year are the Youth Needs Survey of Houghton County students in grades 7-12, Bully Backfire presentation to area fourth grade classes, and the Safe Driving Video Contest for teens.

Grant applications may be picked up at the Keweenaw Community Foundation office (236 Quincy Street, Hancock, MI 49930) or obtained from the KCF website (http://www.k-c-f.org/grants-available.html or requested by email: mail@k-c-f.org)

Submit completed applications no later than 2 pm, Tuesday, October 16, 2012 to the Keweenaw Community Foundation office (236 Quincy Street, Hancock, MI 49930) or via email to: mail@k-c-f.org.

Grant awards will be announced by the Keweenaw Community Foundation on or before November 5, 2012. The next funding round is planned for March 2013.

For more information, call the KCF office at 482-9673.

August 25, 2012

3rd Annual Keweenaw Brewfest!

The 3rd Annual Keweenaw Brewfest date is set for Saturday, August 25th from 1 to 5pm at the Houghton Waterfront by the Super 8. There will be 35 different breweries and 80 different beers. Pre-Tickets are $25 per person or $35 at the door. Beer, Live Music, and Food for Purchase. Must be 21 to Enter (ID required). Proceeds to Benefit the Keweenaw Community Foundation. To reserve your tickets please call (906)482-9673 or purchase online at www.k-c-f.org; click on the giving tab and then make a donation, specify Brewfest Tickets 2012. Hurry tickets are limited again this year!!

July 5, 2012

Raising Autism Awareness

Local group looking to help local families

By Zach Kukkonen - DMG Writer zkukkonen@mininggazette.com

Zach Kukkonen/Daily Mining Gazette From left, Kathe Lanctot, Jack Dugdale, Marion Gilles and Mike Gilles, the founders of the Copper Country Autism Awareness group, are shown at Lanctot and Dugdale’s home in Hubbell.

HUBBELL - Autism is a tough disorder for parents and children alike to deal with, so a group of grandparents who have been touched by autism are looking to help local families.
Kathe Lanctot and Jack Dugdale, and Marion and Mike Gilles, all of whom are grandparents to an autistic child, have formed Copper Country Autism Awareness, a group to provide support for Copper Country families affected by autism.

The group, which is two years in the making, aims to aid local families as well as coordinate the resources available in the area.

"We're really still in the organizational stage, but we have an event planned," Dugdale said. "We're going to do a family fun day Sept. 15."

The family fun day is planned to help parents and children have a joyful experience where they don't have to worry as much about autism, and will likely be held at one of the Houghton schools.

"It's hard for these kids and their parents to get out and do the kinds of things children normally do, knowing the experience we have with our grandchild," Mike Gilles said.

As the event draws nearer, CCAA is also looking for volunteers.

"We would love to have high school kids come in and help with fun day," Lanctot said.

Following the family fun day, the group is also planning a Parents Day, which would involve a panel that can provide local families with information.

"This panel we'd like to put together, it would probably be all local people that are available, whether it be nutritionists or day care workers," Lanctot said. "We'd also like parents that maybe have an older autistic child that have been through the stages that parents with younger children have yet to deal with."

The CCAA meets frequently, and its next meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. July 18 in Portage Health's conference rooms one and two. The meeting is open to anyone interested in helping out local families with autism, especially younger people.

"We feel like this is really affecting this younger generation, so it's our kids and grandkids this is affecting," Marion Gilles said. "They should be the ones that should really get involved with this, because it's their lives."

The group is also trying to get more parents involved.

"We need parents of autistic children because they know what their needs are," Lanctot said. "We really want to get involved with the parents so we can help and know what they need and what they want.

"We feel like we have the time to make a lot of the phone calls and try to organize things they may need or want."

An endowment has been started by the four with the Keweenaw Community Foundation to help fund the cause.

"We put together a small endowment to get things started," Dugdale said. "Now we're looking for additional support to support things like our fun day."

To contact the KCF to donate, visit k-c-f.org/contact.html.

With autism affecting approximately one in 88 children, according to the National Autism Association, the group's primary aim is to simply inform the public and help coordinate local autism efforts.

"Our main goal is to put together resource material to further educate parents," Dugdale said. "We'd like to have a website where they can find all this information, and we're going to print up a brochure that will have all the information and resources available."

For more information about Copper Country Autism Awareness, visit the group's Facebook page or email CCAutism@cox.net

July 5, 2012

Hearts and Hands awards presented

By Garrett Neese - DMG Writer gneese@mininggazette.com

Garrett Neese/Daily Mining Gazette Maria Sliva, left, and Gina Nicholas hold the trophy for the Heart & Hands Award after winning the youth and adult awards, respectively, Wednesday. The awards honor residents who make contributions in peace, justice or the environment.

HANCOCK - Two Copper Country residents were honored for their service to the community at Wednesday's annual presentation of the Heart & Hands Award.

Gina Nicholas was named the adult winner, while Maria Sliva received the inaugural youth award.

Founded in 1998, the Heart and Hands Society gives the award out annually to under-recognized community members who have given their "heart and hands in the service of peace, justice or the environment."

The award was founded with an endowment from the estate of Martha and Floyd Kinzel. Since then, it's grown to the point that recipients get prizes - $1,000 for the adult, $250 for youth - to direct to the local nonprofit organization of their choice.

Nicholas is chair of the Houghton/Keweenaw Conservation District and has been instrumental in projects such as preserving 1,475 acres of the Bete Grise Wetlands and the effort to create a management plan for the Pilgrim River Watershed.

"I'm pleased and surprised," Nicholas said of the award. "I didn't expect it. I'm very honored to be recognized by people I've considered the heart and soul of the Keweenaw ..."

Sliva, who will be a senior at Houghton High School this fall, was recognized for her work with the women and families of Reynosa, Mexico. She began visiting the area on mission trips when she was in fourth grade; since seventh grade, she has been working with people from Reynosa to teach them how to make bracelets and necklaces, which Sliva sells at stores, summer festivals and art fairs. Over the past few years, Sliva has sent more than $3,000 to the women in Reynosa.

"I didn't find out I was nominated until a couple weeks ago, so it's kind of a rush. ... It's a surprise, but it's great," Sliva said of the award.

June 1, 2012

Keweenaw Community Foundation grants $5,900 in local scholarships

HANCOCK, Michigan (June 1, 2012) –The Keweenaw Community Foundation through the Bernard F. Gaffney Scholarship Fund and Faith Lutheran Scholarship fund just granted $5,900 in scholarships to 3 local high school students.

The Bernard F. Gaffney Scholarship Endowment Fund granted $3000 to Dylan Turpeinen, a Houghton High School senior at the May 24th annual awards banquet. The Faith Lutheran Scholarship Fund also awarded its annual scholarship grant to 2 deserving Calumet High School graduates; Matthew Riutta and Travis Fredrickson.

To learn more about the grants available through the Keweenaw Community Foundation please visit our website www.k-c-f.org. To be placed on our Request for Proposals list, alerting you when grants become available please contact our office at (906) 482-9673.

June 1, 2012

Keweenaw Community Foundation announces $132,732 in available grants - $33,000 increase from last year

HANCOCK, Michigan (June 1, 2012) –The Keweenaw Community Foundation just released its granting figures for this year, and they are on the rise! This year KCF has $132,742 available through its various types of endowment funds. Last year the Foundation has $99,705 available to grant, that is over a $33,000 increase from last year.

How will these grants affect our community? The money is allocated through several funds:

The Field of Interest Endowment Funds can grant up to $60,320 for various purposes and projects. To be notified of all grant opportunities through any of KCF’s 9 field of interest funds please e-mail your contact information to mail@k-c-f.org . You must be a 501(c)3 or other non-profit status to quality for grants through KCF.

Organizations like Copper Country Suzuki Association, Dial Help, Copper Country Community Arts Center and Little Brothers will receive grant money through Designated Funds, which includes a total of $52,418.

Our Scholarship Funds have already granted $5,900 this year.

“While the funds listed here are exciting, the real stories are about the people who need them and the success they have” says Barb Rose, KCF Executive Director.

To apply for the Bernard F. Gaffney Scholarship please contact the Houghton High School Counselor’s Office (scholarship only applies to Houghton High School students). To learn more about the grants available through the Keweenaw Community Foundation please visit our website www.k-c-f.org. To be placed on our Request for Proposals list, alerting you when grants become available please contact our office at (906) 482-9673.

June 1, 2012

Keweenaw Community Foundation grants $5,900 in local scholarships

June 1, 2012

Keweenaw Community Foundation announces $132,732 in available grants - $33,000 increase from last year

How will these grants affect our community? The money is allocated through several funds:

The Field of Interest Endowment Funds can grant up to $60,320 for various purposes and projects. To be notified of all grant opportunities through any of KCF’s 9 field of interest funds please e-mail your contact information to mail@k-c-f.org . You must be a 501(c)3 or other non-profit status to quality for grants through KCF.

Organizations like Copper Country Suzuki Association, Dial Help, Copper Country Community Arts Center and Little Brothers will receive grant money through Designated Funds, which includes a total of $52,418.

Our Scholarship Funds have already granted $5,900 this year.

“While the funds listed here are exciting, the real stories are about the people who need them and the success they have” says Barb Rose, KCF Executive Director.

June 1, 2012

Keweenaw Community Foundation grants $5,900 in local scholarships

June 12, 2012

Successful Youth

Published in the Daily Mining Gazette/June 12, 2012

To the editor:

It is inspiring to read about the success of Copper Country youth in the headlines of The Daily Mining Gazette. Our youth are excelling in everything from robotics to history, Math Jams to Science Olympiads, business, athletic, and health career competitions (HOSA). Their success comes from hard work and dedication, inspiration from parents, teachers, and mentors, and support from our community.

Your recent article "Copper Country HOSA Excels" focused on the success of local high school students who competed at HOSA States and qualified for HOSA Nationals. The road to HOSA Nationals is a long one-requiring preparation, practice and a lot of hard work. This road is also an expensive one that calls for constant fundraising and support from the Copper Country community. Without this support, local high school students would not have been able to participate in HOSA.

The Keweenaw Community Foundation, in particular, has consistently supported Copper Country HOSA throughout the years. This year, the KCF awarded HOSA with a tremendous grant of almost $6,000 through the Portage Health Community Health grant.

hy? Because they believe in our youth and the opportunity HOSA provides for them to lead, to grow, and to contribute to our community. Without this grant, the program would not have had the funds for student registration and competition fees. The KCF grant is critical to the success of Copper Country HOSA.

We live in a remarkably supportive community, and the Keweenaw Community Foundation leads the way. The mission of the Keweenaw Community Foundation is to promote philanthropy, develop and manage permanent endowments from a broad range of donors, and award charitable grants that enhance quality of life in the Keweenaw.

I have seen how local high students, like those in Copper Country HOSA, benefit because of the generosity of our community and donors who contribute to the Keweenaw Community Foundation.

Copper Country HOSA students and advisors, past and present, say thank you.

May 24, 2011

Hancock 'safe driving' video wins award

By Kurt Hauglie - DMG Writerkhauglie@mininggazette.com

HANCOCK - When teacher Matt Dennis' eighth-grade communication and technology class at Hancock Middle School was given the assignment of creating some sort of media presentation about safe driving, four of the students chose to create a video, and it ended up winning an award.

Hannah Heikkinen, Ellie Lucier, Molly McKenzie and Brennah Wasie got together and came up with the idea of creating a video about the dangers of drunk driving for the Keweenaw Community Foundation Youth Advisory Council Safe Driving Video contest.
"(The video came from) brainstorming and ideas we put together," Wasie said.

All four of the students are in the video, and Wasie's home and a local cemetery were location sites.

The video depicts four apparently intoxicated teens getting into a vehicle and driving away. There is a collision, then blackness and silence. Eventually, the driver becomes aware and sees her friends injured. One is dead. The remainder of the video shows the aftermath with one of the victims suffering brain injury, another with a broken leg and the driver overcome with remorse.

Dennis said the video was created because of inspiration from another HMS teacher.

"The contest was brought to our attention by our driver's (education) instructor, Paul Dube," he said. "I just threw it out there to several groups in the class."

Dennis said the four students did all the editing of the video themselves on a computer. He provided no assistance in the production.
"It's an outstanding job," he said.

The effects for the video were created by the students, also, Dennis said. They used a fog machine to create the effect of smoke, and they used a small electronic tablet to create the impression of lights on a police vehicle.

Dennis said the students did much of the work for the video after school and on weekends.

"They took a lot on themselves," he said.

Although other video productions have been done in his class, Dennis said this is the first time one was entered in a contest.

The video won $300 from the YAC in the three-to-five minute category, and the winners have to decide how to split it four ways.

They intend to do another video, this time of the music variety.

Heikkinen said the process for making the video was a little emotional at times.

"It was kind of sad, especially at the cemetery," she said.

The award-winning safe driving video can be seen on Facebook at Safe Driving Video Contest - YAC, or at Dennis' website, mrdennis.net.

May 22, 2012

Healthy food on a budget

By Garrett Neese - DMG writer gneese@mininggazette.com

HANCOCK - For many teens, sushi can be a hard concept to work around: The aversion to the idea of raw fish, or the texture of seaweed.

But students at the BRIDGE Alternative High School tried their hand at tasting, and in some cases making, the Japanese dish during a session with Portage Health chef Mark Pittillo Monday.

It's part of an ongoing program at the school on making healthy food choices on a budget. It included lessons on nutrition; basic cooking skills; introduction to specific dishes using grains, fruits and vegetables and proteins; healthy drinks and snacks; and the foods of different cultures. The program was created through the Portage Community Health Endowment Fund.

For their final project, students will plan a menu for a meal or cooking for a large group. Groups of four will create a menu for a cook-off; the winner will cook with Pittillo for the Keweenaw Community Foundation board.

"From the beginning, talking about tobacco use, and then incorporating exercise, basic nutrition, information to make healthy choices, has inspired a lot of conversation," said Arnie Kinnunen of the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department.

Pittillo demonstrated the basics of sushi-making before turning it over to 11th-grader Tyler Beuchert and 12th-grader Jaclyn Schutz.
The chefs rolled out seaweed or a gluten-free soy wrapper over a bamboo mat, then spread rice and other toppings, such as tuna or shrimp, before rolling up the mat. The roll was then closed by applying water on the opening.

The students then sampled the results, along with the typical accompaniments of ginger, soy sauce and wasabi.

It was the first time eating or making sushi for Beuchert.

"It was a blast," he said. "I had fun doing that."

The same was true of Schutz.

"I thought it was going to be gross, but it was good," she said.

Eleventh-grader James Lampela had tried sushi before. He said the program has been great.

"Education, fun, get to learn new recipes, bring it home," he said.

Beuchert and Schutz agreed.

"I think it's really interesting," Schutz said. "It shows us how to cook a lot of different things that I never would have known about otherwise."

Beuchert said he's most interested in making the seafood dishes.

"I want to try stuff from different cultures, that's for sure," he said.

April 28, 2012

Brewfest 2012

To the editor:

Once again, I wanted to thank everyone in the community who has participated in the Keweenaw Brewfest the last two years. Your involvement, whether sponsor, volunteer or participant has been crucial to the success of the event. This event raises funds for many different endowments within the Keweenaw Community Foundation. Those funds are used throughout the Keweenaw Community to enhance the quality of life here. Groups who have benefited are: KCF Operations, U.P. Wildlife Habitat, Camp 911, Lake Superior Stewardship, Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly, Habitat For Humanity, Yeoman Family Trust for Education and Omega House.

Please save this year's date of Aug. 25, 1 to 5 p.m. for Keweenaw Brewfest 2012. Call your friends, call your relatives and invite them into town for the weekend. Great fun, great food, great music and best of all - great camaraderie.

Tickets will be available mid-July.

Thanks again for the support.

Mike Rose
Event Organizer/Houghton

May 12, 2011

Youth Learn Bullying Avoidance

By Stacy Kukkonen - skukkonen@mininggazette.com

HOUGHTON - How can one recognize if someone is being a bully?

Students in the fourth-grade class at Houghton Elementary School know all the signs, and know how to put an end to bullying if needed.

In an effort to relay the message of how bullying is hurtful, the Keweenaw Community Foundation's Youth Advisory Council set up a special game for the kids to play Wednesday.

"Bully Backfire" is a game much like the board game "Sorry," where students stepped from box to box after answering a series of questions. A handful of Houghton High School and Middle School students were on hand to run the game and help the elementary school students form answers.

So, how can one recognize is someone is being a bully? They joke around about someone in a mean, degrading way. Some of the other questions asked "How can you stop a bully from bullying?" and "How do you know if you're being a bully?"

"We just started (the YAC) in January," said Lois Jambekar, of YAC.

The idea to talk to the younger students about bullying was an idea formed by the Youth Advisory Council in an effort to teach kids at a younger age about bullying.

"The kids are human chess pieces," she said. "The students (involved with YAC) wanted to design a game so the children were actively involved."

The game consists of a canvas game board, several dozen "Bully Backfire" situation cards and a dozen "Do Good" cards. The "Bully Backfire" game is designed to guide younger students in recognizing bullying behavior and to learn some things that they can do to stop bullying of themselves, friends, or anyone, when they see it happening, said Joan Chadde of the YAC.

"The students had to brainstorm how they would address bullying," she said. "That's how they came up with the game."

During the afternoon Wednesday, and elementary students had fun jumping from space to space and using the "Do Good" cards to say something nice about one another.

"These high school and middle school students are role models," Chadde said.

Hopefully, Chadde said, the students take away an understanding of the harms of bullying.

The game will also be played at Lake Linden-Hubbell Schools, she said.

"The purpose of the Youth Advisory Council is to address youth's needs," Chadde said.

YAC is a collection of Copper Country students in grades eight through 12 from Houghton High and Middle Schools, Lake Linden-Hubbell High School, Dollar Bay High School and several home school students, she said. YAC strives to strengthen the leadership and charitable commitment of youth in the community by providing opportunities for them to develop solutions to serious problems, she said.

"YAC has three goals," she said. "To engage youth in philanthropy, address the needs of local youth and engage in community service."

February 16, 2012

Pure Gold Event Shines

To the editor:

The Keweenaw Community Foundation recently hosted its annual fundraiser, "Pure Gold 2012-Opening Doors" that assists in operations. It was a huge success with the largest attendance in its seven years.

There are many sponsors to thank for their kindness and support: Aspirus Keweenaw as well as Aspirus Wausau, Charles and Bernadette Yeoman-Ouelette, Edward Jones, Northern Mutual Insurance Company, Terry Kinzel and Sue Ellen Kingsley, The Daily Mining Gazette, Keweenaw Brewing Company, Paul and Robertine Freshwater, Pat's Foods/Festival Foods True Value, Peterlin Distributing, Portage Health, Range Bank, Superior National Bank, Wickley Agency, Michigan Tech Employees Federal Credit Union and the Tervo Agency.

We also appreciate the board members who contributed substantial gifts to a live auction: an authenticated Gordie Howe hockey jersey, a seasonal choice of a trip to Park City, Utah and four round-trip flight tickets, and a diamond necklace, partially complements of Laiti Jewelers, accompanied by a board member's donation.

We also want to thank the Michigan Tech Memorial Union staff, especially Chef Eric Karvonen and Heidi Reid for a delicious meal in a lovely setting.

To all attendees including donors and sponsors who made this event possible, there is nothing but "pure thanks" and appreciation from the Keweenaw Community Board of Trustees and staff.

Barbara Rose
Executive Director, KCF
Hancock

Febuary 9, 2012

Talking Becomes Doing

It is amazing what can happen when two people with similar experiences sit around and talk together about their experiences.

Recently, Mike Rose and Dick Gray were talking about their experiences with the Mont Ripley Ski Patrol. They were remembering that “… the Ski Patrol was a meaningful part of our lives while attending Michigan Tech and living in the Keweenaw community as students..” Mike was involved in Ski Patrol (1968 – 1975) and Dick was involved in (1977-1982) as well.

As they both were aware there are no specific funds to support the Ski Patrol at Mt. Ripley, and Ski Patrollers volunteer their time, the members have to go to different organizations, etc., to fund anything they may need. Recently, they needed carpeting for their office and had to organize an effort to help them with this.

Dick and Mike decided to open an endowment with the Keweenaw Community Foundation to both help defray costs in the area of annual operating and capital expenses, and “to leave a legacy to assist patrollers in their volunteer efforts at the hill.”

“It just seemed like the right thing,” they said. They hope that other past or current Ski Patrols members and the public will join in funding this endowment.

Endowments with the Keweenaw Community Foundation are forever, meaning the principal is never used, but rather the interest is granted each year. It can be rolled back into the principal and not used if not needed or the group wants to let it grow.

For more information regarding the Mont Ripley Ski Patrol Endowment, please contact the Keweenaw Community Foundation at 236 Quincy Street in Hancock or call 906-482-9673.

January 25, 2012

A Pure Gold Evening

Foundation conducts annual event

By Kurt Hauglie - khauglie@mininggazette.com

Kurt Hauglie/Daily Mining Gazette

HOUGHTON - The Keweenaw Community Foundation has been acknowledging the efforts of its donors and donation recipients for seven years, and Barbara Rose was especially pleased with the turnout Tuesday at the Michigan Technological University Memorial Union Building.

"This is the biggest one," she said.

Rose said 136 people attended the KCF Pure Gold event, many of them donors or recipients, and many members of the community. The theme of the event was Opening Doors.

The members of the KCF board were very active in 2011, Rose said, and many of them are new and some are young.

Established in 1994, the Keweenaw Community Foundation exists to promote philanthropy through the use of endowments and grants.

Because the board has been so active and involved, Rose said connections between the KCF and the community are getting stronger, as evidenced by the turnout at the event.

"This is what, in seven years, we feel we have built," she said.

Philip Johnson, president of Finlandia University, gave the main talk for the night, and KCF board member Les Cook introduced him by commenting on how active in the community he and his wife, Rene, are.

"They're very true and genuine ambassadors of the Keweenaw," he said.

Cook said Finlandia's philosophy of Campus and Community: Together For Good aligns well with the KCF mission of community involvement.

Johnson said although attendees of the event may have been having a good time, the reason for being there was important.
Johnson said the theme of Opening Doors was very appropriate for what the KCF does.

"We open doors for others, not ourselves, tonight," he said. "We release our deepest humanity to do our very best work."

Johnson said while some people may save and plan carefully for the future, others are "recklessly generous."

That generosity is what the KCF is about.

"Tonight we open the door so wide, the hinges spring off," he said.

The KCF endowments will have enduring consequences, Johnson said.

"Any life worth living is consequential," he said.

After Johnson spoke, some donors and recipients spoke, including Bernadette Yeoman-Ouellette, who talked about the Yeoman Family Fund established with KCF about two years ago.

Yeoman-Ouellette said her family established the fund to help support alternative education efforts. One of the recipients of grants from the fund is B.R.I.D.G.E. Alternative High School in Hancock.

"We've been delighted to grant B.R.I.D.G.E. High School with funding for a mentoring program with Tech," she said.

Yeoman-Ouellette acknowledged some of the B.R.I.D.G.E. teachers and staff in the audience.

"These people are tremendous in that they do not give up on the students," she said.

Yeoman-Ouellette also introduced Trish Sherman, coordinator of B.R.I.D.G.E., who told of a trip students took to Lansing due to the Yeoman Family Fund.

Other speakers talked about the KCF Youth Advisory Council and the Keweenaw Brewfest, which was a fundraiser for the KCF.
The KCF Winks Gundlach Award was given to local writer, artist and photographer Joe Kirkish.

An auction to benefit the KCF closed the evening. An autographed jersey from former Detroit Red Wing Gordie Howe started at $500 and finished at $1,000. A trip to Park City, Utah with a stay at a condominium and four round-trip airplane tickets started at $3,500 and finished at $3,700. A diamond necklace from an anonymous donor started at $1,300 and finished the same.

Rose closed the event by asking those in attendance to contribute to the KCF or start their own endowments.

"It's for our community that we do this," she said.

January 6, 2012

Keweenaw Community Foundation to Host Seventh Annual Pure Gold Fund Raiser

Autographed Gordie Howe jersey expected to be the highlight of the event

HANCOCK, MICHIGAN – The Keweenaw Community Foundation (KCF) will host its annual Pure Gold event on January 24 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Isle Royale Ballroom on the campus of Michigan Technological University in Houghton. The event raises funds to support the operations of KCF. The theme is "Opening Doors," signifying the Foundation's role in supporting community organizations.

The evening begins with social hour, cash bar and live music, followed by a three-course dinner at 7:00 p.m. The main course includes red wine braised short ribs, Yukon gold mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables and a dinner roll. Following dinner, a key donor will be recognized and other community awards will be presented.

This year, the event will wrap up with a live auction. The highlight of the auction is an authenticated Gordie Howe Detroit Red Wings jersey. In addition to the jersey, other auction items include a 24-karat gold half-carat diamond pendant on a gold slide and a four night stay at Crescent Ridge in Park City, Utah, including two round-trip tickets.

Anyone interested in attending this elegant and fun evening should call the Keweenaw Community Foundation at (906) 482-9673 or visit www.k-c-f.org (click on 'Giving' tab, then 'Make a Donation' and enter description as 'Pure Gold Tickets 2012'). The dinner is $75 per person or $500 per table. Various sponsorship levels, which include tickets and recognition, are also available. Business attire is appropriate.

August 29, 2011

Brewfest satisfies

By Garrett Neese - gneese@mininggazette.com

Garrett Neese/Daily Mining Gazette

HOUGHTON - After last year's successful kickoff, Brewfest returned for another triumphant year Saturday, bringing a variety of beer and food for a sizable crowd of 953 revelers at the East Houghton Waterfront Park Saturday.

On hand to meet with drinkers was Jason McKibben, brewmaster with Anheuser-Busch in Columbus, Ohio. McKibben was there as part of the company's ambassador program.

"People get to put a face to us and see how committed we are to our beer. ... It's a unique experience they can share with their friends and their family, and it goes a long way," he said.

McKibben said the people he'd talked with were most curious about trying new styles. He pointed to Goose Island's experiments at the vanguard of the Belgian field, using flavorings from hibiscus to peppercorn.

Anne Doulette of downstate Livonia found out about the Brewfest from a serendipitous visit to the Keweenaw Brewing Company.

"It's going to be a beautiful day, so I thought what the heck," she said.

Her favorite so far was Magic Hat's Wacko drink.

"This is really good," she said.

Steve Zutter was helping out in the Leinenkugel stand, pouring brews for a succession of thirsty customers. It had been a fantastic day, he said.

"The weather's good, the crowd's great," he said. "Good food, good beer."

Some of those pours went to Jake O'Donnell of Hancock. While he'd only heard about last year from friends, this time he got to experience the fun firsthand.

His favorite was Leinenkugel's Sunset Wheat.

"I've probably had four or five already," he said.

August 23, 2011

Keweenaw Brewfest to benefit KCF

By Stephen Anderson - sanderson@mininggazette.com

HOUGHTON - The Keweenaw Brewfest Organization will be sponsoring the second annual Keweenaw Brewfest from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday at the East Waterfront Park adjacent to Super 8 in Houghton, with all proceeds benefiting the Keweenaw Community Foundation.

"It's a great chance to support the community foundation, which has over 50 funds to support the community," organizer Mike Rose said. "It also allows people the opportunity to try different beers that they may not normally get as a six-pack, find a new beer to enjoy and meet new people. Ultimately, it's a great get-together and a great way to wind down the summer."

Last year, more than $10,000 was raised, with funds going to Camp 911, Omega House, Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly and the U.P. Wildlife Habitat Fund, among other organizations.

According to Rose, 28 breweries will be present, with each offering between two and four varieties on average, totaling more than 75 different beers for tasting.

Music will be provided by the Keweenaw Bluegrass Band and Captain Woody Boogie and the Pirates of Groove, and food will be available from the Pilgrim River Steakhouse, Carmelita's, Rock House Grill, Shelden Grill and Portage Health chef Mark Pittillo. Food is not included with the admission fee.

Attendees will exchange their tickets for a 6-ounce pilsner tasting glass and 15 wooden tokens, each good for a sample pour. Brewery representatives will be on hand to answer questions about showcased beers.

"Last year we had 625 people attend and turned away 125, so we made the event bigger this year," organizer Mike Rose said.
Tickets to the event cost $25 in advance and $30 at the gate if still available, but more than 700 of the 1,000 available tickets have already been purchased. People 21 and older can purchase tickets at the Keweenaw Brewing Company, Rock House Grill, Library Restaurant and Brew Pub, Dollar Bay Linoleum and Tile or the Keweenaw Community Foundation in Hancock. KCF board members will also be selling tickets, which can be accessed by calling 482-9673 or online at k-c-f.org.

"It's supposed to be a gorgeous day, and people have been really supportive," Rose said. "It will be a really nice get-together."

Time is Running Out- Give More For Less

For individual donors:

Time is running out to give more for less to your favorite Keweenaw Community Foundation charitable endowment. Because of a change in Michigan tax law, you have until the end of this year to reduce your Michigan income tax by a hundred dollars, and get a Federal income tax deduction, when you give two hundred dollars. Married couples who donate four hundred dollars get a two hundred dollar tax credit. So now is the time to give more for less. For details call Barb Rose at 482-9673 or visit k-c-f.org.

For business donors:

If you’re a Copper Country business corporation, time is running out to give more for less to your favorite Keweenaw Community Foundation charitable endowment. Because of a change in Michigan tax law, you have until the end of this year to reduce your Michigan Business Tax by up to five thousand dollars when you give ten thousand dollars. And, you’ll also get the Federal tax deduction. So now is the time to give more for less. For details call Barb Rose at 482-9673 or visit k-c-f.org.

Brewfest 2011 date set

Brewfest 2011 date set for Saturday, August 27th, 2011 from 1 to 5pm. (located next to the Super 8 motel in Houghton). Tickets are $25 in advance, which can be purchased online (paypal) at www.k-c-f.org under the giving tab (make a donation-please specify the purpose "brewfest tickets"). You can also reserve tickets by phone at (906) 482-9673. All advance purchase tickets can be picked up at the gate the day of the event. Tickets are $30 the day of the event. This year will include 25 different breweries and 70 beers, along with food available for purchase. There will also be live music. Must be 21 to attend- ID's required.

May 13, 2011:

Foundation front to get a facelift

By Stacey Kukkonen - skukkonen@mininggazette.com

Stacey Kukkonen/Daily Mining Gazette

HANCOCK - The Keweenaw Community Foundation will soon have a modern facelift at its new location in Hancock.

Barb Rose, executive director of the Keweenaw Community Foundation, said a grant was approved for the facade, located at 236 Quincy St. in Hancock, across from Superior National Bank. The exterior space of the building currently features an older design reminiscent of the past. The idea to modernize the building will involve blending the throwback design with modern upgrades, including splashes of color and new signage.

"It's very important to have a professional look to be professional," she said.

Rose first approached Glenn Anderson about funding for the project and then approached the owner of the building, Mike Lahti. The final project was funded by the Downtown Development Authority with a 50 percent match by Lahti, Rose said, including a $10,000 commitment from each party.

Some of the improvements include a new door and lock system, because if the door is locked improperly now, it's hard to get into the building.

Using the KCF's trademark blue color, an awning will be established over the front window and logos will adorn the window as well as lettering, including KCF's motto, "For good. Forever." Lettering will also be put in place on the window for another person who has office space inside the building, she said.

"The window produces a huge glare," she said.

A vinyl piece will be put in place near the top of the window and the threshold will also be reconstructed, she said.

"We want to have signs in the window to let them know where we are," she said.

The design work was created by OHM of Hancock and the project is expected to start in a month or a month and a half.

Lahti said he is excited to begin the project which will include new paint over the existing painted areas. He's also excited to see the new awning.

"The awning makes a lot of sense," he said. "There's a glare in there."

The building was once an appliance store before becoming a church for several years.

"The front is going to be brightened up," Lahti said.

May 12, 2011:

Youth learn bullying avoidance

By Stacey Kukkonen skukkonen@mininggazette.com