Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Association Unveils Sixth annual U.P. Notable Books List
MARQUETTE — The Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors association (UPPAA) has announced its sixth annual U.P. Notable Books List, celebrating the literary achievements of Upper Peninsula writers. This initiative, spearheaded by Mikel Classen of Sault Ste. Marie in 2019, aims to address the lack of portrayal of U.P. authors in broader Michigan literary circles.
“Traditionally, recognition of Michigan books has been dominated by the university presses downstate, and we would like to take this opportunity to highlight literature that focuses closer to home for us,” Classen explained.
The U.P. Notable Book Club, co-sponsored by the Crystal Falls District Community Library and led by director Evelyn Gathu, continues to foster a love for local literature.The club offers monthly Zoom meetups featuring national bestselling U.P. authors like Karen Dionne (“The Wicked Sister”), Sue Harrison (“The Midwife’s Touch”), and Steve Lehto (“Death’s Door”). Members can borrow the books from their local libraries or purchase them at nearby stores before engaging in lively discussions.
Each session includes author readings, behind-the-scenes insights into the book’s creation, and a live Q&A with the audience. The next meeting is scheduled for february 13, with a full year-long calendar to be announced soon.
To curate the Notable Books list, UPPAA collaborated with Upper Michigan booksellers, reviewers, writers, and publishers, narrowing down the selection to just 10 titles. These works span a variety of genres and audiences,from juvenile and middle-grade to young adult and adult literature. Reviews of many of these books can be found on the UP book Review.
The committee emphasizes that the list is unranked, with each title deserving equal recognition as a U.P. Notable book. These 10 books are considered essential reading for anyone who loves the Upper Peninsula. Readers are encouraged to ask their local librarians or booksellers for these titles, and librarians can request an annotated list with isbns from [email protected].
2024 U.P. Notable Books List
Table of Contents
| Title | Author |
|————————————————|———————-|
| “To Be Marquette: A Novel” | Sharon Dilworth |
| “animals Out-There W-i-l-d: A Bestiary in English and ASL Gloss” | Raymond Luczak |
| “Make It Go in the Snow: People and Ideas in the History of Snowmobiles” | Larry Jorgensen |
| “Limpy’s Adult Lexicon: Raw, Politically Incorrect, Improper & Unexpurgated As Overheard & Noodled” | Joseph Heywood |
| “Memories of a Mackinac Island Native: Life on the Island from 1940s to 2020s” | Tom chambers |
| “How to Hike the North country Trail: Not quite a Guide” | Joan H. Young |
| “The Story of Journey: The Great Horned Owl” | Carol L. Schultz |
This year’s list showcases the diversity and depth of U.P. literature, offering somthing for every reader. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a newcomer to the region, these books provide a unique window into the culture, history, and natural beauty of the Upper Peninsula.
For more information about the U.P. Notable Books List or to join the U.P. Notable Book Club, visit the UPPAA website. don’t miss the chance to connect with fellow book lovers and discover the stories that make the Upper Peninsula truly special.Pembine’s Got Talent Show and Caregivers Workshop Highlight Local Events
The Beecher-Dunbar-pembine Booster Club and the Alumni Association are teaming up to bring the community a night of entertainment with the “Pembine’s Got Talent Show” on February 8. This event promises to showcase the diverse talents of Pembine residents,offering a platform for performers to shine while fostering community spirit.Meanwhile, in marquette, a powerful Tools for Caregivers Workshop is set to take place via Zoom. This workshop aims to equip caregivers with essential skills and resources to manage their responsibilities effectively.Caregivers often face significant challenges, and this program provides valuable tools to help them navigate their roles with confidence and resilience.
Key Event Details
| Event | date | Location/Platform | Organizer |
|——————————–|—————-|————————|——————————————–|
| Pembine’s Got Talent Show | February 8 | Pembine, Wisconsin | Beecher-Dunbar-Pembine Booster Club |
| Powerful Tools for Caregivers | TBA | Zoom | Marquette-based association |
These events highlight the vibrant community initiatives in the region, offering both entertainment and support to residents. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a night of local talent or seeking resources to enhance your caregiving skills, these programs cater to a variety of interests and needs.
For more information on the Pembine’s Got Talent Show, visit the event page. To learn more about the Powerful Tools for Caregivers Workshop, check out the workshop details.
Don’t miss these opportunities to connect with your community and gain valuable insights. mark your calendars and join in the festivities and learning experiences!n# Finding Holiday Harmony in Blended Families: Insights from a Step-Parent
Navigating the holiday season can be a challenge for any family, but for blended families, it often comes with added complexities. In a heartfelt letter to Annie, a step-parent shares their surprising discovery: “Holidays don’t have to be stressful.” This revelation offers valuable insights for families striving to create meaningful traditions while balancing diverse dynamics.
The step-Parent’s Perspective
The letter writer reflects on their journey as a step-parent, emphasizing that holidays can be an opportunity for connection rather than conflict. “I’ve learned something surprising over the years as a step-parent: Holidays don’t have to be stressful,” they write. This perspective shifts the focus from potential tension to fostering unity and understanding.
Tips for Blended Family Harmony
- Open communication: Encourage family members to express their feelings and expectations openly. This helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures everyone feels heard.
- Create New Traditions: Blended families can benefit from establishing unique traditions that reflect their combined identities. This fosters a sense of belonging for all members.
- Adaptability is Key: Be willing to adapt plans to accommodate everyone’s needs. Flexibility can reduce stress and make the holidays more enjoyable for all.
- Prioritize Quality Time: Focus on spending meaningful time together rather than adhering to rigid schedules or traditions.
Community Events to Bring Families Together
For those in the iron Mountain area, the Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post 50 is hosting a fish fry on Friday from 4:30 to 7 p.m. This event provides an excellent opportunity for families to bond over a shared meal and community spirit.
Preparing for Unexpected Challenges
With climate change leading to more intense storms, it’s wise to prepare for potential power outages. As Heloise advises, “With climate change, there has been some intense storms and, of course, loss of electricity that can disrupt holiday plans.” Solar lights are a handy solution for such situations, ensuring families can still celebrate even during unexpected challenges.
Table: Key Tips for Blended Family Holidays
| Tip | description |
|——————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Open Communication | Encourage honest conversations to address expectations and concerns. |
| Create New Traditions | Establish unique rituals that reflect the blended family’s identity. |
| Flexibility | Be adaptable to accommodate everyone’s needs and schedules. |
| Prioritize Quality Time | Focus on meaningful interactions rather than rigid plans. |
Final thoughts
The holiday season is a time for connection, and blended families have the unique opportunity to create traditions that celebrate their diverse backgrounds. By fostering open communication, embracing flexibility, and prioritizing quality time, families can navigate the holidays with harmony and joy.
For more insights on family dynamics and community events,visit the Iron Mountain Daily News.
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today. You’ve shared a letter about your experiance as a step-parent during the holidays. Can you tell us what inspired you to write this letter?
Guest: Absolutely. I’ve been a step-parent for several years now, and like many in my position, I initially found the holiday season to be quite stressful. There’s this pressure to make everything perfect, to navigate the dynamics between biological and step-parents, and to ensure everyone feels included. Over time, I realized that holidays don’t have to be stressful—they can be an opportunity for connection and joy. I wanted to share that perspective wiht others who might be struggling.
Interviewer: That’s a marvelous message. What are some of the key lessons you’ve learned along the way?
Guest: One of the most crucial lessons is the value of open communication. It’s essential to create a space where everyone feels comfortable expressing their feelings and expectations. This helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures that everyone feels heard. Another key takeaway is the importance of creating new traditions. Blended families are unique, and celebrating that uniqueness through new rituals can foster a sense of belonging for all members.
Interviewer: Those are great points. How do you handle the challenges that inevitably arise?
Guest: Flexibility is crucial. Plans may need to change to accommodate everyone’s needs, and that’s okay. We’ve learned to prioritize quality time over rigid schedules. It’s about being present and making meaningful connections, rather than sticking to a perfect plan. Additionally, preparing for unexpected challenges, like power outages during storms, can definitely help reduce stress. tools like solar lights can ensure that the festivities continue even in less-than-ideal circumstances.
Interviewer: Speaking of community, are there any local events that you feel bring families together during the holidays?
Guest: Absolutely. In Iron Mountain, the Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post 50 hosts a fish fry on Friday evenings. It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to come together, share a meal, and enjoy each other’s company. events like these can really strengthen the sense of community and provide a chance for blended families to connect with others.
Interviewer: That sounds lovely.What final advice would you give to other step-parents navigating the holiday season?
Guest: My biggest piece of advice is to be kind to yourself. It’s easy to feel like you have to do everything perfectly, but the holidays are about connection, not perfection. Focus on creating meaningful moments and fostering a sense of unity within your family. Remember, it’s okay to adapt and adjust as needed. the most critically important thing is that everyone feels loved and included.
Interviewer: Thank you so much for sharing your insights. Your perspective is sure to resonate with many families.
Guest: Thank you. I hope it helps others navigate the holidays with a little more ease and joy.
Conclusion
Navigating the holidays as a step-parent can be challenging, but it also offers an opportunity to create meaningful traditions and foster connections. By prioritizing open communication, flexibility, and quality time, blended families can celebrate the season with harmony and joy. local community events, like the fish fry at the Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post 50, provide additional opportunities for families to come together and strengthen their bonds. Ultimately, the holidays are about love and connection, and with a little readiness and patience, they can be a time of joy for all.
