100: Critical Race Theory Explained: Separating Fact from Fiction-Part 1 of Political Series
Date/Time: Thursday, Sept 10, 5:30-7pm
Location: Jamrich, NMU Campus, Rm#1320
Cost: $10*
Presenter: Dr. Carter Wilson, Head of Political Department NMU
Event Size: 60
Liaison: Lisa Stasiuk, 906-227-2979, ncll@nmu.edu
Move past the headlines and join us for a clear, balanced look at Critical Race Theory. In this single lecture, Dr. Carter Wilson will unpack the history, define the actual core concepts, and separate myth from fact. Whether you are completely new to the topic or looking for an objective, academic perspective made simple, this session is for you. No prior knowledge required - just bring your curiosity.
*This is the first of four lectures arranged by NCLL in conjunction with the Political Science Department of NMU and encompasses #100: CRT Explained, #102: Reflections on the 250th Celebrations, #115: Democracy and Democratic Backsliding and #118: Economic Systems and Authoritarianism. For NCLL Members Only: sign up for all four lectures for $30 OR PAY $10 per class.
101: The Remarkable Havasupai Peoples of the Grand Canyon
Date/Time: Wednesday, Sept 16, 1-3pm
Location: Shiras Room, PWPL
Cost: $5 Members, $10 Non-members
Presenter: Dr. Michael Coyne, M.D. & former Mayor of Marquette
Event Size: 45
Liaison: Susan Holliday, 906-235-8532, susanholliday83@gmail.com
The Havasupai, or people of the green-water, have inhabited the Grand Canyon region for over 1,000 years. They traditionally farmed crops in the fertile bottom of Havasu Canyon in summer and hunted the surrounding plateau in winter. The creation of the Grand Canyon National Park in 1919 restricted the Havasupai to the canyon floor and because of their relative isolation, the Havasupai developed traditions and a lifestyle uniquely their own. Dr. Coyne will discuss his time there in the early years of his career and compare it to what he found when he returned 50 years later. Today, the Havasupai are one of the few Native American tribes to still reside in their original ancestral homeland. Their only settlement is Supai Village, a remote community nestled 3,000 feet deep within the canyon and accessible only by helicopter, horseback, or a 10-mile hike.
102: Reflections on the 250th Celebrations: Common Sense, The Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Great Contradiction-Part 2 of Political Series
Date/Time: Thursday, Sept 17, 5:30-7pm
Location: Jamrich, NMU Campus, Rm#1320
Cost: $10
Presenters: Dr. Alan Willis, History Dept. Head, Dr. Robert Kulisheck, former Political Science Dept. Head, and Dr. Carter Wilson, Political Science Dept. Head
Event Size: 60
Liaison: Lisa Stasiuk, 906-227-2979, ncll@nmu.edu
In 1776, two men changed the course of world history: Thomas Paine, with his publication of Common Sense, and Thomas Jefferson, with his drafting of the Declaration of Independence. These two documents inspired and united all people living in the 13 Colonies, North and South, men and women, rich and poor, black and white. Paine inspired us "to begin the world anew," to establish a government ruled by laws, not by kings, dedicated to the public good and the well-being of all people. Jefferson inspired us with the words, "All men are created equal... endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights...Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness"...that governments are established to secure these rights and promote the public good.
These inspiring words were echoed in the United States Constitution, signed September 17, 1787, with these words:
We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union
establish Justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common
defense, promote the general welfare, & secure the Blessings of Liberty
to ourselves and our posterity.
This workshop will explore these inspiring words. At the same time, it will also review Joseph Ellis' book, The Great Contradiction: The Tragic Side of the American Founding, and a 12-minute video featuring Thomas Paine. It will reflect on the political fault lines then and now. Those attending this workshop will leave with a better understanding of polarized politics then and now and a greater appreciation of the founding documents and founding fathers.
The link to the video is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9M2nTmU3jAhe
You are strongly encouraged to watch it before class!
103: For Good, For Ever – The Community Foundation of Marquette County (CFMC)
Date/Time: Monday, Sept 21, 1-2:30pm
Location: CFMC Office, 228 Washington St., corner of Wash. & 4th St.
Cost: $5 Members, $10 Non-members
Presenter: Lynn Hill – Donor and Community Foundation Associate
Event Size: 15
Liaison: Margi Licht-Mallo, 906-250-3883, mlichtmallo@charter.net
Good things are happening in our community and you’re invited to see how! Come and learn about the Community Foundation of Marquette County and meet the people behind the scenes. Hear the stories and gain understanding of the positive impact the foundation’s donation efforts have made here. Whether you’re new to the area or a lifelong resident, there’s something inspiring to discover!
104: Superior Extrusion Industrial Tour
Date/Time: Tuesday, Sept 22, 11am-12:30pm
Location: 118 Avenue G, Gwinn MI
Cost: $5 Members, $10 Non-members
Presenter: Craig Salo, Operations & Sales
Event Size: 18
Liaison: Lisa Stasiuk, 906-227-2979, ncll@nmu.edu
Superior Extrusion is Michigan’s leading aluminum extruder and provided and shipped 42 million pounds of finished goods to loyal customers throughout the United States in 2025. The company operates extrusion presses, a maintenance facility, a die shop, and multiple saw areas for product cutback requirements.
The company was founded in 1996 and started extrusion operations in 1998. The aluminum extrusion market has been negatively impacted due to Canadian tariffs, the Iran war, and the volatility of metal markets, but Superior Extrusion continues to operate as one of Marquette’s leading employer with 210 employees dedicated to meeting customer’s expectations for quality, correctness, completeness, and on-time deliveries of their orders.
Due to the limitations of touring an active manufacturing facility, three groups of 6 people each can be accommodated for this tour. Sign up early to ensure your place! Safety glasses will be provided and shoes must enclose the foot; no open-toed shoes will be allowed.
105: Glass Class, Part 1: Making a Sunflower or Michigan Outline
Date/Time: Tuesday, Sept 29, 2-5pm
Location: HotPlate Pottery, Suite L, 130 W Washington
Cost: $5 Members, $10 Non-members
Presenter: Melissa Sprout, Owner & Artist
Event Size: 20
Liaison: Sue Holliday, 906-235-8532, susanholliday83@gmail.com
Utilizing wooden frames much like stained glass frames, we’ll design either a ‘faux’ sunflower or the outline of our own beautiful state, Michigan. The glass or ‘gems’ are placed inside the frame and set with epoxy resin. The resin will need approximately 3 days to set and at that time, you can retrieve your ‘masterpiece!’ A studio and materials fee of $30 is due to HotPlate on class day.
106: What’s Bugging You? Part 1 - Introduction to Arthropods
NCLL is happy to partner with the U.P. Land Conservancy in presenting this 4-part series on arthropods. Carmen Greenwood, Entomologist, Conservation Biologist, and board member at the UPLC, combines her passion for land conservation with the conservation of insects (and other arthropods) that support ecosystem health. Join her to get to know your local arthropods and the interconnective role between insects and land conservation.
Date/Time: Thursday, Oct 1, 2-4pm
Location: Shiras Room, PWPL
Cost: $5 Members, $10 Non-members
Presenter: Carmen Greenwood, Entomologist & Conservation Biologist
Event Size: 45
Liaison: Lisa Stasiuk, 906-227-2979, ncll@nmu.edu
Become acquainted with the most diverse and abundant group of animals on the planet, the arthropods. We’ll look at how they are organized into groups and functions using locally important examples. Anyone attending this class is encouraged to start taking photographs of interesting, local, insects and spiders in their natural habitats. Close range or magnified photos are preferred so we can identify specimens and discuss what we’re seeing. This class will be helpful for the classes that follow! Consider signing up for all 4 classes - #106, 111, 120, and 123.
107: Saux Head Lake Hike
Date/Time: Monday, Oct 5, 10am-12pm
Inclement Weather: Thursday, Oct 8, 10am-12pm
Cost: $5 Members, $10 Non-members
Presenter: Mary Burtch, NCLL Member and Avid Outdoorswoman
Event Size: 20
Liaison: TBD
Enjoy the breathtaking fall colors on this approximately 3-mile hike through a pretty forest. The trail is easy-to-moderate with some small inclines. Meet at 9am to carpool from the NTN North Trails 550 Trailhead on Co. Rd. 550 on the left just north of the Dead River. From there we’ll travel 14 miles north on Big Bay Road to Saux Head Lake Road on the right. Bring your hiking poles if you have them and snacks and water!
*Detailed instructions of where to meet will be included in the reminder email sent to participants approximately one week before the hike.
108: Glass Class, Part 2: Freehand Fused Glass
Date/Time: Tuesday, Oct 6, 2-5pm
Location: HotPlate Pottery, Suite L, 130 W Washington
Cost: $5 Members, $10 Non-members
Presenter: Melissa Sprout, Owner & Artist
Event Size: 20
Liaison: Sue Holliday, 906-235-8532, susanholliday83@gmail.com
Back by popular demand! Create your own unique art using glass fusion. Learn, or review, the techniques of working with small pieces of glass that you cut to design a lovely scene, or flowers, or suncatchers; your imagination is the limit! Your creation will be fired and can be picked up later. A studio and materials fee of $45 is due to HotPlate Pottery on class day.
109: Glass Class, Part 3: Glass Blowing
Date/Time: Tuesday, Oct 13, 2-5pm
Location: HotPlate Pottery, 130 W Washington St, Suite L
Cost: $5 Members, $10 Non-members
Presenter: Melissa, Owner & Artist
Event Size: 20
Liaison: Ruth Robb, 248-217-5434, rrobb28@yahoo.com
Forget going to Murano Italy! During this class you’ll learn the ancient art of glass blowing. Glass blowing is the result of using molten glass and a blowpipe to create beautiful and functional objects of art. Utilizing techniques HotPlate has designed, we’ll be creating 3-4 glass bulbs in a variety of colors. A studio and materials fee of $45 is due to Hotplate Pottery on class day.
110: A Look Back at the AIDS Epidemic in the Big City & In the U.P.
Date/Time: Tuesday, Oct 20, 2-4pm
Location: Heritage Room-PWPL
Cost: $5 Members, $10 Non-members
Presenter: Ann Fisher, Lawyer & NCLL Member
Event Size: 45
Liaison: Lisa Stasiuk, 906-227-2979, ncll@nmu.edu
Ann Fisher spent the last 20 years of her legal career representing people with HIV and AIDS in Chicago. When she retired and came back to Marquette, she researched the history here for a Mining Journal article titled “How the U.P. Got AIDS Right.”
Learn and be inspired how public health and the activists in the LGBTQ community, both in the U.P. and across the nation, came to tackle the stigma and discrimination of HIV to make sure everyone received access to lifesaving health care.
111: What’s Bugging You? Part 2 - Native Pollinators of the U.P.
Date/Time: Thursday, Oct 22, 2-4pm
Location: Shiras Room, PWPL
Cost: $5 Members, $10 Non-members
Presenter: Carmen Greenwood, Entomologist & Conservation Biologist
Event Size: 45
Liaison: Lisa Stasiuk, 906-227-2979, ncll@nmu.edu
Who are the native pollinators and how can we support them? This class will provide an overview of some of the important native pollinators of the U.P. and the natural habitats that support them. We will discuss the interconnectivity between land conservation which supports and impacts native pollinators and understand how both are vital for this unique relationship.
112: I’ve Forgotten That!
Date/Time: Tuesday, Oct 27, 12-2pm
Location: Heritage Room, PWPL
Cost: $5 Members, $10 Non-Members
Presenter: Dr. Sarah Vazquez, M.D., PhD., Psychologist Counselor
Event Size: 45
Liaison: Sue Holliday, 906-235-8532, susanholliday83@gmail.com
Forgetting is a normal part of life and aging, but when does it cross into something else and become a problem in everyday life? Dr. Sarah Vasquez will compare aging, mental illness, and dementia and discuss the physiological causes occurring in the aging brain, and answer your questions and concerns with the latest medical knowledge and research on this topic.
113: Domestic Legacies: Personal Trajectories of the Longyear Family
Date/Time: Wednesday, Oct 28, 5:30-7:00pm
Location: Longyear Building, 210 N Front St.
Cost: $5 Members, $10 Non-members
Presenter: Jason Povey, Applications Manager for J.M. Longyear LLC and Historian
Event Size: 20
Liaison: Margi Licht-Mallo, 906-250-3883, mlichtmallo@charter.net
How did the intersection of capitalism and Gilded Age expectation shape the next generation of one of Marquette’s most prominent families? While John M. and Mary Beecher Longyear secured an enduring legacy through regional corporate endeavors such as mineral and timber exploration, their children navigated the twentieth century by foraging highly unorthodox paths.
This presentation briefly contextualizes the family’s business enterprises before launching into a deep dive into the personal lives and relationships of the immediate family members. From active roles in the regional suffrage movement, subversion of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural mandates, work in international diplomacy, establishment of Marquette’s historical preservations, this presentation utilizes family archives and oral lore to examine the fascinating trajectories of the Longyear descendants.
114: Introduction to NMU’s Writing Center
Date/Time: Friday, Oct. 30, 3-4:30pm
Location: Hardin Hall, NMU Rm #203
Cost: $5 Members, $10 Non-members
Presenter: Hannah Mihut, Asst Director of the Writing Center
Event Size: 30
Liaison: Sue Holliday, 906-235-8532, susanholliday83@gmail.com
You are invited to join us for an orientation of NMU’s Writing Center! You’ll learn about their tutoring and writing support services, including a writing workshop series that we’re offering in the Winter 2027 semester for NCLL students only. Other topics to be covered are common misconceptions about writing centers and what to expect from a typical session with a tutor. We will end with a Q&A session and a brief tour of the Learning Commons space, which includes the Writing Center, All Campus Tutoring, and the Language Resource Center.
115: Democracy, Socialism, and Authoritarianism – Part 3 of Political Series
Democracy and Democratic Backsliding
(This lecture is the first of 2 on political systems; see #118)
Date/Time: Thursday, Nov 5, 5:30-7pm
Location: Jamrich, NMU Campus, Rm#1320
Cost: $10
Presenter: Dr. Carter Wilson - Head of Political Science NMU, Petra Hendrickson - Associate Professor of Political Science NMU
Event Size: 60
Liaison: Lisa Stasiuk, 906-227-2979, ncll@nmu.edu
What is democracy? Although many people have assumptions about what democracy should mean and entail, these assumptions are often left unstated, making true understanding of the concept elusive. In this session we will discuss the key features of democratic governance, as well as some of the institutional forms it can take, such as presidential (like the US) and parliamentary systems (like the UK or Germany). We’ll also discuss democratic backsliding and the threats that democratic governance is currently facing around the world, making connections to previous periods of democratic retrenchment such as the period before World War II.
116: Flavors of India: Samosas, Chutneys, Soup, & Chai
Date/Time: Friday, Nov 6, 11am-2pm
Location: Marquette Food Coop Kitchen
Cost: $5 Members, $10 Non-Members
Presenter: Amanda Latvala, Nutritionist and Instructor
Event Size: 16
Liaison: Sue Holliday, 906-235-8532, susanholliday83@gmail.com
Join us on another culinary trip around India! First, we’ll start with crispy, savory samosas, pairing them with vibrant homemade chutneys that showcase the sweet, spicy and tangy flavors found throughout India and are guaranteed to wake up your tastebuds! We’ll also learn how to make a comforting Goan chicken soup that highlights the unique culinary traditions of India’s west coast and the region’s blend of Indian and Portuguese influences. Next, we’re brewing authentic masala chai, India’s beloved spiced tea, while discussing the ingredients and traditions that make it a daily ritual throughout Indian households. Learn something new and have fun eating your creations!
Sign-up deadline for this course is Oct. 16th. Register first with NCLL. Secondly, go online at https://events.humanitix.com/ncll-flavors-of-india and submit payment of $35 to the Marquette Food Coop payment platform which covers ingredients, kitchen and instruction.
117: The Mine Disaster of 100 Years Ago
Date/Time: Tuesday, Nov 10, 1:30-3:00pm
Location: Lydia M. Olson Library, Harden Hall, NMU Campus, Beaumier Heritage Center
Cost: $5 Members, $10 Non-members
Presenter: Dan Truckey, Curator and Director Beaumier Center
Event Size: 20
Liaison: Sue Holliday, 906-235-8532, susanholliday83@gmail.com
November 3, 1926 was just another day for the 52 men who descended into the dark and dank Barnes-Hecker Mine in Ishpeming. Many of them were Finnish-Americans immigrants who had become a close and tight knit family and considered themselves brothers. Conditions were crude and hazardous but that didn’t stop their enthusiasm for the task ahead. Little did they know that before the day ended, only one of them would survive. Come learn about and honor the brave and tough men who built this country and that tragic day 100 years ago.
118: Democracy, Socialism, and Authoritarianism – Part 4 of Political Series
Economic Systems and Authoritarianism
Date/Time: Thursday, Nov 12, 5:30-7:00pm
Location: Jamrich, NMU Campus, Rm#1320
Cost: $10
Presenter: Carter Wilson – Head of Political Science NMU, Petra Hendrickson – Associate Professor, Political Science NMU
Event Size: 60
Liaison: Lisa Stasiuk, 906-227-2979, ncll@nmu.edu
“Communism” and “socialism” are two words being used with increasing frequency in today’s politics, but with no concrete indication of what those words mean or what they encompass. We will begin the session with an overview of common economic systems around the world, both contemporary and historical, such as free-market capitalism, socialism, and communism. We’ll explore the theoretical underpinnings of each type of economic system as well as analyze how each has worked in practice, and highlight the gaps between theory and practice for all three economic systems. We will then link economic systems to political systems, and talk about the connection between the two, and how economics can shape politics and address how these economic systems can manifest in democratic countries.
We’ll than have a discussion about various types of authoritarianism, and how economics can be used to reinforce inequality, oppression, and the distortion of public preferences. We’ll specifically focus on plutocracies and how the United States is exhibiting characteristics of plutocratic and kleptocratic governance instead of democracy. At the same time as the plutocratization of the US, words like “socialism” and “communist” have become weaponized to oppose and delegitimize a variety of policies resulting in the avoidance of meaningful and serious policy discussions.
119: What Do NCLL Liaisons and Programmers Do?
Date/Time: Tuesday, Nov 17, 10am-12pm
Location: NCLL Office, Cohodas #200.5
Cost: No Charge
Presenter: Sue Holliday and Lisa Stasiuk
Event Size: 12
If you’ve ever wondered or delayed getting involved because you thought a liaison or program planner position is too difficult, then this tutorial is for you! With precise, clear language, examples and handouts, we’ll explain the “ins and outs” of both these roles with the hope you’ll learn it isn’t too challenging and can be rather creative and fun. We’d love to welcome you to the team and receive your input. Please consider lending a helping hand for this worthwhile program of ours!
120: What’s Bugging You? Part 3 - Arthropod Vampires
Date/Time: Thursday, Nov 19, 2-4pm
Location: Shiras Room, PWPL
Cost: $5 Members, $10 Non-members
Presenter: Carmen Greenwood, Entomologist & Conservation Biologist
Event Size: 45
Liaison: Lisa Stasiuk, 906-227-2979, ncll@nmu.edu
Everyone who lives in the U.P. is intimately familiar with blood feeders. Learn more about the variety of blood-feeding flies that play a signature, seasonal role in our northern wonderland. We’ll also discuss the notable increase in the prevalence of ticks, the diseases they carry, and ways we can defend ourselves against these ‘miniature menaces!’ Come learn how land conservation plays a role in the reduction of ticks and other pesky bugs.
121: The Case for Composting – Partridge Creek Composting
Date/Time: Monday, Nov 23, 1-2:30pm
Location: Heritage Room, PWPL
Cost: $5 Members, $10 Non-members
Presenter: Nancy Taylor; Executive Director Partridge Creek Composting
Event Size: 45
Liaison: Margi Licht-Mallo, 906-250-3883, mlichtmallo@charter.net
Ever wonder what to do with all those food scraps? Join us to learn the incredible benefits of composting and why it matters. Let the Partridge Creek Compost experts answer the who, what, where, when and why of composting. There are more possibilities than you might think!
122: Glass Class, Part 4: Turkish Design Inspired Mosaic Candle Holder
Date/Time: Tuesday, Dec 8, 2-5pm
Location: HotPlate Pottery, 130 W Washington St, Suite L
Cost: $5 Members, $10 Non-members
Presenter: Melissa Sprout, Owner & Artist
Event Size: 16
Liaison: Sue Holliday, 906-235-8532, susanholliday83@gmail.com
Make your very own candle holder using Turkish styles and patterns and mosaic techniques. Keep for yourself or give as a gift to a special someone. A $30 material and studio fee will be due at the time of the class.
123: What’s Bugging You? Part 4 – Insects: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly!
Date/Time: Thursday, Dec 10, 2-4pm
Location: Shiras Room, PWPL
Cost: $5 Members, $10 Non-members
Presenter: Carmen Greenwood, Entomologist & Conservationist Biologist
Event Size: 45
Liaison: Lisa Stasiuk, 906-227-2979, ncll@nmu.edu
Most insects are either beneficial or inconsequential in their interactions with humans. The few that are harmful tend to be well-known, including some that are emerging from our forests more aggressively than in the past. This particular class will focus on invasive and detrimental species; forest pests, invasive insects and plants, and the attempts to control them and the role land conservation contributes to the resilience of our forests and wetlands in the face of these challenges.