‘Yooperese: A Story of Change’

MARQUETTE — The Peter White Public Library invites the public to attend a talk entitled, “Yooperese: A Story of Change” by Wil Rankinen, assistant professor, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Grand Valley State University.

The talk will be at 7 p.m. Monday, July 24 in the library’s Shiras Room.

For those who have ever wondered why Yoopers sound the way they do, this talk is for you. Some say Yoopers sound Canadian, while others point to a more immigrant-heritage justification as to why English is uniquely spoken in the area. It is true that Michigan’s Marquette County, like other western regions of the Upper Peninsula, has been culturally and linguistically influenced by Finnish, Italian and other ethnic-heritage groups over the past century. However, the days of hearing Finnish or Italian in certain mining town are all but past with English being predominately spoken as the only language among the youth.

Nevertheless, immigrant-heritage influences still linger and continue to shape how English is spoken in the region.

Rankinen’s talk will highlight some unique language features in Michigan’s U.P. English and potential influences on language from within and outside the community.

There is no admission charge to attend. For more information, visit www.pwpl.info or call 226-4318.

Senior Center hosts Tigers trip

NEGAUNEE — The Negaunee Senior Center is hosting a trip to Detroit to see the Tigers play in August, and the trip is currently open to the general public.

A half dozen seats are left on the tour, which runs from Aug. 23-25. The cost is $389 per person for double room occupancy.

The tour includes motorcoach transportation, two nights lodging at Motor City Casino and Hotel, casino perks and a ticket to each game (one in Section 139 and one in 117). The Tigers face the New York Yankees in Comerica Park on those dates.

The tour is a fundraiser for the senior center’s services, which aim to help senior citizens live in their homes, with dignity, for as long as is feasible. The deadline to sign up is Tuesday, July 18.

For details, call Kristy at 475-6266.

Genealogical society holds picnic

MARQUETTE — The Marquette County Genealogical Society will have its annual picnic at 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Meet at the Presque Isle Pavilion. This is potluck so bring a dish to pass, eating plates/utensils and drinks. Family and guests are welcome.

NAMI support group Thursday

MARQUETTE — The National Alliance on Mental Illness-Alger/Marquette offers confidential support groups and educational meetings for individuals living with mental illness, and friends or families living with an individual with mental illness.

A support group will gather at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Baraga Place Conference Room, 129 W. Baraga Ave., Marquette.

For more information call 906-360-7107, or visit www.namiam.org.