"A change in the weather is known to be extreme
But what's the sense of changing horses in midstream?"_Bob Dylan, from "You're a Big Girl Now.
Dylan had a way with words, we all know that, but did he predict climate change?
Probably not consciously, but the evidence that something is changing is quite obvious -- even to the amateur naturalist.
Droughts come and go. Weather warms and cools in cycles. It always has. But obviously something’s happening with the climate .."You don't need a weather man..." as Dylan also sang in a more popular lyric.
Ask anyone who's out in the woods or on the big lake if they've ever seen anything like this: Shoals popping up where you used to sail over with no concerns for your keel. Try to dig lately last summer? Dry dirt (red clay) for several feet down even in the late spring.
Global warming. It’s everywhere. According to climate scientists, last year was the warmest year on average throughout the United States in more than 100 years in 48 states. Furthermore, the last nine years have all compared with last year in average temperature, they just didn’t peak quite as high.
For us lay people, that means it’s hot.
Up until the late 1980s, the record temperature of a high-altitude town in Colorado called Fairplay was 79. The town most recently made famous by South Park is at almost 10,000 feet above sea level. But a few years ago, the high temp topped 80 and above. Since then, the little town atop the Rocky Mountains has experienced several days in the 80s.
As a Scout decades ago, I remember camping up north here and experiencing cool weather every morning during any month of the year. It was never hot, in fact we didn't spend much time in the water -- even in the inland lakes -- because we just didn't need to go in to cool off. It just wasn't that warm.
Ask that old farmer who used to plant cool weather seed crops about the weather. Now he's buying corn seed and planting it, not to eat, but as a cash crop for bio-fuels.
Other seed crops are also being considered to fuel vehicles too, and start-up efforts to develop these innovative alternative fuel centers have been popping up north here for the last few years. A small-scale center is even being considered for the Ashland area.
Whether you call it global warming or climate change or whatever -- predicting the weather has gone mainstream.
Even as early as the 70s, a small group of scientists had been predicting global warming. Few, unfortunately, believed them. Some even considered these people out of touch with reality; the rest ignored their findings and considered the idea that humans could actually change weather patterns significantly as radical or far-fetched.
The reality is, however, that climate change is progressing faster than even many of those scientists thought it would. We’ve all heard reports about melting glaciers and icebergs, but take a look around at our own backyard.
Local indications of climate change are just as convincing.
Right here in Ashland, the pilings of the former oredocks have always stuck out of the water, but more and more of them are becoming visible. The water at the beaches in Lake Superior is bearable during more of the summer,.
Last summer the temperature soared in the 100’s more than a couple times. Many summer evenings, which once were always cool, are often warm. No one used to have air conditioning in the northwoods; now it’s standard in new spec home construction to install central air.
Even the Lake Carriers' Association out of Cleveland blames falling water levels of the Great Lakes, along with a "lack of adequate dredging," as a leading factor as to why shipments of cargo on the Great Lakes fell almost a third from last year at this time. And although that speaks more about the present drought, it could very well indicate a trend, and even worsen if the weather doesn't get back to normal.
Right here in Ashland, the pilings of the former oredocks have always stuck out of the water, but more and more of them are becoming visible.
Today, few well-versed scientists doubt we aren't changing the weather at a very fast rate. The popularity of Al Gore's award-winning movie "An Inconvenient Truth," indicates a popular attraction to the idea that we are indeed warming the planet through emissions of carbon dioxide.
So maybe Dylan was a little ahead of his time. Speaking of Dylan, there’s throwing another birthday bash for him up in Hibbing, Minn. in May again.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Saturday, December 20, 2008
World Religions' at Harvard Extension College, its benefits and challenges
By Eric Hjerstedt Sharp
Last year, my eyes caught an announcement of the Religion Newswriters Association on the newsroom bulletin board at the Daily Globe. Ironwood, Mich., advertising a scholarship through the RNA. It didn’t take me long after reading the requirements and aims to determine I would be applying for the scholarship.
As a reporter, staff writer and editor at various newspapers throughout the Midwestern and Western United State at different times from the 1970s through the present, I had come in contact with various assignments and beats that involved religion in various degrees. From writing obituaries, religious holiday stories and interviewing ministers and priests; I often had the chance to write about the plethora of religious experience in this country.
Even more relevant, was the broad array of stories that involved poverty, politics and other general assignments that had indirect religious overtones. Human interest stories often have religious factors to them.
Religion is a subject that interests me because it underlies human interactions and often mediates social realities. Unfortunately, it also too often perpetuates the status qua as well; such as a justification of slavery or the Trail of Tears the Cherokees endured in the 1830s.
After a look at the RNA Web site, the first challenge at hand was choosing the institution of higher learning I would attend. Already having a bachelor’s of arts from the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colo., I determined that I would attend some school that offered graduate level courses. Although not necessary for the general assignment reporter, a master’s degree was something I always wanted but had pretty much ruled out unless I could somehow attend classes after retirement. At 57 years old, I had pretty much been resolved that a graduate degree was not in the cards for this writer. After all, if there is any profession where academics is not stressed it is journalism. At just about every newspaper or publication I had worked at, there was always someone who didn’t even have a bachelor’s degree, and I can’t recall any paper I had worked on where there was someone with a master’s or doctorate.
I determined after talking with staff at RNA that it would be possible to finish many of the requirements of a master’s degree by taking religion classes at virtually any university or college. And even if I didn’t take more than one course, I could determine if a master’s was something I wanted to pursue. Having been away from academics for more than a quarter century, I had little idea if I could withstand the rigors of a graduate level course, much less a graduate program. But I wanted to give it a try.
Since the enrollment in any class was in no way mandatory I decided to challenge myself and I narrowed my search down to two schools: Oxford University and Harvard Extension College, both that were offered an excellent online program. My reasoning was thus: both colleges had long held my respect and awe.
My approach to writing, even journalism, has always been academic. As Philip Graham said, “Journalism is the rough draft to history,” and I have always felt a responsibility to future academics to write not only accurately, but about relevant topics that will have meaning in the not-so-distant and even distant future.
Oxford has always held my highest esteem. The Oxford English Dictionary is my dictionary of choice if I am writing academically or about words. But it was the quality of it wordists that determined Harvard to be my choice.
At Harvard Extension College, I took the same class that was held at Harvard University, and even attended it in real time with my Cambridge, Mass.-classmates.
My avocation since graduating from UNC has been poetry. And as a poet-journalist-event organizer, I have always adhered to Ezra Pound’s proclamation that “Poetry is news that stays news.” Although such notable contemporary poets such as Donald Hall, Kenneth Koch, John Ashbery, Frank O’Hara, Robert Bly and dozens of other went to Harvard, it was my fondness and respect from childhood of the writings of Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson that finally attracted me to enroll at the Harvard Extension College.
After all, I could go anywhere and why not challenge myself. I had no idea what I was getting myself into.
To say graduate work at Harvard (along with my editorial duties at Daily Globe) for me was grueling would be an understatement … a vast understatement. Fortunately, I have a hard-nosed, gruff, task managing editor at the Globe who I have learned more from in two years than my previous editors throughout my career.
At most of the weeklies I worked at, I was either an associate editor or news editor, so I had it pretty easy … which was not as good for preparation for a hard-hitting newspaper as the Globe. As a junior and senior in high school, I regularly read two newspapers: The Daily Globe and The New York Times at the library at A.D. Johnston High School in Bessemer, six miles east of Ironwood Michigan.
The Globe has always been known for its investigative reporting. The Gogebic Range where it is located is a depressed area once one of the world’s leading iron mining regions. It was connected by dozens of railroad tracks to the iron ore docks in nearby Ashland, Wis., where they are now preparing to tear down the last of the gigantic ore docks that would take the iron out of the range through the Soo Locks on the eastern edge of Lake Superior. From there, it would go either south to the steel mills of Gary south of Chicago or east to Cleveland and Pittsburg or further east out the Saint Lawrence Seaway to China … which is where most of the taconite pellets head these days.
The benefits of my course in World Religions were many. The course covered the world’s religions and spirituality belief systems in 10 short weeks. Since taking the course, I had the opportunity of writing about someone finding a Torah in a warehouse that used to be used in a synagogue in the Ironwood-Hurley area. Being brought up protestant in Wisconsin, my knowledge of Jewish law was very limited. The story would have been too daunting, or I would have failed to see the significance of finding the scroll without the background I gained with my professor and the online class at Harvard.
Religion is an important element in the lives of people of the Gogebic Range. Far from being homogenous, the predominant nationalities are Italians (Roman Catholic) and Finnish (Lutheran). But within 100 miles, there are more than six Ojibwa (Chippewa) Indian Reservations. In addition, there are literally dozens of other nationalities and belief systems; including earth-centered religions, Universalist Unitarians, United Methodist and the other Protestant sects, Mormonism and many of the other denominations and sects. In not so close proximity, but of importance economically and politically; Detroit, of course, one the largest Muslim contingency in the United States exits.
So, yes, the course had an enormous impact on me and was a life-changing event for me. Without reviewing the vast information and knowledge gathered in the short time I was enrolled, I can say it was the most challenging, interesting and compelling course I have ever taken.
The online infrastructure at Harvard is superb. The teleconference each week to the classroom within Harvard Square was outstanding, and with the sound and PowerPoint capabilities of the program, in many ways it was better than being there. Unfortunately, my work schedule prevented me from using -- as much as I would have liked to -- the writer’s workshop and other Harvard amenities I had available at my finger tips.
In addition, financial and health hardships halfway through the course, almost caused me to drop out. I went from a high B during mid terms to a C after finals; but I did pass with a C. Even with the workload at the Globe and the monetary pressures I encountered; I am still am very honored to have participated in the Eli Lilly Scholarship through Religion Newswriters Association. Although my early enthusiasm for possibly entering the graduate program at Harvard has waned, having experienced the absolute brutal academic regimen that it is; I would gladly continue my studies through Religion Newswriters Association.
I would do it a lot differently, though; which is the subject of another essay.
Last year, my eyes caught an announcement of the Religion Newswriters Association on the newsroom bulletin board at the Daily Globe. Ironwood, Mich., advertising a scholarship through the RNA. It didn’t take me long after reading the requirements and aims to determine I would be applying for the scholarship.
As a reporter, staff writer and editor at various newspapers throughout the Midwestern and Western United State at different times from the 1970s through the present, I had come in contact with various assignments and beats that involved religion in various degrees. From writing obituaries, religious holiday stories and interviewing ministers and priests; I often had the chance to write about the plethora of religious experience in this country.
Even more relevant, was the broad array of stories that involved poverty, politics and other general assignments that had indirect religious overtones. Human interest stories often have religious factors to them.
Religion is a subject that interests me because it underlies human interactions and often mediates social realities. Unfortunately, it also too often perpetuates the status qua as well; such as a justification of slavery or the Trail of Tears the Cherokees endured in the 1830s.
After a look at the RNA Web site, the first challenge at hand was choosing the institution of higher learning I would attend. Already having a bachelor’s of arts from the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colo., I determined that I would attend some school that offered graduate level courses. Although not necessary for the general assignment reporter, a master’s degree was something I always wanted but had pretty much ruled out unless I could somehow attend classes after retirement. At 57 years old, I had pretty much been resolved that a graduate degree was not in the cards for this writer. After all, if there is any profession where academics is not stressed it is journalism. At just about every newspaper or publication I had worked at, there was always someone who didn’t even have a bachelor’s degree, and I can’t recall any paper I had worked on where there was someone with a master’s or doctorate.
I determined after talking with staff at RNA that it would be possible to finish many of the requirements of a master’s degree by taking religion classes at virtually any university or college. And even if I didn’t take more than one course, I could determine if a master’s was something I wanted to pursue. Having been away from academics for more than a quarter century, I had little idea if I could withstand the rigors of a graduate level course, much less a graduate program. But I wanted to give it a try.
Since the enrollment in any class was in no way mandatory I decided to challenge myself and I narrowed my search down to two schools: Oxford University and Harvard Extension College, both that were offered an excellent online program. My reasoning was thus: both colleges had long held my respect and awe.
My approach to writing, even journalism, has always been academic. As Philip Graham said, “Journalism is the rough draft to history,” and I have always felt a responsibility to future academics to write not only accurately, but about relevant topics that will have meaning in the not-so-distant and even distant future.
Oxford has always held my highest esteem. The Oxford English Dictionary is my dictionary of choice if I am writing academically or about words. But it was the quality of it wordists that determined Harvard to be my choice.
At Harvard Extension College, I took the same class that was held at Harvard University, and even attended it in real time with my Cambridge, Mass.-classmates.
My avocation since graduating from UNC has been poetry. And as a poet-journalist-event organizer, I have always adhered to Ezra Pound’s proclamation that “Poetry is news that stays news.” Although such notable contemporary poets such as Donald Hall, Kenneth Koch, John Ashbery, Frank O’Hara, Robert Bly and dozens of other went to Harvard, it was my fondness and respect from childhood of the writings of Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson that finally attracted me to enroll at the Harvard Extension College.
After all, I could go anywhere and why not challenge myself. I had no idea what I was getting myself into.
To say graduate work at Harvard (along with my editorial duties at Daily Globe) for me was grueling would be an understatement … a vast understatement. Fortunately, I have a hard-nosed, gruff, task managing editor at the Globe who I have learned more from in two years than my previous editors throughout my career.
At most of the weeklies I worked at, I was either an associate editor or news editor, so I had it pretty easy … which was not as good for preparation for a hard-hitting newspaper as the Globe. As a junior and senior in high school, I regularly read two newspapers: The Daily Globe and The New York Times at the library at A.D. Johnston High School in Bessemer, six miles east of Ironwood Michigan.
The Globe has always been known for its investigative reporting. The Gogebic Range where it is located is a depressed area once one of the world’s leading iron mining regions. It was connected by dozens of railroad tracks to the iron ore docks in nearby Ashland, Wis., where they are now preparing to tear down the last of the gigantic ore docks that would take the iron out of the range through the Soo Locks on the eastern edge of Lake Superior. From there, it would go either south to the steel mills of Gary south of Chicago or east to Cleveland and Pittsburg or further east out the Saint Lawrence Seaway to China … which is where most of the taconite pellets head these days.
The benefits of my course in World Religions were many. The course covered the world’s religions and spirituality belief systems in 10 short weeks. Since taking the course, I had the opportunity of writing about someone finding a Torah in a warehouse that used to be used in a synagogue in the Ironwood-Hurley area. Being brought up protestant in Wisconsin, my knowledge of Jewish law was very limited. The story would have been too daunting, or I would have failed to see the significance of finding the scroll without the background I gained with my professor and the online class at Harvard.
Religion is an important element in the lives of people of the Gogebic Range. Far from being homogenous, the predominant nationalities are Italians (Roman Catholic) and Finnish (Lutheran). But within 100 miles, there are more than six Ojibwa (Chippewa) Indian Reservations. In addition, there are literally dozens of other nationalities and belief systems; including earth-centered religions, Universalist Unitarians, United Methodist and the other Protestant sects, Mormonism and many of the other denominations and sects. In not so close proximity, but of importance economically and politically; Detroit, of course, one the largest Muslim contingency in the United States exits.
So, yes, the course had an enormous impact on me and was a life-changing event for me. Without reviewing the vast information and knowledge gathered in the short time I was enrolled, I can say it was the most challenging, interesting and compelling course I have ever taken.
The online infrastructure at Harvard is superb. The teleconference each week to the classroom within Harvard Square was outstanding, and with the sound and PowerPoint capabilities of the program, in many ways it was better than being there. Unfortunately, my work schedule prevented me from using -- as much as I would have liked to -- the writer’s workshop and other Harvard amenities I had available at my finger tips.
In addition, financial and health hardships halfway through the course, almost caused me to drop out. I went from a high B during mid terms to a C after finals; but I did pass with a C. Even with the workload at the Globe and the monetary pressures I encountered; I am still am very honored to have participated in the Eli Lilly Scholarship through Religion Newswriters Association. Although my early enthusiasm for possibly entering the graduate program at Harvard has waned, having experienced the absolute brutal academic regimen that it is; I would gladly continue my studies through Religion Newswriters Association.
I would do it a lot differently, though; which is the subject of another essay.
Friday, July 18, 2008
American Life in Poetry:
Column 173
BY TED KOOSER, U.S. POET LAUREATE, 2004-2006
Poets are especially good at investing objects with meaning, or in drawing meaning from the things of this world. Here Patrick Phillips of Brooklyn, New York, does a masterful job of comparing a wrecked piano to his feelings.
Piano
Touched by your goodness, I am like
that grand piano we found one night on Willoughby
that someone had smashed and somehow
heaved through an open window.
And you might think by this I mean I'm broken
or abandoned, or unloved. Truth is, I don't
know exactly what I am, any more
than the wreckage in the alley knows
it's a piano, filling with trash and yellow leaves.
Maybe I'm all that's left of what I was.
But touching me, I know, you are the good
breeze blowing across its rusted strings.
What would you call that feeling when the wood,
even with its cracked harp, starts to sing?
American Life in Poetry is made possible by The Poetry Foundation (www.poetryfoundation.org), publisher of Poetry magazine. It is also supported by the Department of English at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. 2008 by Patrick Phillips. Reprinted from his most recent book of poetry, "Boy," University of Georgia Press, 2008, by permission of Patrick Phillips. Introduction copyright (c) 2008 by The Poetry Foundation. The introduction's author, Ted Kooser, served as United States Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress from 2004-2006. We do not accept unsolicited manuscripts.
******************************
American Life in Poetry provides newspapers and online publications with a free weekly column featuring contemporary American poems. The sole mission of this project is to promote poetry: American Life in Poetry seeks to create a vigorous presence for poetry in our culture. There are no costs for reprinting the columns; we do require that you register your publication here and that the text of the column be reproduced without alteration.
BY TED KOOSER, U.S. POET LAUREATE, 2004-2006
Poets are especially good at investing objects with meaning, or in drawing meaning from the things of this world. Here Patrick Phillips of Brooklyn, New York, does a masterful job of comparing a wrecked piano to his feelings.
Piano
Touched by your goodness, I am like
that grand piano we found one night on Willoughby
that someone had smashed and somehow
heaved through an open window.
And you might think by this I mean I'm broken
or abandoned, or unloved. Truth is, I don't
know exactly what I am, any more
than the wreckage in the alley knows
it's a piano, filling with trash and yellow leaves.
Maybe I'm all that's left of what I was.
But touching me, I know, you are the good
breeze blowing across its rusted strings.
What would you call that feeling when the wood,
even with its cracked harp, starts to sing?
American Life in Poetry is made possible by The Poetry Foundation (www.poetryfoundation.org), publisher of Poetry magazine. It is also supported by the Department of English at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. 2008 by Patrick Phillips. Reprinted from his most recent book of poetry, "Boy," University of Georgia Press, 2008, by permission of Patrick Phillips. Introduction copyright (c) 2008 by The Poetry Foundation. The introduction's author, Ted Kooser, served as United States Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress from 2004-2006. We do not accept unsolicited manuscripts.
******************************
American Life in Poetry provides newspapers and online publications with a free weekly column featuring contemporary American poems. The sole mission of this project is to promote poetry: American Life in Poetry seeks to create a vigorous presence for poetry in our culture. There are no costs for reprinting the columns; we do require that you register your publication here and that the text of the column be reproduced without alteration.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
HibbingTown in Minnesota where Robert Zimmerman grew up.s
Bruce Weber's article about Hibbing.
Pictures from Hibbing.
Subject: Re: Jeopardy question
From: Ronnie Schreiber (ronnies@ix.netcom.com)
Date: Wed, 20 Nov 1996 00:59:21 GMT
Organization: Netcom
X-Newsreader: Forte Free Agent 1.0.82
Joseph Trum (jtrum@mail.utexas.edu) wrote:
>What about today's Jeopardy when there was a question about some museum in
>Hibbing, Minnesota.
Must have been talking about the Greyhound bus museum there. The
Greyhound system was started in Hibbing.
>This question (or should I say answer) was immediately followed by one
>that included the word Subterranean. Coincidence?
Actually, the coincidence goes another way. Hibbing is the site of one
of thelargest iron mines in the world. The entire north side of town
is a huge hole in the ground. Subterranean indeed. Actually between
the Rust mine pit and the mountains of iron tailings surrounding the
town, it's a pretty surreal site. The high school there was built
during the WWI era and is pretty remarkable. It was built by the
mining company when they decided to move the town to make access to
the ore deposits easier. To make up for the inconvenience, they built
what is arguably the most elegant hs in the US. Marble floors, carved
bas relief mouldings and an auditorium as elegant as most cities'
fanciest theatres or orchestra halls. Sadly, however, the tour of the
hs makes no mention of their most famous graduate (nor do they have
any record of which locker was his).
In the high school auditorium I tried to visualize Bobby Zimmerman
pounding out Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis on the piano at talent
shows while the poodle skirt/pat boone set looked on in horror.
It must have been real cold up in the iron range.
It seems as though Hibbing is a bit chagrined by Dylan's origins
there. I think they still don't understand his appeal (or greatness).
The locals seem prouder of local natives Roger Maris and Kevin McHale.
Athletics may be more accessible than poetics.
Expecting Rain
North Country, theThe area Minnesota way, where Bob Dylan grew up. See also Hibbing.
From: Tiernan Henry (HENRY.TIERNAN@UCG.IE)
Subject: nature/nuture
(April 96)
bruce weber did a series of articles in the new york times a couple of years ago, which he filed as he cycled his way from the pacific to the atlantic coasts. one was filed from duluth, and was a delightful pen-portrait of the iron range as seen from a cyclists point of view (ie that the roads are terrible and your ass will be sore for a couple of states), and weber took in hibbing, ely and other range towns. remember, judy garland, roger maris, and kevin mchale are all rangers too.
as is rudy perpich.
track it down in the nytimes records. i have it clipped somewhere, and will post it here next week.
i arrived in duluth, if not quite off the potato boat, not long after leaving ireland. i moved from st. paul to the twin ports in the spring of 1989, and had soon found the house where the zimmermans had lived (on 6th i think, i have photos somewhere). needless to say i was in hibbing as soon as possible, and have more photos of that house. also, for anyone in the region, check out "zimmy's sports bar" -- i kid you not -- and get yerselves a t-shirt, featuring drawings of maris, and high-school-era bob on the front.
friends who worked for mpr played me tapes of interviews with dylan's high-school friends (they were done for a planned, but not developed, story) ad had a great local perspective. (mpr-duluth producer jim neumann did a great piece which may have gotten npr broadcast on bob's 50th birthday, with interviews with john bauldie, some dylan school friends, and a pile of folks drinking in "zimmy's", worth checking out. and not just cause jim is a friend!)
despite what is sometimes printed about it, duluth and hibbing folks are quietly proud of bob, and retain a certain pride that one of their own has done so well. i certainly met few people who bore any illwill towards him, and i met many who did remember him. it is odd how it would crop up; again, my peripheral involvement with mpr-duluth and with the duluth news tribune meant that i met a lot of folks involved in the arts and in politics in the area, and there were a few um-minneapolis friends who were also rangers who remembered him, and who ran into him on occasion. a friend of jim's told me that she knew bob from hibbing, and that they were at the u at roughly the same time. when he was getting ready to leave for new york he told her that he'd see her there sometime. years later, in the 80s, she was in new york and ran into bob on 5th avenue. they chatted about family she said, and that as they parted, he said, "i told you i'd see you in new york".
it is a very tough place to live. not violent tough though. economically the region has never recovered from the downturn in ore demand, and it is a darned cold place to live during the winter, especially so for a paddy used to mild winters. my first winter there, a mild one by local standards, shocked me. it just got colder every day, and everyone else didn't seem to notice. by winter two i was an old hand and when i caught myself remarking that a february day that had reached -10 was "springlike" i knew that i was becoming a neo-ranger.
it is astonishingly beautiful and affective country. the geology alone would make you drool (the canadian shield makes an appearance, and some of the oldest exposed rocks in the us are to be found near duluth), if drooling at geology is your thing (guilty, m'lud). the winter light has a metallic clarity and sharpness that is unlike anything i've seen anyhwere else in the midwest, and the sight and sound of that big lake heaving and stretching is truly wondrous. when the ice cracks and snaps the sound is like gunfire, and the ice reared up and random-packed on the beach looks for all the world like freeze-framed storm waves.
moving north along the shore, the signs of the iron industry -- the huge rusting loaders and docks and the boarded-up buildings -- are a reminder of what came from the mesabi range. cut overland to hibbing and the scar of the mine is colossal. everything is magnetic there.
that country doesn't let you go quickly.
take a trip. go see it in the fall, and go inland and wander the backroads. go in winter and bring yer cross-country skis. watch that sky, that almost tidal lake, the hanging curtains of the northern lights, the reminders of a place where ore older than most of the rest of that big country was extracted to build that new country, and then see if you can rent "highway 61", a delightfully quirky film with some interesting thoughts to share about baby-bob dylan.
if you can't get there don't worry. listen to all those records; it's all over them and shot through them like diamond pipes. drive up i-35 some winter's night well after midnight, heading from the cities to duluth and listen to "shooting star", under a green-lit sky of cascading light.
and see a shooting star.
it's still with me.
tiernan
Bruce Weber's article about Hibbing.
Pictures from Hibbing.
Subject: Re: Jeopardy question
From: Ronnie Schreiber (ronnies@ix.netcom.com)
Date: Wed, 20 Nov 1996 00:59:21 GMT
Organization: Netcom
X-Newsreader: Forte Free Agent 1.0.82
Joseph Trum (jtrum@mail.utexas.edu) wrote:
>What about today's Jeopardy when there was a question about some museum in
>Hibbing, Minnesota.
Must have been talking about the Greyhound bus museum there. The
Greyhound system was started in Hibbing.
>This question (or should I say answer) was immediately followed by one
>that included the word Subterranean. Coincidence?
Actually, the coincidence goes another way. Hibbing is the site of one
of thelargest iron mines in the world. The entire north side of town
is a huge hole in the ground. Subterranean indeed. Actually between
the Rust mine pit and the mountains of iron tailings surrounding the
town, it's a pretty surreal site. The high school there was built
during the WWI era and is pretty remarkable. It was built by the
mining company when they decided to move the town to make access to
the ore deposits easier. To make up for the inconvenience, they built
what is arguably the most elegant hs in the US. Marble floors, carved
bas relief mouldings and an auditorium as elegant as most cities'
fanciest theatres or orchestra halls. Sadly, however, the tour of the
hs makes no mention of their most famous graduate (nor do they have
any record of which locker was his).
In the high school auditorium I tried to visualize Bobby Zimmerman
pounding out Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis on the piano at talent
shows while the poodle skirt/pat boone set looked on in horror.
It must have been real cold up in the iron range.
It seems as though Hibbing is a bit chagrined by Dylan's origins
there. I think they still don't understand his appeal (or greatness).
The locals seem prouder of local natives Roger Maris and Kevin McHale.
Athletics may be more accessible than poetics.
Expecting Rain
North Country, theThe area Minnesota way, where Bob Dylan grew up. See also Hibbing.
From: Tiernan Henry (HENRY.TIERNAN@UCG.IE)
Subject: nature/nuture
(April 96)
bruce weber did a series of articles in the new york times a couple of years ago, which he filed as he cycled his way from the pacific to the atlantic coasts. one was filed from duluth, and was a delightful pen-portrait of the iron range as seen from a cyclists point of view (ie that the roads are terrible and your ass will be sore for a couple of states), and weber took in hibbing, ely and other range towns. remember, judy garland, roger maris, and kevin mchale are all rangers too.
as is rudy perpich.
track it down in the nytimes records. i have it clipped somewhere, and will post it here next week.
i arrived in duluth, if not quite off the potato boat, not long after leaving ireland. i moved from st. paul to the twin ports in the spring of 1989, and had soon found the house where the zimmermans had lived (on 6th i think, i have photos somewhere). needless to say i was in hibbing as soon as possible, and have more photos of that house. also, for anyone in the region, check out "zimmy's sports bar" -- i kid you not -- and get yerselves a t-shirt, featuring drawings of maris, and high-school-era bob on the front.
friends who worked for mpr played me tapes of interviews with dylan's high-school friends (they were done for a planned, but not developed, story) ad had a great local perspective. (mpr-duluth producer jim neumann did a great piece which may have gotten npr broadcast on bob's 50th birthday, with interviews with john bauldie, some dylan school friends, and a pile of folks drinking in "zimmy's", worth checking out. and not just cause jim is a friend!)
despite what is sometimes printed about it, duluth and hibbing folks are quietly proud of bob, and retain a certain pride that one of their own has done so well. i certainly met few people who bore any illwill towards him, and i met many who did remember him. it is odd how it would crop up; again, my peripheral involvement with mpr-duluth and with the duluth news tribune meant that i met a lot of folks involved in the arts and in politics in the area, and there were a few um-minneapolis friends who were also rangers who remembered him, and who ran into him on occasion. a friend of jim's told me that she knew bob from hibbing, and that they were at the u at roughly the same time. when he was getting ready to leave for new york he told her that he'd see her there sometime. years later, in the 80s, she was in new york and ran into bob on 5th avenue. they chatted about family she said, and that as they parted, he said, "i told you i'd see you in new york".
it is a very tough place to live. not violent tough though. economically the region has never recovered from the downturn in ore demand, and it is a darned cold place to live during the winter, especially so for a paddy used to mild winters. my first winter there, a mild one by local standards, shocked me. it just got colder every day, and everyone else didn't seem to notice. by winter two i was an old hand and when i caught myself remarking that a february day that had reached -10 was "springlike" i knew that i was becoming a neo-ranger.
it is astonishingly beautiful and affective country. the geology alone would make you drool (the canadian shield makes an appearance, and some of the oldest exposed rocks in the us are to be found near duluth), if drooling at geology is your thing (guilty, m'lud). the winter light has a metallic clarity and sharpness that is unlike anything i've seen anyhwere else in the midwest, and the sight and sound of that big lake heaving and stretching is truly wondrous. when the ice cracks and snaps the sound is like gunfire, and the ice reared up and random-packed on the beach looks for all the world like freeze-framed storm waves.
moving north along the shore, the signs of the iron industry -- the huge rusting loaders and docks and the boarded-up buildings -- are a reminder of what came from the mesabi range. cut overland to hibbing and the scar of the mine is colossal. everything is magnetic there.
that country doesn't let you go quickly.
take a trip. go see it in the fall, and go inland and wander the backroads. go in winter and bring yer cross-country skis. watch that sky, that almost tidal lake, the hanging curtains of the northern lights, the reminders of a place where ore older than most of the rest of that big country was extracted to build that new country, and then see if you can rent "highway 61", a delightfully quirky film with some interesting thoughts to share about baby-bob dylan.
if you can't get there don't worry. listen to all those records; it's all over them and shot through them like diamond pipes. drive up i-35 some winter's night well after midnight, heading from the cities to duluth and listen to "shooting star", under a green-lit sky of cascading light.
and see a shooting star.
it's still with me.
tiernan
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Information from Lake Superior Writers (This is a group worth joining)
Lake Superior Writers
2008-2010 Duluth Poet Laureate
The Duluth Poet Laureate The 2006-2008 Poet Laureate 2008-2010 Poet Laureate
Application Guidelines Application Q & A More Information Suggested Duties Download Application Form pdf
2008-2010 Application Guidelines
Application and Selection Processes:A Poet Laureate Selection Committee will review all applications and will select the Duluth Poet Laureate, whose term will be for two years from date of appointment. The Selection Committee is composed of representatives from Duluth’s literary community, related business and organizations, local colleges and/or universities, and other individuals interested in the field of poetry. The Duluth Poet Laureate Committee is organized and administered by Lake Superior Writers, a nonprofit organization based in Duluth, Minnesota.
Application Qualifications:1. Must be a legal resident of Minnesota and have lived and/or worked in the Duluth city area for at least five of the last ten years;2. Has made significant contributions to the literary community;3. A willingness and ability to participate in poet laureate responsibilities, and the intent to live in Duluth or the Duluth city area for the duration of the appointment.
A Complete Application Must Contain:1. A completed Duluth Poet Laureate Application Form; signed by the applying poet; 2. A signed cover letter from the applicant (no more than two single-sided pages), stating why you are interested in the post of Duluth Poet Laureate and what activities you are interested in helping organize;3. A brief biography (one page maximum);4. A full or partial list of your published literary work from the last ten years. Please include publishers, dates of publication, and number of pages of each of the works listed, including self-published or vanity publications;5. Ten pages of poems by the applying poet. Each poem must be typed or printed on 8.5” x 11” paper, single-sided, with at least half inch margins and 12 point typeface;6. A VHS tape or DVD of the poet reading one or two of his or her poems is optional. The application process will take place in two parts: 1.) review of submitted materials and selection of finalists and 2.) the opportunity for the finalists to speak with the selection committee.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE CONSIDERED.
Deadline for Completed Applications: Postmarked by February 15, 2008, or hand-delivered to the Lake Superior Writers office (1301 Rice Lake Road, Suite 132, Duluth) by 4 pm., Monday, February 18, 2008.
Need info? Contact pl@lakesuperiorwriters.org or call 218-722-3094. Please allow 7 - 10 days to receive a reply.
Duluth Poet Laureate Application Q & A
Back to Top
1. What is a Poet Laureate?Traditionally, the Poet Laureate is an honorary title given to a person who has demonstrated excellence in the literary arts. Currently, there are thirty-seven states states (Minnesota will be the thirty-eighth, in January, 2008), several cities and boroughs that have an official poet laureate. There are now two more Minnesota cities with poet laureates: Winona (James Armstrong) and Red Wing (Robert Hedin).
2. What Does the Poet Laureate Do?The Poet Laureate will work with cultural, educational and other organizations to encourage the public to express their literary creativity, through appearances, readings, workshops, and other public displays of poetry.
3. What is the duration of service for the Duluth Poet Laureate?The Duluth Poet Laureate will serve for two years in that capacity. In the case that the Laureate cannot serve for that duration of time because of extended illness, relocation, job situation, or inability to perform, the selection committee will solicit applications once again from the public. A Poet Laureate may reapply for this position at the end of their term or at any time in the future.
4. Can a poet be nominated by an individual, group of individuals, or an organization or institution?No. Individuals and organizations may encourage and/or support the application of a poet; however, the application form must be signed by the poet and be accompanied by a signed cover letter from the poet, stating why he or she is interested in the post of Duluth Poet Laureate.
5. For qualification purposes, how does the program define the Duluth, Minnesota Area?It is the area that includes Duluth, Hermantown, and Proctor.
6. Are any dates of publication acceptable?No. Only works published within the last ten years will be considered for qualification purposes. As outlined in the program guidelines, a full or partial list of works published in the last ten years must be included with the application. Forthcoming publications will not be considered and should not be included.
7. Are collaborative and/or mixed media works acceptable?Yes. Both collaborative and mixed media works will be considered.
8. Will poems that have been only published online be considered?Yes. Such poems may be included in the application if the publishing site(s) utilizes a competitive review and acceptance process and includes a diverse list of poets, i.e. not restricted to only one poet or poets from a particular group or organization.
More Information about the Poet Laureate
Back to Top
Deadline for Completed Applications: Postmarked by February 15, 2008, or hand-delivered to the Lake Superior Writers office (1301 Rice Lake Road, Suite 132, Duluth) by 4 pm., Monday, February 18, 2008.
Honorarium for April 2008 - March 2010 term: $3,000
Poet laureate crowning ceremony, April 12, 2008 at the Sacred Heart Music Center.
Suggested Duties the Duluth Poet Laureate
Back to Top
These are not requirements, but intended to stimulate thought. The poet laureate may choose to devise his or her own initiatives.1. to raise public awareness of poetry through readings, appearances, workshops, and other public displays of poetry.2. to arrange for poet in the school appearances/readings in middle, junior and senior high schools3. to write a monthly poetry column, in which reviews of recent poetry books, individual poems, or other poetry issues are explored. 4. organize poetry workshops at local libraries5. create poems for specific occasions6. help organize an annual city-wide poetry event7. select poems for display on local city buses, billboards and/or on postcards8. be available for a “meal-a-month,” sponsored by a local restaurant
Note: The Poet Laureate may also contract for his services (such as for public and private appearances, poetry readings, teaching residences, speaking engagements, et al.) independent of the oversight and participation of Lake Superior Writers. Compensation will go to the Poet Laureate and should be negotiated with the Poet Laureate directly.
Need info? Contact pl@lakesuperiorwriters.org or call 218-722-3094. Please allow 7 - 10 days to receive a reply.
Lake Superior Writers
1301 Rice Lake Road, Suite 132, Duluth, Minnesota 55811. 218-722-3094 http://www.lakesuperiorwriters.orgwriters@lakesuperiorwriters.org
To send items including calls for submissions, publication announcements, and area literary events, e-mail calendar@lakesuperiorwriters.org
MAP to LSW Office and Meeting Room
Lake Superior Writers is a non-profit corporation with 501(c)3 status.
About the Duluth Poet Laureate
Lake Superior Writers established the position of Duluth Poet Laureate in April, 2006 as a way of honoring our area poets and encouraging the enjoyment of poetry. Duluth was the first city in Minnesota to name a Poet Laureate. There are now two more Minnesota cities with poet laureates: Winona (James Armstrong) and Red Wing (Robert Hedin). LSW and the Duluth Poet Laureate organize and host two to three public events in the Duluth, Minnesota area each year.
The honorary title of Poet Laureate was first used in England during the Middle Ages; it was given to a poet appointed for life. King Henry III appointed a poet laureate and Geoffrey Chaucer was England's Poet Laureate until his death in 1400.
Need info? Contact pl@lakesuperiorwriters.org or call 218-722-3094. Please allow 7 - 10 days to receive a reply.
Duluth Poet Laureate Application
Sponsoring Organizations
Back to Top
Sponsoring organizations for the 2008-2010 Duluth poet laureate project will be announced soon. Sponsoring organizations for the 2006-2008 Duluth poet laureate project included Lake Superior Writers, the Duluth-Superior Area Community Foundation, the Duluth Public Arts Commission, UMD English Department, UMD Academic Affairs, UMD College of Liberal Arts, the College of St. Scholastica English Department, Lake Superior College, Friends of the Duluth Public Library, Northern Lights Books & Gifts, Arrowhead Reading Council, and Barnes & Noble Booksellers.
For Information
Back to Top
Need info? Contact pl@lakesuperiorwriters.org or call 218-722-3094. Please allow 7 - 10 days to receive a reply.
Lake Superior Writers
1301 Rice Lake Road, Suite 132, Duluth, Minnesota 55811. 218-722-3094 http://www.lakesuperiorwriters.orgwriters@lakesuperiorwriters.org
To send items including calls for submissions, publication announcements, and area literary events, e-mail calendar@lakesuperiorwriters.org
MAP to LSW Office and Meeting Room
Lake Superior Writers is a non-profit corporation with 501(c)3 status.
Lake Superior Writers
2008-2010 Duluth Poet Laureate
The Duluth Poet Laureate The 2006-2008 Poet Laureate 2008-2010 Poet Laureate
Application Guidelines Application Q & A More Information Suggested Duties Download Application Form pdf
2008-2010 Application Guidelines
Application and Selection Processes:A Poet Laureate Selection Committee will review all applications and will select the Duluth Poet Laureate, whose term will be for two years from date of appointment. The Selection Committee is composed of representatives from Duluth’s literary community, related business and organizations, local colleges and/or universities, and other individuals interested in the field of poetry. The Duluth Poet Laureate Committee is organized and administered by Lake Superior Writers, a nonprofit organization based in Duluth, Minnesota.
Application Qualifications:1. Must be a legal resident of Minnesota and have lived and/or worked in the Duluth city area for at least five of the last ten years;2. Has made significant contributions to the literary community;3. A willingness and ability to participate in poet laureate responsibilities, and the intent to live in Duluth or the Duluth city area for the duration of the appointment.
A Complete Application Must Contain:1. A completed Duluth Poet Laureate Application Form; signed by the applying poet; 2. A signed cover letter from the applicant (no more than two single-sided pages), stating why you are interested in the post of Duluth Poet Laureate and what activities you are interested in helping organize;3. A brief biography (one page maximum);4. A full or partial list of your published literary work from the last ten years. Please include publishers, dates of publication, and number of pages of each of the works listed, including self-published or vanity publications;5. Ten pages of poems by the applying poet. Each poem must be typed or printed on 8.5” x 11” paper, single-sided, with at least half inch margins and 12 point typeface;6. A VHS tape or DVD of the poet reading one or two of his or her poems is optional. The application process will take place in two parts: 1.) review of submitted materials and selection of finalists and 2.) the opportunity for the finalists to speak with the selection committee.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE CONSIDERED.
Deadline for Completed Applications: Postmarked by February 15, 2008, or hand-delivered to the Lake Superior Writers office (1301 Rice Lake Road, Suite 132, Duluth) by 4 pm., Monday, February 18, 2008.
Need info? Contact pl@lakesuperiorwriters.org or call 218-722-3094. Please allow 7 - 10 days to receive a reply.
Duluth Poet Laureate Application Q & A
Back to Top
1. What is a Poet Laureate?Traditionally, the Poet Laureate is an honorary title given to a person who has demonstrated excellence in the literary arts. Currently, there are thirty-seven states states (Minnesota will be the thirty-eighth, in January, 2008), several cities and boroughs that have an official poet laureate. There are now two more Minnesota cities with poet laureates: Winona (James Armstrong) and Red Wing (Robert Hedin).
2. What Does the Poet Laureate Do?The Poet Laureate will work with cultural, educational and other organizations to encourage the public to express their literary creativity, through appearances, readings, workshops, and other public displays of poetry.
3. What is the duration of service for the Duluth Poet Laureate?The Duluth Poet Laureate will serve for two years in that capacity. In the case that the Laureate cannot serve for that duration of time because of extended illness, relocation, job situation, or inability to perform, the selection committee will solicit applications once again from the public. A Poet Laureate may reapply for this position at the end of their term or at any time in the future.
4. Can a poet be nominated by an individual, group of individuals, or an organization or institution?No. Individuals and organizations may encourage and/or support the application of a poet; however, the application form must be signed by the poet and be accompanied by a signed cover letter from the poet, stating why he or she is interested in the post of Duluth Poet Laureate.
5. For qualification purposes, how does the program define the Duluth, Minnesota Area?It is the area that includes Duluth, Hermantown, and Proctor.
6. Are any dates of publication acceptable?No. Only works published within the last ten years will be considered for qualification purposes. As outlined in the program guidelines, a full or partial list of works published in the last ten years must be included with the application. Forthcoming publications will not be considered and should not be included.
7. Are collaborative and/or mixed media works acceptable?Yes. Both collaborative and mixed media works will be considered.
8. Will poems that have been only published online be considered?Yes. Such poems may be included in the application if the publishing site(s) utilizes a competitive review and acceptance process and includes a diverse list of poets, i.e. not restricted to only one poet or poets from a particular group or organization.
More Information about the Poet Laureate
Back to Top
Deadline for Completed Applications: Postmarked by February 15, 2008, or hand-delivered to the Lake Superior Writers office (1301 Rice Lake Road, Suite 132, Duluth) by 4 pm., Monday, February 18, 2008.
Honorarium for April 2008 - March 2010 term: $3,000
Poet laureate crowning ceremony, April 12, 2008 at the Sacred Heart Music Center.
Suggested Duties the Duluth Poet Laureate
Back to Top
These are not requirements, but intended to stimulate thought. The poet laureate may choose to devise his or her own initiatives.1. to raise public awareness of poetry through readings, appearances, workshops, and other public displays of poetry.2. to arrange for poet in the school appearances/readings in middle, junior and senior high schools3. to write a monthly poetry column, in which reviews of recent poetry books, individual poems, or other poetry issues are explored. 4. organize poetry workshops at local libraries5. create poems for specific occasions6. help organize an annual city-wide poetry event7. select poems for display on local city buses, billboards and/or on postcards8. be available for a “meal-a-month,” sponsored by a local restaurant
Note: The Poet Laureate may also contract for his services (such as for public and private appearances, poetry readings, teaching residences, speaking engagements, et al.) independent of the oversight and participation of Lake Superior Writers. Compensation will go to the Poet Laureate and should be negotiated with the Poet Laureate directly.
Need info? Contact pl@lakesuperiorwriters.org or call 218-722-3094. Please allow 7 - 10 days to receive a reply.
Lake Superior Writers
1301 Rice Lake Road, Suite 132, Duluth, Minnesota 55811. 218-722-3094 http://www.lakesuperiorwriters.orgwriters@lakesuperiorwriters.org
To send items including calls for submissions, publication announcements, and area literary events, e-mail calendar@lakesuperiorwriters.org
MAP to LSW Office and Meeting Room
Lake Superior Writers is a non-profit corporation with 501(c)3 status.
About the Duluth Poet Laureate
Lake Superior Writers established the position of Duluth Poet Laureate in April, 2006 as a way of honoring our area poets and encouraging the enjoyment of poetry. Duluth was the first city in Minnesota to name a Poet Laureate. There are now two more Minnesota cities with poet laureates: Winona (James Armstrong) and Red Wing (Robert Hedin). LSW and the Duluth Poet Laureate organize and host two to three public events in the Duluth, Minnesota area each year.
The honorary title of Poet Laureate was first used in England during the Middle Ages; it was given to a poet appointed for life. King Henry III appointed a poet laureate and Geoffrey Chaucer was England's Poet Laureate until his death in 1400.
Need info? Contact pl@lakesuperiorwriters.org or call 218-722-3094. Please allow 7 - 10 days to receive a reply.
Duluth Poet Laureate Application
Sponsoring Organizations
Back to Top
Sponsoring organizations for the 2008-2010 Duluth poet laureate project will be announced soon. Sponsoring organizations for the 2006-2008 Duluth poet laureate project included Lake Superior Writers, the Duluth-Superior Area Community Foundation, the Duluth Public Arts Commission, UMD English Department, UMD Academic Affairs, UMD College of Liberal Arts, the College of St. Scholastica English Department, Lake Superior College, Friends of the Duluth Public Library, Northern Lights Books & Gifts, Arrowhead Reading Council, and Barnes & Noble Booksellers.
For Information
Back to Top
Need info? Contact pl@lakesuperiorwriters.org or call 218-722-3094. Please allow 7 - 10 days to receive a reply.
Lake Superior Writers
1301 Rice Lake Road, Suite 132, Duluth, Minnesota 55811. 218-722-3094 http://www.lakesuperiorwriters.orgwriters@lakesuperiorwriters.org
To send items including calls for submissions, publication announcements, and area literary events, e-mail calendar@lakesuperiorwriters.org
MAP to LSW Office and Meeting Room
Lake Superior Writers is a non-profit corporation with 501(c)3 status.
From BusinessNorth.com
Special FocusWriting groups provide authors support
11/19/2007by Julia Durst
(Photo: Author Donna Schilling reviews galley sheets with Tony Dierckins at X-communication.)
From the region’s sparsely populated north woods to Duluth/Superior, many authors work with little contact with their peers.
They have resolved this conundrum by forming community-based writing groups, meeting regularly and providing members a supportive venue for sharing their work with fellow writers. Members benefit from advice, critique and friendship.
Author Donna Schilling attributes much of her success to Lake Superior Writers, a literary nonprofit based in Duluth. Schilling joined the group in 1999, when it had about 20 members. (It’s grown to about 150.)
Schilling began attending one of its genre-specific writing groups and focused on writing her memoirs. With her group’s advice and encouragement she self-published Slices of Life: A Minnesota Memoir in 2006. “Without them, I wouldn’t have had the impetus to do it,” she says.
In her book Schilling recounts the challenges and blessings of her 70-plus years in Minnesota. She worked with Tony Dierckins of X-presso, the self-publishing division of Dierckins’ X-communication publishing house. She raves about his talent, experience, and efficiency in moving her through the formatting, design and proofing processes.
Schilling predicted only her family and friends would enjoy the book. But a favorable book review ignited interest and the author found herself selling at local bookstores. She says she initially was going to have 500 books printed but opted instead for the next step up in the offset printing process, ordering 1000 copies. Slices is for sale on consignment at local independent retailers, including Northern Lights Bookstore and Art Dock. Schilling says an author needs a distributor to sell to national book chains, such as Barnes and Noble.
The author hopes to have her second book out by Christmas. Lake Effect Memories will explore how Lake Superior has influenced the lives of its shoreline inhabitants through stories of Schilling and friends.
Like other longtime members, Schilling has witnessed the transformation of the literary organization from a small writers club to a group with a major community presence. In recent years, Lake Superior Writers has paired with the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra and Northern Prints Gallery for collaborative projects. It led an effort to establish a Duluth poet laureate after Gov. Tim Pawlenty vetoed a bill that would have established a Minnesota state poet laureate system.
The group also hosted the wildly successful “Festival of Words” last April, featuring National Public Radio host Terry Gross and Duluth’s first poet laureate, Barton Sutter. In October the Duluth-Superior Area Community Foundation recognized the event with a Touchstone Award.
Among its 150 members (who pay a $25 annual fee), many are non-writer supporters of local literature. Schilling sees that enthusiasm in the community. “The arts are up and kicking in Duluth,” she says.
In Wisconsin
The arts also are thriving in northern Wisconsin, which hosts its share of writing groups. According to the Wisconsin Regional Writers’ Association, groups exist in towns as remote as Dresser, Amery and Frederic.
In Solon Springs, the St. Croix Writers Club has been going strong for 17 years. Started by a local Presbyterian pastor, the group initially met at the church. Growth necessitated a move to the Solon Springs Community Center.
Membership fluctuates seasonally, from seven or eight people during winter to more than 40 in summer. The weekly Tuesday morning meetings are totally committed to reading aloud. Writers take a number as they enter; each has six minutes in front of the group. Discussion and socializing follow, usually over lunch at KD’s Family Restaurant.
“Many members come only in summer,” says longtime member Cathy Swanson. “Some come from as far away as Iron River, Two Harbors, Sarona and Shell Lake.”
Publication isn’t the ultimate goal for many of the writers. Some just seek a nonjudgmental, responsive arena in which to read. Members represent a spectrum of political, social and religious viewpoints. The group’s mission is to “encourage and foster creative talent and improve the writing skills of the group.”
Among current and past members who have published, some have seen great success. Swanson says David Schipper, author of the New York Times bestseller Sellout: the Inside Story of President Clinton’s Impeachment, sought feedback from the group. Other well-known members include Mike Savage, founder of Savage Press and Daily Telegram columnist, and the late Tony Jelich, retired game warden and author of “Stop and Smell the Cedars.”
“There is lots of stuff going on out in the country,” Swanson says. “More so than in town.”
One literary club that spans urban and rural areas is the Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets. Since 1950, the statewide organization has labored to support poets in “perfecting their work” and encouraged the study of poetry in schools. Though the group is divided into eight regional sections, members don’t enjoy the intimacy and immediate feedback of a local close-knit group. While smaller groups nurture talent in a local setting, however, the Fellowship has a broader social purpose: promoting poetry.
It sponsors readings and contests and hosts two annual conferences. In 1999 it initiated the Wisconsin poet laureate project. The group has published a highly anticipated calendar filled with members’ poetry every year since 1986.
“We have a business manager who handles calendar sales, and each year there is a new editor who handles poem selection and publication,” says Jan Chronister of Maple, the Fellowship’s northwest regional vice-president. “Some years, because the job is very demanding, the duties are shared by co-editors.”
Anyone living or summering in Wisconsin can join for an annual cost of $25. Membership includes a quarterly “Museletter” and discounted rates for contests and events. It does not guarantee a coveted spot in the calendar. The 2008 calendar editors Richard Roe and Jeannie Bergmann chose 184 poems out of 366 submissions.
Most Fellowship poets have published work in anthologies or journals or authored their own books. Many have achieved a high degree of career success. “Many of our members have been published by prestigious presses, such as Parallel Press out of UW-Madison,” says Chronister.
“Self-publishing also is prevalent, although — I know I’m biased — most of our members have no trouble finding small presses to publish their work.”
The calendar provides a comprehensive sampling of verse from poets statewide. It is sold on consignment at area bookstores. Chronister delivers the calendars herself, driving to Spooner, Ashland, Duluth and many places in between.
While Schilling and Swanson have found friendship and advice in their groups, Chronister enjoys the perks of a larger organization that promotes and publishes poetry. Authors like Wayne Arntson of Rice Lake crave that support.
“I know of no writers’ group in Rice Lake, but I hope to start one,” Arntson says. The author is at work on a novel. “It’s centered around the Aerial Lift Bridge in Duluth during World War II. I lived on Park Point during that time.”
He hopes to complete the manuscript in the next few months. Maybe by then he’ll have the advice and support of a peer group as he starts down the path toward publishing.
Superior native Julia Durst is a Duluth-based freelance writer.
Useful Link: Lake Superior Writers
Special FocusWriting groups provide authors support
11/19/2007by Julia Durst
(Photo: Author Donna Schilling reviews galley sheets with Tony Dierckins at X-communication.)
From the region’s sparsely populated north woods to Duluth/Superior, many authors work with little contact with their peers.
They have resolved this conundrum by forming community-based writing groups, meeting regularly and providing members a supportive venue for sharing their work with fellow writers. Members benefit from advice, critique and friendship.
Author Donna Schilling attributes much of her success to Lake Superior Writers, a literary nonprofit based in Duluth. Schilling joined the group in 1999, when it had about 20 members. (It’s grown to about 150.)
Schilling began attending one of its genre-specific writing groups and focused on writing her memoirs. With her group’s advice and encouragement she self-published Slices of Life: A Minnesota Memoir in 2006. “Without them, I wouldn’t have had the impetus to do it,” she says.
In her book Schilling recounts the challenges and blessings of her 70-plus years in Minnesota. She worked with Tony Dierckins of X-presso, the self-publishing division of Dierckins’ X-communication publishing house. She raves about his talent, experience, and efficiency in moving her through the formatting, design and proofing processes.
Schilling predicted only her family and friends would enjoy the book. But a favorable book review ignited interest and the author found herself selling at local bookstores. She says she initially was going to have 500 books printed but opted instead for the next step up in the offset printing process, ordering 1000 copies. Slices is for sale on consignment at local independent retailers, including Northern Lights Bookstore and Art Dock. Schilling says an author needs a distributor to sell to national book chains, such as Barnes and Noble.
The author hopes to have her second book out by Christmas. Lake Effect Memories will explore how Lake Superior has influenced the lives of its shoreline inhabitants through stories of Schilling and friends.
Like other longtime members, Schilling has witnessed the transformation of the literary organization from a small writers club to a group with a major community presence. In recent years, Lake Superior Writers has paired with the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra and Northern Prints Gallery for collaborative projects. It led an effort to establish a Duluth poet laureate after Gov. Tim Pawlenty vetoed a bill that would have established a Minnesota state poet laureate system.
The group also hosted the wildly successful “Festival of Words” last April, featuring National Public Radio host Terry Gross and Duluth’s first poet laureate, Barton Sutter. In October the Duluth-Superior Area Community Foundation recognized the event with a Touchstone Award.
Among its 150 members (who pay a $25 annual fee), many are non-writer supporters of local literature. Schilling sees that enthusiasm in the community. “The arts are up and kicking in Duluth,” she says.
In Wisconsin
The arts also are thriving in northern Wisconsin, which hosts its share of writing groups. According to the Wisconsin Regional Writers’ Association, groups exist in towns as remote as Dresser, Amery and Frederic.
In Solon Springs, the St. Croix Writers Club has been going strong for 17 years. Started by a local Presbyterian pastor, the group initially met at the church. Growth necessitated a move to the Solon Springs Community Center.
Membership fluctuates seasonally, from seven or eight people during winter to more than 40 in summer. The weekly Tuesday morning meetings are totally committed to reading aloud. Writers take a number as they enter; each has six minutes in front of the group. Discussion and socializing follow, usually over lunch at KD’s Family Restaurant.
“Many members come only in summer,” says longtime member Cathy Swanson. “Some come from as far away as Iron River, Two Harbors, Sarona and Shell Lake.”
Publication isn’t the ultimate goal for many of the writers. Some just seek a nonjudgmental, responsive arena in which to read. Members represent a spectrum of political, social and religious viewpoints. The group’s mission is to “encourage and foster creative talent and improve the writing skills of the group.”
Among current and past members who have published, some have seen great success. Swanson says David Schipper, author of the New York Times bestseller Sellout: the Inside Story of President Clinton’s Impeachment, sought feedback from the group. Other well-known members include Mike Savage, founder of Savage Press and Daily Telegram columnist, and the late Tony Jelich, retired game warden and author of “Stop and Smell the Cedars.”
“There is lots of stuff going on out in the country,” Swanson says. “More so than in town.”
One literary club that spans urban and rural areas is the Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets. Since 1950, the statewide organization has labored to support poets in “perfecting their work” and encouraged the study of poetry in schools. Though the group is divided into eight regional sections, members don’t enjoy the intimacy and immediate feedback of a local close-knit group. While smaller groups nurture talent in a local setting, however, the Fellowship has a broader social purpose: promoting poetry.
It sponsors readings and contests and hosts two annual conferences. In 1999 it initiated the Wisconsin poet laureate project. The group has published a highly anticipated calendar filled with members’ poetry every year since 1986.
“We have a business manager who handles calendar sales, and each year there is a new editor who handles poem selection and publication,” says Jan Chronister of Maple, the Fellowship’s northwest regional vice-president. “Some years, because the job is very demanding, the duties are shared by co-editors.”
Anyone living or summering in Wisconsin can join for an annual cost of $25. Membership includes a quarterly “Museletter” and discounted rates for contests and events. It does not guarantee a coveted spot in the calendar. The 2008 calendar editors Richard Roe and Jeannie Bergmann chose 184 poems out of 366 submissions.
Most Fellowship poets have published work in anthologies or journals or authored their own books. Many have achieved a high degree of career success. “Many of our members have been published by prestigious presses, such as Parallel Press out of UW-Madison,” says Chronister.
“Self-publishing also is prevalent, although — I know I’m biased — most of our members have no trouble finding small presses to publish their work.”
The calendar provides a comprehensive sampling of verse from poets statewide. It is sold on consignment at area bookstores. Chronister delivers the calendars herself, driving to Spooner, Ashland, Duluth and many places in between.
While Schilling and Swanson have found friendship and advice in their groups, Chronister enjoys the perks of a larger organization that promotes and publishes poetry. Authors like Wayne Arntson of Rice Lake crave that support.
“I know of no writers’ group in Rice Lake, but I hope to start one,” Arntson says. The author is at work on a novel. “It’s centered around the Aerial Lift Bridge in Duluth during World War II. I lived on Park Point during that time.”
He hopes to complete the manuscript in the next few months. Maybe by then he’ll have the advice and support of a peer group as he starts down the path toward publishing.
Superior native Julia Durst is a Duluth-based freelance writer.
Useful Link: Lake Superior Writers
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