The Michigan Tech Concert Choir and the Michigan Tech Chamber Singers combined, held a performance of Rachmaninoff Vespers, last Saturday at the St. Joseph Church in Lake Linden. The MTU Choirs were directed by Dr. Jared Anderson in this beautiful church setting. Barbara Bouwkamp was in attendance, along with what looks like a packed house. She enjoyed the music and the beauty of St. Joseph Church with some of the Christmas decorations in place for the concert performance. It was a beautiful event to be able to hear the walls echo the sounds of the choir.

We have a new Crossing Place video from Visit Keweenaw. Finish Roots, Yooper Soul: Suomi Restaurant. The lead-in says: “Step inside Suomi Restaurant, an iconic Keweenaw dining spot where “Suomi” literally means Finland. This cozy Houghton diner is a small stamp of home for Finnish Americans, blending traditional Finnish flavors with classic American comfort food. From pannukakku and pasties to heartwarming hospitality, Suomi is a must-visit for students, tourists, and locals looking for a taste of the area and a place that keeps Finnish culture alive in Michigan. Experience the warmth, history, and flavor of one of the Keweenaw’s most beloved restaurants.”

Greetings:

WOW.

St Joseph Church in Lake Linden is definitely brighter than I recall it was from the late 1960s.

JT

Such a beautiful church. I think it's the prettiest
one I've every seen. I didn't appreciate the beauty
growing up in it. But I do now.

That church is just stunning. What beauty. One year there was some professional Choir there. I don't remember the name, but I do remember walking out of there, saying it "Must be close to Heaven". The Choir was so incredible.

Awesome video too! Boy that food looks good~

The church is so beautiful. I think that it is more beautiful than St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette. My sister and sister-in-law do a wonderful job with the decorating. I have seen the Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal. That brought me to tears. Ste-Anne-de-Beaupre in Quebec City is another that is amazing. I’m sure there have been folks who have walked into St. Joseph in Lake Linden, not knowing what a stunningly beautiful church it is, and just said “wow”. We are blessed for sure.

Back in 1975 and ‘76 I was the janitor at Suomi Restaurant. There was a new owner that hired me. His name was John (something Finnish, I can't remember). I think he took over from his parents.

Originally, I was hired to clean up the downstairs bakery. His new bride, from Germany wanted to start selling her homemade Bavarian pastries and baked goods but she refused to work in the bakery. It hadn’t had a decent cleaning for years. I think they only made pasties at the time. There was a good ½ inch of flour caked on every appliance down there. It was like chiseling concrete. It took me at least 2 weeks of part time effort to pass her inspection. After that they kept me on as the daily janitor.

Greetings D. A.:

John Juntunen, perhaps?

JT

What a beautiful Church!! Can't say that I've ever had the honor of being in that Church. Mary and Deb, is this the church you attend now?

Mary says: Yes, Uncle Chuck...this is the church that both Deb and I attend. We're blessed to have such a beautiful place of worship!

Great video as well and I can't believe that I've never been there before either. It will definitely be on the list for my next time U.P., everything looks so good!! One thing that I have noticed about most of the restaurants in the U.P., specially those that serve breakfast, is that they all look like they serve amazing pastries and other baked goods too!! Must go hand in hand with a great cup of coffee I guess! And unlike down here, people actually take their time and enjoy their food and company that they're dining with and take time to greet or chat with others they see in these places. It's warm and inviting, not cold and sterile! Anyone else notice these pleasant occurrences??

Enjoy the rest of the weekend and GO Lions!:=))

Yes, Chuck. This is the church that we go to. When
I was a kid I thought all churches were like this.
But they're sure not. I've never seen one more
beautiful than this one.

JT,

That sounds familiar. He had blonde, curly hair.