GET TO WORK!!  BUT IN A DIFFERENT WAY!

MAKE A PIT STOP AT THE MARQUETTE MALL DURING BIKE TO WORK DAY!

Hey blog-o-philes!  There’s a fun and unique way for you to get to work coming up on Monday, June 7th.  You are encouraged to take your bike with you to the Marquette Mall an park your car and ride your bike to work.  It is an initiative launched by the Marquette County Health Department and several other groups to encourage physical activity and using an alternate transportation source.

Mark Evans had a chance to sit down with organizer Bobbi Ayotte from the Marquette County Health Department and event sponsor Dan Torres from the Border Grill to find out more details about the scheduled event including how to take part and get registered. To listen to segments from the interview, please click “HERE“.

THAT’S A WRAP, EVERYBODY!

YOUR KBC HOST, MARK EVANS AND THE WORLD'S MOST TOLERANT WOMAN, HIS LOVELY WIFE KRISTI AT THE UPFRONT & COMPANY.

The 2010 Keweenaw Brewing Company/ Sunny 101.9 WKQS “NAME THE BREW” tour is now in the books.  With a rousing wrap-up last night at the UpFront & Company in Marquette, the final names were collected from the fine folks who gathered to sample the Scottish Ale and submit their ideas.  The last finalist was chosen and now goes onto the master list being presented to the folks at KBC in Houghton.   Last night’s selection is now posted on the “Name The Brew” page here on the blog.  It’s a pretty good one, especially if you know anything about hockey history here in Marquette County.  Head on over to the page and check it out!

Thanks to everyone who took part and entered their ideas.  A special thanks to Tom Babcock and Pike Distributing and of course, a VERY special thanks to Dick Gray and Paul Boissevain, the creators and owners of the Keweenaw Brewing Company.  Keep an eye out for their Scottish Ale hitting the streets soon…it just may have YOUR name on it!

A NEW HOTEL IS COMING TO FOUNDER’S LANDING IN MARQUETTE.

ARTIST'S RENDERING OF THE NEW HOTEL SLATED FOR FOUNDER'S LANDING.

About 100 community and business leaders gathered this morning at Founder’s Landing along the Lake Superior shore in Marquette to hear a special announcement concerning the future development of the northern portion of the site.  At the special event, officials with TJ & RM LARSON, INC. announced the plans to construct a three-story, 80-room hotel and meeting facility.

The design of the hotel, as shown to the left, will follow the design cues already being utilized by other development along the parcel as well as the surrounding landmarks such as the ore dock.  Mark Evans had a chance to sit down with the company’s controller, Scott Kelsey, to find out more about the plans for the development and more.

Kelsey outlined the service levels planned for the facility as well as how it will be designed to seamlessly integrate into the surrounding space along the lakeshore.  To listen to the interview with Kelsey, please click “HERE“.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR OWN PLUNGER, MARK EVANS!

CLICK HERE TO WATCH MARK TAKE THE PLUNGE

POLAR PLUNGERS AT MARQUETTE MOUNTAIN. copyright Andy Nelson-Zalesky

A man true to his word, Mark Evans took the Polar Plunge on Saturday at Marquette Mountain.  The event was held to benefit the Special Olympics of Michigan, and you can still contribute by logging on to the website www.somi.org.

Event organizers say the event was a “SPLASH” and was marked by a huge increase in pledges as well as the number of plungers.  Over 14-thousand dollars was raised by about 75 to 80 plungers, and the statewide numbers so far have surpassed the goal of $350,000 by about $80,000.  As you can see in the photo, there were all kinds of folks out for a good cause on a chilly day!  From Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to the California Raisins to some guy who squeezed himself into his old high school football jersey, a great crowd came out to help out the kids in the Specials Olympics!  Thanks to all who stopped by and contributed to the cause!

THIS IS WHAT COMMUNITY-BASED RADIO IS ALL ABOUT!

LOVE THAT STATION!

Every now and then we get into a bit of a swing here on the big show that makes me very proud to be a part of the things we do.  Today is one of those days.  So was yesterday.  As a matter of fact, the last couple of weeks have been fantastic!  What I’m talking about is the privilege and opportunity that we have embraced here at Sunny 101.9 to go out of our way to serve the community by keeping up with many of the events and activities that are going on here.  Since day one of this radio station’s existence, we have understood the unique relationship that exists between a station and it’s audience.  We have developed this relationship to the point that we have so many community events to chat about on any given morning, that there is not enough time to talk to everybody who wants to get on!

A case in point is this morning’s show!  We had in-studio guests representing Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Marquette County, a benefit concert to assist in funding a special scholarship managed by the Ishpeming High School Alumni Association, and a fantastic Italian Dinner Benefit to help out a well-known member of the Marquette county community.  PLUS, we recapped last night’s extremely successful “Pigs N’ Heat” Charity Hockey game at Lakeview Arena, of which we were a media sponsor and over 3,000 fans attended to support our area firefighters and law enforcement.  AND, we also talked about this weekend’s Special Olympics “POLAR PLUNGE” at Marquette Mountain in which our own Mark Evans will be plunging in on this Saturday afternoon!  WOW!  You have to admit, all of that makes for good community-based radio!

BOWL FOR KID’S SAKE CONTINUES ACROSS THE COUNTY.

JAYNE LETTS WITH BIG BROTHERS/BIG SISTERS.

Jayne Letts, executive director of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Marquette County, joined us this morning to encourage everyone to take part in the annual Bowl For Kid’s Sake fundraisers that are going on around the county.  She pointed out that there is still time to get a team together and get out for a fun evening or afternoon of bowling with your friends, all to benefit Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Marquette County.  Jayne also discussed how to get involved with the group if you are interested and also outlined some of the group’s 40-year history in the area.  To find out more about Bowl For Kid’s Sake or the organization itself, please log on to their website by clicking “HERE“.  To listen to the complete interview with Jayne, please click “HERE“.

USING THE POWER OF MUSIC TO FURTHER EDUCATION.

THE GRONVALL BOYS, KURT & ROBIN.

Thanks to the Gronvall boys, Kurt and Robin, for stopping in this morning to fill us in about a special concert coming up this Saturday evening the the W.C. Peterson Auditorium in Ishpeming that will benefit the Ishpeming Alumni Scholarship fund.  The concert will feature a series of groups and performers, ranging from acoustic acts to vocalists and the legendary Wednesday Night Music Club.  The event is open to the public, and all proceeds raised will benefit the IHS Alumni Scholarship fund.  To listen to the interview with Kurt and Robin Gronvall, please click “HERE“.

ENJOYING AN ITALIAN DINNER AND HELPING OUT A FRIEND.

JIM "THE HAT" MANTY.

Community Jester and all-around funny guy Jim Manty joined us today and got serious for a moment to tell us about an Italian Dinner Benefit this Saturday in Ishpeming.  The proceeds will benefit Jim’s brother, Don Manty, who is recovering from esophageal surgery to treat throat cancer.  The dinner will feature a full traditional spaghetti dinner and desserts.  The event runs from 3-to-7 pm and tickets are only $7.00.  For more on the dinner, and how you can enjoy this feast on a busy Marquette County Saturday, listen to the complete interview with Jim by clicking “HERE“.

LIKE I SAID EARLIER, THAT’S WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT!

THAT, my friends and fellow bloggers, is community-based radio for the masses.  We do not want to hear from any of you that there isn’t anything going on this weekend.  Get out and enjoy it!

CHEERS!

-Walt

A QUICK UPDATE AS WE HEAD INTO THE WEEKEND!

SHY BUT THANKFUL, IT'S MARK EVANS!

Folks! Thank you so much for your contributions for Mark’s taking of the Polar Plunge on March 20th.  As of Friday at noon, over $300 in contributions has been raised for Mark to forward on to the Special Olympics of Michigan.  We will keep reminding you about making a contribution through the next week, but if you can’t wait, please follow the link below in the previous blog posting to make an online contribution.  Mark thanks you, I thank you and the kids in Special Olympics thank you!

If you haven’t given yet, WE WILL FIND YOU!

SEE YOU NEXT WEEK!

-Walt

PREPARING FOR THE BIG PLUNGE WITH MARK EVANS!

TAKIN' THE PLUNGE FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS

Hey Bloggers!  Now is the time to step up and help out Mark Evans raise money for a great cause.  Mark is taking the plunge in the 2010 Special Olympics Polar Plunge on Saturday, March 20th at Marquette Mountain Ski Area.  The plunge starts at 3-pm and Mark will be kicking the plunging off by being the first to brave the icy water.  If you would like to help out with a financial contribution, please take a moment this morning and call us in the studio at (906) 227-7777 and make a pledge of support.

If that doesn’t work for you, please log on to the web and head on over to somi.org.  It’s also accessible by clicking “HERE“.  All proceeds raised will go to the  Special Olympics of Michigan.

HEIDI FURIOUSLY WORKS THE PHONES THIS MORNING TAKING ALL OF THE PLEDGES!

DO IT NOW!

And then come on out and cheer on Mark on the 20th!

FREEZIN’ FOR A REASON!  THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS POLAR PLUNGE!

The time has come for the serious preparation for the upcoming Special Olympics Polar Plunge!

THE VETERAN COACHES (OR COAXES) THE NEW GROUP!

WALT IN THE AIR!

As you can see from the photos posted here, I, Walt Lindala, was the guy doing the plunging last year.  As I said last year after the jump, that was it, and it was someone else’s turn.  My compatriot on the big program, Mark Evans, said he would take the plunge.  It appears that he is holding to his promise and is being joined by Chrissy Nichols (who also jumped last year) from Sunny 101.9 as well as Dr. Don from the FOX 103 Morning Show.  The jump will be on Saturday, March 20th at the Marquette Mountain Ski Area in Marquette.

ONE WET WALT!

It’s all part of the commitment Great Lakes Radio has for the State of Michigan Special Olympics POLAR PLUNGE. We have supported the plunge since it came to our neck of the woods and we will continue to do so as a station group.  I, on the other hand…may never plunge again!  In fact, as I look at these pictures again, it’s a pretty safe bet that I will not be doing this ever again!  All I can say now is, “Go get ‘em Mark!”  And best of luck to ya!

MORE ABOUT THIS YEAR’S POLAR PLUNGE AND HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED!

EVERYONE GATHERS AROUND THIS YEAR'S VICTIM, MARK EVANS.

Organizers with this year’s Polar Plunge, Heidi Swajanen and Mike Plourde (affectionately known as the Silver Fox) joined us recently for an interview to talk more about this year’s event and how you can get involved.  They also thanked Mark Evans for taking the plunge this year.  To listen to the interview with Heidi and the ever jocular Silver Fox, please click “HERE“, and for more information by logging on to the Special Olympics of Michigan Polar Plunge website, please click “HERE“.

Remember it may be cold, but it’s all for a great cause!

CHEERS!

-Walt

SUNNY 101.9 TEAMS WITH BIOLIFE TO REMEMBER OUR VETERANS.

MARCIA HODGES, BIOLIFE CENTER MANAGER.

Thanks to Marcia Hodges with BioLife Plasma Services for joining us this morning as we talked about our special Christmas Gift project to help out the veterans at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette.  Our project involves you, our listeners, by getting you to pick up basic items needed by the veterans at the home that you can drop off at the BioLife location on Hawley Street in Marquette or at our studios at the Original Marquette Mall.  To listen to excerpts of our conversation with Marcia from today’s show, please click “HERE“.  The complete list of items as requested by the folks at the Jacobetti Home is listed below.  Please look it over and consider picking up some of the items as you are out and about this weekend doing your Christmas shopping.

THE LIST OF REQUESTED ITEMS FROM THE JACOBETTI HOME FOR VETERANS:

D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans

Christmas Wish List

- 100 Small hairbrushes and small combs

- 50 Handkerchiefs

- 10 Small back scratchers

- 50 Plastic travel mugs with lids

- 5 Picture puzzles with large, easy to handle pieces

- Shirts with Team Logo, ie. Packers, Redwings, Lions, L, XL, 2XL

- 20 Sweat pants, L, XL, 2XL

- 20 Sweatshirts, L, XL, 2XL

- 50 Winter Mittens

- 200 T-shirts, L, XL and 2XL

- 10 Large print Bibles

- 25 Neck pillows

- 20 Wide suspenders

- AA and AAA Rechargeable Batteries

- Word search puzzle books

- Soft chocolates

+Mini Reeses Peanut Butter

+Chocolate Kisses

+M&M’s

+Mini Hershey Bars

**Please, No Used Items

unless in very good condition!

Take the time to get some of these items and bring them by to BioLife or the Sunny Studios.  It will mean the world to the veterans!!

Merry Christmas!

-Walt

TALKIN’ SCOUTIN’ WITH DEWEY!

SCOUT EXECUTIVE DEWEY JONES.

A busy day on the show today included a chat with Dewey Jones with the Hiawathaland Council of the Boy Scouts of America.  He gave us a quick rundown of events and activities that area scouts had engaged in over the past few months.  He also discussed upcoming planned events in the area and around the region.  He also gave a preview of the updated Boy Scout manual which now, for the first time, has an online portion for download to iPods and the like.  To listen in to Dewey’s interview, click “HERE“.

TOMORROW LOOKS EVEN BUSIER!!

Tune in tomorrow morning for what is shaping up to be quite a busy day on the show as well!  Lots of guests and a ton of giveaways, as well as snappy banter between yours truly and Mark Evans.  Should be a crackin’ good time!  We’ll see you then!

-Walt