The Keweenaw Health Foundation (KHF) has awarded a $25,000 grant to Calumet Township in support of the Swedetown Universal Accessibility Project, an initiative that will expand accessibility and recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities at the Swedetown Recreation Area. The funding will help support the renovation and expansion of the Swedetown chalet to meet universal accessibility standards.

The Swedetown Universal Accessibility Project is designed to create a barrier-free recreation and adaptive sports facility that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of physical ability. Planned improvements include expanding and renovating the chalet, paving accessible parking and sidewalks, and enhancing connections to the universally accessible trail that was completed in 2025. The project builds upon previous accessibility improvements and will help ensure that the recreation area remains welcoming and inclusive for residents and visitors alike.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Keweenaw Health Foundation for recognizing the importance of accessibility and inclusion in outdoor recreation,” said Dean Woodbeck, Project Co- Coordinator. “This grant helps move us one step closer to creating a recreation area where everyone can participate, connect, and enjoy the outdoors together. The improvements to the chalet will complement the universally accessible trail system and allow more individuals and families to experience everything Swedetown has to offer.”

The Swedetown Recreation Area serves as a year-round destination for outdoor activities including cross-country skiing, mountain biking, hiking, snow biking, snowshoeing, sledding, and running.

Project leaders note that demand for the facility has increased significantly in recent years, while portions of the existing chalet remain inaccessible to individuals with mobility challenges. The renovation will improve access to gathering spaces, restrooms, concessions, and community events.

“We are proud to support projects that remove barriers and create opportunities for healthier, more connected communities,” said Jenn Jenich-Laplander, Executive Director of the Keweenaw Health Foundation. “The Swedetown Universal Accessibility Project reflects the Foundation’s commitment to improving quality of life across the Copper Country by ensuring that people of all abilities can enjoy the physical, social, and mental health benefits that come from outdoor recreation. This investment will help create a space where everyone feels welcome and included.”

The enhanced facility will provide important health benefits by improving access to recreation, reducing social isolation, and creating a safe, accessible gathering place during all seasons. The project will be the only purpose-built universally accessible outdoor recreation facility of its kind in the three-county region, providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities, families with young children, older adults, and visitors from across the Upper Peninsula and beyond.

For those interested in supporting the Keweenaw Health Foundation’s mission, donations are always welcome. Contributions help strengthen the health and vitality of communities throughout the region through grants, educational programs, health initiatives, and community partnerships. For more information, visit khfgive.org or call 906.337.6541.

Thanks to a $12,000 investment from the Keweenaw Health Foundation, Calumet High School will soon have upgraded gymnasium scoreboards, enhancing the experience for student-athletes, families, and the entire community.

The funding will support the installation of new scoreboards in the main gymnasium, replacing an outdated system that has served the school for nearly three decades. The updated scoreboards will provide improved visibility, functionality, and engagement for the thousands of attendees who gather each year for athletic events, school programs, and community activities.

With an estimated 24,000 visitors annually attending events in the gym, the new scoreboard will serve as a central feature—supporting athletics while bringing energy and excitement to a wide range of community gatherings.

“The gymnasium is truly the heart of Calumet schools and our community,” said Pat Dwyer, Vice Principal and Athletic Director at Calumet High School. “From competitive athletic events to graduation ceremonies and community celebrations, this new scoreboard will enhance the experience for everyone who walks through our doors. We are incredibly grateful to the Keweenaw Health Foundation for investing in our students and community.”

Beyond athletics, the gym hosts events such as graduation, concerts, and community programs—making the scoreboard an upgrade that supports both school spirit and community connection.

“We recognize that vibrant school environments play an important role in community well-being,” said Jenn Jenich-Laplander, Executive Director of the Keweenaw Health Foundation. “Spaces like this gymnasium bring people together, promote physical activity, and foster connection across generations. We’re proud to support Calumet Schools in creating an environment that celebrates student-athletes and strengthens community engagement.”

The project reflects a broader commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance quality of life and promote wellness across the Copper Country. By investing in shared community spaces, the Foundation continues to support opportunities for connection, activity, and pride in local schools.

For those interested in supporting the Keweenaw Health Foundation’s mission, donations are always welcome. Your contribution helps strengthen the health and vitality of the region and ensures that community events like this continue to thrive. For more information, call 906.337.6541.

The Keweenaw Health Foundation and Aspirus Keweenaw are proud to announce their co-sponsorship of the 72nd Annual Copper Country Volunteer Firefighters Tournament, taking place on June 27 and hosted this year by the Calumet Township Fire Department.

First held in 1954, the Copper Country Volunteer Firefighters Tournament is a longstanding tradition rooted in the spirit of volunteer firefighting across the Keweenaw Peninsula. For more than seven decades, the all-day event has brought together fire departments from across the region to honor the dedication, training, and teamwork that underpin emergency response in Copper Country.

Throughout the year, local fire departments collaborate side by side—scrambling to assist one another during emergencies and ensuring help is always close at hand when it matters most. Once a year, however, those same departments come together for friendly competition to determine which crew demonstrates the strongest skills, coordination, and readiness.

The tournament showcases firefighters’ training and experience through a series of timed events and competitive races designed to mirror real-world fireground skills. Events may include donning firefighting gear, carrying and maneuvering equipment, ladder races, and other challenges that test speed, strength, and teamwork—providing valuable practice in a spirited and supportive setting.

The Keweenaw Health Foundation and Aspirus Keweenaw are honored to support this meaningful community event as a reflection of their shared commitment to public service and emergency preparedness.

“Volunteer firefighters are essential partners in protecting the health and safety of our communities,” said Jenn Jenich-Laplander, Executive Director of the Keweenaw Health Foundation. “By sponsoring this tournament together, we are proud to honor the firefighters who stand ready every day to respond when emergencies happen. This event celebrates their skill, dedication, and the strong sense of collaboration that defines service in the Copper Country.”

Aspirus Keweenaw leadership emphasized the significance of supporting first responders who work closely with the healthcare system during critical moments.

“Our firefighters play a vital role during emergencies, often working hand in hand with healthcare teams to ensure the best possible outcomes,” said Melanee Tiura, Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer for Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital. “Sponsoring this tournament alongside the Keweenaw Health Foundation is a meaningful way to recognize their commitment, strengthen community connections, and support an event that has been part of Copper Country’s history for generations.”

Together, the Keweenaw Health Foundation and Aspirus Keweenaw are proud to collaborate in support of an event that not only celebrates competitive excellence, but also honors the enduring traditions, mutual aid, and public service that keep the Keweenaw Peninsula strong.

For those interested in supporting the Keweenaw Health Foundation’s mission, donations are always welcome. Your contribution helps strengthen the health and vitality of the region and ensures that community events like this continue to thrive. For more information, call 906.337.6541.

A $1,700 investment from the Keweenaw Health Foundation has made it possible for Chassell Township Schools to create the Creative Claws Club, an after-school program focused on creativity, life skills, and critical thinking.

The Creative Claws Club provides students with a dedicated space to explore art, design, and hands-on creative activities in a supportive, inclusive environment. Through a wide range of creative projects, students have opportunities to strengthen essential life skills such as collaboration, decision-making, perseverance, and innovative thinking—skills that are critical both inside and outside the classroom.

Funding from the Keweenaw Health Foundation supports the start-up of the club, including materials and supplies that allow students to experiment with different artistic mediums and creative problem-solving activities. The program is designed to welcome students of varying interests and abilities, offering a positive outlet for self-expression while encouraging confidence and connection with peers.

“The Creative Claws Club gives our students a space to explore their creativity while developing skills they’ll use throughout their lives,” said Tricia Tervo Middle and High School Principal of Chassell Township Schools. “Through art and creative challenges, students learn how to think critically, solve problems, and work collaboratively. We’re incredibly grateful to the Keweenaw Health Foundation for believing in this vision and helping make it possible for our students.”

The Keweenaw Health Foundation supports initiatives that strengthen overall community well-being, including programs that promote mental health, personal growth, and lifelong skills for youth.

“Creative opportunities play a vital role in healthy child development,” said Jenn Jenich-Laplander, Executive Director of the Keweenaw Health Foundation. “Programs like the Creative Claws Club encourage students to think differently, problem-solve, and build confidence in a safe, supportive setting. We’re proud to support Chassell Township Schools as they invest in experiences that nurture creativity, connection, and long-term well-being.”

In addition to artistic expression, the club emphasizes resilience and curiosity, helping students learn how to work through challenges, experiment with new ideas, and celebrate effort as much as outcome. Educators and volunteers involved with Creative Claws Club hope the program will serve as a foundation for student growth and engagement well beyond the school day.

Through partnerships like this one, the Keweenaw Health Foundation continues to invest in programs that strengthen the social, emotional, and developmental health of communities across the Copper Country.

For those interested in supporting the Keweenaw Health Foundation’s mission, donations are always welcome. Your contribution helps strengthen the health and vitality of the region and ensures that community events like this continue to thrive. For more information, call 906.337.6541.

The Keweenaw Health Foundation (KHF) has awarded a $5,000 donation to 31 Backpacks, providing critical support for hundreds of at-risk children in Houghton and Keweenaw Counties during the Christmas holiday season. The funding will help ensure that local students have access to nutritious food when school is not in session—one of the most challenging times of year for families facing food insecurity.

The Keweenaw Health Foundation is proud to announce a $5,000 donation to the CLK Food Pantry to provide Thanksgiving meals for local families in need. The funds will be used to purchase complete holiday dinners — including a turkey and all the fixings — ensuring that families and community members can enjoy a warm, traditional meal during a time when many are facing financial hardship.

The Keweenaw Health Foundation (KHF) is spreading holiday cheer by donating $1,000 to each local police department to support this year’s Shop with a Cop program. These donations will help officers provide a festive and meaningful holiday experience for children and families across the Copper Country.

Shop with a Cop pairs law enforcement officers with local children for a special holiday shopping trip, allowing kids to select gifts for themselves and their families. Funded in part by KHF’s contribution, the program creates positive experiences with police officers while ensuring children who may otherwise go without are able to enjoy the magic of the season.

Local School Resource Officers (SROs) will help identify children and families who will benefit most, ensuring the support reaches those with the greatest need.

It’s the season of giving, and the Keweenaw Health Foundation (KHF) is doing just that with a $1,000 donation to Keweenaw County’s cherished “No Kid Without a Christmas” program. This long-standing initiative, led by the Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Office, ensures local children receive gifts, warm clothing, and holiday support so every family can experience the joy of Christmas—regardless of financial challenges.