We’re excited to share our International Neighbors Winter–Spring 2026 Diary Dates! 🌍Please find the attached flyer with all of our upcoming weekly programs from January through June. As always, International Neighbors is a welcoming community gathering that celebrates culture, art, food, and the outdoors. We bring together local residents, international families, newcomers, and longtime Yoopers … Continue reading International Neighbors Winter/Spring 2026
99-Word Creative Writing with Charli Mills
We had a lovely morning with six enthusiastic participants as we gathered to explore the art of the 99-word story with writing coach Charli Mills. During the session, we worked through shorter practice pieces (including a 159-word prompt, then a 59-word exercise) before returning to write a full 99-word story. The structure helped all of … Continue reading 99-Word Creative Writing with Charli Mills
A Cool Adventure Underground: EBLP Visits the Delaware Mine
With summer sun shining down and temperatures reaching into the high 80s, the Elaine Bacon Literacy Program took a much-anticipated trip to the historic Delaware Mine in Mohawk. It turned out to be a perfect day to go 100 steps underground—into the cool, shadowy past of Michigan’s mining history. The Delaware Mine, first opened in … Continue reading A Cool Adventure Underground: EBLP Visits the Delaware Mine
Meet the Tutor: Randall Freisinger
For this month's Elaine Bacon Literacy Program spotlight, we are thrilled to introduce Randall Freisinger, one of our dedicated tutors. With decades of teaching experience and a passion for language and culture, Randay brings a warm and thoughtful presence to every session. Get to know more about him and the journey that brought him to … Continue reading Meet the Tutor: Randall Freisinger
Conversation Partners Appreciation Lunch
A social gathering for the current EBLP Conversation Partners was held at the Portage Lake United Church on May 2, 2025. The board organized this informal lunch gathering to express their thanks and to give the volunteers and student partners an opportunity to meet each other, ask questions, and share experiences. There are presently twelve … Continue reading Conversation Partners Appreciation Lunch
Student Testimonial: Yi Wang (China)
I was fortunate to discover this group while searching for an opportunity to improve my spoken English and connect with the locals in Houghton. When I browsed the EBLP webpage, it felt like I had found exactly what I was looking for. I was introduced by Jan to Beth’s class, and I joined the classes … Continue reading Student Testimonial: Yi Wang (China)
Fun Places by Chelsea Wang
New York City, NY New York City is a fun city and one of my favorite places. NYC is crazy about the fashion, diversity and food. When you walk on the street, you will always see many chain stores of global clothing brands. People wear different clothes, different brands and different colors, and some clothes … Continue reading Fun Places by Chelsea Wang
Lovely Small Community-based Children’s Library in Bandung, West Java
Hi, my name is Cindy. I joined the Elaine Bacon Literacy Program in February of 2023. I knew about this program from Puti who is my colleague and director of the children’s library. The children's library in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia, named “Pustakalana Children’s Library” is a not-for-profit community library. Many volunteers contribute to keep … Continue reading Lovely Small Community-based Children’s Library in Bandung, West Java
International Neighbors Fall Schedule
We are thrilled to share International Neighbors Diary Dates for Fall 2024! Please see the attached flyer for all the wonderful activities we have planned. From cultural learning experiences to fun crafts and celebrations, there's something for everyone! Our gatherings are every Thursday, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM at Portage Lake United Church, Houghton, MI. Feel free … Continue reading International Neighbors Fall Schedule
International Neighbors – A Welcome Connection
by Donna Cole Do you know about International Neighbors, a local group closely connected to the Elaine Bacon Literacy Program (EBLP)? Many international adults and other community members enjoy and benefit from both organizations. For more than 50 years, these two all-volunteer groups have served newcomers to our area as well as long-time residents. EBLP … Continue reading International Neighbors – A Welcome Connection
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