With a clunk and a grind, the enormous pistons on the 1200-horsepower engine turned for the first time in a year or more. An impressive accomplishment … but no wild whooping rose from the volunteers deep in the SS Meteor. These guys, some retired from the maritime industry, are more prone to calm smiles and sly off-color jokes than to loud self-congratulatory pats on the back. Besides, there was lots of other work to do. And, thankfully, lots of folks to help - both guys and gals.

More than 40 volunteers came to Superior, Wisconsin, from as far as North Dakota and braved bone-chilling temperatures and late-spring snows to paint crew quarters, polish brass and wrestle with the old engine on the last of the whaleback vessels. I came to photograph their work (see page 12) and, for a short stint, to pitch in where I could. Helping can be a way to self discovery. While cleaning windows in the pilot house, I discovered that I am too ample to fit between the radar and the Chadburn (a device to signal the engine room), but too short to reach over them. So when you visit the Meteor and notice that one less-than-shipshape window, blame it on genetics and frequent desserts.

Lake folks are always willing to help - just ask the organizers of any major event (like the dragon boat festivals listed in Travel & Events.)

One good example is each May in Marquette, Michigan, when “Petunia Pandemonium” draws a platoon of planters along the roadsides. This 20th year for the event was no exception and you can enjoy their bloomingly wonderful efforts all summer.

Joining forces makes things happen. As Henry Ford Sr. said: “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.”

Many of the stories in this issue feature people working together for a common goal, a common good.

The two-classroom school on Madeline Island, introduced in “A School of Their Own,” thrives on community support, with parents helping out even after their own children head to the mainland. And the island museum becomes a school “annex” where children learn about their town’s history.

In the Superior Education section, you’ll read about some researchers collaborating to try to prevent a deadly fish virus from taking hold in Lake Superior and others who are determining the ancient history of lake temperatures. Find out how citizens and scientists will plan future management of the lake’s water in an Around the Circle update on the International Upper Great Lakes Study.

Often we lake folk join to celebrate rather than to work. This year’s Lake Superior Day (July 20) is a perfect time to come together at the lake. Our story lists activities and groups along your shore.

One unifying activity in several locations this year will be kite flying - a festive, reusable way to celebrate, any time, this lake that creates its own weather.

The planned events - with lots of children, I hope - remind me of my very first kite fly. It was a lovely afternoon on the hill in Duluth with Sis and John (her then-boyfriend, my now brother-in-law). They launched the six-foot-tall kite that she got from saving Green Giant can labels. After getting the “Giant” aloft, Sis left to fetch something in the car. I was about 4 and less than half the height of the kite. John, taller than the kite, was a typical, distracted teen boy. Remembering something else at the car, he handed me the kite and away he went. Then, thanks to strong lake winds, away I went, towed by the Jolly Giant - ho, ho, ho. I take pride in not letting go until John, directed by yelling from Sis, caught us - the Giant and me.

After quite a few years and lots of the aforementioned desserts, I have no fears from errant kites, but I can’t wait to see how high we all can soar when we stand side-by-side, brought together by our Great Lake.

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