Courtesy of Omega House ATVs line the street in Calumet at a past Omega House ATV Ride.

Omega House will host its annual ATV Ride fundraiser this weekend on Saturday, June 1. The ATV ride, now in its 7th year, is held to raise money to support the Omega House, an end-of-life care mission in Houghton. The first ride took place in 2015. Sadly, a few years were missed as a flood damaged the trail normally used. That didn’t deter Omega House, though, as their rides are back and better than ever. 

“This event is great for this demographic of people in our community,” said Michael Lutz, the executive director of Omega House. “We have many who like to ride ATVs throughout the area, and this event is a great way to have fun and do it for a great cause.” 

The event attracts about 100 riders every year, with their record being 136. The ride is always hosted by a local business, with Eva’s Hideaway in Calumet hosting this year. The ride will start and end at Eva’s Hideaway, and there will be a breakfast beforehand. 

Lutz explained the route, saying, “We’ll start riding at 11 a.m. from Eva’s, travel the upper trail to Monte Carlo in Hancock for noon, then to Partenen’s in Dollar Bay around 1:30 p.m., then to Lakes Lounge in Lake Linden for 3 p.m., then to the Drift Inn for about 4:30 p.m. and back to Eva’s around 6 p.m. for food, raffles and great prizes.”

The ride will take place rain or shine, and has a $20 entry fee for each rider, with registration from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday. Trailer parking will be available at the AmericInn on 6th Street in Calumet. All of the proceeds will go to Omega House. 

Omega House was founded in 1999 and built in 2005. The home offers eight beds to individuals in Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga and Ontonagon counties. According to their website, Omega House’s mission is, “to provide a home-like environment where people at the end of life may live fully, receiving compassionate and competent care from professional, volunteer and family caregivers.”

Omega House is also working to fight the assumption that placing a loved one in a care home like Omega House will change their lives completely.

“Omega House takes strides to integrate the local community and culture into residents’ stay, promoting activities they have enjoyed their entire lives,” Omega House states on its website. In addition to hospice care, the home also offers short-term respite care and support for bereaved friends and family. 

Omega House is located at 2211 Maureen Lane in Houghton. Reach out at 906-482-4438 to schedule an in-person tour. Its website, omega-house.org, offers many educational resources on topics such as pain management and the dying process. They also host monthly grief workshops on the third Thursday of each month at 5 p.m. The meetings are free and open to anyone who is interested in processing grief in a group setting in a safe, relaxed environment. Free individual sessions are also available upon request.