The month of June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month — a time to educate others about the progressive neurodegenerative disorder and advocate for the millions of people who live with dementia.

To show support, Marshfield Medical Center-Dickinson has teamed with Peter Monette of Breitung Township to display handcrafted butterflies — a symbol of hope, faith and transformation.

“We want to raise awareness this week — it may be a family member, friend or neighbor,” Monette said. “I want to encourage everyone to do as much as you can to comfort people.”

Monette credits Joe Rizzo, director of public relations and business development at MMC-D, with the idea to incorporate his artwork.

(Terri Castelaz/Daily News photos)

“I asked him what I could do to help promote and bring awareness to terrible diseases like Alzheimer’s, mental health and cancer,” Monette said. “It not only affects the patient who suffers, it affects the entire family and friends.”

The retired construction worker began crafting the wooden butterflies almost two years ago. Since that time, he has made about 160 butterflies, with 65 of those lining South Stephenson Avenue through Friday.

The colorful insects range in a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes.

Being a seasoned carpenter, he came up with his own patterns.

Some paint schemes are designed to include the team colors of the Kingsford Flivvers, Iron Mountain Mountaineers, Michigan State University, University of Michigan and Green Bay Packers.

“I try to get creative and make each one different,” Monette said.

Each piece is sealed to protect the wood from the elements.

The idea for the hobby came from his brother, Paul, a retired grocery store owner in Stephenson.

“When I get going on a project, I sometimes would get up at two o’clock in the morning to work on them,” he said. “This is something I enjoy doing.”

Monette said he learned a lot about trades from his family. “My parents were self-taught — my mom was a painter and my dad built all the homes we lived in,” he said.

In the future, he would like to honor the local veterans with a butterfly display.

“It’s all about giving back to the community,” the Vietnam War veteran added.

Monette will also be a vendor at the Kingsford Centennial Celebration.

For more information on Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, go to https://nationaltoday.com/alzheimers-brain-awareness-month/.

Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.