News Briefs

BOYNE CITY
Free Computer Classes
Classes are held at 10 a.m. every Friday at the Boyne District Library through February. Classes are available to all levels of learning. For more information call the Library at 582-7861 or Ron Grunch at 582-6974.

BOYNE CITY
Outdoor sports shop opening on Water Street
126 Water Street will be home to a new outdoor sports shop called No Boundaries in early April. The new store will offer outdoor apparel and gear for hiking, camping, paddle sports, kayaks, cycling and Nordic (but not downhill) skiing. Owners are Bob South, a Boyne City area resident who will manage the store, and Jeff Collins, a Petoskey resident and custom homebuilder who also owns Glennwood Construction, which is doing the tenant improvements for the store. "We are friends from cycling, we ride together regularly," South said. "Jeff has an entrepreneurial mind and so do I, and we share the same vision for the store. It's not the best economy to open a new business, but we believe in Boyne City." South is a former board member of the Boyne Area Chamber, and says "We really want to be involved in the community and the Chamber." Another key employee will be Ben Tompkins, who will help manage the store and will also be involved with building strong community relations. South grew up in Indiana, graduated from the University of Indiana. He and his wife Carrie moved here in 1997; they now have three children. South was one of the original owners of North Country Cycle Sport in Boyne City and most recently worked at High Gear Sports in Petoskey.

CHARLEVOIX
Wellness Wednesday
Charlevoix Area Hospital’s next “Wellness Wednesday” has extended its hours into the evening! The next screening will be from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 3, 2010. The Wellness Wednesday Health Screens include: Cholesterol and Glucose levels, Body Mass Index (BMI) score, Fat Percentage, and a Blood Pressure reading. Cost for the service is $12. Participants will also receive a blood pressure log and pedometer as well as all test results at the time of the screen. A Registered Nurse will adapt health Consultation and educational materials to individual results. Appointments can be made in advance by calling the office of Community Health Education at Charlevoix Area Hospital, 231-547-8906 or by email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Walk-ins are always welcome.

NORTHERN MICHIGAN
Text Your Ad - $25 a month
Utilizing new cutting edge technology businesses can now send text ads, coupons, photos and more to their customer’s mobile device. Monthly fees are just $25. For detailed information, e-Mail Dave 1 at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

CHARLEVOIX
First Friday Biz Breakfast
It is a well-known fact that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It enables you to feel better & perform better in all daily activities. Whether you work at home, on the farm, at the office, at school, or on the road, eating breakfast sets the tone for the rest of the day. Give yourself a great-start this Friday, and join the Chamber and your colleagus at the Chamber's First Friday Biz Breakfast! Each breakfast includes a delicious breakfast buffet, a round of introductions, City/Chamber updates and a guest speaker. Interested? Then join us at the Grey Gables Restaurant March 5 at 7:30am. It is $7 admission. We hope to see you there!

EAST JORDAN & BOYNE CITY
Fashion Show Benefit
Come see the latest Spring Fashions presented by Mary's of Boyne and the EJ Shoppe, Saturday, March 6 from 1-3 pm. The House on the Hill is hosting the event to benefit Good Samaritan Food Pantry. RSVP 231-588-6304 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

BOYNE CITY
Toastmasters
A group of employees of Great Lakes Energy are considering starting a Toastmasters club in Boyne City. If there is enough interest to start a club, it would meet at lunch-time. The club would be open to anyone who would like to improve their communication and leadership skills. Anyone interested may contact Charity Gee at 487-1325 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

NORTHERN MICHIGAN
Create a Water Resource Improvement Authority (WRIA)
PA 94 of 2008 allows any city, village or township to create a WRIA around an inland lake. The WRIA may use its funds, including tax increment financing, to enhance water quality, water dependent natural resources, and access to an inland lake. The tool can be used to eliminate aquatic nuisance species (no chemical treatment allowed), replace failing on-site disposal systems with sewer systems, provide storm water systems to service existing infrastructure, and provide a project that aids in access to an inland lake. A WRIA may not be created or expanded after December 31, 2011. Get the MEDC’s Fact Sheet. Contact Sheri at 231-582-6482 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with questions.

BOYNE CITY
Sign up for Boyne City Little League
Boyne City Little League sign-ups begin March 6 at the Boyne District Library, 201 E. Main St., at the following times: March 6 from 9:30 to 12:30; March 10 from 4:30 to 6:30; March 13 from 9:30 to 12. For more information call Cindy Banner, Little League President, at home at 231-582-9087. Tryouts will be March 27 in the Boyne City High School Gym.

EAST JORDAN
Fiddler's Jamboree
Enjoy the Fiddlers Jamboree March 6 from Noon to 5pm at the Harvest Barn Church. Registration at 11:30 am. Dance from 7-10 pm. Donation at the Door.

EAST JORDAN
Business After Hours
Wednesday, March 10 from 5-7p.m. at The Mallard. Sponsored by Jordan Construction Group and The Mallard Golf Club. $3.00 Members and $5.00 Not Yet Members.

BOYNE CITY
Boyne Business Breakfast
The Boyne Business Breakfast series for 2010 opens with business coach Bill Ulvund speaking on How to Read Your Clients Behavior Patterns at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, March 11 in the Boyne District Library Community Room. Admission is $5, including breakfast sandwiches courtesy of Subway. Call 582-6222 or email the Chamber for reservations.

EAST JORDAN
Black, White and Red All Over
Jordan River Arts Council presents Black, White and Red All Over now through March 12. Open
1-4pm

CHARLEVOIX
St. Patrick's Day Party
The Rotary Club of Charlevoix will be hosting a St. Patrick's Day party at Castle Farms on March 13 beginning at 6:30pm.

BOYNE CITY
Make an Appointment for the Board of Review
Board of Review for the City of Boyne City will meet (by appointment only) at City Hall March 15 from noon to 3 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m., and March 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. Call 582-6597 to make a 10-minute appointment.

STATEWIDE
Scholarship Opportunity!
Michigan Retailers Association has launched its scholarship competition for the 2010-11 school year. While the exact number of scholarships has not yet been set, it is expected to award at least 30 $1000 scholarships. The awards are not based on financial need. To be eligible, the student or his/her parent must be employed at a business that is a member of the Michigan Retailers Association. To learn more about this opportunity, students may call the Michigan Retailers Association at 800-366-3699. Applications must be requested by March 15 and submitted by April 1.

BOYNE CITY
Business After Hours
Celebrate St. Pat's day early on March 16 at Boyne City's Business After Hours. Pat O'Brien Real Estate will host the Boyne Area Chamber Business After Hours from 5:30 to 7:30pm March 16, at 128 Water St. Business people are invited to this free event that includes networking, Irish beer and hors d'oeuvres.

BOYNE CITY
Irish Heritage Fest planned for St. Patrick's Day
Boyne City will celebrate St. Patrick's Day with the third annual Irish Heritage Fest on Wednesday, March 17, at the Eagles Lodge community room. Sponsored by Ace Hardware, Pat O'Brien & Associates Real Estate and the Boyne City Main Street Program, doors open at 5 p.m. with dinner served at 5:30. The event is a celebration of Boyne City's Irish heritage for the entire family with Irish music, song, storytelling, dance, and - of course - food. The Boyne City High School Hospitality Program students will showcase their talent for diversity and excellence with a multi-course meal. There will be a cash bar, and perhaps even some Irish spirits. Revelers will dance to Irish tunes played and sung, and watch traditional dancers perform, listen to storytellers, and get in touch with their Irish sides. Tickets are $20 for adults; $8 for children ages 5-12; and free for preschoolers. They are available at the Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce, Local Flavor, Country Now & Then, and the Eagles Lodge. The event is organized by the Boyne City Main Street Program with assistance from the Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce. For more information call the Main Street Program at 582-9009.

CHARLEVOIX
Business After Hours
The March Business After Hours is sponsored by Whitney's Oyster Bar, 307 Bridge Street, downtown Charlevoix. 5pm - 7pm on March 17. Everyone is invited to attend! There is no charge for Chamber members or $10 general admission.

BOYNE CITY
Starting a Business
Classes are held monthly by the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance. The next class will be held at 6 p.m. March 24 at the Boyne District Library. The fee is $20 and you must pre-register by calling 582-6482 or emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . NLEA and its partners also offer a number of business training workshops.

BOYNE CITY
Oklahoma
Attend the Boyne City High School Spring Musical "Oklahoma" at the Performing Arts Center, March 20-21-26-27 (new dates) at 7pm and 2pm on March 21.

CHARLEVOIX
Blood Drive
There will be an American Red Cross Blood Drive at Charlevoix Area Hospital on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 from 10am until 4pm. Every two seconds someone in America needs blood, but only five percent of the eligible U.S. population donates blood in any given year. And, there is no substitute for human blood. The Red Cross collects nearly half (45 percent) of the nation's blood supply, providing more than 14 million blood products to some 3,000 hospitals nationwide. Making a donation is quick and easy—taking about an hour—and a single blood donation can help up to three people. To be eligible to donate blood, an individual needs to be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. Please call Kathy Jacobsen RN today to schedule your appointment at 231-547-8906.

BOYNE CITY
Easter Egg Hunt
Bring the kids to Veteran's Park April 4 to enjoy the annual Easter Egg Hunt at 2pm.

CHARLEVOIX
Chamber Scholarship Opportunity!
Attention all 2010 High School Graduates! The Charlevoix Chamber of Commerce will be awarding a 2010 Charlevoix area graduate a $500 scholarship. Applications must be received no later than April 1, 2010 at 5pm. For more information, contact the Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 231-547-2101.

BOYNE FALLS
Chefs Challenge
3rd annual Chefs Challenge at Boyne Mountain, April 23-25 is now accepting unique Michigan products and the opportunity for local chefs to bring home the ‘Chefs Challenge” bragging rights. If you would like to participate with a booth or to enjoy the show visit www.chefs-challenge.com

EAST JORDAN
Roller Skating
Enjoy roller skating at the Harvest Barn Church - Noon-3pm - 3-18 year old $5.00 every Saturday until April 10, 2010

EAST JORDAN
Sno-Mobilers Club Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast every Sunday morning from 7am - Noon, Mt Bliss Rd. Sponsored by the East Jordan Sno-Mobilers Club

NORTHERN MICHIGAN
20/20 Project Kicks Off
Northern Michigan residents can begin to turn the economy around by registering for the 20/20 Project. The initiative is a commitment to support local, independently owned businesses and local non-profit organizations. Registration is free. To jump start the program, Northern Michigan residents can purchase a $40 gift card for half price ($20) to be used at participating merchants. Use the registration form inside this paper or e-mail Dave Baragrey at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

CHARLEVOIX
Saturday Family Story Time
Story Time Kickoff Event at the Charlevoix Public Library. Can't make it on Thursday mornings? Try a Story Time on a Saturday morning. Every 2nd Saturday of the month. Families are invited. Guest Laura Pershin Raynor. Laura is a visiting storyteller from Ann Arbor, Michigan. She is a much loved Children's Librarian at the Ann Arbor District Library.

EAST JORDAN
Show Support for the Red Devils
The students at East Jordan High School would like to ask you to participate in "Red and Black Friday". In an effort to promote community sportsmanship and support for the Red Devils by wearing red and black each Friday. Devil Pride Tee Shirts are now available for Red and Black Fridays. To reserve your shirt call Gretchen Bender at 231-350-0760

BOYNE CITY
Wine tasting
Boyne Country Provisions and Red Mesa Grill are teaming up to sponsor Seasonal Wine Tastings on the second Thursday of each month, from 6 to 8 p.m. and continuing through winter and spring. The tastings will be held on the “back porch” at Red Mesa Grill, 117 Water St., and featuring four wines, one beer and an appetizer buffet for $10. Ed Brehm, the sommelier from Boyne Country Provisions, will conduct the tastings.

EAST JORDAN
Used Furniture needed
Crossroads Ecumenical Resale Shop now has space for large quantities of furniture in good, serviceable condition. The need is great for couches, chairs, beds, dressers, tables, etc. Additional space recently made available to us for larger items will help to increase our sales, which in turn will benefit programs for those in need in our community. Please think of us when you have gently used furniture to donate. Tax deductible receipts are provided. To schedule a donation appointment, please call Crossroads at 231-536-7606.

BOYNE CITY
Expo Set for April 29
The Boyne Area Chamber will host its second annual Business Expo and Taste of Boyne from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 29, at the former Carter's store on M-75 South. This event attracted a crowd of 1,000 people to visit 70 exhibitors last year. To reserve a space contact the chamber at 231-582-6222.

PETOSKEY
GO GRANTS Announced
Connecting Women in Business (CWIB), a niche group of the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce, is proud to announce the launch of its GO Grants for Girls. GO Grants, or Girls Outreach Grants, will reach out to young girls in our area who have an idea and passion to try something new. Grants will range from $100 to $500, and can be used as resources in any field of endeavor. The purpose of the grants is to provide small grants to girls in grades 6 to 10 in the Char-Em ISD service area of Charlevoix, Emmet and northern Antrim counties. The grants will allow the applicant to pursue a special interest gain or improve a skill, participate in an outdoor experience and more. CWIB encourages applications that will be challenging to the applicant. Girls will be required to work with an adult mentor – a relative outside of the immediate family, teacher, youth pastor, social worker, etc. – who will help them fill out and submit the application, and will work with the girl to help her achieve her dream. The mentor will also work with each girl to submit her final report on her completed activity and what it meant to her. The ideal applicants are girls who have not received awards for outstanding achievements. CWIB is seeking girls who do not ordinarily apply for awards, but instead under-represented girls who need more support to realize their potential. Girls need to clearly state their financial need, as well as describe a special interest that will spark their imagination, creativity, or follow a dream that they may not imagine possible. The Go Grant Application and background information is available on the Chambers website at http://chamber.petoskey.com/cwib-161/ or at the Chamber office. Applications must be postmarked is April 1, 2010. For more information, contact Kathy Bardins at 231-487-1188, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or Lisa Hoyt at 231-347-4150, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

CHARLEVOIX COUNTY
Volunteer Opportunities
The RSVP of Charlevoix and Emmet Counties invites everyone 55 and older to join them in volunteer service. Keep active, share your talents, serve your community and meet new friends. We have many volunteer opportunities in Charlevoix County. For more information call Sally Pickering, RSVP Project Director, at 231-347-3211, ext. 29.