Boyne City's Second Annual St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl will be held Saturday, March 14th. Tickets are $20 and must be purchased by Feb. 29th at eventbrite.com. This is a non-profit event benefiting the Charlevoix Area Humane Society. The ticket price includes a T-shirt, Silipint glass and and access to the specials for that day at 10 participating Pub Crawl establishments. The day of the event, present your ticket at Boyne City Tap Room starting at 11 a.m. to pick up your T-shirts, Silipints and Pub Crawl maps. Your shirt and Silipint cup is your ticket to the specials around town at each participating location. Our local brewery, tap rooms and restaurants will be offering beer, wine, regionally distilled alcohol tastings, and food specials. 

> Charlevoix County Transit will be offering free transportation from 11 a.m. to 12 midnight. Call 231-582-6900 for advance reservations.

> Participating establishments are:

Boyne City Tap Room

Cafe Santé

Friggy's SOBO Pub

Lake Street Pub

Long Road Distillers

Provisions Wine Lounge

Red Mesa Grill

Stiggs Brewery & Kitchen

Sunnyside 

The Venue Grill at Boyne City Lanes

The Boyne Chamber's new Grub Club luncheon will make its debut on Thursday, March 26th, in the Vienna Room of Boyne Mountain's Mountain Grand Lodge. Enjoy lunch and hear Timothy Amborski from McLaren Northern Michigan Family Practice speak on the importance of keeping you and your employees healthy.

Grub Club runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and admission is $25 for members and $30 for not-yet members. If you'd like to promote your business, vendor display tables are available for $200. Table sponsors receive two admission tickets, are introduced from the podium and can make a one-minute pitch on the microphone.

> Register to attend or reserve your display table.

Timothy Amborski, family nurse practitioner, has over 14 years of medical experience and practices at McLaren Northern Michigan Family Medicine. Timothy started his nursing career at McLaren Northern Michigan in 2004 after attending North Central Michigan College. 

After working for the hospital for 7 years, Timothy  started his Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Ferris State University. Just two months after receiving his BSN, Timothy started his Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner specialty from Chamberlain University.  Timothy has a special interest in men's health, family care, and elderly care. Preventative medicine, including screenings, healthy eating, and exercise are important tools in his method of care to patients.

> Print an info flier for March 26th Grub Club.

THANKS to our Grub Club Table Sponsors:

Boyne City is one of nine communities around Michigan that have been awarded a total of $250,000 in grants aimed at supporting small local businesses, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced this week. Spuds Boyne, a new retail store featuring furniture and home décor, was awarded a $25,000 grant, which is being matched with $57,000 in private investment. The new store is projected to open soon in the former Sportsman Bar location on North Lake Street, creating  three full-time jobs and one part-time job.

Introduced in 2019, the Match on Main program was intended to provide grants of between $5,000 and $25,000 to Select or Master level Michigan Main Street communities for eligible businesses. Projects could include interior building renovations, furniture and fixtures, permanent equipment, point of sale systems, marketing expenses, and inventory. Eligible businesses must also have worked with the Michigan Small Business Development Center on a business plan.

"Healthy small businesses are a vital component of our downtowns," said MEDC Senior Vice President of Community Development Michele Wildman. "These grants will help local businesses grow, further strengthening the commercial districts in these communities, while developing vibrant, unique, and attractive places where people want to live, work, and play."

Northern Michigan Surgical Suites is planning an Open House at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 17th. This new state-of-the-art, multi-specialty outpatient surgical center is located at 825 Moll Drive in the Boyne City Business Park. The surgical center plans to open a few days before the open house. It is designed to give patients, friends and family a relaxing experience before, during and after the procedure. A group of 13 surgeons are affiliated with the center. Their website says: "Northern Michigan Surgical Suites also provides a high ratio of medical staff to patients in order to provide the highest quality experience and attentive care. The surgeons choose the best staff to take care of you during your time with us and the highest quality equipment for your procedure. You may rest assured that the Center meets the highest industry standards in health care."

The Boyne Chamber's next Off The Clock will be hosted by Lynda's Real Estate Service at 27 S. Lake St., and will be cosponsored by Family Fare Supermarket. The event will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 19th and includes door prizes, food, drink, business networking and a 50/50 raffle with proceeds going to a nonprofit organization. Off The Clock is the new name for Business After Hours, the chamber's monthly business networking event held at member businesses. Chamber members and the public are invited to attend.There is no charge for admission or refreshments.

When you deal with Lynda's Real Estate Service, you are dealing with a team that has over 100 years of combined real estate expertise and over 125 years of marketing experience. Service is so important to them that they decided it should be included in their name. You will find Lynda's right in the heart of it all in downtown Boyne City, overlooking beautiful Lake Charlevoix, where the mighty Boyne River meets the lake. They enjoy the view so much they decided to share it with everyone by installing a webcam on their office roof that overlooks the beautiful lake. For more information about Lynda's, call 231-582-9555 or visit www.lyndasrealestateservice.com. 

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Mark your calendar for future Off The Clock business networking:

The Boyne Area Chamber has announced its Evenings at the Gazebo schedule, and we are excited to offer an extended season with 10 concerts this summer. The 2020 series is presented by Black Diamond Broadcasting with concerts held in Old City Park on Wednesday evenings beginning at 6:30 p.m. 

Concerts are made possible by additional support from local businesses and individual sponsors. Seven of the 10 concert sponsorships are still available. Band sponsors are featured on a logo banner displayed at all concerts and they get to introduce the band on concert nights. Sponsors also have their name or logo included on all promotional materials, listed on our website, listed in our weekly newsletter, and on Facebook. 

> New this summer, concessions will be available each week! Challenge Mountain will begin the season on June 17. Sunnyside will then be there every Wednesday for the rest of the summer until August 19. Stay tuned for all the delicious details..

> Here are details on sponsorships, and you can sign up by emailing Kim@boynechamber.com or calling the chamber at 231-582-6222. 

> Here is the 2020 summer schedule, sponsored by Black Diamond Broadcasting. Details on each band are online at www.gazeboconcerts.com:

June 17 - Full Moon Jam Band

June 24 - Calamity Jane

July 1 - 1000 Watt Prophets

July 8 - Jay Daniel Band, sponsored by Pat O'Brien & Associates

July 15 - Wyatt & Shari Knapp

July 22 - On Tap, sponsored by Pat O'Brien & Associates

July 29 - Mike Dhaseleer 

August 5 - Awesome Distraction

August 12 - Full Circle

August 19 - Billy McAllister "Perfectly Frank" Sinatra Tribute, sponsored by Boyne Co-op True Value

	Christy Lions                      Christian Smith

Two new hires have recently taken the helm in key positions at North Central Michigan College, continuing the college's commitment to providing exceptional, accessible, relevant higher education for all learners throughout the Tip of the Mitt.

Christy Lyons was hired as director of the college's Corporate and Community Education (CCE) division in January. She comes to North Central following a 26-year career with the Petoskey News-Review, where she served most recently as general manager, overseeing a team of 60 employees.

Christian Smith was hired as a gift officer in the NCMC Foundation in January. Smith served most recently as executive director of the YMCA in Northern Michigan, a role he held for five years. His transition to a role with North Central aligns with his belief in the power of education to transform lives. Full press release.

	Boyne City's harbor during Boyne Thunder event.

Need to make a boating reservation? The Boyne City Municipal Marina is now participating in the State of Michigan's Central Reservation System for all advance transient slip rentals. Reservations can be made utilizing the call center at 800-447-2757 or their website. There is a non-refundable fee of $10 for using the call center and $8 on the website. Reservations can be made up to 6 months prior to your arrival date. If you have problems making your reservation you can call Boyne City Hall for some assistance but the reservations still have to be made through the DNR's website. This also means there will be no standing line on May 15th at the marina office to make reservations. Reservations are slip specific; however, slip choices are not guaranteed (due to unforeseen circumstances) and there are parameters set on individual slips based on boat lengths, beam, draft, etc. General marina/boating information can be found at www.boynecitymarina.com and questions can be directed to the harbormaster by emailing marina@boynecity.com or calling 231.582.0336. News-Review story.

> Assistant Harbormaster job opening - Details.

Beginning in March the content offered at the Lifetree Café will focus on a discipleship series titled, "Friends With God." Each episode includes a video presentation and discussion in a fun and engaging environment. It is non-denominational in nature and utilizes the friendship model of relationship found taught by Jesus in John 15:15. "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you."

This isn't like any discipleship program you've seen before. There's no gritting your teeth and trying harder to be perfect. Or checking items off a "Good Christians Do This" list. Instead, we'll just get to know Jesus better and let our friend do what he does best: transform us from the inside out. And you're invited. Whether you've been a believer for decades, just met Jesus in the parking lot, or aren't sure he's even real, you're invited. Come take your next step into deeper joy. Soul-soothing peace. And a life of purpose. Come be a disciple. Come be a friend of God.

Join the conversation at Lifetree Café, located at 401 S. Park St. in Boyne City. The program begins March 1 and runs through April 5 at 3:30 p.m. each Sunday.

> Hotel Walloon - Webcam.

         

   Officials say road conditions improving despite recent report - Details

   School enhancement millage has been a "game-changer" - Details

   Obituary: Little Lena's co-founder Gino Longo - Details

   Petoskey Chamber names Nikki Devitt as new president - Story

The Chamber/Main Street E-News comes to your inbox each Thursday morning. If you submit news, please send it by Tuesday to jim@boynechamber.com. Nearly 1,400 people open our newsletter each week, and you can reach them with your advertising message and a link for as little as $50. Ad space is available for March 19th and later.

> SPREAD THE NEWS - We'd love to send you and your friends the weekly Boyne Business News. Click here to subscribe .

Boyne District Library events:

The library is teaming up with local artists from the Boyne Arts Gallery to host a teen Art Club. For the next three months, artists are going to be sharing their talent with students ages 12-18 as part of the Art Club at the Boyne District Library. Student artists can sign up for one session or all three sessions, and there's no charge. Session One begins Tuesday, March 3rd and runs through Tuesday, March 24th. Session Two begins on April 7th and Session 3 begins May 12. Each session will be held after school on Tuesdays from 3:30-5:30 p.m. and will highlight a different, unique medium. This free program is made possible through the generous collaboration between the BAC and BDL. To register, go online to boynelibrary.org or call 231-582-7861.

Saturday, Feb 29th, 1:30pm - 2:30pm.  Leapin' Lizards -  Celebrate Leap Year with a leapin' good time with Raven Hill Discovery Center. Come learn all about the reptiles housed at Raven Hill. Families welcome, free admission. All ages, children under age of 10 must be supervised.  ( News-Review story ). 

Monday, March 2nd, 5:30pm - 7:30pm.  Family Dinner Book Club is a great way to bring your family together over great books, food, and conversation. This year, we kick off our session with a Dr. Seuss Birthday Party! Each week we will focus on a book that has been made into a motion picture. Our delicious meals have been donated and provided by local establishments in Boyne City. Families with children ages 3-10 are invited to join us! Siblings welcome. Make sure you sign up your family as spots are limited.

UPCOMING - Craft Supplies Swap Meet on March 14th. 

> More info on all events at www.boynelibrary.org , phone  231-582-7861.

Orchestra children's event features strings on March 7

The final installment of the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra's Young Children's Library Series features string musicians teaching Melody & Harmony. These sessions will be held Saturday, March 7 at 10:30 AM at Petoskey District Library and 1 PM at Boyne District Library. Open to the public, and free of charge, this program is designed to introduce young children to music in an entertaining setting. The 45-minute sessions with Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra musicians include story-telling, directed listening, movement & dance, imitation and rhythm games. Parents and caregivers are an important part of this process. Please come jam with us! (Best for children ages 4 - 10.)

Join Char-Em United Way for a night of food, drinks, and entertainment in support of childhood literacy on Saturday, February 29 from 6-9 PM at Castle Farms in Charlevoix. 

All proceeds will go to support the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Charlevoix and Emmet Counties. 

The Imagination Library provides children up to 5 years old with one book a month mailed right to their door. Tickets are $30/advance, $40/door. Each ticket purchased helps support one child for one year of the program. Purchase tickets. 

North Central Michigan College is offering a new series of 10 grape-growing and wine-making workshops focusing on cold-climate grapes. The series begins March 5th, presented by Straits Area Grape Growers in collaboration with the college's Corporate and Community Education Department. The series begins with your own Home Wine Kit, so that by the end of the series you should have your very own custom vintage. New this series is field trips that take you into the vineyard with the experts.

Not only will novices and hobbyists learn the basics, but experienced growers and winemakers will have the opportunity to discuss the particular challenges and rewards of viticulture in Northwestern Michigan.

Classes are $35 each, held from 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. The the topics include Home Wine Making + Kit, Vineyard Planning and Planting, Grape Vine Anatomy & Trellis Training, Grape Pruning Field Trip, Fungus and Insect Control, Processing Grapes into Wine, Commercial Grape and Wine Pricing, Commercial Vineyard and Winery Business, Licenses and Permits, and Wine Aromas.

> Attend any of the workshops or all of them, register here to hold your spot. Call 231- 348-6613 with any questions.

> Also: Beekeeping for Beginners - March 8, 15 & 22.

BCHS Drama is presenting George Gershwin's 2012 Tony Award-winning musical, "Nice Work If You Can Get It." Performances will be in the Boyne City High School Performing Arts Center March 13, 14, 20 & 21 at 7 pm. 

This screwball comedy is a surefire crowd-pleaser, with classic Gershwin tunes, romance, exuberant production numbers, and a hilarious script poking fun at class snobbery in the Prohibition era of the 1920's. The storyline might be new to you, but you will recognize classic songs such as Fascinating Rhythm, Someone to Watch Over Me, S'wonderful, I've Got a Crush on You, Let's Call the Whole Thing Off and Lady Be Good. 

> Reserved seat tickets are available at boynehs.tix.com. Patron seats are $15 and general priced seats are $10.

The Boyne Falls Public School Alumni Game will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 14th in the school gymnasium. You're invited to join in for a night of fun and enjoy some friendly competition featuring Boyne Falls Alumni (several past all-conference), staff team and surrounding school rivals. Enjoy our hearty concessions for dinner opening at 5 p.m., or relax at the intermissions with coffee and dessert. Compete in our family-friendly competitions during intermissions - free throw, slam dunk, half court shots.

Most importantly, this event supports the Class of 2021 and their senior trip to Hawaii. Everyone is welcome to come and join in the fun - as a player or a fan for $20 per family or $5 person. Form your own team for the big game; call 231-549-2211 ext. 204 for more details. Team registration is $30. Flyer with details.

North Central Michigan College's Luncheon Lecture series for the winter semester continues on a variety of topics on Fridays in the College Library Conference Center. Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. and the program begins at noon. Reservations are required; call 231-348-6600 or send an email to luncheonlectures@ncmich.edu.

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MARCH 4 - CONNECTING WITH CULTURES - North Central Michigan College will host an international lecture examining how volunteering with a non-governmental organization can connect individuals to the culture of a country. Heather Lewis, a Northern Michigan native, will present her lecture, "Connecting with Cultures Through NGOs," on Wednesday, March 4, at noon in the Library Conference Center on the Petoskey Campus. North Central's International Committee is sponsoring a free lunch of traditional Indian food. This lecture is free to attend, however RSVPs are required. Fifteen seats remain for lunch, which will be served at 11:45 a.m. Please call 231-348-6600 to reserve your seat. Details.