October 1, 2020
Here's how local businesses are coping

We asked our members how they are doing these days, when many of us have had to change how we conduct business. If you’d like to be featured in our Member Spotlight and share some of your ideas and coping strategies, please take this short survey. Then we will share them with our newsletter readers and social media followers.

We've received some great answers:
Beth Sylak, Harbor Springs Area Historical Society:

“We have been able to safely welcome guests since the middle of June and all have been grateful for a chance to learn and enjoy our community's history.”
What have you had to do differently since the pandemic began?  
Initially all our staff were working remotely until the stay-at-home order was lifted. It felt wonderful to get back into the museum. Sadly, for the health and safety of the community we had to cancel our monthly Harbor History Talks, Shay Days and our Blessing of the Fleet fundraising party.
We were able to host our Blessing Boat Parade on July 2nd, and since most other July 4th events were cancelled, we ended up having one of the only safe activities for people to participate in during that time. The community really rallied around the event and a record 160 boats were blessed. Otherwise, we have been operating normally. We continue to care for our two historic buildings and our permanent collection of artifacts.

What has worked?  
When we were allowed to reopen we did several things that worked well - we extended our hours to give visitors more options for when to come to the museum, created a sanitizing station at the entrance with free masks and took appointments to stagger any large tour groups. We have been able to safely welcome guests since the middle of June and all have been grateful for a chance to learn and enjoy our community's history - and to get out of the house! We opened a new exhibit in July as well called "Don't Miss the Boat," which will be on display through 2021.
We have also worked hard to create new digital opportunities for families stuck at home. We published a series of educational leaflets, basically history lessons for students. We also shared some of our lectures from previous years on YouTube and boosted our presence on social media (follow us on Facebook and Instagram!)
Finally, working with the Harbor Light Newspaper, we released a history journal called "Northern Origins."

What is the most important thing you have learned?
Our community is living through history every day, a fact that this pandemic has made more tangible. The documents, maps, photographs and artifacts we care for at the museum are the record of our town's past and the Historical Society will continue to steward that heritage despite the difficulties of the pandemic. We are committed to preserving the traditions and history of the Harbor Springs area for future generations.

Anything else you would like to share? 
Our newest exhibit, "Don't Miss the Boat," will be open at the Harbor Springs History Museum through the summer of 2021. The exhibit showcases the history of passenger ferries on Little Traverse Bay and features original artwork by local resident William Talmadge Hall.
Our gallery hours vary by season but we are happy to arrange visits outside of our "regular" hours and/or for large groups. Call 231-526-9771 for more information.
Also - be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram as we post updates on the many projects we have in the works, including our restoration of the Shay Hexagon House and the 1893 AHA boat.

> Harbor Springs Area Historical Society, 349 E Main Street, 231-526-9771.
The Member Spotlight above was featured in our October 1st Harbor Happenings newsletter. Some other stories from that newsletter are below:
Chamber Gazebo open weekends; Masks, window clings, T-shirts available

The Chamber’s Visitor Information Gazebo on the Waterfront near Stafford’s Pier restaurant is staffed from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Our “Gazebo Guys” - Fred Tabor, Dave McSherry and Larry Richey - are there to answer questions and give out brochures, maps and information to visitors.

The Chamber office at 368 Main Street is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We ask that you wear a mask if you come visit us, and we'll be following social distancing guidelines. You're also welcome to call us at 231-526-7999.

Safe Harbor face masks and window clings are still available at the Chamber Gazebo and Chamber office. Masks are $10, and window clings are $3, including sales tax.

Harbor Springs T-shirts - A few of the popular shirts designed by local artist Mary Hramiec Hoffman of Hramiec Hoffman Gallery are available for $10 (regular price $25). We have one women's large shirt and 3 men's medium shirts remaining. T-shirt illustration.
Newsworthy...

Northern Michigan ski resorts plan for a very different season - Story

Rams start football season 2-0 with win over East Jordan - Story

Many Americans are delaying health care; Why you shouldn't - Story

5 awesome color tours (including Tunnel of Trees) in NW Michigan - Story

Gourds of glass: Art studios prepare for annual pumpkin event - Story

League of Women voters to host Oct. 15 forum for state rep candidates - Story
City of Harbor Springs news

Fall leaf and brush pick-up begins on Monday, October 5th and ends on Friday, November 13th - Details

City Manager's Sept. 17th report

Upcoming city meetings on Youtube:
  • City Council, 7 p.m. Oct. 5 & 19
  • Downtown Development Agency (DDA), 8 a.m. Nov. 5.
  • Planning Commission, 5:30 p.m. Oct. 1 & 15. The October 1st meeting will be focused on Master Plan discussion. The city has scheduled a public hearing on sidewalk signs and outdoor displays for the regularly scheduled PC meeting, which is the 3rd Thursday of the month (October 15th).
  • Full calendar.

City website has details, calendar and more information.
Business resources and COVID-19 updates

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus



Covid-19 Resources from the NW Michigan Health Department

Template for a Preparedness and Response Plan for a lower risk business (MS Word)

MEMBER NEWS

Promote yourself... send us your news.
Pond Hill Fall Fest weekends are ticketed events

For this season, Fall Fest weekends at Pond Hill Farm will be a ticketed event in which all tickets are sold for $10 per person online ahead of time. This includes 5 activity tickets, admission to the fest for 2 1/2 hours and free parking.Fall Fest weekends are Saturdays and Sundays from now through October 25th. Time slots are 10am-12:30pm, 1-3:30pm, and 4-6:30pm.

We will also be open from 11am-6pm on weekdays with no admission charge. We intend to make cider and donuts, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin smashing and pumpkin skee ball available to guests at times during the weekdays. Activity tickets will be available each day for these games.

Friend us on Facebook for updates as they become available. This system will allow us to be able to control the number of people on property, give us the ability to contact trace in the event of a Covid case and also to provide a safe and enjoyable time for guests. Tickets are not refundable or transferable. The Health Department is requiring all people to be accounted for, therefore guests of all ages must have a ticket.
Who are you?
Historical Society offers genealogy appointments

Who are you? The Harbor Springs Area Historical Society is now offering genealogy appointments to help you answer that question! Staff will work one-on-one with you to search Ancestry.com and uncover the history of your family.

Appointments are required and will be held every 20 minutes between 5 and 7 pm. at the Harbor Springs History Museum, 349 E Main Street. If guests would like to stay after their session to use Ancestry.com on their own, they are welcome to do so. Face masks are required and guests are encouraged to bring their own laptops.

Call 231-526-9771 to schedule your appointment.
Artists invited to submit work for new hospital wing
McLaren Northern Michigan is on schedule to open the new wing on the Petoskey campus next summer, 2021. The new construction and renovations have been designed to enhance the patient experience, making McLaren Northern Michigan the best place for physicians to practice, employees to work, and most importantly for patients to receive care. Artwork is one of many features that will provide an optimal healing environment for all who visit the facility.

Distinctive Art Source (DAS), an art consultant specializing in health care facility installations, is managing the procurement of over 300 pieces of art for public and patient areas within the new wing. DAS has released a detailed Call for Artists with a deadline of October 26, to submit images representing the artists work. Many art mediums will be considered, and priority will be given to purchasing artwork from Northern Michigan artists.

McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation is grateful for generous contributions to this art program and for the opportunity to partner with the vibrant art community in Northern
Michigan. A very special thank you to Crooked Tree Arts Center and Northwest Michigan Arts & Culture Network for helping to reach Northern Michigan artists.

> Distinctive Art Source is hosting a Virtual Information Session for Artists at 7 p.m. on October 7 to discuss and answer questions about the project. More information on the call for artists and for joining the Zoom meeting.
Bay View Assn Campus Club raises funds for Manna

Generous volunteers of Bay View’s Campus Club have raised $8,500 to go to their core charity, The Manna Food Project. Manna is a local non-profit organization (established in 1987) that helps to feed the hungry throughout northern Michigan. This is the most that Campus Club has ever raised during a summer like no other. To add to the record amount raised, Meijer will generously match the donation 2 to 1.

“The Bay View community has really stepped up”, says Michelle Hansen, outgoing president of Campus Club. “COVID-19 restricted our ability to socialize the way we usually do and the limited opportunities to get together meant any fundraising was especially challenging. Campus Club's commitment to provide opportunities for inter-generational games, especially this year's addition of Bingo (run by Darrel Shinn and Clancy Scheffler) has provided a needed opportunity to give to Manna food Project. Our commitment to alleviating the hunger of our neighbors did not waver. Bay View recognizes the needs of our neighbors, as we are not simply tourists but residents and we care for our neighbors who live here all seasons.”

Campus Club is a great organization that welcomes people from outside the community and can be a door to friendships and activities inside Bay View. We welcome all new members. Our fees are $15 annually and with that fee you get access to our speaker programs, potlucks, croquet, shuffleboard, lawn bowling, and horseshoes. In a typical season, there is a bridge group and Mahjong.
DDA can reimburse downtown businesses for PPE supplies

The Harbor Springs Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has received grant funds from the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Community Foundation to help with the cost of personal protection equipment (PPE) for supplies related to COVID 19 safety in businesses. If you are a downtown business, the DDA can reimburse you up to $200. Funds are limited, first come, first served, and all that is needed to apply is to send receipts to the DDA Director. Thank you, Community Foundation for letting the DDA help our businesses!
Online session: “What I’ve Learned from COVID-19

North Central Michigan College Corporate and Community Education is partnering with Tip of the Mitt SCORE to offer “What I’ve Learned from COVID-19.” This online session will be presented from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, by Joe Walker of Maple Bay Consulting.

Winston Churchill said, “Never let a good crisis go to waste.” What will we do differently as a result of COVID? Will we make those changes permanent? Can we improve our businesses and jobs? Our personal lives?

Attendees will get an opportunity to spend an hour reflecting on what we have learned from the COVID crisis. Hear success stories from other businesses that can be applied to your own business, and then commit to a written action plan to capitalize on opportunities that will improve the future of our own lives and the lives of our colleagues, friends, and family.

> Register here for the October 1st session. There is a $49 fee.
Canadian Brass to perform at Center for the Arts

The Great Lakes Center for the Arts is thrilled to be open and presenting limited capacity, socially distanced, live events. Attend with confidence and your mask. The Center has worked hard to create a responsible space for staff, volunteers, artists, and patrons. Each show will be socially distanced and limited to 132 patrons.

  • Sunday, Oct. 18 – Canadian Brass, 4 and 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, Nov. 7 – Etienne Charles & Creole Soul, 8 p.m.

This weekend at the Lyric Theatre
Tickets on sale for Stevie Nicks 24 Karat Gold The Concert, Two Nights Only! Last chance for Cakes of Versailles. TENET and Kajillionaire are held over. Vinyl Nation opens.
Karen Rolfes gallery open Fridays, Saturdays thru Oct. 10

Oil Paintings and Art Gallery by Karen Rolfes is open Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. until October 10th, which will be her last day of the season. Then Karen will take her paintings to her winter home in Cincinnati. She will reopen her Harbor Springs gallery next June. 

Karen is allowing the chamber to use one of her paintings entitled “Float Your Boat,” pictured here, on the Safe Harbor Heroes Certificates of Appreciation.
Kiersten's Ride sponsors two-day suicide prevention training

Kiersten's Ride, a 501(c)3 suicide prevention nonprofit organization, is sponsoring a two-day workshop in suicide intervention skills. The ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Training) will be held from 8 am-4:30pm Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 10-11 at the Odawa Hotel in Petoskey. The training is sponsored by Kiersten’s Ride and Kiersten’s Ride and the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation. To register, email your name, cell #, role in community and county you live in to KierstensRide@outlook.com.
Learn more about ASIST and see the evidence. Questions? Call Lisa 231-675-5047. Info flyer.
Our Restaurant Guide is updated online

Harbor Happenings is moving our Restaurant Guide online. We will continue to update it and provide any restaurant news here in our newsletter with a link to the online guide. It includes info on 24 restaurants offering both dine-in and take-out service. The latest update:

Small Batch unveils their new menu - details.

> Restaurant managers are asked to send updates to jim@harborspringschamber.com.
Chamber members: help us promote you!

Let us know about your business news, promotions and events - it’s a free benefit of membership.

> REACH 750+ WITH YOUR AD or press release in Harbor Happenings. You’ll get great local exposure - our newsletter goes out to nearly 1,800 people and is opened by more than 750 each week. Here are your advertising options:
  • Display ad and web link at the top of the newsletter - $60.
  • Exclusive e-blast featuring your business - $125

We can create your ad or give you the specs to have your people do it. We invoice you after your ad runs. To send us your news, reserve your ad or ask questions, contact jim@harborspringschamber.com.
HELP WANTED
One post lists your jobs on chamber website and North Central Michigan College
> Chamber members are invited to post their job openings on our Jobs Page. Log in to post, or email angie@harborspringschamber.com for assistance.

NEW... when you send us your job posting, North Central Michigan College will automatically post it on their jobs board!

> We have jobs listed below from 16 employers. Also check our Jobs Page for new listings.
CUTLER'S, INC - Full time/ part time Sales Associates, Shipping and Receiving. Details.

ACE HARDWARE - Freight Room Manager and Sales Representatives. Details.

BIRCHWOOD INN - Front desk receptionist. Details.

HIGHLAND HIDEAWAY BED & BREAKFAST - Housekeepers, $13/hour. Details.

PRESTON FEATHER BUILDING CENTER - Building Material Sales Counter. Details.

ROOF RENEW OF MICHIGAN EXTERIOR PROWASH - Outdoor workers. Details.

CARPENTER, Experience preferred - Adelaine Construction, Inc., 8555 Commerce Court Harbor Springs, Experience Preferred. Details.

DELI CLERK, NIGHT STOCK, STARBUCKS BARISTA AND SERVICE CLERK - D&W Fresh Market, 1163 US 31 North Petoskey. We offer competitive wages (most positions beginning at $12) and flexible scheduling. Anyone interested can apply at Spartannash.com/careers.

CAREGIVER - Angel Heart Home Care, Petoskey. Details.

CLINIC ATTENDANT/MEDICAL ASSISTANTS and other positions - Bay Street Orthopaedics & Spine, Petoskey. Details.

RADIOLOGY TECHNICIAN - Bay Street Orthopaedics & Spine, Petoskey. Details.

PERRY FARM VILLAGE - Resident Assistant Positions - We currently have 2 Full Time positions open. Twelve hour shifts, one Midnight ( 6:30pm – 7am ) Position and one Daytime position ( 6:30am – 7pm ). We will also consider Part-Time employees. I worked part-time at Perry when I was a Nursing Student at NCMC. It was a wonderful learning experience working in an Senior Independent Community and segued nicely with my class schedules. People can apply directly online at PVM.org by clicking on careers and then search for Harbor Springs.

HARBOR WEAR of Petoskey and Harbor Springs is seeking enthusiastic part-time sales associates for our casual family clothing stores. Experience is not necessary but we are looking for friendly people who will enjoy working with customers. Please apply in person at Harbor Wear at 161 State St, Harbor Springs (231-526-6922, contact Candace) or 319 E Lake St, Petoskey (347-2664 contact :Judith or Katie).

PINEVIEW COTTAGE Assisted Living and Memory Care is looking to hire full and part-time caregivers - second and third shift. $500 sign-on bonus for full-time, $250 bonus for part-time. Our luxury assisted living/memory care community is looking for caring, compassionate, detail-oriented and dependable caregivers. Position includes assisting our residents with bathing, dressing, grooming, medications, activities and meal service in our fine dining room. Premium wages, and comprehensive benefits, paid time off & paid holidays. Call Dean at 810-516-8928.

PINEVIEW COTTAGE - We are looking for a beautician one or two days a week. Call us if you love working with our elderly. Ask to speak with Brooke, 231-412-6069.

PIERSON’S GRILLE & SPIRITS is hiring year-round staff. Looking for positive, high-energy, outgoing, friendly professionals to join our team! Call 231-526-2967 or fill out an application online at www.piersonsgrille.com.

TURKEY'S RESTAURANT is now hiring for all positions. Come in to 250 E. Main Street and pick up an application or call Jeff or Sara at 231-526-6041.

BC PIZZA of Harbor Springs is now hiring delivery drivers. Please call 231-526-2424 or email lorilwathen@gmail.com to inquire. 930 State Street, 231-526-2424.
Thank you, new Chamber members!

These local businesses and organizations have joined the Harbor Springs Chamber in recent weeks. We'd love to have you join them - and us!

  • Cochon Gourmet Market & Coffee House
  • Cutler's
  • Law Offices of Daniel J. Harris
  • Bank of Ann Arbor
  • HUZZA
  • Admired in Harbor
  • Emmet Brick & Block
  • Thomas & Milliken Millwork
  • Highland Hideaway Bed & Breakfast
  • Pleasantview Winery
> Call 231-526-7999 or email us.
SPREAD THE NEWS - We'd love to send you the weekly Harbor Happenings newsletter. To subscribe, unsubscribe, advertise or submit your news, email info@harborspringschamber.com.
Disclaimer: Information presented in the HSACC Newsletter does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce or its membership. It is provided here as information only, as provided by member businesses & local organizations.