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Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce
Monday Minute Newsletter
July 13, 2020
Chain of Lakes Area
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Cherry Capital Airport
We're Ready.....When You're Ready
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PURE MICHIGAN
TOURISM UPDATE
FROM THE DESK OF DAVE LORENZ
As with everything this year, I’m guessing that your Fourth of July was celebrated in somewhat of a different fashion this year. Whether you watched a community fireworks display while staying socially distanced or watched the kids light up sparklers on your lawn, I hope you were able to take the time to celebrate, and enjoy the significance of the holiday.
I’m on vacation this week myself—we have had a terrific time reconnecting with family, re-energizing and appreciating all that we have to offer here in Pure Michigan—all while wearing face masks and practicing social distancing.
I also wanted to make sure to share new support for the small businesses in Michigan impacted by COVID-19—including those in the travel industry.....
Continue Reading
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2020 Chain of Lakes Guidebook can now be viewed on the chamber website:
The Books are Here! Will be distributing over next few weeks! Look for them at local shops and venues.
The cover is an amazing aerial shot of the Albatross (located in Elk River) taken by Jeff Turick of
Lakehouse-Creative
.
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Shop your favorite foods--fresh produce, meat, fish, honey, syrup and so much more--just as you always have! This summer will be a little different: please send only one shopper per family, wear a mask, and follow distancing and traffic flow guidelines.
List of vendors that have signed up... some may not be here every week.
Altonen Orchards * Amy Kate Designs/Lady Aberlin Soap Co. * Bear Earth Herbals * Big Medicine Ranch * Boss Mouse * Charlevoix Moon Wine * Countryside Gardens * Cultured Kombucha * Erickson Family Farms * Fainting Robin Farm * Farmer White's * Gallagher Centennial Farm * Grateful Kitchen (GF) * Guntzviller's * Hammond's Pure Hone * Hillside Harvest Farm * Ken's Fresh Fish * MY TCBD * Natalie's Petals * Northern Growin * Ona Mission Honey Farm * Out of the Woods Farm * Pine Hill Nursery * Providence Farm * Rural Good * Saltless Sea Creamery * Silver Star Goods * Sobremesa Tamales * The Farm at Cherry Hill * Undertoe Farm (pre-order pickup only) * Walk Around Ranch * Water's Edge Sweet Tooth * Winnie's Originals.
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Ribbon Cutting from Saturday, July 11 at 11:00 a.m. To celebrate Tinker Tailor's new shop and boutique!
504 Bridge Street * Elk Rapids (Bodywise Building)
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$4.5 Million in Small Business Restart Program Dollars for COVID-19 Recovery Efforts in Northwest Michigan
NORTHWEST LOWER, MI – Through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), more than $4.5 million in Michigan Small Business Restart Program dollars will be available to support Northwest Michigan small businesses as they work to recover from the impacts of COVID-19. All grants will be between $10,000-$20,000 each and can be used as working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, utility expenses, or other similar expenses. The application period for the competitive grant program will run from July 15 through August 5. Networks Northwest will administer grants in the 10-county region in close partnership with area economic development agencies. Local economic development professionals will review all applications received and distribute the grants to ensure industry diversity and impact in every county across the region. Grants will be awarded in mid-September.
"Too many small businesses have been faced with significant economic hardship over the last few months, including challenges with cash flow and resources to support working families in the region," said Networks Northwest CEO Matt McCauley. "I am proud of Northwest Michigan's resiliency thus far and fully anticipate our economy getting back to growth and investment in large part because of the direct, in the community, assistance provided by The Alliance for Economic Success, Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, MEDC, Northern Lakes Economic Alliance, Northwest Michigan Works!, Northwest Small Business Development Center, and Traverse Connect "
Lisa Leedy, Executive Director of The Alliance for Economic Success, said, "As the backbone of our communities, small businesses in northern Michigan create prosperity, so we at AES are proud to be part of a team supporting the program to help them through these unprecedented times."
To qualify for grant support, businesses must meet the following criteria, based on statutory requirements for the program:
- A business or nonprofit that can demonstrate it is affected by the COVID-19 emergency
- Needs working capital to support eligible expenses
- Demonstrates an income loss as a result of the COVID-19 emergency
- Has not received a grant through the Michigan Strategic Fund's Michigan Small Business Relief Program previously
Andy Hayes, President of The Northern Lakes Economic Alliance said, "The NLEA is excited about this opportunity to assist companies in our area. We appreciate the efforts from the MEDC, the Governor and our legislators. These are tough times for sure, and these grants will help provide meaningful dollars to companies as we work through the challenges caused by COVID-19."
Stacie Bytwork, President of The Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, said, "The Manistee area is excited to be able to participate in this process again. It was extremely important for our businesses in the first round and we want to thank the MEDC and legislators for another opportunity to have a greater impact."
Networks Northwest anticipates that approximately 300 businesses across the region will benefit from this program. Additionally, by statute, at least 30 percent of the competitive grants awarded under the program must be to women-owned, minority-owned, or veteran-owned eligible businesses. Statewide, $100 million in grants are being made available through the Michigan Small Business Restart Program, which is being funded through the federal CARES Act.
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CARES Act Dollars to Support Small Businesses in Michigan
Governor Whitmer signed Senate Bill 690 which will deploy more than $880 million in federal CARES Act funding to support COVID-19 response actions across the state. Key investments within the supplemental budget bill include: $100 million in small business restart grants to help small business owners, $60 million in rental assistance and eviction diversion; and $10 million in MIOSHA grants for protections to keep workers safe on the job.
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Help Understanding & Enforcing the Mask Requirement
On July 10, 2020, Governor Whitmer issued an executive order expanding the scope of and increasing enforcement around the requirement of 1.) individuals to wear masks or face coverings when in indoor public places and outdoors when distancing is not possible and 2.) businesses to enforce face mask usage on the general public.
Under this order, businesses will for the first time face penalties for the non compliant behavior of their customers. This executive order places the employees of businesses into the primary law enforcement role of gaining compliance with rules on the general public when the general public visits the facility of a business.
SBAM has put together a guide to help small businesses understand their responsibilities under E.O. 2020-147 and develop a policy to ensure compliance and safety of staff.
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Wages in an Hour: A Review of Current Issues, Practice Tips and Other Payroll Matters
In this installment, leaders of our nationwide Wage and Hour Practice Group will further examine today’s employment law challenges, risks, and compliance opportunities. With an emphasis on practical guidance, our team will focus on:
Wage and Hour Dashboard: Recent Legal and Litigation Developments
A Practical Drill-Down Panel: Compliance Hot Spots
A Practical Drill-Down Panel: Litigation
The webinar will feature a Q&A session. You may ask questions during the Q&A or submit them when you register
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COVID-19 Small Business Support Webinars
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VIRTUAL JOB FAIR
Thursday, July 16, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Register now for the Northwest Michigan Works! Virtual Job Fair being held online. Connect with 12 local employers and learn about more than 160 open jobs in healthcare, manufacturing, customer service, hospitality, and more! Registration, the employer schedule, and information about their job openings are available at,
nwm.org/VirtualJobFair
.
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Click on list below for all sites that have the up to date information on COVID-19 and Business Assistance.
Lists are now available on website: www.elkrapidschamber.org
FOR COVID-19- RESOURCE INFORMATION:
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Michigan’s Work Share program allows employers to restart their business and bring employees back from unemployment. Employers can also retain their current workforce and are given the flexibility to choose which of their employees are part of a Work Share plan. Learn more at:
Michigan.gov/WorkShare
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Upcoming webinars are up on our
SCORE Mentors
website, which can be viewed here:
Connect with Customers and Manage Your Business Remotely
July 16, 2020, 1:00pm EDT
With the right tools and communication plan, you can build long lasting connections with your clients and customers, from any location.
Read more
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ANTRIM COUNTY SEEKS INPUT
Antrim County is updating its Community Park and Recreation Plan and they want to hear from you. Now is the time to speak up for what you want to see in your community. Results from this survey will help guide the decisions made by Antrim County commissioners for the future of your public outdoor spaces.
Anyone interested in providing input into the future of Antrim County’s Park and Recreation Plan should take this
SURVEY
before July 31, 2020.
The goal of the plan is to inventory existing facilities and resources, identify community recreation and open space needs and set a 5-year plan of action. A comprehensive plan derived from the input of its citizens will ensure that Antrim County, which boasts nearly 20,500 acres of freshwater lakes and rivers and 280 square miles of public and private forests, continues to be a destination sought for its abundance of year-round recreational activities. Using guidelines set forth by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, this plan will have many potential benefits, including better environmental protection, efficiency in providing park and recreation opportunities, increased funding sources, greater potential for tapping into new, creative ways of accomplishing recreation goals, and enhancing public support for parks. Once complete, this plan will serve as a road map for future projects and opportunities necessary to enhance our natural and recreational spaces.
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Great Lakes Equestrian Festival This Week!
Spectators are not allowed at this time
Check website and facebook for updates
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ACTS Food Pantry
Open: Tuesday 5:00 -7:00 p.m.
Wed 1:00- 4:00 p.m.
Sat 10:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m
Thrift Store Hours:
Tues: 10 am - 3 pm
Wednesday High Risk: 10 am-Noon Regular: Noon-3 pm
Thurs- Sat 10 a.m. - 3 pm
Receiving Hours: Tues, Thurs. Sat 10 am - 3pm
We truly appreciate what you can send to keep our Pantry open.
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(231) 588-2208
Tuesday 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Wed-Friday 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 - 1:30 p.m.
THRIFT STORE OPEN SAME TIME, ONLY OPEN 1/2 HOUR LATER
We have changed things to help protect our staff and community, as we now offer a drive thru service to receive food, and baby items (diapers, wipes, formula, food, etc.). If baby items are needed beyond the basics please call (231) 588-2200. We are doing our utility and emergency assistance through phone by calling (231) 588-2208.
One thing we are in need of is bar soap to hand out with our food boxes.
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The Elk Rapids Community Cupboard is always in need of food. Items needed the most are: Cereal, Canned Fruit & Vegetables, Canned Tuna Fish, Juice, Canned Soup, Jam, Macaroni and Cheese, Toilet Paper, and Feminine Products. Thank you to all who have donated so far, call Pam Coleman at (847) 445-8239 with any questions.
Donations can also be mailed to:
P.O. Box 572, Elk Rapids, MI. 49629.
We also have a donation box outside First Presbyterian Church at 404 Spruce Street, Elk Rapids.
Accepting new clients and all groceries are delivery only, coordinated with each client. Thank you so much for your support.
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Elk Rapids School News
Sports: Tennis and Soccer
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NOTICE OF OPEN TENNIS
Tuesday (7/14) we will begin to hold “Open Tennis” in the morning from 8:30am-10am at the HS courts. Due to the new Athletic Policy related to COVID we will be taking each player's and coach's temperature (with a non-contact thermometer) prior to beginning. We ask that if you have been at all ill please stay home. We will be logging each participant that chooses to participate and asking a few screening questions to ensure everyones safety. We will also be providing sanitizer to clean racquets and hands periodically. Please bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. All are welcome to come try to play so if you know of any friends that may want to play, bring them! If you have any questions please contact:
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Attention Elk Rapids Soccer Club Players and Families...
Online registration for our 2020-2021 season is now open!
In addition to registering to play, you may also sign up to coach and order jerseys.
For ERSC Registration, please visit link below to login or register (top right corner) to select player and program.
Please register all players by Friday August 7, 2020
We are still monitoring the guidelines and options for our return to play, including optimal sized teams.
The registration fee for U6-U10 for the Fall and Spring Seasons will be $65.
For U11+ teams we are anticipating the Fall and Spring Seasons will be $130 again. However, since we are currently unsure which league our teams will play and our ref fees we are splitting the cost into two $65 payments in case our assessments are less than previous years. Please select "Payment Plan" when you are checking out to complete the registration and initial $65 fee.
Contact ERSC Board if you have any questions. We look forward to getting everyone back on the fields!
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Our biggest fundraiser of the year is looking much different this year. Watch the video below to find out how you can explore the entire TART Trails network by running, walking, biking, skating and/or roller skiing your way across the TART Trails bingo card.
Registration for the event is $30 for adults / $15 for children (age 17 and under), is 100% tax deductible, and supports personal and community health and well being by helping provide transportation and recreation opportunities accessible to all!
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STAY SAFE TO STAY OPEN
We are happy you are here and thank you for your patronage. Please do your part to stay safe and keep Elk Rapids open!
As Elk Rapids and Antrim County begin reopening retail, restaurants, and other allowable activities on Friday, May 22, 2020 (as authorized under Executive Order 2020-92), residents and second homeowners are asked to Stay Safe to Stay Open. Continuing to keep our community safe by honoring Our Commitment to Community.
As you enter our Elk Rapids Community, you are confirming that you are not experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms and that you agree to follow the above Commitments.
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Together, we can be a model for the State of Michigan and allow economic recovery in our region, without risking the health of our residents or capacity of the regions’ healthcare system. We are all dependent on one another to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.
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Elk Rapids Yoga Flow Now Offering Classes at the Beach!
Happy Summer!
We are moving two of our outside classes to the beach at Memorial Park next week and for the rest of the summer. The area by the playground offers shade while still being close enough to the water. Weather permitting, you will be notified by email 1.5 hours prior to class if cancelled.
Tuesday: 9:00 am Vinyasa with Mary
Wednesday: 9:30 am Strength & Flexibility with Janet
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You can go straight to the beach area, no need to stop at the studio.
We hope you will find beach yoga, as all classes, inspiring and peaceful while combining traditional yoga philosophy with asana and pranayama.
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Week-end
Music Update
(click on venue name to get updates from Facebook on music)
Edward C. Grace Harbor
~ Sunday @ 4pm -- Petoskey Steel Drum
Band
(Lee Malone on Wed., The True Falsettos on Thurs.)
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Summer Concert Series
@ the Harbor
Come join us at the harbor for our sunset concerts. Bring your chairs, a snack, and enjoy the music.
Entertainment line-up:
July 4: Royal Grand 7-9 pm
Saturday
July 11: "On the Sun" 7-9 pm Saturday
July 19: Petoskey Steel Drum Band 4-6 pm Sunday
July 26: Barbosa Bros. 7-9 pm
August 2: Flylite Gemini 7-9 pm
August 16; Escaping Pavement 7-9 pm
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Since most businesses have reopened and the list was mighty long, will be featuring the businesses reopening in the coming weeks.
It's always best to call ahead, check websites, and facebook before heading out the door to see their hours and safety practices.
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Please contact me if you have any changes, events, or something you would like added to the newsletter.
laura@elkrapidschamber.org
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Elk Rapids Cinema
Now Open!
Currently showing
Friday July 10~16
"EMMA"
Showtimes
3:30
and 7:00 p.m.
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THE GRASS RIVER CENTER HAS REOPENED AS OF THURSDAY, June 25!
From now through October, the Center will be open 7 days/week from 10:00-4:00, barring any changes in the COVID-19 situation.
Staff have been working hard over the past few months to create new procedures that ensure the safety of our visitors; chief among these are requiring all visitors and staff to wear masks and to practice social distancing while inside the Center. If you're not comfortable visiting us in an indoor space, we will still have the Roving Naturalist tent set up by the cabin on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30-1:30, where a naturalist will be available to answer questions. And, of course, our trails are open every day from dawn to dusk.
The safety of our visitors and staff is our top priority. If you have any questions about our new safety procedures or about GRNA in general, please don't hesitate to connect with us via
Facebook
or via email at
info@grassriver.org
. We hope to see you soon, whether it's inside the Center, under the Roving Naturalist tent, or on the trails!!
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Good News!
Beginning today, Monday July 13th, along with current curbside services, The Elk Rapids District Library will begin 15 minute walk in visits to the Library. Call 231-264-9979 to schedule your appointment if you wish to enter the building and browse for and check out your own books. We ask that you please wear a mask and maintain a 6-foot distance from others while you are inside the library. We have hand sanitizer available throughout the building so you can clean your hands frequently.
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Partnering with Short’s Brewery, we are pleased to announce an opportunity to support the Capital Campaign this summer while enjoying one of their most popular beers. Beginning Saturday, July 4th through October at the Elk Rapids Pull Barn,
$1 from the purchase of each and every Local’s Light beer will be donated to the Library Campaign! We give thanks to Joe and Leah Short and the whole team for their support and generosity and to help keep attention on the Library Campaign over the coming months.
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INTERCONNECTED: A COMMUNITY FLAG CHAIN
This Library project will show what this community can do to stay "connected" during these uncertain times.
Our goal is to make an interconnected chain of cyanotype "flags" to string throughout our beautiful porch by September 26, 2020, World Cyanotype Day. An art installation of sorts!
Beginning July 14, 2020 you may come to the Library and pick up a packet with materials and directions, take it home to create your own cyanotype with the help of the sun. You will return it to us, washed and dried and we will assemble the "flag" chains and hang them on the porch. We will continue handing out packets until they are gone and assemble the chains as the finished prints are returned.
Participation in this project will be fun and easy for children as well as adults.
As with our 1000 origami crane project, we know this will be a beautiful example of what our community can create together!
To view 2 simple tutorials showing the making of a cyanotype print, visit our Elk Rapids District Library YouTube channel!
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Curbside service at the Library is going well and will continue for the foreseeable future, however some people desperately want to come in and browse or use a computer or the copy machine. Beginning Monday, July 13 the Library will be open by appointment only. Patrons can schedule a 15 minute appointment during our current open hours and can look for books, movies or CDs, use a computer, scan or make copies, or visit The Book Cellar. Magazines and newspapers will not be available for browsing. Please be aware of the following rules before coming in for your appointment: CONTINUE READING IN THE
ERDL JULY NEWSLETTER
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Harbor Cafe'
Our famous Cherries and Cream French Toast is here.
The local cherries from
Rennie Orchards
are ready. Starting Monday, July 13 through ... whenever the cherries are done for the season.. we will have be serving this delicious breakfast.
Big thank you to the folks at
Rennie’s
!!
129 River St. * Elk Rapids * (231) 264-8700
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Are you in the market for a treasure?
You are in luck! Our annual Antiques and Collectibles Consignment Sale at the Music House Museum is planned for July 31 and August 1, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Do you have treasures you would like to sell? You are in luck again as we are looking for consignors!
Items must be valued at $10 or more. The Museum will collect 25% of the total item sale amount, with money benefiting our building and collection restoration funds.Please call 231-938-9300 for more information
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Music House Museum * 7377 U.S. 31 N. * Williamsburg
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Waterfire Vineyards
Wine & Cheese Wednesdays
Have a picnic or enjoy on the patio. Take in the fresh air and the beautiful views
Tuesday ~ Saturday 12 - 7 pm, Sunday 12 - 5 pm
12180 Sutter Rd., Kewadin (231) 498-2753
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HARBOR FITNESS
HAS RE-OPENED!
Located conveniently at 115 Ames St., Suite F in Elk Rapids.
Local gym is staffed Mon - Fri
9 am - 1 pm. or call for an appointment for other times.
Members have access 24/7. #getStrongER * (231) 498-2224
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Louise Pond "Socially Distanced Plein Air Painting Workshop: WATER"
Tuesday, July 21, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Louise Pond is teaching an outdoor Plein Air Pastel workshop.
Workshop size is limited to 8 students.
Masks will be required for any group discussion.
Students bring own lunch/snack & supplies.
Contact the Twisted Fish Gallery for supply list and to register. #231 264 0123
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Twisted Gallery is located at 10443 South Bayshore Drive in Elk Rapids
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Castle Farms is Open for Self-Guided Tours
From 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Masks must be worn on site by all guests over the age of 2.
• Social distancing of at least 6ft is required for those not from your own household.
• Our Welcome Center and Gift Shop has a maximum capacity of 25 people at a time.
• At this time, we are not offering guided tours or tram rides.
• Hand sanitizer stations have been placed around the Castle for guest safety.
You can expect our staff to be doing our part as well, by wearing masks and social distancing. We're excited to see you!
Upcoming Events:
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Safety & Well Being
Summer is a special time of year. We want to embrace it with safety as our top priority. Thank you for doing your part to keep our families and communities safe.
More Outdoor In Person Classes
Tuesday and Thursday options for class have been added.....
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bodywise * 504 Bridge Street * Elk Rapids * (231) 264-6688
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STEM Careers - Thursdays at 4:30 p.m.
The STEM Careers with Newton's Road series features guests from industries in our region sharing about local STEM-related careers including pathways and programs to obtain the skills needed.
This live program, every Thursday at 4:30 p.m. is geared towards middle and high school students and is broadcast on Traverse Area Community Media, Facebook Live, and Cable TV. This week's career: What is a Physical Therapist? Bring your questions and
Check Facebook Page for updates
In case you missed all the great information,
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RAVEN HILL DISCOVERY CENTER WEEKLY UPDATE...
Greetings to everyone,
First of all, Raven Hill wants to extend a big THANK YOU to all of you who continue to support the Center and its mission to connect science, history and the arts for all ages. Thanks to everyone, who keeps in touch via mail, phone, email or Facebook. Thanks to our volunteers, who continue to work on various projects, both remotely and at Raven Hill, as needed. And thanks to those who are able to support the Center financially, whether those donations are large or small. It all helps. This week, we especially want to acknowledge some longtime supporters for the $10,000 donation that came in the mail this week! Their support for operations comes at an opportune time and is much appreciated. The other big news is
......
Continue Reading
Update on July 10, 2020
Check us out daily on Facebook and the website (
www.MiRavenHill.org
) for informal learning activities, photo memories, updates and more. We may also be reached via email (
info@miravenhill.org)
or phone: 231.675.6025. Stay safe and keep in touch, everyone.
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SEAFOOD SALE!
Fri & Sat ~ July 17 & 18, 2020
Rapid City Location ONLY!!
King Crab * Sea Scallops * Crab Stuffed Portabellas
* Walleye Fillets
Rapid City Location * 9556 Rapid City Rd. NW 231-331-6111
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WE ARE MARKING EVENTS CANCELLED ON CALENDAR AS WE HEAR ABOUT THEM
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Help Wanted Classified
Hairport Salon and Spa of Elk Rapids is currently seeking a Licensed Cosmetologist and Nail Technician. Starting salary based on level of experience. Clientele base not necessary. Flexible schedule and safe working environment.
If you have questions, please call (231) 264-8184
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Farmer White's Now Hiring!
Farmer White's is looking to fill a bakery position, full or part time available. Please call (231) 632-1500 or stop in and see Mary at the market.
New
summer hours: open 7 days a week.
Mon-Sat. 9:00 am-6:00 pm, Sun. 10:00 am-5:00 pm
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2020 Watershed Challenge Saturday, July 25 ~ Saturday August 22, 2020
2020 has been quite a year! With all our current challenges and uncertainty, there is one thing that has allowed us to escape and find some semblance of normal - getting outside and enjoying the numerous lakes, streams, and protected lands in our area......
Continue Reading
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Like the Chamber on Facebook!
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