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 recently completed an eight-hour advanced mediator training via Zoom. Again, there was a high level of satisfaction. A common remark was: "I did not see how a non face-to-face training could be effective, but doing it via Zoom was great."

There are certain things that simply cannot be done remotely. This makes for an inconvenience of staff trying to coordinate when they will go into the office so that we maintain social distancing as much as possible. Obviously, we always wear masks, which means that glasses often fog up.

When there is a will, there is a way. We simply adapt.

Like most companies and organizations, Northern Community Mediation is seeing a financial pinch. The year 2020 is not as much of a challenge, however, as will be 2021 and perhaps, even 2022. Funding that has in the past been dependable, we already know is being significantly reduced.

> Northern Community Mediation, 415 State Street, Petoskey, 231-487-1771.

The Harbor Springs Chamber and 9 and 10 News fall color experts advise that the next three weekends will be our peak color this season – Oct. 10-11 and Oct. 17-18, and Oct. 24-25 for the Tunnel of Trees along the Lake Michigan coast. The map above is courtesy of 9 and 10 News and is updated each Tuesday on their website.

9 and 10 News also recommends these color tours in Emmet County:

Each one sent us a short statement about themselves

The Harbor Springs Chamber of Commerce asked each of the six city council and mayor candidates to send us a short statement about their background and reasons for running in the November 3rd election. Click here to read their statements.

Four candidates are on the ballot for two City Council positions now held by Mike Naturkas and Cece Johnston, who are both seeking reelection. The challengers are former Mayor Al Dika and former A.J. Pontius Flower Shop owner Nancy Rondel.

Bill Mulder is running for mayor against incumbent Matt Bugera, who owns The New York Restaurant. Mulder is a retired senior manager for AT&T and is currently a board member of Harbor, Inc.

The chamber also organized a City Candidates Forum that was held online via Zoom on September 28th. Click here to watch a recording of the forum, which lasts 57 minutes. All of the candidates participated except Mike Naturkas, who was out of town at the time.

> News-Review story. LWV to host Oct. 15 forum for state rep candidates - Story

To nominate yourself or another individual, please send an email to Executive Director Bonnie Kulp (director@harborspringschamber.com), writing BOARD NOMINATION in the subject line. The email should include a brief message of why the candidate would be interested in serving on the chamber’s board of directors, and the skills and talents they can bring to the board. Nominations must be received by Friday, October 9th.

>.Current board members.

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 through October. 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.

City of Harbor Springs moves forward with solar project - Story

Area health dept. supports state health department's emergency order - Story

Judge criticizes state police investigation of fatal crash - Story 

Fall leaf and brush pick-up continues through Friday, November 13th - Details

City Manager's October 5th report: Election sign rules, beach bathrooms have closed for the season, and more.

Upcoming city meetings on Youtube:

City website has details, calendar and more information.

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)

Promote yourself... send us your news.

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? 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.

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.

> More information on the call for artists.

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!

Due to store closings, reduced foot traffic at local stores and less people carrying cash, the Salvation Army of Petoskey could see a significant decrease of funds raised at Red Kettles this year - yet the need has increased. We have already provided an increase of over $175,000 in emergency assistance through August and expect to see an increase in our Holiday Assistance as well. Please click here or call (231) 347-3531 to start helping now.

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.

> Tickets and details.

> 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:

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.

> 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 12 employers. 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.

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.

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.

> Chamber member benefits

> Member application

> 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.