Two weeks ago, Harbor Springs residents may have been wondering “What if they had a City Council election and nobody ran?” Now it looks like there will be at least three candidates as John Lio, John Cupps Jr. and Matthew Summers have all decided to run as write-in candidates. Lio and Cupps are incumbents on the Council, did not turn in petitions to run for reelection, but have now reconsidered.

MATTHEW SUMMERS is a real estate agent for Berkshire Hathaway who has lived in Harbor Springs "on and off for all of my life." He decided to become a candidate because it didn’t look like anyone else was running. “I love Harbor Springs and with nobody running, It looked like a good opportunity to step in and help out.”

JOHN LIO released a statement Wednesday, saying in part: “Earlier this year I made the decision not to run for a third term. My assumption was that others would run for City Council and I could re-engage with City government in a future election. I did not consider the possibility that there would be no candidates for Council on the November ballot. I have worked to represent the residents of Harbor Springs by making decisions and developing policies to support present and future city needs. I have been pleased and humbled by the number of people that have asked me to run, and have decided to do so. Regardless of whom you decide can best represent you on City Council I strongly encourage you to vote.”

JOHN CUPPS JR. owns and operates Cupps Masonry Company and also serves as the Harbor Springs fire chief. He is now completing his first two-year term on the City Council. "I was looking to take a year off and let others in the community step up," Cupps told the Chamber. "But given what transpired this past fall I’ve decided to put my name back in the ring and continue to work for our community and help build on what the previous boards have done."

Write-in votes are only counted if the candidate has registered as a write-in. To register as a write-in candidate, a resident must complete, sign and submit the Write-In Candidate Declaration of Intent Form to the Harbor Springs City Clerk by 4 p.m. Friday, October 22. To learn more about the write-in process, read this Supplementary Information.

Friday is the deadline to reserve your seat at the the 25th Annual Harbor Stars Community Awards dinner next Tuesday, October 5th. The dinner will be held at Holy Childhood Church Community Hall. A record total of 398 people participated in the online voting that determined the winners among 27 nominees for 8 award categories.

You can register online or call the chamber at 231-526-7999.

Social hour starts at 5:30 p.m. and dinner catered by Vernales is at 6:30. Admission is $45 per person or $400 per table of 8 with a table sign. When you register, you can also purchase drink tickets - $8 for mixed drinks, $6 for craft beer and wine, and $4 for domestic beer.

OUTSTANDING CITIZEN AWARD - Recognizing an individual for their lifelong contributions of time, talent and resources for the betterment of the greater Harbor Springs area. The nominees are:

BEAUTIFICATION & ARCHITECTURAL EXCELLENCE AWARD - Presented to an area business that has helped improve the architectural beauty and excellence of our communities through new construction, unique design elements, or superior remodeling of an existing building. The nominees are:

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD - Honoring an individual (or group) who has contributed time and energy to various causes and made a lasting impression on the community. The nominees are:

PRESIDENT'S AWARD - Given to a business or organization that has contributed time and resources to help fulfill the mission of the Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce.

COMMUNITY AMBASSADOR AWARD - Given to a person who has a genuine fondness for the greater Harbor Springs area and who shares that fondness through enthusiasm and service that enhances the community and inspires others to do the same. The nominees are:

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR - Presented to a volunteer who has dedicated time and energy to local events, programs and/or activities. The nominees are:

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD - Presented to an area business person who has opened a new business or made a major business expansion in the past year. The nominees are:

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD - This award was started in 2018 and is presented to an area business person under age 40 who has opened a new business or made a major business expansion or contribution in the past year. The nominees are:

Blue Cross Blue Shield & Blue Care Network of Michigan and Frey Foundation

> Thanks also to these award sponsors who are supporting Harbor Stars: Brown Motors, Cottage Company, First Community Bank, Graham Real Estate, Kring Chevrolet Cadillac, Meyer Ace Hardware, North Central Michigan College, TOPOnexus and the Manthei Group. We also have 28 Table Sponsors who are listed on our event page.

> Dinner will be catered by Vernales. Dessert will be provided by Kilwin's and favors by Tom's Mom's Cookies. The Trophy sponsor is Carter's Imagewear, Stage Sponsor is Taylor Rentals, and event photographer is Preston McGregor.

Rob & Katie Holton

Harbor Springs MI 49740

Preserving open space and wildlife in the USA. Farming and agriculture.

> Chamber member benefits

> Member application

> Call 231-526-7999 or email us

9 and 10 News fall color map and suggested color tours - details.

Peak color in the Harbor Springs area is expected mid- October - and late October for the Tunnel of Trees.

Fall Fest in Marina Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, October 2. Family fun includes live music, pumpkin painting, donut eating contest, caramel apple dipping and a large Straw Mountain to climb. Hot dogs, snacks and drinks will be available to purchase from Small Batch. Details.

Fall activities at Boyne Highlands Resort, including scenic chairlift rides, Zipline Adventure and Highlands Harvest event on October 2 - details.

Nubs Nob Open House on Saturday, Oct. 9th, from 9 to 4. Season pass sale, Ski Swap, free brats, chili and hot dogs at noon; pre-season tuning special, fall colors hike, foot race straight up Smokey at 2 p.m.

Pond Hill Farm offers Pumpkin Weekends from 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. now through Sunday, Oct. 24 - details.

Best ways to enjoy fall colors along the Tunnel of Trees - Details.

Native arts exhibition at Crooked Tree Arts Center - details.

Little Traverse Conservancy fall field trips at 5:30 and 6 p.m. tonight, Thursday. Details here and see our story below in Member News.

Nominees must come from businesses or organizations that are members in good standing with the Harbor Springs Chamber.

Ideal candidates serve in leadership roles in their organization and/or bring specific skills, talents, or experiences that can benefit the mission of the chamber, which is "To promote, enhance and contribute to the success of the business community and visitor experience."

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.

Some dates are tentative, some are subject to change, pending pandemic restrictions.

> Printable PDF of this calendar

Saturdays through Oct. 16 - Harbor Springs Farmers Market (Corner of State & Main), 9 a.m.-1 p.m.*** (Wednesday markets have ended for this year.)

Oct. 1-31 - Skeletons Arise*

Oct. 5 - Harbor Stars Awards Dinner*

Oct. 30 - STIR Tailgate: Michigan vs. MSU - Moose Jaw Junction. Support your team! Thanks to the Bank of Ann Arbor and Frye Massage for being the Michigan sponsor.

Nov. 11-14 - Ladies Night (Weekend) Out. Local Ladies Lead the Charge on Nov. 11.*

Nov. 27 - Christmas Tree Lighting*

Dec. 4 - Merchants Holiday Open House*

> This calendar will be updated in future newsletters and on our website as more details and updates become available. The Chamber is already diligently working on the 2022 calendar.

Upcoming city meetings on Zoom or Youtube:

Fall leaf and brush pick-up begins on Monday, October 4th and ends on Friday, November 12th. Details.

City website has details, calendar and more information.

Promote yourself... send us your news.

When interest rates were crazy high, Detroit real estate agent Carl Erxleben saw an ad in the Free Press advertising for a buyer for a 22-room hotel in northern Michigan. It was September, 1978 and though his wife Pat and three children weren’t thrilled with Carl’s grand plan, the former party store owner, bricklayer and real estate agent bought the Lonesome Pines Motel.

Early on, the motel name became Harbor Hills Motor Lodge and a lot of the customers were fishermen. Summer tourism was good and winter skiing at the nearby resorts was a big draw. Learning the guests’ names and preferences helped the fledgling hoteliers in those first few years, too when rates were $24 to $48 a night.

A lot of changes took place over the past four decades. The building was bricked, rooms were added, a house, office, suites, coin laundry, breakfast room and pool helped bring in family business. In 1993, the Erxleben’s youngest son, Mike, stepped up to the helm as General Manager at about the same time the now 50-room motel became the Best Western of Harbor Springs to take advantage of the expansive reservation system and successful brand.

Pat has since passed away, but Carl is convinced that he made the right choice in moving his young family north. He acknowledges that a fantastic staff has been integral in the success. His kids agree and look forward to another 43 years in the community.

Little Traverse Conservancy invites the public to attend their Fall 2021 Community Field Trips. There is no charge for these events, but reservations are required by calling 231.347.0991 or online at www.landtrust.org/events.

Thursday, September 30 / 5:30pm

Jack and Tucker Harris Working Forest Reserve, Afton

Explore this reserve with Derek Shiels, LTC Director of Stewardship, for a Straits Area Audubon Society field trip to learn about LTC’s active land conservation efforts. This magnificent property encompasses 640 acres with 1,500 feet along the Pigeon River and over a mile along Wilkes Creek.

Thursday, September 30 / 6:00pm

VanLokeren Family Lakeside Preserve, Larks Lake

Discover this new nature preserve located along the southwest shore of Larks Lake in northern Emmet County as the autumn colors make for a beautiful backdrop. This will be a casual paddle and weather dependent. Directions will be sent after you register.

North Central Michigan College has received a $25,000 gift to its Building Tomorrow Together campaign from The Manthei Group.

The gift provides funding to advance the college’s initiatives in several key areas, including:

The Manthei Group is an ensemble of seven Northern Michigan companies that includes Manthei Veneer in Petoskey, Manthei Construction in Charlevoix, and Aster Brands in Petoskey.

Aster Brands President Jake Manthei said the gift will support local talent development, critical to all Michigan businesses and manufacturers. Manthei said a recent conversation at a robotics competition demonstrated a need to support North Central, which is educating the workforce of the future locally.

“I sat next to a mom who was in tears because she thought that her son who’s studying engineering could never find a job locally,” Manthei said. “We’re always looking for sharp folks to build our team - engineers, finance folks, welders, marketers, equipment operators, factory workers. You can build a career in Northern Michigan, and I want more parents to realize that.”

Amanda Haworth, director of human resources for The Manthei Group, said internships represent another link between the company and North Central. The Manthei Group welcomes between five and eight interns per year, in areas such as engineering, finance and marketing.

> Full press release.

Soup fixin's from Daybreak Dreamfarm, who say they are in "crockpot mode."

The Harbor Springs Farmers Market is excited to announce our collaboration with the Harbor Springs Area Historical Society to present “Market at the Museum.” Join us indoors for two Holiday Markets - Tuesday, November 23rd, from 4-8pm, and Saturday, December 18th, from 9am-1pm. There will be 12 vendors in attendance, and a list will be posted as soon as we’ve confirmed participants. The museum is such a beautiful historic building, we couldn’t be happier to share local foods and artisan goods in such a wonderful space.

That being said, there are still three more weekends of Outdoor Market. Find us downtown right on Main Street on October 2, 9, and 16. Fall crops are in full swing with squash, apples, ginger, brussels sprouts, and more. We still have 30 vendors attending this weekend, so make sure to head downtown to check out the wonderful variety offered at the Harbor Springs Farmers Market.

Our recipe of the week this Saturday is my absolute favorite fall meal, a Butternut Squash and Caramelized Onion Galette. With it’s flaky crust, rich butternut squash filling, and a hint of maple, I can never get enough of this delicious meal. Last week’s recipe (Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Parmesan) pairs wonderfully as a side dish. Wild rice, which you can find at Ziibimijwang Farm, and Pork Loin from Gregory’s Farm are some of my favorite things to go with the galette. Both those recipes will be posted on our Facebook page - happy cooking.

Twisted Craft Cocktails, and local artist Larissa Flynn will both be returning as guest vendors this weekend and our Young Entrepreneurs are the Plackemeier siblings with their recycled golf balls. Music at the Market this weekend will be provided by Peacemeal String Band.

We are looking forward to seeing you at the outdoor market three more times this season. The Harbor Springs Farmers Market is right on Main Street on Saturdays only from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meet you at the Market!

> REACH NEARLY 800 people with your ad or press release in Harbor Happenings. You’ll get great local exposure - our newsletter goes out to 1,800 people and is opened by an average of nearly 800 each week. We can create your ad or give you the specs to have your people do it. We invoice you after your ad runs. Here are your advertising options:

To send us your news, reserve your ad or ask questions, contact jim@harborspringschamber.com.

> Members are invited to post their openings on the Chamber Jobs Page. Log in to post, or email angie@harborspringschamber.com for assistance.

PERRY FARM VILLAGE seeks a dynamic leader to join our executive leadership team as the Executive Director of Perry Farm Village in Harbor Springs. Full job description and application.

PINEVIEW COTTAGE - Caregivers for second shift - great starting pay and benefits. Full or part-time positions available. Apply online or print our application.

BC PIZZA OF HARBOR SPRINGS - Kitchen staff, Delivery & Manager positions - Details.

CASTLE FARMS - Venue Coordinator | Assistant Venue Coordinator

HARBOR SPRINGS PUBLIC SCHOOLS - Employment Page.

NORTHERN LIGHTS RECREATION - Now hiring for all positions, Full and Part time with flexible schedules: Servers / Bartenders, Line Cooks, Bowing / Laser Tag Counter.

WALSTROM MARINE - Service Advisor.

WOMEN'S RESOURCE CENTER - Various job opportunities

College Central Network for North Central Michigan College.

> Available jobs. Post a job opening.

> Chamber member benefits

> Member application

> Call 231-526-7999 or email us

VACCINATION CLINIC will be held from 8:15 to 11:30 a.m. and 1-4:30 p.m. Friday, October 8, at the Health Department of Northwest Michigan, 3434 M-119, Harbor Springs. Schedule an appointment for this and additional clinics.

Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus. 

SPREAD THE NEWS - We'd love to send you the weekly Harbor Happenings newsletter. To subscribe, unsubscribe, advertise or submit your news, email

jim@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.