October 7, 2021
The award winners, from left: Scott Brown, Hannah Bianchi, John Cupps Jr., Kathie Breighner, Suzanne Hug, Josh Baker, Dennis Hug, Will Baker, Molly Ames Baker and Tom Trautman.

Harbor Stars winners announced; Kathie Breighner named Citizen of the Year
Kathie Breighner was named Outstanding Citizen of the Year and eight other people and organizations were honored at the gala Harbor Stars Community Awards Dinner Tuesday night.

The award was presented by Jody Ewbank on behalf of First Community Bank, and Jody enumerated Breighner's many leadership positions and accomplishments, including serving as the first female Commodore of the Little Traverse Bay Yacht Club, Chair of Harbor Inc, the Downtown Development Authority and at least 7 more boards she sat on. Kathie is a true community leader, who quietly works behind the scenes (yet speaks her mind) without any desire for accolades.

She was very involved over many years heading up numerous committees, and served as the Chamber Foundation President and VP, raising funds for 4th of July Fireworks, Street Musique and the Car Festival. She recently retired and sold her business, Concierge Magazine, which attracts people to the area with 30,000 copies of a free visitors guide.

Here is a video of Jody's introduction, which ended only when pianist Carol Parker started playing a not-so-subtle "that's enough" message.

> Shown below are the other award winners and additional photos and videos from the event. 
Jody Ewbank, at left, presents the Outstanding Citizen Award to Kathie Breighner.
Click the video above for Kathy Breighner's remarks after being named Outstanding Citizen.
A highlight of the evening was the announcement that the annual Taste of Harbor Springs culinary scholarship will now be named the Mary Ellen Hughes Scholarship in honor of the woman who started the tasting event 26 years ago. Chamber Executive Director Bonnie Kulp, at left, called Mary Ellen to the stage early in the program to announce the scholarship winner when she was told of the name change. “You tricked me!” she said, shedding some tears. WATCH VIDEO.
YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR award went to Hannah Bianchi, manager of the Harbor Springs Farmers Market. North Central Michigan College sponsored the award, which was presented by College President David Finley.

PRESIDENT'S AWARD winner is Molly Ames Baker of TOPOnexus, presented to a business that has contributed time and resources to help fulfill the mission of the Harbor Springs Chamber. Rob Mossburg of the Cottage Company sponsored and presented the award.

COMMUNITY AMBASSADOR Award winner was John Baker, who was unable to attend the dinner, but the award was accepted by his sons Will and Josh. Chamber Board Chairman Damon Whitfield, at left, presented the award on behalf of sponsor Dave Kring Chevrolet Cadillac.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR is John Cupps Jr., at right. Presenting the award at left is Jim Hart of Graham Real Estate.

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR award went to Scott Brown, at left above, the manager of Harbor Springs IGA. Presenting the award was Derrick Brown (no relation) of Brown Motors.

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD went to Harbor Springs IGA. From left are award sponsor Molly Ames Baker of TOPOnexus with Dennis and Suzanne Hug from the IGA.

BEAUTIFICATION & ARCHITECTURAL EXCELLENCE award was presented to Irish Boat Shop with Tom Trautman accepting. Matt of Meyer Ace Hardware sponsored and presented the award.

Tim Knapp holds the microphone as Carol Parker sings the names of every Harbor Starts award nominee.

THANKS TO THE COMMITTEE - A surprise award was sponsored by the Manthei Group, honoring the group of past presidents who have organized Harbor Stars for many years, seeing it grow to a sell-out crowd of nearly 270 attendees. The committee members were presented with special plaques that included a custom designed tile designed by Cora Smith of Little Traverse Tileworks.

Master of Ceremonies Tim Knapp presided over a lively program with nearly 270 people in attendance.
Thanks to our many Harbor Stars sponsors!

> Thanks to our Premiere Event Sponsors:

> Thanks also to these award sponsors who supported 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 30 Table Sponsors who are listed on our event page.

> Dinner was catered by Vernales. Dessert was provided by Kilwin's and favors by Tom's Mom's Cookies. The Trophy sponsor was Carter's Imagewear, Stage Sponsor was Taylor Rentals, and event photographer was Preston McGregor.
Sponsored post
Postcard from Vienna
Take a musical journey through one
of Europe’s most charming cities!
Join us at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30
at the Great Lakes Center for the Arts
800 Bay Harbor Dr., Petoskey
(A pre-concert discussion of the program
with GLCO Conductor Libor Ondras starts at 6 p.m.)
Or call 231-487-0010
47 SKELETONS ARISE - again!
Let's celebrate and decorate for Halloween
“Skeletons Arise,” our unique, fun and popular Halloween promotion that made its debut last year, is returning for 2021! Show your community spirit, get creative and buy or sponsor a skeleton to dress up and display in front of your place of business, home or somewhere in the downtown for the month of October.

Check this Skeletour Map, and here is a list of 47 businesses and individuals that have already signed up this year:
  • A.R. Pontius Flower Shop
  • American Spoon
  • Belle Aquatic
  • Berkshire Hathaway Home Services
  • City of Harbor Springs
  • Cochon - Gourmet Market & Coffee House
  • Coldwell Banker Schmidt
  • Collins & Associates
  • Craig Ryan Fine Menswear
  • Edward Jones - Randy Keys
  • Edward Jones-Tim Knapp
  • Elizabeth Blair Fine Pearls
  • First Community Bank
  • Graham Management
  • HANNI Gallery
  • Harbor Inc.
  • Harbor Springs Area Chamber
  • Harbor Springs IGA
  • Harbor Springs Library
  • Harbor Springs Mattress Co.
  • Ivy Boutique
  • CeCe Johnson
  • Julieta y Romeo
  • Little Traverse Tileworks
  • McClutchey's Store
  • Nub's Nob Ski Area
  • One Thirty Eight Cocktail Lounge
  • Paper Station Bistro
  • Pet Pantry
  • Polished on Main
  • Rocking Horse Toy Company
  • Small Batch at the Cupola
  • Fred Tabor
  • The Boathouse of Harbor Springs
  • The Cottage Company
  • The Depot Club and Restaurant
  • The New York Restaurant
  • The Outfitter of Harbor Springs
  • The Young Americans
  • Michael Thorsen
  • Tom's Mom's Cookies
  • Touring Gear
  • True North Golf Club
  • Truffulas on Main
  • Turkey's Cafe & Pizzeria
  • Witty Art Galerie
  • Yummies

> Sponsor a skeleton: You may REGISTER ONLINE to sponsor a skeleton with a costume, map location and sponsorship sign for $125 to be placed in Harbor Springs. Note: Those who participated last year may participate again for $100 including signage, location on our map and publicity throughout the month of October. Please write in the comment section the name of the business or resident you are sponsoring. When you click the registration link, you’ll also see lots of great skeletons from last year. NOTE: Last year's skeletons have been saved and can be sponsored again this year.

Let's have a Humerus October and make this a Joint effort to enjoy our Harbor Springs community!

Questions? Call or email Bonnie at the chamber, 231-526-7999.

> 9&10 News report - Harbor Springs Gets Spooky with Skeletons 
Library skeleton tells jokes!

Puppy skeletons at Pet Pantry.

Snazzy golfer from True North Golf.

Wine lover at The Depot Club patio.
Welcome to our newest chamber members!

119 Studio
690 State Street
Harbor Springs MI 49740
(231) 340-1007
About Us: 119 Studio is a working Artist Studio and Gallery Store. Owner/Photographer/Artist, Anita Cousino says: "This is something I've wanted to do for several years, so I'm very excited. I'm hoping our community will love my studio and truly see the inspiration for it is this beautiful place we live. I am thrilled to finally be a chamber member. I've been to the Harbor Stars events in the past and love all you do to help shed positive light in our community!
Note: We will include a more detailed member profile in the near future.

Journey North at Onawing Farm has rejoined the chamber from their new location, 2069 East Brutus Road, Alanson. You can contact owner Guy Wadsworth at (231) 881-8627 or guy@journeynorthusa.com.
Save the date for 'The Big Game' tailgate party Oct. 30
Let’s get ready to STIR things up with a tailgate party for The Big Game at Moose Jaw Junction on Saturday, October 30!
 That’s when Michigan State hosts Michigan in what figures to be a terrific Big 10 football game on Saturday, October 30. Thanks to Michigan sponsor Bank of Ann Arbor and MSU sponsor Frye Massage. Come S.T.I.R. (Socialize, Talk, Interact, [NOT] Remote) and wear your team colors, and enjoy great food and drink from Moose Jaw Junction. The game starting time is yet to be determined, so stay tuned for more details.
Lots of fall fun activities and color tours:

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 and areas along Lake Michigan.

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.

TOPO Adventures are a fun way for all ages to go exploring around Little Traverse Bay in a whole new way! Go at your pace and schedule . Choose from 4 adventures here expertly crafted by TOPOnexus: Center for Learn Local.

Boyer Glass Works' 12th Annual Great Lakes Pumpkin Patch continues through October 16th at 207 State Street. Rain or shine, the event is indoor and warm. We will be demonstrating blown glass pumpkins every day. The color of the year is “Northern Sunshine.” This includes all of the unique varieties of yellow that we create. Facebook Page.

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.
Chamber accepting nominations for board of directors
The Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for open seats to serve 3-year terms on the chamber Board of Directors.
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.

Harbor Springs Notecards make great gifts
You can help support the Harbor Springs Chamber by purchasing a set of beautiful Harbor Springs notecards, pictured here. Click here to make your purchase, $15.95 including tax per set of 12. Your notecards are available for immediate pickup at the chamber office, or you can mail up to three sets for an additional $10.
With your purchase you will receive 3 each of the 4 photographs, in a lovely bag sealed with the chamber logo, ready for you to give as gifts or individual notes. Packaging was selected for ease of storage and convenience of mailing.
> Thanks to Decka Digital for printing these beautiful notecards!
Check our fall colors on area webcams
  • Steeple Cam from atop Holy Childhood Church - View
  • Lyric Theatre, downtown - View
  • Graham Real Estate webcam on the bluff - View (Pictured above)
  • Nub's Nob Ski Area - View
  • Boyne Highlands Resort - View
2021 Harbor Springs Special Events Calendar

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

* = Chamber events
** = Chamber Foundation events
*** = Other events

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

  • Effort to grow solar power under way locally - Details

  • Preregistration for COVID clinics required - Details
City of Harbor Springs news

Upcoming city meetings on Zoom or Youtube:
  • Planning Commission, 5:30 p.m. Oct. 7 and 21.
  • Downtown Development Agency (DDA), 8:30 a.m. Oct. 7.
  • City Council, 7 p.m. Oct. 4 and 18.
  • Full city calendar.

3 CANDIDATES FOR CITY COUNCIL - 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. There will be no candidates listed on the November 2nd ballot. Lio and Cupps are incumbents on the Council, did not turn in petitions to run for reelection, but have now reconsidered. More on the candidates. 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.

Fall leaf and brush pick-up continues through Friday, November 12th. Details.

City boards and commissions openings - The City has a Planning Commission position that it is seeking to fill immediately. The term is set to expire in December of 2022. If you are interested in serving on the Planning Commission, please submit an application. The term will begin on November 1, 2021. Additionally, on December 31, 12 City board terms are set to expire and the Mayor and City Council must appoint or reappoint residents to new terms beginning on January 1. If you are interested in applying to serve on one of the five boards here are details and a link to the application form.

  • The Bullmoose well water main replacement project was delayed due to issues with boring. However, they finally were successful in the boring and will begin water testing soon. If testing goes well, the project should only last a few more days.
  • The spillway landscaping project is complete and we have received several compliments on it.
  • The deadline to file as a write-in candidate for the November 2, 2021 general election is October 22.
  • The Harbormaster, Ford Park, and City Beach bathrooms will be painted this fall.
  • Harbormaster building toilets will be replaced due to several issues.
  • The Water Department will begin its Preliminary Distribution Materials Inventory (PDMI) of its services lines as required by the State in the next few weeks.
  • The Parks Department will be hosting a fundraising event at the Sk8Park called “Tricks for Ted” on Sunday, October 10 from 2 PM to 6 PM.

City website has details, calendar and more information.
MEMBER NEWS

Promote yourself... send us your news.
Truestream celebrates 10,000th internet connection
Truestream, powered by Great Lakes Energy (GLE), celebrated the achievement of 10,000 fiber connections on Thursday, Sept. 30. This monumental achievement was met in less than three years from the first home installation of Truestream fiber on Oct. 25, 2018.
“To reach 10,000 connections in such a short period of time has been no small feat. The teamwork and coordination involved is truly inspiring,” stated Shaun Lamp, Truestream CEO. “We still have plenty more connections to make and we’ll continue working to reach our entire service area as quickly and efficiently as possible.”
Truestream launched its fiber network in Emmet County in 2018, with future plans to reach all GLE electric members interested in life-changing, blazing fast internet and voice services. Connections are currently underway in Allegan, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, Oceana, and Otsego counties. Construction plans for more areas will be announced later this year for the network build, which could take up to 10 years to complete.
GLE members should visit www.truestreamfiber.com to register and see the project status by area.
Lunch lecture looks at role of law enforcement
North Central Michigan College’s popular Luncheon Lecture series has resumed in an in-person format. A variety of topics will be featured, including local law enforcement’s changing role, rural broadband, weather phenomena, a next-generation telescope, and changes in American politics.

All hour-long programs will be held at noon on Fridays in the Library Conference Center. Masks are required in all indoor settings, regardless of individuals’ vaccination status. The attendance fee is $15 and includes a lunch buffet served at 11:30 a.m. Pre-registration is required.

Here are the luncheon topics, with details available on the college website:
Sheriff Pete Wallin
  • October 8 – The Changing Roles of Local Law Enforcement. The sheriff’s department still patrols the roads and runs the jail, but much has changed in recent years. Emmet County Sheriff Pete Wallin will give an overview of the many new duties we expect our sworn officers to carry out in an era of heightened exposure and stress.
  • October 22 – Rural Broadband.   
  • November 12 – Storms, Sun, Snow, and a Little Smoke.  
  • November 19 – The Next Generation Telescope.  
  • December 10 – Changes in American Politics.
Orchestra performs “Postcards from Vienna” Oct. 30th
The Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra will perform “Postcard from Vienna” in concert at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30 at the Great Lakes Center for the Arts in Bay Harbor.
Vienna, Austria is the City of Music. Giants of classical music were all drawn to Vienna. This concert’s three featured pieces offer a glimpse of Vienna’s Classical period, its storied quality of life, Baroque architecture, and old-world charm. Beethoven’s 7th Symphony is the concert’s focal point and is one of the composer’s most optimistic works. Movements include shining dance music as well as a famous funeral march evoking the Napoleonic Wars. 

Cello soloist Helen LaGrand, a University of Michigan student, will perform during the Beethoven segment. The concert will also feature Rossini’s Barber of Seville Overture and Haydn’s Cello Concerto in C Major. 

Ticket holders can learn more about the music and its composers at a pre-concert discussion with GLCO Music Director and Conductor Libor Ondras at 6 p.m. in the GLCFA’s Community Engagement Room. Students 18 and under are invited to attend for free with a reserved ticket. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.glcorchestra.org/concerts/ or call the orchestra office at 231-487-0010. 
Ski team boosters host Saturday Ski Swap at Nub’s
The Harbor Springs Ski Boosters are holding their annual Ski Swap to benefit the Harbor Springs ski teams during the Nub's Nob Open House on Saturday, Oct. 9, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Clean out that unwanted and unused ski and board gear and retain 80% of the selling price. Drop off gear on Thursday or Friday, Oct. 7-8, from 12-6:30 p.m. Download and fill out this consignment form and turn in with the gear you want to sell. Check out this flier for more information.
Still no business website? Don't get spooked!
Still no website? Now THAT'S scary! Marcie Wolf of Abuzz Creative is offering a Fall for Small Website Promo so she can help your small business get online for less. For a limited time, Basic Buzz websites come with FREE hosting for a year and a FREE domain name - that's a $225 value! This great offer expires October 31st so don't get spooked - email marcie@abuzzcreative.com today! More details and pricing.
Center for the Arts hosts The Accidentals on Thursday and BB King Blues Band Saturday
Upcoming concerts at the Great Lakes Center for the Arts in Bay Harbor:

  • Thursday, October 7 - Blissfest Presents: The Accidentals & Sawyer Fredricks, Co-Headline Album Release Tour.
  • Saturday, October 9 - B.B. King Blues Band with Claudette King, touring in remembrance of B.B. King along with additional seasoned blues musicians.
  • Sunday, Oct. 10 at 4 p.m. - The Cummings Quartet with Robert Johnson. Free/no tickets required.
  • Saturday, October 23 - Vienna Boys Choir, The famous children's choir adored worldwide for their lively singing style and beautiful tone.
The Accidentals

> Details and tickets for all events.
This group of ladies came to the market together, stopped at every booth, chatted with the vendor, and bought a nice variety of goods.

Two more outdoor Farmers Markets to come
By Hannah Bianchi, Market Master

Join us on Main Street October 9th and 16th for the last two outdoor markets of the season! After that, we take a five-week break before moving indoors for “Market at the Museum.” We are looking forward to hosting the Farmers Market in such a beautiful historic building and are thankful for the collaboration with the Harbor Springs Area Historical Society. The two Holiday Markets will be Tuesday, November 23rd, from 4-8pm, and Saturday December 18th, from 9am-1pm. With 12 vendors in attendance there will be a wonderful variety of local foods and gifts. Stay tuned for a full list of vendors.

Tootsie Bluffins will be back at market this weekend, so make sure to head downtown for a sweet treat. With fall flavors such as pumpkin cream cheese, apple cider, and pecan pie joining their seasonal favorites, you’re sure to find a cupcake you love. If you’re looking for something more savory, give Laurita’s empanadas a try, or head over to Black Barn Farm for some homemade ravioli. And of course fall crops are in full swing with squash, apples, ginger, cider, brussels sprouts, and more. We still have over 25 vendors attending this weekend, so make sure to head downtown to check out the wonderful variety offered at the Harbor Springs Farmers Market.

Our Young Entrepreneurs this week are Alaina & Linora with their fresh duck and chicken eggs, Clover Leverett with bath bombs and shower fizzes, and Beatrice Kreiger with Harbor Springs themed apparel. Guest vendor Twisted Craft Cocktails will also be back for the last time this season, so stock up on cocktail mixes for the holidays.

Our recipe of the week this Saturday is Balsamic Roasted Vegetables. Along with brussels sprouts and carrots, grab your favorite fall veggies for a delicious roasted dinner. Music at the Market will be provided by Lee Anne Whitman of Indigo Moon. This her first time playing at the Harbor Springs Farmers Market so we are excited to listen to some new tunes!

We are looking forward to seeing you for the last two outdoor markets of the 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!
NOW SHOWING - Last chance for Tammy Faye, Cry Macho, and Dear Evan Hansen. No Time To Die opens Thursday. The Addams Family 2 opens Friday. Opera this Saturday. Tickets and showtimes.

We strongly recommend purchasing tickets in advance via our app or website and arriving early to check in, purchase concessions, and enjoy our pre-show.
Chamber members, help us promote you!

Let us know about your business news, promotions and events! Our deadline is Tuesday for publication each week on Thursday - it’s a free benefit of membership.

> 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:
  • Display ad and web link at the top of the newsletter - $60.
  • Display ad and web link after the third story in the newsletter - $35.
  • Exclusive e-blast featuring your business - $125.

To send us your news, reserve your ad or ask questions, contact jim@harborspringschamber.com.
HELP WANTED
> Members are invited to post their openings on the Chamber Jobs Page. Log in to post, or email angie@harborspringschamber.com for assistance.
CONWAY PROFESSIONAL SERVICES - Technician, Duties to include floor care, carpet cleaning, vent cleaning, janitorial and pressure washing. Training provided. Flexible hours. Bonuses paid on consistent performance. Full or part time. Raise after 30 days. Details

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.


HARBOR SPRINGS PUBLIC SCHOOLS - Employment Page.

WOMEN'S RESOURCE CENTER - Various job opportunities
College Central Network for North Central Michigan College.
Thank you and welcome, 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!
COVID-19 updates and vaccination clinics

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


Please consider donating to one of our five Chamber Foundation funds:
  • Harbor Springs Chamber Relocation Fund
  • Harbor Springs Annual 4th of July Fireworks
  • Harbor Springs Street Musique
  • Harbor Springs Car Festival
  • Dave Hinz HS Car Festival Scholarship
SPREAD THE NEWS - We'd love to send you the weekly Harbor Happenings newsletter. To subscribe, unsubscribe, advertise or submit your news, email
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.