Elk Rapids Area
Chamber of Commerce
Monday Minute Newsletter
May 3, 2021
Chain of Lakes Area
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Acme * Alden * Atwood * Bellaire * Central Lake * Eastport * Ellsworth *
Elk Rapids * Kewadin * *Rapid City * Torch River * Williamsburg
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2021 Save the Dates (so far)
May 7-8, Mother's Day Shopping Event ~ ER
May 15 - Super Recycling Day 9 am - 3 pm
Shredding Service from9 am - Noon, @ Government Bldg. parking lot, Super Recycling listings is on greenelkrapids.org
May 22 - Curbside Recycling, Village of Elk Rapids
May 29, 10 am - 4 pm - Arts & Craft Show
June 1-15, Art Galleries present "15 days of Art"
June 5, ER Household Hazardous Waste Collection
June 11-12 - Wooden Boat Show
June 12, Free Fishing Weekend
June 30 - Fishing Expo @ Harbor 4-7 pm
-DNR Survey Ship "Steelhead" in Harbor 3:30-5:00 pm
July 13, 10 am - 5 pm Elk Rapids Garden Walk
July 17, 10 am - 4 pm - Arts & Craft Show
July 29, Art Rapids! Concert in the Park
August 4 - 7 Harbor Days Festival
September 3-4, Friends of the Library Jewelry Sale
September 4, 10 am - 4 pm - Arts & Craft Show
September 17-18, Paddle Antrim Festival
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Arts and Craft Shows
May 29, July 17, and September 4
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Farmer's Market Registration Now Open
Friday's June 11 ~ October 8, 2021
8:00 a.m. until Noon
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Evening on River Street
Wednesdays 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
June 30 ~ August 11
Stay tuned for details
For information on the Wooden Boat Show
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Public Meetings about YOUR Community
Monday, May 3, ER School Board Meeting, 6:00 p.m.
Monday, May 3, ER Village Council Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 6, Antrim County Board of Commissioners Mtg. 9:00 a.m.
Thursday, May 6, ER Parks & Recreation Meeting 7:00 p.m.
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The 6290 Rotary District Conference is being hosted by the Elk Rapids Rotary Club in May of 2022. We wanted to share the video that was presented at the 2021 District Conference inviting Rotarians to come to our beautiful region to attend the conference.
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Governor Whitmer Unveils Plan to Get 'MI Vacc to Normal'
Governor Gretchen Whitmer set the state of Michigan on a pathway to return to normal by unveiling the 'MI Vacc to Normal' plan as the state continues to push toward its goal of vaccinating 70% of Michiganders ages 16 years or older. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will base future epidemic order actions on four vaccination-based milestones that, once achieved, will enable Michigan to take a step toward normalcy.
Milestones to Reopening
The 'MI Vacc to Normal' plan will use four vaccination-based milestones -- using data for Michiganders 16 years or older who've received their first dose -- to guide future steps required to get back to normal:
Step 1: 55% of Michiganders received the first dose, plus two weeks
- Allows in-person work for all sectors of business
Step 2: 60% of Michiganders received the first dose, plus two weeks
- Lifts the curfew on restaurants and bars
- Increases indoor capacity at sports stadiums to 25%
- Increases indoor capacity at conference centers/banquet halls/funeral homes to 25%
- Increases capacity at exercise facilities and gyms to 50%
Step 3: 65% of Michiganders received the first dose, plus two weeks
- Lifts all indoor percentage capacity limits, requiring only social distancing between parties
- Further relaxes limits on residential social gatherings
Step 4: 70% of Michiganders received the first dose, plus two weeks
- Lifts the Gatherings and Face Masks Order such that MDHHS will no longer employ broad mitigation measures unless unanticipated circumstances arise, such as the spread of vaccine-resistant variants
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Registration for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) is now open at restaurants.sba.gov. If you are working with Square or Toast, you do not need to register.
SBA will begin accepting applications via the application portal on Monday, May 3 at 12 p.m. EDT. The application portal will remain open to any eligible establishment until all funds are exhausted.
In preparation, qualifying applicants should familiarize themselves with the application process in advance to ensure a smooth and efficient application. In addition to registering at the portal, follow the steps below. If you are working with Square or Toast, you do not need to register.
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Review the sample application, program guide, and cross-program eligibility chart on SBA COVID-19 relief options. SBA also added screenshots of the application portal that are available here.
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Applications must be submitted in English or Spanish. SBA has documents in additional languages to help you understand eligibility requirements, fill out applications, and answer frequently asked questions. See the additional languages and materials here.
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If you were unable to attend one of the webinars held earlier this week which covered program details and a demonstration of the application portal, you can watch the recording here.
Who can apply
Eligible entities who have experienced pandemic-related revenue loss include:
- Restaurants
- Food stands, food trucks, food carts
- Caterers
- Bars, saloons, lounges, taverns
- Snack and nonalcoholic beverage bars
- Bakeries (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
- Brewpubs, tasting rooms, taprooms (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
- Breweries and/or microbreweries (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
- Wineries and distilleries (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
- Inns (onsite sales of food and beverage to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
- Licensed facilities or premises of a beverage alcohol producer where the public may taste, sample, or purchase products
For complete information:
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The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program was established by the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, and amended by the American Rescue Plan Act. The program includes over $16 billion in grants to shuttered venues, to be administered by SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance.
Eligible applicants may qualify for grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue, with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million. $2 billion is reserved for eligible applications with up to 50 full-time employees.
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Treasury: Forgiven Paycheck Protection Loans
Won't Be Taxed
Taxpayers who accepted federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans will not be taxed on loans forgiven through that program, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury. The PPP was originally created under the CARES Act to provide cash-flow assistance to small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. There are special federal income tax provisions for PPP loan recipients, as loans forgiven under the program are not subject to income tax and the qualified business expenses remain deductible.
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New Report Looks at The Housing Picture in Northwest Michigan
A new report looks at the supply and cost of housing in Northwest Lower Michigan and how the housing supply impacts regional growth and economic development. The Housing Picture in Northwest Michigan is a strategy document developed by Networks Northwest through a collaborative process that incorporates input from the stakeholders involved with the Housing Solutions Network with direct input and content from Housing North.
Housing in Northwest Lower Michigan is in high demand and short supply. Recent surges in home prices have drastically outpaced increases in income, expanding an existing gap between what is considered an attainable housing cost and what is currently available on the market. One of our biggest hurdles to regional growth and economic development is a lack of housing options with varying degrees of cost.
The Housing Picture in Northwest Michigan delves into the analysis of the current trends in our regional housing market, identifies deficiencies, outlines likely problematic policy directions, and offers recommendations to be undertaken by communities wishing to work towards solving the housing issue. There are no quick and easy solutions, but strategies borne of the stakeholders within our region offer opportunities for communities to raise awareness, establish policy, adjust regulatory measures, and seek incentives to combat this complex issue.
The Housing Picture in Northwest Michigan report is available at, nwm.org/Housing.
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Click to:
Webinars:
5-4 Starting a Business - Webinar
5-4 Intellectual Property Basics and Helpful Resources for Innovators and Entrepreneurs
5-4 Financial Planning Basics - Webinar
5-4 Entrepreneur's Toolbox: How to use Canva for Your Small Business
5-4 Entrepreneur's Toolbox: How to use Social Media to Sell Your Products & Services (pre-recorded)
5-5 Strategic Recovery: Tools and Resources FREE to your Business
5-6 Leading Your Business to Success
5-6 Entrepreneur Series: Managing a Business
5-6 Bridging the Million Dollar Gap-Building Your Advisory Board
5-6 Entrepreneur's Toolbox: Resources to Help You Build Your Brand Identity
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May 4, 2021, 1:00pm EDT
This educational webinar will provide actionable step-by-step guidance on starting a business and filing proper documents to gain funds. Read more
May 6, 2021, 1:00pm EDT
Take a deep dive into the unique qualities of each generation to understand what they want, get them to buy, and drive revenue for your small business. Read more
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202 E. Grandview Pkwy. Traverse City
(231) 947-5075
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Forbes Names Consumers Energy as No. 1 Utility Company for Workplace Diversity in U.S.
Second Overall in Michigan;
Also Top Workplace for Women in 2020
JACKSON, Mich., April 27, 2021 – Forbes has named Consumers Energy as the top utility company in the country and second overall in Michigan in its latest ranking of “America’s Best Employers for Diversity,” recognizing Consumers Energy’s major effort to be a leading company for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Consumers Energy was ranked No. 22 in the nation overall in the ranking, based on a survey of 50,000 Americans working for businesses with at least 1,000 employees.
“We boldly and unapologetically stand for a diverse, inclusive workplace where everyone’s ideas and contributions are heard and valued, and where everyone feels they belong,” said Angela Thompkins, Consumers Energy’s vice president and chief diversity officer.
Consumers Energy has embedded DE&I into all aspects of its workplace culture, encouraging discussions and efforts to build understanding among its 8,500 employees. Consumers Energy was also named the No. 1 workplace for women in the energy sector last year.
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Consumers Energy Foundation Provides $500,000 to Four Projects Protecting Michigan’s Environment
Second Annual Planet Awards Support Enhancing Natural Resources
JACKSON, Mich., May 3, 2021 – The Consumers Energy Foundation celebrated Earth Month by providing $500,000 to four projects that will help protect and restore Michigan’s land, water, and air. Two of those projects are in northern Michigan. The Huron Pines Resource Conservation and Development Council will receive $200,000. They are based in Gaylord and serve Northeast Lower Michigan. The funds will be used for the Protect Wild Places Project to restore 5,000 acres of wildlife habitat and recreational Land. Also in northern Michigan, the
Au Sable Institute based in Mancelona will receive $125,000 for their Good Things Grow Here project that engages local schools to complete 30 habitat restoration projects in northern Michigan. Other recipients of Planet Awards are the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy in Kalamazoo and the Lake Huron Forever Initiative through the Bay Area Community Foundation in Bay City.
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Media Contacts: Brian Wheeler, 517-740-1545, or Katie Carey, 517-740-1739
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The Covid-19 vaccine has arrived in Elk Rapids!
River Pharmacy is excited to be able to offer the Moderna vaccine, starting April 19. The vaccine is free to anyone ages 18 and up, and requires pre-registration. Start the process at
River Pharmacy * 124 River St. * Elk Rapids * (231) 264-8165
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Health Department of Northwest Michigan COVID-19 Update
It’s your turn to get the shot!
Health department offering walk-in and drive-up clinics The COVID-19 vaccines are here and it’s your turn to get the shot! If you’re planning on getting the shot, you can walk right into or drive up to clinics planned next week by the Health Department of Northwest Michigan. “We are trying to remove barriers anyone may have to getting vaccinated,” said Lisa Peacock, Health Officer. “We are welcoming walk-ins at all our clinics. We have evening clinic hours and weekend clinics. We have clinics in every one of our counties.
We are having a drive-through clinic in Mancelona on Monday. We are hosting a Friday and Saturday, May 7-8, clinic in conjunction with Odawa Casino in Petoskey. We are listing which vaccine(s) will be offered at our clinics so people can choose which vaccine they want by going to that clinic location. We are trying to change things up and take down any hurdles people have in their busy schedules and make it easy to get vaccinated,” Peacock said. Continue to see schedule
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Free Ideal Protein
Weight Loss Seminar
Call for Meeting Options
Tuesday May 4, 2021 @ 5:30 p.m. in Elk Rapids
Come learn about the doctor supervised Ideal Protein Weight Loss Program proven to promote fat loss, naturally suppresses appetite, and provides nutrition education and support to maintain weight loss. Sample foods available on the program.
Admission is free, but please RSVP, call 231-264-0700.
Presented by Dr. Ann Kuenker
Elk Rapids Skin & Laser Clinic * 516 Bridge Street * Elk Rapids
www.youridealyouweightloss.com
(Mon. May 3 in Traverse City, Thurs. May 6 in Petoskey)
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Greetings Friends,
Sunny and 70 one day, snowy and 30s the following - April weather has us on the predictably unpredictable roller coast ride. With the water temperatures still too cold to paddle, our family has been working through a list of hikes in the region that we still haven't done, thankful there are so many incredible places to explore so close and thankful for all of the organizations to protect them.
As you start making your paddling list for the summer, we are excited to share our community paddle schedule and announce the return of the Paddle Antrim Festival this year. While we are optimistic we can safely return to the water, things will look a little different as we ensure we comply with the CDC, State, and local guidelines. Registration will open in June and we will be sharing more details in the coming weeks. We can't wait to get back out on the water with you and hear of your own adventures out on the water trail this year!
As we plan a few more weeks of hikes, our family has already started our "'must paddle" list for this summer and hope the Chain of Lakes Water Trail is on yours!
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Short's Brewing Co. is ready to crush thirst this summer
Summer is right around the corner, and with that comes an insatiable thirst for ice-cold beverages. Beverages designed to compliment your day—wherever it takes you, the beach, the boat, or the backyard. Ideally, with a low-enough ABV to keep you crushing your day..........Enter in Short’s lineup of summer crushers.
For the second year in a row, Short’s is releasing Refreshin’ Session—a limited edition 12 pack designed to keep your thirst quenched and your summer slammin. The pack features four flavors—the brands flagship American Lager, Local’s Light, along with Soft Parade Seltzer, a lighter version of their fan fave Soft Parade Fruit Ale. New this year—Lil’ Sticky, a low-abv, low-cal IPA (inspired by their summer seasonal Sticky Icky Icky known for resinous hop aroma and bitterness) and Nitro Furry Buddy, a nitrogenated light session stout and Short’s first canned nitro product....Continue Reading
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May is All About Mom at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Celebrate mom this Mother's Day, and all month long, at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. Specials include free golf for women, spa deals, and brunch with the best view.
A Trip to Spa Grand Traverse
Want to give Mom the best skin of her life in as little as 30 minutes? HydraFacial uses three simple steps, exfoliate, extract, and saturate, leaving skin with a radiant glow. Vortex technology easily removes impurities while hydrating skin with antioxidants. Receive $50 off ANY HydraFacial treatment for the entire month of May. This means our 25-minute Signature HydraFacial is only $150! To schedule your treatments, call the spa desk at 231-534-6750.
Mother's Day Digital Spa Gift Card Offer
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Right Tree Summer Adventures for Middle School Girls
Registration is open for Right Tree Summer Adventures. An exciting menu of recreation, community service, drop-in and multi-day events are open to girls going into 7-9th grades in the fall who either go to school in Elk Rapids (no matter where they live) or live in the Elk Rapids school district (no matter where where they go to school). Programs are available on a donation basis and no one is ever turned away for financial reasons.
For more information and to register go to www.righttree.org or call 231-668-8220.
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Planning ahead for Summer?
Summer Wine Dinner Series, Fly Fishing, and more at Waterfire Vineyard
Conifer and Waterfire will come together on the last Sunday of the month, May through October*, to bring you a unique dining experience. Join us for a 5-course tasting menu of carefully crafted dishes that focus on local, fresh ingredients. Select your favorite wine and enjoy the evening!
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SUNDAY
JUNE 6, 2021
5:00 pm
Learn the basics of Fly Fishing from world-renowned Fly Fishing Instructor Jeff "Bear" Andrews while enjoying wine and charcuterie.
Bear is a 3-time world record setter through the International Game Fish Association and is the youngest person to ever receive the Buz Busek Fly Tying award, the highest honor a fly tier can receive. Known for his educational skills and conservation focus, Bear is right at home in our Sustainably farmed Vineyards.
For Dates and Ticket Information Click on:
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Wildflower Soapworks!
Grab these perfectly boxed gifts sets up for Mother’s Day, graduation, birthdays, bridal showers, and just because!
Gift sets are $20.00
Available in these scents
- Lake MI Breezes
- Lavender
- Mackinac Island Lilac
- Petoskey Stone Happy
Open seven days a week, curbside available, and always online
Wildflower Soapworks * 117 River St. * Elk Rapids * 231-264-8000
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Wonderful, Beautiful, and Practical Gifts for Mom!
Bring Mom Along So She Can Select Her Own Special Item!
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Summer Clay Camp
July 13-16, 2021
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Art Rapids' popular Summer Clay Camp is planned for July 13-16, 2021 at the Walk of Art Sculpture Park. We have two separate camps, one for 5 to 8 year-olds in the mornings and one for 8 to 12 year-olds in the afternoons. This year's theme is Putting A Face on Trees for the younger kids ($85 for three mornings) and Totem for the North Woods for the older kids ($125 for four afternoons).
Registration opens May 1, 2021 . Please visit www.artrapids.org for a full description and to enroll.
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Grass
River
Natural
Area
6500 Alden Hwy ~ Bellaire
(231) 533-8576
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Open Mon-Saturday
Grass River Center
open 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.
Restrooms, educational exhibits, and the gift shop are available inside. A staff Naturalist is available to answer questions and provide directions. Stop in and see us! Masks are required when coming indoors"
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Check out all the upcoming events at Grass River:
Blooms and Birds: Wildflower Walk
Tuesdays, May – September 2021, 10:00 am-noon
Free, Pre-registration is not necessary
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docents Julie Hurd and Phil Jarvi each week to find and identify the beautiful and unique wildflowers at Grass River. Along the way, you will listen and look for the birds that call Grass River home.
Birding by Ear
Saturday, May 8, 2021, 8:00 am - 10:00 am
$5 per person, Pre-registration is not necessary
The birds are singing but may be difficult to see this time of year as the trees start to leaf out. Learn to ID birds by their songs and go for a birding walk. Grass River is a birding hotspot and a great place to learn and appreciate your birds.
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Check out our new instructional video, How to Log into Libby. Aaron guides you through using the app to access ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines.
When you have that down, watch How to Find Magazines on Libby. These short tutorials will have you using digital content like a pro! Thank you, Aaron!
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🌺 Spring Specials 🌸
Complimentary Quick-Dry Hair Towel
w/ $50 Retail Purchase
and
Free Sample (stylist choice)
w/any Hair Service
~ While Supplies Last ~
404 Bridge St. Elk Rapids, MI (231) 264-8184
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Pearl's New Orleans Kitchen * 617 Ames St. * Elk Rapids * (231) 264-0530 |
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Bonnie Twiss Music Instruction
- Piano Lessons
- Music Composition & Theory
- All Ages Welcome-
- In Elk Rapids,
- call (248) 648-9741 or (231) 498-2181
- Healthy Safety Protocols Observed
- Gift Certificates Available
- Piano Lessons are available year-round.
Quote from a happy family who has studied with Bonnie......
" So, if you are looking for a one-of-a-kind teacher, Bonnie is it .
She teaches music not just piano. If a song is too difficult, she will transcribe it to your ability. If you like puppets, she's your teacher.
We travel three and a half hours, one way , for lessons if that tells you anything ! " A. Meyer
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ACTS * 8925 M-72 E. * WILLIAMSBURG, MI * (231) 938-2990
A reminder that Receiving hours of operation have changed:
- Tuesday 10 am - 4 pm
- Thursday 10 am - 4 pm
- Saturday 10 am - 2 pm
If you plan to donate a large number of goods, please call (231) 938-2990 to see if we have space.
HALF OFF - ACTS Potpourri
May 4 - 8
Glasses * Stemware * Place Settings * Teapots * Cups and Saucers
Vases * Trays * Platters * Decoratives * Collectables *
Light Jackets for Adults and Children
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RAVEN HILL DISCOVERY CENTER
WEEKLY UPDATE
To: Friends and Family everywhere
From: Cheri and Raven Hill
Date: May 1, 2021
Happy May Day, Everyone!
Anthropologist and educator, Loren Eiseley, once said, “if there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water.” Many visitors miss the magic of Raven Hill’s pond. Located across the road from the Center, the half-acre pond was dug in the fall of 1992, with a grant awarded by the Soil Conservation Service, now called the Charlevoix Conservation District. The pond site was chosen because of the numerous springs there. The summer before, we had a backhoe dig a few test holes to make sure that the spot would hold water. It was a hot summer and we could often be found sitting in those holes to cool off. With a straw hat on, the dragonflies would land on the hat’s brim, if we held still. Over the past 30 years, many animals have flourished at the pond. A loon recuperated here. Deer come to drink. The pond is full of fish, frogs, and turtles. Turtle “drop-offs” find a temporary or permanent home at the pond. Painted turtles love to sun themselves on fallen trees. Two big snappers used to hang out at the end of the dock. Tim would often dangle his feet in the water and read his book. He enjoyed feeding the fish and the snappers enjoyed eating the fish. Once a snapper swam up and took hold of Tim’s toe. Tim held perfectly still and the turtle finally released the toe without doing any damage.........Continue Reading
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Mission: Raven Hill Discovery Center provides a place that enhances hands-on and lifelong learning for all ages by connecting science, history and the arts. 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. Call to make reservation to visit.
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