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Elk Rapids Area
Chamber of Commerce
Monday Minute Newsletter

March 14, 2022

Chain of Lakes Area
Be sure to scroll down until you see "The End," so much happening, don't miss a thing! Chamber members, please send in your announcements, events, or news to laura@elkrapidschamber.org by Monday at noon.
2022 Chain of Lakes Area Snapshot of Upcoming Events

Where to go, What to see, and
What to do in the Chain of Lakes Area

March 16, Bingo @ Short's Pull Barn 6 pm
March 17, Blood Drive @Short's Pull Barn 12:30 - 5:30 pm
March 17, St. Patrick's Day ☘️
March 17, Tyin' Thursdays at Ethanology 6 pm
March 19, Job Fair @ Pine Nursery, Kewadin 10-2 pm
March 19, Short's Job Fair 12-4, Bellaire Pub
March 19, Tiny Traveling Boutique @BOS Wine 5-9 pm
March 19, St. Patrick's Celebration @Ethanology 4-11 pm
March 21, Antrim County Veterans Coffee Talk
@ The DAM Shop 9 am
March 21, Kindergarten Parent Orientation @Mill Creek 6 pm
March 22, ER Rotary Blood Drive @Amvets 12-6 pm
March 26, Sledding Party at Good Sam~Ellsworth 10 - 2 pm
March 26-27, MI Maple Weekend,visit Out of the Woods Farm
March 28-April 1, Kids Activity at Pine Hill Nursery 10-2
March 30, Bringo @short's Pull Barn 6 pm
April 7, Hiring Fair at the Elk Rapids High School 3-5 pm
April 9, ERACC & DERA Hiring Fair at Amvets 10-1 pm
April 9, ER Community Easter Egg Hunt 10 am & 11 am
April 9, Easter Centerpiece Workshop Pine Hill 2 pm
April 10, Lenten Cantata, First Presbyterian 4 pm
April 13, Bingo @Short's Pull Barn 6 pm
April 14-17, Myrtle & Maudes~Easter on the Farm on Sat.
***April 16 Pancake breakfast & pics with Easter Bunny
April 19-21, Pure Michigan Conference at GT Resort
April 22-24, Green ER Earth Day & Transformations
April 27, Bingo @Short's Pull Barn 6 pm
April 30, Pine Hill Nursery Spring Expo 10 am -3 pm
May 12-14, Rotary District Conference
May 14, ER Super Recycling Day
May 19-22, Myrtle & Maude's Blossoms Weekend Event
May 28, Arts & Craft Fair Downtown Elk Rapids
May 30, Memorial Day Parade Downtown Alden 1 pm
June-August, Discovery Camp at Raven Hill Discovery Center
June 4, Art Beat
June 10-12, Wooden Boat Show
June 11, Household Hazardous Waste Collection 8-12 in ER
June 16-19, Farm Fresh Fathers Day weekend @Myrtle
& Maude's
June 18, Green Elk Rapids Nature Fest 11 - 3 pm
June 19, Strawberry Festival @Alden Depot Park 12 pm
June 23-24, Luke Buck Watercolor Workshop @Raven Hill
June 25, Art Rapids presents "Remembering Patsy Cline"
June 26, ER Historical Society 50th Anniversary Celebration!
June 29, Free Fishing Expo @ Harbor Pavillion 5-7 pm
July 16, Arts & Craft Show Downtown Elk Rapids
July 17, ACHTBCP~Antrim County High Tea @Shanty Creek
July 30, Alden Days Parade 1 pm & Activities 10 - 5 pm
August 3-6, Elk Rapids Harbor Days Festival
August 13, Movie Night in the Park Downtown Alden 7 pm
August 14, British Car Show Downtown Alden 11 - 4 pm
August 18-21, End of Summer Sale @ Myrtle & Maude's
September 2-5, Sidewalk Sales in Alden 10 - 5 pm
September 3, Arts & Craft Show Downtown Elk Rapids
September 15-17, Paddle Antrim Festival
September 24, Elk Rapids Fall Festival
October 1, Art Beat
October 1, Acme Fall Festival
October 8, Harvest Days in Alden, 10 am - 5 pm
November 17-20, Myrtle & Maude's Christmas on the Farm
November 26, Holiday Illumination & Open House in Alden

Traverse City Horse Shows June 8-September 18
Farmer Market every Friday, June 10- Oct. 7, 8-Noon
Wednesday Evenings on River Street June 29-Aug.10, 6-9pm

**************
Please email laura@elkrapidschamber.org with any updated event dates you may have!
New Grant Program to Bolster Relief for Michigan Businesses Impacted by the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

Businesses must submit an online application no later than 11:59 p.m. EST Thursday, March 31.
 The Michigan Department of Treasury is administering a $409 million business grant relief program designed to help certain Michigan businesses that have experienced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Under the Afflicted Business Relief Grant Program, eligible businesses in operation before Oct. 1, 2019, may receive a percentage of their loss in total state sales through a grant. Eligible businesses that began operating between Oct. 1, 2019, and June 1, 2020, may receive a grant equal to 25 percent of certain specified costs. Businesses must submit an online application no later than 11:59 p.m. EST Thursday, March 31.

The Growing MI Business grant program is a program by the State of Michigan to distribute up to $409 Million of its American Rescue Plan Act funds to be awarded through grants to provide resources to businesses that meet certain criteria. 


Michigan Arts & Culture Council GRANTS
From our historic monuments and museums to traditional practices and contemporary arts, the council is dedicated to ensuring that every citizen and community in Michigan enjoys the civic, economic, and educational benefits of arts and culture.
The 2022 Chain of Lakes is in the Works!
Be sure to renew your Chamber membership to be included in the directories!

Showcase your business or organization in this popular publication that is distributed to the MDOT centers throughout Michigan, TC Tourism Center, and delivered to all businesses located in TC East Bay and up, north to Charlevoix, East to Bellaire! (over 130 stops made)!

We will have the guide ready just in time for The Rotary District 6290 Conference that is being hosted by the Elk Rapids Rotarians May 12-14, 2022!

For any questions or for more information, please contact Laura at (231) 264-8202 or laura@elkrapidschamber.org

(Members be sure to send in your list of events to be included in the events calendar)

Public Meetings about OUR CommUNITY



Monday, March 14, Harbor Commission Meeting 6:30 p.m.
Monday, March 14, Milton Township Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, March 15, Antrim County Economic Development, 9:00 a.m.
Thursday, March 17, Milton Twnshp Planning Commission 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 17, Elk Rapids ZBA Public Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Check website for agenda Variance Request for 112 Dexter St. Socks Construction
Thursday, March 17, Antrim County Board, 6:30 p.m.
Village of Elk Rapids: www.elkrapids.org
Elk Rapids Township: https://www.elkrapids.com/
Milton Township: https://miltontownship.org/
Torch Lake Township:www.torchlaketownship.org/
Antrim County: antrimcounty.org
VILLAGE SEEKS BOARD/COMMISSION APPLICATIONS

In the spirit of the 13 Ways Community Project, the Elk Rapids Village Government is excited to invite all community members with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and ideas to apply for an array of volunteer positions to aid in the decision-making process of our municipality. Elk Rapids is fortunate to have an abundance of highly educated, community-focused people. Serving on a village commission is a fulfilling experience and a great way to give back to our community. The Village Government is seeking volunteers, both new and seasoned, with fresh ideas for the following board/commission positions:...... Continue Reading
LAST DAY TO VOTE ~ TODAY MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2022
Welcome to the 2022 Red Hot Best Awards!

New categories, same great contest! Help vote your favorite businesses, places, and people to the top spots in the 2022 Red Hot Best Awards  
Vote Starting 2/28 @ 12:01am Eastern

Voting Starts Now!




For upcoming workshops, click:

March 17, 2022, 12:00pm EDT
Learn how easily accessible market research tools can help you research your business idea, assess your potential, and develop your business plan. Note: This workshop is designed... Read more

March 17, 2022, 1:00pm EDT
In this webinar, you will learn how to select the ideal tax credit for your business, and see what you qualify for. Read more
202 E. Grandview Pkwy. Traverse City
(231) 947-5075

CLICK FOR: EVENTS CALENDAR


Your trip begins at michigan.org

FROM THE DESK OF DAVE LORENZ
Spring is just around the corner and that means that we'll soon gather for the 2022 Pure Michigan Governor's Conference on Tourism, being held this year at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa in Traverse City, April 19-21.
This year's conference will feature speakers who will help us understand how to navigate the continued changes in our industry that are sure to be ahead. 
  • Clayton Reid from Pure Michigan's marketing agency, MMGY Global, will share how the travel industry will need to adapt to a post-COVID environment. 
  • Pauline Frommer, co-president of Frommer Media and publishers of the popular Frommer's guidebooks and website, will speak to key trends that are shaping travel today. 
  • Zoe Moore, an inclusive hospitality consultant, will return to our stage to further our dialogue about diversity in the travel industry workforce. We are also pleased to be welcoming MEDC CEO Quentin Messer, Jr. to this year's conference as we continue to align our efforts to support and grow the state's tourism industry with MEDC's mission of creating economic opportunity for all Michiganders.
You'll find more information about all of our speakers and how to register, here: https://medc.cventevents.com/PMGCOT2022    
..... Continue Reading the full newsletter
Stay connected with Northwest Michigan Works! at a Career Connection meeting where you can learn about job opportunities and improve job search skills while networking with other job seekers and professionals. Check the Northwest Michigan Works! calendar to see when you can join a Career Connection meeting this week in Benzonia, Manistee, Petoskey, or Traverse City. There are also opportunities to participate online.


Together with the Downtown Elk Rapids Association, we are sending out a separate listing of job opportunities in the area every Wednesday. If you would like to be included, please post any job openings to the chamber website, (see below) or send an email to: laura@elkrapidschamber.org

Jobs can be posted to the chamber website.
Once jobs are created they are submitted to us for approval
Consumers Energy last year spent more than $2 billion with Michigan-based businesses for a wide array of goods and services. Could your business be one of their suppliers?
 
Pure Michigan Business Connect (PMBC) is partnering with Consumers Energy to host a virtual buyer-supplier matchmaking event.

Click Register Here to register for the webinar.  
Chamber Member News
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Amvets Post #114
410 Bridge Street * Elk Rapids

Thursday, March 17, 2022
St. Patrick's Day Special
Reubens & Fries $8.00
4:00 - 7:00 p.m

Friday Fish Fry
Whitefish $11 🐟 Cod $9🐟 Combo $13🐔 Chicken Tenders $8
All dinners are served w/coleslaw and choice of potato (baked or french fries)
Public Welcome!
Bingo @Short's Pull Barn, 211 Industrial Park * Elk Rapids * 231-498-2300 x3
Ethanolo¿y 🍀 125 Ames St. 🍀Elk Rapids🍀 (231) 498-2800
Join us at the distillery the Saturday after St. Patricks Day for Irish stores and poems, Irish cuisine, and live music. Sláinte!
The Blue Pelican Inn/The Side Door
2535 N. Main St. * Central Lake *
The Nest
5085 Shanty Creek Rd. * Bellaire

Traditional Boiled Dinner
Corned Beef, Cabbage, Red Skin Potatoes, and carrots, served with soda bread for $12.95

Open 4 pm-8 pm.
Green Beer 16 oz drafts for $3.
Pearls New Orleans Kitchen🐖617 Ames St.🐖Elk Rapids🐖231 264-0530


Local's Night @ BOS Wine, Every Wednesday 5-8 pm 
Wednesday through Saturday 12-8 pm, Sunday 12-6 pm, Walk-ins are welcome! 🍷
BOS WINE 🍷135 Ames St. 🍷Elk Rapids 🍷boswine.com
Tiny Traveling Boutique at BOS Wine located at 135 Ames St., Elk Rapids
Elk Rapids Beautique
212 River Street * Lower Level
Elk Rapids (231) 409-4148
King Orchards🍒 Spring Break Sale

King Orchards Farm Market
4620 N. M-88
Central Lake, MI 49622
(231) 544-6479
Did you know you can rent Menswear right here in Elk Rapids?!

Prom Special!
$160 for Suit/Tux Rental
You can start designing your look here:
Then visit Tinker Tailor for measuring and ordering! Now booking appointments for Bridal alterations and Suit rentals!

Tinker Tailor
504 Bridge St. * Elk Rapids
(231) 409-7498
Drop-off/Pick-up services for Dry Cleaning and Laundering by Master Dry Cleaners of Traverse City. Let us do the driving!

Master Drycleaners drop-off/pick-up available at Tinker Tailor.
Martial Arts Classes
Adult Classes now forming for Anyone 18 yrs. to 98 yrs.
Where: Harbor Fitness, 115 Ames St., Elk Rapids
What to expect: Classes are on average 2 hours long.
Classes are scheduled for Tuesday/Thursday from 1 pm - 3 pm
Come wearing comfortable clothing, (sweat pants and a t-shirt). Uniforms are available to order
This class is a practical self-defense program.
Plan on having fun!

Whether your plan is to compete, lose weight, meet new like-minded people or increase your day-to-day life, we will help you get there faster than you ever thought possible while having fun doing it! The benefits of Martial Arts classes are endless. From confidence and self-esteem to discipline and empowerment, whether you're enjoying our Adult Martial Arts classes or our kid's programs, you'll start seeing improvement in mind, body, and spirit in only a few short classes.

Cost: Classes are $40.00 a month for non-gym members and The First Month FREE for gym members. The first week is free to everyone with no obligation.
Please let the Instructor know if you are a Member at the time of Registration.
Classes will start April 5th
Hurry! These classes will fill up fast. Limited space is available! Please contact Rodney at erkungfuss@gmail.com if you are interested in attending the class
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“It’s All About the Water”
Elk Rapids history needs family stories, photos

A new Elk Rapids history book titled “It’s All About the Water: A History of the Elk Rapids Area” is presently in early production, with planned delivery in time for this year’s Harbor Days celebration in early August. Targeted as a companion to Glenn Ruggles’ and Glenn Neumann’s “The First Hundred Years,” the new book will feature stories that describe the unique history of Elk Rapids as it emerged from its pioneer past to become a thriving coastal community through its lifelong connection to Lake Michigan and the Chain of Lakes. As a tribute to those who made it all possible, “It’s All About the Water” will also feature biographical family histories. Book editor Jackie Weber welcomes contributions of words and photographs from residents who live in the Elk Rapids community. Families wishing to be included may contact Jackie Weber at jweber4205@charter.net or P.O. Box 762, Elk Rapids, MI 49629 for submission. Advanced orders for the planned 400-page, 8 ½” x 11” publication produced by locally-owned Bookability of Michigan will be offered at a special pre-publication price after the book is submitted for manufacture. 
Great Lakes Energy Expands Scholarship Program
 
Great Lakes Energy (GLE) is pleased to announce a further expansion of its scholarship program for the 2022-23 school year.
 
Up to six lineworker program scholarships will be awarded annually. This is in addition to the electrical engineering and information technology programs each receiving two annual scholarship opportunities. The scholarships are available for people who live in or around Great Lakes Energy’s service area and are awarded in amounts ranging from $1,000-$3,000 per school year. Continue Reading
Silly Sister’s Pottery Spring 2022 Class Announcement
 
Hi Everyone!  Silly Sister will begin a new round of Pottery Classes (Round 8.0) for March-May, 2022 as detailed here. As usual, classes will be geared BOTH toward newbie potters, as well as continuing potters. Instruction and demos will be geared toward multiple levels of ability, so never worry about getting bored! 
 
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Women's Ecumenical Retreat
Saturday, April 23, 2022
8:30 am-3:30 pm (8:30-9:00 registration)
First Presbyterian Church * 404 Spruce St. * Elk Rapids

"Encourage, Equip, & Energize"
with Peg Arnold, Inspirational speaker, and author, from Windsor, Colorado,
Cost-$25, lunch is included

Peg is a nationally known speaker speaking in Florida, East Coast, Michigan, Colorado, and more. She uses drama, comedy, music, bringing stories to life. Revealing God's love and hope. https://pegarnold.org/

For more information, you can contact:
Judy Brummeler (231) 838-4942 or email her jraeb38@gmail.com
INTERLOCHEN CENTER FOR THE ARTS (ICA) / ART RAPIDS
Community Opportunities – Winter/Spring 2022
 
Be the first to reserve up to 4 FREE tickets for each event listed! Click on the links for a more detailed description of the performance, continue to the link to reserve tickets using the DISCOUNT CODE- ARCCC at the last step of checkout for your complimentary tickets. Select on any event you wish to attend thru Spring 22! This is a wonderful opportunity to experience Interlochen Center of the Arts student performances!!

4/9/22 - Music 
Corson Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

4/14/22 - Music
Corson Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

4/21/22 - Music
Corson Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

4/22/22 - Music
Corson Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

5/20/2022 - Dance
Spring Dance TBA
Corson Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

5/21/2022 - Dance
Spring Dance TBA
Corson Auditorium, 2:00 p.m.
 
5/21/2022 - Dance
Spring Dance TBA
Corson Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.      
Paddle Antrim is now accepting applications for their 2022 Ripple Effect Mini-Grant Program. This bi-annual competitive grant program supports projects that protect the waterways and connect people to them. Potential projects must focus on stewardship, education, or increasing accessibility to the lakes and rivers.
Launched in 2015, this program has awarded over $25,800 to 17 projects that have made an impact on over 10 communities. The Ripple Effect Mini-Grant Program is funded from income earned through Paddle Antrim events such as the Paddle Antrim Festival and kayaking safety classes. To be considered for the grant program, projects must be focused on the Elk River Chain of Lakes watershed or adjacent watersheds which impact Antrim County. Eligible applicants include Michigan-based non-profit organizations or governmental entities.
To be considered, applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM on May 1, 2022. To learn more and download the application visit:
"The View from the Porch"


March Take & Make Crafts Available!

Elk Rapids School News!
Registration is filling up for the Grand Traverse Regional Summer Bike Camp but spots remain in Suttons Bay, Glen Arbor, and Elk Rapids. Register or learn more at: elgruponorte.org/bikecamps
Grass
River
Natural
Area
6500 Alden Hwy ~ Bellaire
(231) 533-8576
check online for other great events: www.grassriver.org
Check out all the upcoming events at Grass River:

Maple Fest
Saturday March 19, 2022 - 11:00am to 3:00pm
Join us as we boil sap to syrup today on the evaporator at the Pavilion at the Grass River Center. Stop by any time and see the process in action of making maple syrup. Ask staff questions and hike on the trail to see where we tap trees, hang buckets and lines, and collect the sap. The Center will be open indoors from 10 am to 4 pm. A limited supply of Grass River Maple Syrup may be available for sale. 
Rotary Club of Elk Rapids Scholarship Application 2022
Three $2,500 scholarships are available to current ERHS Seniors or recent graduates who attend Northwestern Michigan College.
Requirements:

1. Candidate must be a current senior at Elk Rapids Public Schools (either ERHS or Sunrise Academy) or have graduated within the past 3 yrs. and attending Northwestern Michigan College.
2. Candidate must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 at ERHS and or NMC.
3. Two written letters of recommendation must accompany the scholarship request application.
4. The completed application and recommendation letters need to be postmarked no later than April 30, 2022, and mailed to:
Rotary Club of Elk Rapids P.O. Box 814 Elk Rapids, MI 49629
Attn: Scholarship Committee Or e-mail Sherry Steffen, Scholarship Chairperson at stfke109@charter.net

Acme Christian Thrift Store
and Food Pantry
8925 M 72 E. | Williamsburg, MI | (231) 938-2990
March 15th - 19th

Spring is Back at ACTS

Three Reasons to Shop at ACTS

  1. Our Spring clothing is out!
  2. We love serving our community through our Thrift Store & Food Pantry.
  3. Reusing items is good for the environment.

👚Women's Tops on Sale ~ $2.00
🍀Get your St. Patrick's Day supplies
📚Lots of books for National Reading Month
🛒Meijer Simply Give Winter 2022 Campaign.


Accepting donations, see new times
Tuesday - Saturday 10 am- 2 pm
Please call ahead with any furniture or large donations.
Thank you for choosing to donate to ACTS!
Open to the public from noon to 4 pm on Saturdays and 2 pm to 4 pm on Sundays, plus any other time by appointment. You can email info@miravenhill.org or call (231) 536-3369 for reservations. The Smithsonian Labor Days: History of Work exhibit is on display during regular hours or by appointment.
Visit Elk Rapids Website:
CHECK IT OUT!
FOLLOW THE ELK RAPIDS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
🌈☘️That's All Folks! 🍀🌈