Elk Rapids Area
Chamber of Commerce
"Monday Minute" Newsletter

May 31, 2022

Chain of Lakes Area
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

May 31, Inaugural Village Citizens Academy
June 1, Coffee with Village Council, 6–7:30 pm
June 2, Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening for Amy Kate Designs & Golden Hill Farm 5- 7 pm
June 2, Paddle Antrim Season Kick-Off w/Short's Brewing at Rotary Park and Short's Pull Barn 5:30 - 9:00 pm
June-August, Discovery Camp at Raven Hill Discovery Center
June 4-11 Art Beat with ER Art Galleries
June 7, Nature Trivia Night Grass River @Short's Pull Barn 7 pm
June 10, Opening Day ER Farmer's Market 8-12
June 10-12, Wooden Boat Show
June 10, The Accidentals Concert @HERTH 8-10 pm
June 11, Free Fishing Weekend ~ Kids Day at Kids Pond
June 11, Household Hazardous Waste Collection 8-12 in ER
June 11, Strawberry Social and Auction, WUMC 3:30
June 16-19, Farm Fresh Fathers Day weekend @Myrtle
& Maude's
June 17-18, Music House Antiques & Collectibles Sale
June 18, Green Elk Rapids Nature Fest 11 - 3 pm
June 19, Strawberry Festival @Alden Depot Park 12 pm
June 21, Paddle Antrim, Kids Kayaking Clinic @12 & 2:30 pm
June 22, Paddle Antrim, Kayaking Essentials @1 & 5 pm
June 23-24, Luke Buck's Watercolor Workshop-Raven Hill Center
June 25, Art Rapids! Concert, "Remembering Patsy Cline" @ Peterman Auditorium @ 7 pm
June 29, Free Fishing Expo, 5-7 pm @ Harbor Pavilion
June 29, Evening on River Street, Dags und Timmah! 6-9 pm

To view all the events, Visit our Website Calendar!

April 15-Sept 25, Green ER Exhibit @ Dennos Museum
Traverse City Horse Shows June 8-September 18
ER Farmer's Market every Friday, June 10- Oct. 7, 8-Noon
Wednesday Evenings on River Street June 29-Aug.10, 6-9pm
June-August, Discovery Camp at Raven Hill Discovery Center

**************
Please email laura@elkrapidschamber.org with any updated event dates you may have!
Ribbon Cutting from True Blue Gallery in Alden
True Blue Gallery is featured at their new location, 9046 Helena Road in Alden. Their summer hours are from Tuesday to Saturday from 11:00 am-5:00 pm. Stop in and see all the wonderful art featuring over thirty-five local and regional artists and also get information to help keep Torch Lake Blue!
From left to right:
Peg Comfort, Jill Scheitler, Barb Lockery, Beth Dole, Trish Narwold, and Emilee Syrewicze.
Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening

131 River St. * Elk Rapids

Thursday, June 2, 2022, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Please join us as we celebrate this great addition to River Street!

http://www.amykatedesigns.com/
With the Arts & Craft Shows and Evening on River Street events coming up, we are in need of volunteers to help in many different ways.

If you are interested in these fun events, please contact Mary at the chamber 231-264-8202 or mary@elkrapidschamber.org

Also, we need storage space for tables, chairs, games & tents for the Evening on River Street event...we are looking for space downtown Elk Rapids or a covered trailer to use for 7 weeks this summer. Please contact Mary if you can help us out! Thank You in advance!
Public Meetings about OUR CommUNITY


Thursday, June 2, Antrim County Board Meeting, 9 am
Thursday, June 2, Special ER Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting, 6 pm
Agenda Discussion on Elk Lake Inn Variance Request
Thursday, June 2, ER Parks & Recreation Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
Monday, June 6, Village Council Meeting, 7:00 pm
Monday, June 13, Special Planning Commission Meeting, 6 pm
In case you missed it, here is the recording from the May 18, 2022 governance training as well as the website that MSU Extension put together for the village.
A huge THANK YOU to all who participated, village officials and citizens alike! We are grateful MSUE led a great session on good governance practices that village officials can take and apply in their roles.
The Village of Elk Rapids is putting together its first Citizens Academy! This Academy is designed for anyone who lives or works in the Village. Presented by the Village Council and Staff, it is an opportunity to learn about how things work around town while improving communication, access, and understanding. Participate because you are curious or to better prepare for a citizen leadership role. Informed citizens help shape the future of Elk Rapids. Upon completion of all 4 sessions, participants will receive certificates and be awarded “Citizens Academy Ambassador” status..... Continue Reading for more information and application.
COFFEE WITH COUNCIL SCHEDULE 2022/2023

The Village Council is excited to announce four upcoming Coffee with Council Events for the upcoming year! Join your elected officials to talk about ideas for our community. We look forward to hearing from community members on how to plan for our future!
  • Wednesday, June 1, 2022, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at the Harbor Pavilion
  • Tuesday, August 30, 2022, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at the Harbor Pavilion
  • Saturday, January 14, 2023, from 9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m. at the Government Center
  • Tuesday, April 11, 2023, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at the Government Center
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

FUNDING AVAILABLE TO HELP NORTHWEST MICHIGAN SMALL MANUFACTURERS ADOPT INDUSTRY 4.0 TECHNOLOGIES

May 25, 2022
Small manufacturers in northwest Lower Michigan looking to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies can apply for grants of up to $25,000 as part of Michigan’s $3 million Industry 4.0 Technology Implementation Grant program. Networks Northwest will award grants to a minimum of four businesses in northwest Lower Michigan. Grants will be reimbursement-based and will cover up to 50 percent of eligible technologies, including additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics and automation, and more......Read More
202 E. Grandview Pkwy. Traverse City
(231) 947-5075

CLICK FOR: EVENTS CALENDAR
Belonging Is Good for Business - Building a Culture that Sticks
This DEI session will feature business leaders from a variety of perspectives and experiences, including those from the LGBTQ+ community who span generations while exploring what a more inclusive work environment feels and looks like.

We are thrilled to have Ayanna Clinton of Dykema as one of our panelists. Learn more about Ayanna here: www.michamber.com/dei-ayanna-clintonbio/

REGISTER NOW: 
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.

MiLEAP can provide unemployed, underemployed individuals or dislocated workers short-term education and training opportunities to provide a pathway to a high-wage job.
Find out how at nwm.org/MiLEAP. #MiLEAP
Michigan Small Business Opportunity!
The Going PRO Talent Fund is an opportunity for Michigan small businesses to get support when it comes to training current & new hires.

Learn more and find your local Michigan Works! Association office by visiting https://www.michiganworks.org/michigan-works-network

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 on the chamber website, (see below) or send an email to: laura@elkrapidschamber.org

Chamber Member News
TRAVERSE CITY HORSE SHOWS LAUNCHES NEW CHARITY TICKET PROGRAM

Spectators Welcome in 2022
Traverse City Horse Shows (TCHS) is thrilled to welcome spectators back to Flintfields Horse Park in 2022. In honor of once again being able to share its events with local families, visitors, and show jumping fans, TCHS is launching a new spectator ticket program designed to give back to regional charities.
Throughout the spring, summer, and fall, each of the 12 Sunday Grand Prix events will benefit a local charity. All proceeds generated from general admission ticket sales will be donated to each week’s charity.
“There is no better way to show our gratitude for the support of the local communities than by giving back to the organizations that serve them,” said Matt Morrissey, Director of Traverse City Horse Shows. “We appreciate what they do and hope that this program will further advance their causes while encouraging their patrons to come out and enjoy the horse shows.”
TCHS is still accepting charities to participate in the Ticket program. Interested organizations should reach out to Audra Jackson, Director of Community Relations at audra@traversecityhorseshows.com or (231) 835-1650.

View the complete schedule at https://traversecityhorseshows.com/events/
Tickets will be available for purchase at TraverseCityHorseShows.com beginning June 1.
Think of Elk Rapids'
"HIDDEN GEM --- HERTH"
Historic Elk Rapids Township Hall
for your special event!
Located at 401 River St., Elk Rapids
Call (231) 498-2273 for information
or to make a reservation.
More than you might expect! View website: ertownhall.org
Re-scheduled to June 10!
The Accidentals Concert
Saturday, June 10 2022 8:00-10:00 p.m.

Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall
401 River Street, Elk Rapids


The Accidentals are an American band, formed in Traverse City, Michigan in 2012 by singer-songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Sav Buist and Katie Larson. The group has featured an eclectic blend of indie-folkpopbluegrassrockclassical, and other genres. They have released four full-length albums, three EPs, and two live albums.
ART BEAT - CELEBRATING EIGHT DAYS OF ART IN ELK RAPIDS
 
Elk Rapids’ three award-winning art galleries have been serving patrons on a combined basis for over 65 years! This vast experience, assures their guests of outstanding service, knowledge, and assistance in enjoying and selecting great art.
Long known for their ART BEAT gallery tours at the beginning and end of each summer season, the 2022 spring event has been expanded to cover eight days!

Mullaly’s 128 Studio & Gallery in downtown Elk Rapids, Blue Heron Gallery on the east side, and Twisted Fish Gallery, just south of town, will celebrate their long history of serving the arts by offering a fun, “Eight Days of Art” promotion from June 4 - 11, 2022. When visiting the galleries during these eight days, you will be invited to enter a drawing for a $100 gift certificate at each gallery. In addition, each gallery will be offering exciting art demonstrations and opportunities to meet visiting artists. During ART BEAT, the galleries will be open daily from 11 am to 5 pm, and from 11 am to 3 pm on Sunday, June 5th.
This exciting event is open to everyone, so visit one of our great galleries soon to learn more!
You still have time.....The survey has been extended until Saturday, June 4, 2022.
We really value your input. If you have already done so -- Thank You!
Mark your calendars!
Storytime is back Friday, June 3rd at 10:30 a.m. at the Elk Rapids District Library.
"The View from the Porch"
Click to read the June Newsletter
Find out about Bonfire & Books, Summer Reading, and the Library of Things
and news from the Friends of the ERDL
Did you know the book cellar has DVDs? LOTS of them! They include TV sitcoms, Star Trek series, the X-Files, Dallas, The Honeymooners, Get Smart, and many more. This is only a few; we'll be putting out more when space opens up.
We also have many new cookbooks and home improvement/decorating books. Popular fiction, romances, and biographies are also plentiful. Children's and young adult books are overflowing, as are large print and audiobooks!
Music House Museum
10th Annual Antique & Collectibles Sale
Friday, June 17, and Saturday, June 18, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Consigners Wanted: We will be on-site Saturday, June 11, and Tuesday, June 14, 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.,to provide you with instructions and tags for your items. A usage fee of $20 is to be paid at this time.
Intake of items will take place on Thursday, June 16, 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Questions/comments may be directed to Dorothy Clore (phone: 231-331-6587)

Music House Museum | 7377 US 31 N., Williamsburg | (231) 938-9300
New Class ~ Step and Stretch

Begins Tuesday, May 31, 2022, 10:30 am`
(Every Tuesday thru September)

Get ready for a fun and active class that will help you build endurance, flexibility, strength, and mobility, while getting to meet new (or old) friends!

We will begin with an approximate 2 mile/4000 step walk through beautiful downtown Elk Rapids. Our warmup walk will bring stunning views of the lake and parks in our area while we build community and get to know each other!    
 
Back in the studio, we will incorporate gentle stretching, balancing, and cool-down postures to round out your perfect movement routine.  
Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and of course layers!  
 
Note: Class will be held regardless of weather conditions!! We will be in the studio for the full hour if the weather doesn't permit it.  Class may go 75 minutes if schedules allow.
Sign up at elkrapidsyogaflow.com or call 231-463-4556 for questions
Join Tart Trails for the 28th annual Smart Commute Week, June 6-10!

Bike, walk, bus, share. Commit to a week of smart commuting = get rewarded with free daily breakfast from our awesome local businesses. Enjoy tons of fun events, giveaways, and prizes. Form a team or fly solo-- ain't nothin' to it but to do it!

Bodywiseerbodywise.com
Celebrating 20 years in business – 2002-2022
231-264-6688

SUMMER SCHEDULE IS HERE!

BEACH YOGA
Fridays at 9 AM
Wake up to a beautiful sunrise practice at the Elk Rapids Memorial Park Beach! Set your gaze on beautiful Lake Michigan, listen to your heartbeat and expand your breath. You will leave this class recharged and feeling great!

YOGA AT THE HARBOR
Mondays and Wednesdays at 9 AM
Held at the Elk Rapids Jack Blesma Harbor Pavilion, if you are looking for that class that has the progression to take you to a new level of fitness and enhanced mindset, you have found it! We practice hip openers, back extensions, standing balances and arm balances. Each class will feel like a fresh sequence that gets you ready for the day.

GENTLE YOGA
Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:30 AM
Held at the Elk Rapids Jack Blesma Harbor Pavilion, this class is great for those looking for a safe place to take a gradual approach to fitness. Taking care to enhance your general body maintenance and mobility. We will ease into better balance and coordination. Using breath and steady motion will leave you with a clear state of mind.

PILATES CORE & CARDIO
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 AM
Held at the Elk Rapids Memorial Park Beach, this class is evolving. It's a blend of methods, but fun and effective! After years of teaching, this is Judith’s own combination of exercises. The Pilates Method combined with a medley of strength, balance, and cardio exercises. Please bring a set of weights, 3-6 pounds.

Sit down with Judith to evaluate your next best step to feeling better. Call or visit the website: erbodywise.com/coaching
LAST DAY TO GET YOUR FREE LED LIGHTING!
We've partnered with OEO Energy Solutions to offer free LED 4' Tubes, Warehouse, and Outdoor Lights to replace your existing fluorescents. Simply fill out the following form by May 31sthttps://oeoezled.oeo.com/michigan-led-program/
These are perfect for:
Office-Warehouses -Big Box -Industrial -Churches -Retail -Gymnasiums - Pole Lights and More
You will receive the lights at absolutely no cost through Consumers Energy's sustainability program (Consumers pays OEO directly). The only requirement is that you have a Consumers Energy Business account and that the number of lights ordered does not exceed the number currently in use. 
Paddle Antrim Invites You to Kick off the Paddling Season with Short’s Brewing Company
Paddle Antrim is excited to kick off the paddling season on the Chain of Lakes Water Trail with a special community paddle and gathering in Elk Rapids with Short’s Brewing Company.

On Thursday, June 2, Paddle Antrim and Short’s Brewing Company invite you to join us for a community paddle on Elk River launching from Elk Rapids Rotary Park followed by a gathering just up the road at the Short’s Pull Barn.

This special gathering is the celebration of what will be another exciting season on Northern Michigan’s only state-designated water trail. A community paddle will take place from 5:30 – 7:00 pm on Elk River followed by a gathering featuring live music, food trucks, and delicious beverages at Short’s Pull Barn.....Continue reading


Elk Rapids Classic & Wooden Boat Show
June 10 & 11, 2022
Download forms to participate -- Who's Ready !!
Ready for a Sunset Dinner evening supporting Elk Rapids Harbor Days? Go to https://elkrapidsharbordays.org/ to purchase tickets for this June 10th event today! Limited availability! For complete menu details, follow the link to Forms and Applications Boat Show.
The Harbor Days Team is looking for Sponsors and Advertisers for the 2022 event! This is a great opportunity to get to locals and visitors with your message, as well as support your local festival. Harbor Days events and Carnival draw thousands to our community to eat, drink and play that weekend. Details on levels and benefits of each level are in the forms attached here. 

Enjoy a Festive Saturday in the Park! 
Want to pet a snake? Hear the storyteller? Forage for things to eat? Hear a Quick Talk on timely topics? Then come to NATURE FESTJune 18, from 11 a.m.-3:00 p.m., a family-friendly event featuring 40+ nature-oriented organizations promoting healthy people and a healthy planet. In beautiful downtown Elk Rapids' Veterans Memorial Park, adventurers, friends, and family can visit exhibits and booths, hear noted speakers, join kids' activities, enjoy refreshments and explore new ideas. Hosted by Green Elk Rapids - greenelkrapids.org


Elk Rapids School News!
ELK RAPIDS SCHOOLS
From the Superintendent’s Desk
Dear Families and Community Members:

Did you hear the news? At the regional track meet this spring, the high school girls’ 4 x 200 relay team (Nevada Molby, Paige Fosdick, Aleah Manley, and Hunter Shellenbarger) broke the school record that stood for 43 years! Molby (100 meters), Shellenbarger (200 meters), and Sarah Zamaites (400 meters) each placed first in their respective events and are individual regional champions! And, the Elk Rapids High School tennis team, ranked 7th in the state, claimed the school’s first-ever regional title, winning six of eight flight championships! These last few weeks of the 2021-2022 school year, the tradition of excellence in our student-athletes on the field continues with the softball team earning honorable mention at the state level, and the soccer team heading into the playoff season as the 5th ranked team in the state.  ..........Continue Reading
The Elk Rapids Schools Bond Construction Website is up and running! 
Grass
River
Natural
Area
6500 Alden Hwy ~ Bellaire
(231) 533-8576
check online for other great events: www.grassriver.org
Blooms & Birds: Wildflower Walk
Every Tuesday, 10:00 am (2 hrs)
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, we will listen and look for the birds that call Grass River home. Every Tuesday at 10 am

Wetland Wildflowers
Thursday June 2, 2022 - 1:00pm (2hrs), Register through NMC Extended Education: nmc.augusoft.net
The wildflowers of Michigan's wetlands are unique and striking. Take a walk through Grass River's boardwalk trails that give you access to some of the most exquisite wetlands in northern Michigan as we learn the natural history and conservation of these gorgeous flowering plants. Register through NMC Extended Ed nmc.augusoft.net

Naturalist on the Trail
Fri, June 3, 10:30am – 1:30pm
Every Friday this summer a naturalist will be stationed outdoors on our trail system, offering a new mobile mini-program each week. Stop into the Center to find out where the naturalist is that day, or go find them on the trail! You can drop in any time during the 3-hour window of the program. For all ages! Donations welcome.

Native Plant Sale
May 31-June 4, 2022


Every donation or purchase at the Acme Christian Thrift Shop allows us to help our neighbors in need within the food pantry. Enjoy everyday low prices at the thrift shop!

This week.....$10 OFF Any Furniture Item $15 or More
Shop for a cause!

This sale runs thru Saturday, June 4th.

Accepting donations
Tuesday - Saturday 10 am- 2 pm
Please call ahead with any furniture or large donations.
Thank you for choosing to donate to ACTS!
Acme Christian Thrift Store and Food Pantry
8925 M 72 E. | Williamsburg, MI | (231) 938-2990
Check their Facebook Page --
So many great ideas and information!
Summer hours will be in effect between Memorial Day and Labor Day, when the Center is open weekdays from 10 am to 4 pm daily, plus regular weekend hours. Raven Hill is open year-round to the public from noon to 4 pm on Saturdays and 2 pm to 4 pm on Sundays, plus other times by appointment. You can call 231.536.3369 or email info@miravenhill.org for reservations.
Visit Discover Elk Rapids Website:

FOLLOW THE ELK RAPIDS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The End!