Elk Rapids Area

Chamber of Commerce

"Monday Minutes" Newsletter

Tuesday, December 26, 2023

Chain of Lakes Area

Acme * Alden * Atwood * Bellaire * Central Lake Eastport * Ellsworth * Elk Rapids * Kewadin * Rapid City * Torch River * Williamsburg

WISHING all of you a Happy New Year!

As we reflect on 2023, we are grateful for the support of our members and this great community!

May 2024 bring you peace, success, health, and joy!

Open hours between Christmas and New Year's will be limited. We will monitor voicemail messages and emails, if you need anything, please leave a message and we will return your call. 🎄

CHAMBER WINTER HOURS ARE MON-WED-FRI, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

BE SURE TO READ THE COMPLETE NEWSLETTER ~ LOOK FOR "THE END"

Look at our Cover Girl!

Featured is Barbara McMichael's Happy Road Trip which took her on a journey through the heartland of America, where she discovered oversized animal sculptures and other fun roadside attractions.

Read More: https://www.prforpeople.com/life-style/travel/roadside-attractions-and-other-curios

2023/24 Chain of Lakes Area

Snapshot of Upcoming Events

Where to go, What to see, and

What to do in the Chain of Lakes Area

(Scroll down for details on each event)

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~ Weekly Recurring Events ~

Mondays

~ Mug Club Monday at Short's Pull Barn, 12 - 8 pm

~ Pretzels at Short's Pull Barn, 12- 8 pm

Tuesdays

~ Locals Night at the Foundry, drink, and food specials, 3 pm-close

~ Board Game Day/Night at Short's Pull Barn

~ Tech Help at the ER District Library, 10 am - 12 pm

~ Euchre at Cellar 152, 5 pm

~ Trivia Night at The DAM Shop, 6 pm

~ Pretzels at Short's Pull Barn, 12 - 8 pm

Wednesday

~ Walk-in Wednesdays at ER Animal Hospital, 8 am-12 pm

~ Locals Night at BOS Wine, until 8 pm

~ Euchre at Art & Connection, 1 - 4 pm

~ Community Cornhole Tournament at the DAM Shop, 6 pm

~ Pretzels at Short's Pull Barn, 12 - 8 pm

Thursdays

~ Storytime at the ER District Library, 1:30 pm

~ Tech Help at the ER District Library, 1 - 3 pm

~ Knitting at the ER District Library, 2-4 pm

~ Wine Tastings at Cellar 152

~ Euchre at The Side Door Saloon, 6:30 pm

~ Open Mic w/Nick Vasquez at Torch Lake Cafe', 7 pm

~ Wine Tastings at the DAM Shop

Fridays

~ Storytime at the ER District Library, 10:30 am

~ Live Music at Cellar 152

~ Live Music at Torch Lake Cafe, 7:30 pm

~ Bingo at 6:30 pm, The Side Door Saloon

Saturdays

~ Disc Golf League at the DAM Shop, 3 pm (weather permitting)

~ Team Trivia at the Side Door Saloon, 7:30 pm

~ Live Music at Cellar 152

~ Live Music at Ethanology

~ Live Music at Torch Lake Cafe, 7:30 pm

Sundays

~ Trivia at Torch Lake Cafe, 5:30, Live Music at 6:30 pm

~ Trivia Night at the Foundry Craft Grillery in Elk Rapids, 6 pm

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Dec. 26, Blood Drive at Short's Pull Barn, 12:30 - 6:30 pm

Dec. 28, Wine & Chocolate Pairing at BOS Wine, 6 pm

Dec. 28-29, Grass River Winter Camp, 10 am - 3 pm

Dec. 30, David and Kaysen Chown Concert at Music House Museum, 7 pm

Dec. 31, New Year's Eve Pre-Party at Ethanology, 1-8 pm

Dec. 31, New Year's Eve Celebration at Torch Lake Cafe'

Dec. 31, Bloody Beer Bar at Short's Pull Barn, 12 - 8 pm

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Jan. 1, 2024 Happy New Year!

Jan. 4, Sound Journey at Elk Rapids Yoga Flow, 6:30 pm

Jan. 6, Amvet's Euchre Tournament, 6:30 pm

Jan. 7, Crate Dig-Vinyl Records Sundays at Ethanology, 1 - 5 pm

Jan. 7, Pokemon Club at the Elk Rapids District Library, 1-2 pm

Jan. 7, Free Beginner Knitting Class at ERD Library, 1:30 pm

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Jan. 11, Fly Tyin' Thursdays at Ethanology, 6 pm

Jan. 13, Frostbite Trail at 12 participating locations in Antrim and Charlevoix County, 12 - 6 pm

Jan. 13, Calliope Brass w/N. Lower Brass at Music House, 7 pm

Jan. 14, Free Beginner Knitting Class at ERD Library, 1:30 pm

Jan. 14, Whiskey Blending at The DAM Shop, 6 pm

------------------------------------------------------------Jan. 18, Trivia w/Grass River at Short's Pull Barn, 6 pm

Jan. 19, Surf and Turf Dinner at Lost Cellars, 7 - 9 pm

Jan. 20, Cocoa Crawl Downtown Elk Rapids, 12- 3 pm

Jan. 20, East Bay Drive Band at Music House Museum, 7 pm

Jan. 21, Minecraft Club at the ERD Library 1:15 pm

Jan. 21, Free Beginner Knitting Class at ERD Library, 1:30 pm

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Jan. 24, Foodie Cookbook Book Club at ERD Library, 5:30 pm

Jan. 28, Bloody Beer Bar at Short's Pull Barn, 12 - 8 pm

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Please email laura@elkrapidschamber.org with any updated event dates.

Public Meetings about Our CommUNITY

Tuesday, Jan 2, ER Village Council Meeting, 6:30 pm NEW TIME

Tuesday, Jan. 2, AcmeTownship Board Meeting, 7:00 pm

Wednesday, Jan. 3, ER Parks & Rec Meeting, 6:30 pm

Thursday, Jan. 4, Antrim County Board Annual Organizational Meeting, 9:00 am

Monday, Jan. 7, Elk Rapids Township, 9:00 am

Monday, Jan. 7, ER Harbor Commission Meeting, 6:30 pm

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

Acme Township: acmetownship.org/

Whitewater Township: whitewatertownship.org/

Helena Township: https://www.helenatownship.com/

View the full list of webinars

www.sbdcmichigan.org

For recorded webinars and upcoming workshops: +

https://www.score.org/traversecity/local-workshops

ONLINE LIVE EVENT

01-03-24 - Learn To Use Financial Statements As Tools To Manage Your Business

Wednesday, January 3, 2024, 6:30 pm CSTLearn About The Basics Of Financial Statements For Small Businesses - What Are the Necessary Monthly Financial Statements

ONLINE LIVE EVENT

01-04-24 - Demystifying AI In Marketing

Thursday, January 4, 2024, 6:30 pm CST

Empower Your Marketing: Learn How AI Can Enhance Customer Engagement, Optimize Campaigns, and Drive Growth

Read the Latest News

>> December 20, 2023 Edition

→ Mark your calendars for the Northern Michigan Policy Conference and Annual Celebration Gala all happening on January 19, 2024, at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa. Come for the policy and stay for the party! Tickets are also available to solely attend the Gala in the evening.

→ Last week, the Growing Michigan Together Council voted in support of submitting its final population growth report to Governor Gretchen Whitmer, the Michigan House of Representatives and the Michigan Senate. 

Here's the latest on how Michigan is trying to protect the Great Lakes

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, GREAT LAKES, AND ENERGY

*************************

Big ideas, big actions, and big challenges dominate Michigan’s newly released 2023 Michigan State of the Great Lakes Report. In its 42 pages, the report covers progress cleaning up pollution in the Great Lakes, momentum behind fisheries management in Michigan, strategies to combat invasive aquatic species, investments in clean marine transportation and infrastructure, and much more. >>Read More

New family business bringing 8 new indoor pickleball courts to Grand Traverse Co.

ACME — A sport created almost 60 years ago has been gaining a lot of popularity in recent years. We’re talking about pickleball!

But with winter weather in Northern Michigan, the need for indoor facilities is growing with the sport. >>Read More

MEDC Small Business Survey

To support and understand the needs of Michigan's second-stage businesses, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is conducting a small business survey. This survey will provide invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by second-stage businesses across our state. Please rest assured that all responses will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Individual responses will remain anonymous, and your organization's specific information will be kept private Click here to complete the survey.

MDARD Announces Grant Opportunity for Rural Communities

Proposals are due by 3 p.m. (EST) on January 9, 2024

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is offering a competitive grant program to promote the sustainability of land-based industries and support improving infrastructure in rural communities across Michigan.      

 "The success and long-term prosperity of Michigan's food and agriculture industry is deeply rooted within our rural communities. At MDARD, we're committed to providing support and resources to help our rural communities grow and thrive," said Director Tim Boring. "This grant opportunity prioritizes sustainable practices and infrastructure improvements which will benefit rural communities for years to come." >>Read More

Thanks to the Going PRO Talent fund, more than 800 Michigan businesses will be recipients of a combined $45 million to help them train, develop, and retain current and newly hired employees. The news was announced this week by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO).

The Going PRO Talent Fund serves as a testament to Michigan's commitment to equipping our workforce with the skills demanded by our rapidly evolving industries. This initiative not only addresses the immediate demand for a skilled workforce but also positions Michigan as a national leader in workforce development.

The funds awarded are not just dollars; they symbolize Michigan's commitment to empowering individuals, building thriving communities, and fostering economic growth. By supporting businesses in training workers for in-demand, high-skill jobs, the Going PRO Talent Fund plays a crucial role in propelling Michigan's economic vitality.

In case you missed it, view the full press release here.

December Newsletter Includes:



• Introducing President Payton Heins
• Choose the North: New Webpage
• NLEA's New Revolving Loan Fund
• ENERGY GRANTS: APPLY NOW!
• Housing Readiness Incentive Grant Program
• State Apprenticeship Expansion 2023 RFP
• MEDC Small Business Survey

The Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce is searching for a pro-business, relationship-builder who is an innovative, decisive, and high-energy leader. The ideal candidate will have the vision to help move the organization forward and ensure the Chamber remains relevant in the changing business landscape and the community of the Elk Rapids region.

For more information and to apply: Executive Director

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

• Antrim County Transportation-Driver

Commission on Aging - Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

• Commission on Aging - Homemaker
• County Administrator - Food Service Coordinator
• Sheriff's Department - Corrections Deputy
• Sheriff's Department - Snow Patrol
• Veteran Affairs - Director

• Job Openings:

Forklift Driver

General Labor

Maintenance Processor

Sanitation Worker

Help Wanted:

Part-time Part-time Waitstaff

Branch Office Administrator in Elk Rapids

Dr. Ann Kuenker

Needed: Medical Assistant-Traverse City Office

Seeking:

Licensed Cosmetologist

Looking for:

Shop Supervisor and Shop Employees

Join Traverse City Horse Shows as our Social Media Specialist

Looking for:

Warehouse Supervisor

HIRING FOR ALL POSITIONS!

Village Market * 250 Ames St.* Elk Rapids* (231) 264-5629

Become an Amazon Hub partner. You and your staff will assist in local deliveries while creating extra income for your business. For more information visit https://logistics.amazon.com/hubdelivery/marketing/

BOOK MAKES A WONDERFUL GIFT!

You can purchase the books at Art & Connection, Twisted Fish Gallery, Bayfront Beach and Bike, My Michigan Roots, Nature Connection, and the Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. The price of the book is $25.00.

Torch Lake Cafe' December/January Calendar

4990 US 31 North, Central Lake (231) 599-1111

Blue Pelican Inn * 2535 N. Main St. in Central Lake, MI * (231) 544-2583



Saturday 12/30 NYE Dinner 5-9 pm, followed by drinks and dancing in the Side Door. Sunday 12/31 NYE Dinner 5-8 pm. 4 Course Dinner for 2 or a limited regular menu. Pizza is available at the Side Door or for Take-Out.

Ethanology Distillation * 127 Ames Street * Elk Rapids (231) 498-2800

Join us at the distillery this winter and learn how to tie some flies!

January-March we will host DNR biologist and avid fly fisherman Eric Crissman. The classes will feature 1-2 unique fly patterns and will encompass a multitude of techniques, tricks, and styles. Attending each class will allow you to build on your skills and perfect different fly designs.

All skill levels are welcome, all material will be provided, and if needed, all tools will be provided.

All classes start at 6:00 pm sharp and will end at approximately 8:30.

Suggested donation is $20 to the instructor to cover material costs

The Music House Museum

7377 U.S. 31 North

Williamsburg, MI 49690

(231) 938-9300

Upcoming Events - The Music House Museum

David and Kaysen Chown Live Concert

Saturday, December 30, 2023, 7:00 pm

David and Kaysen Chown join forces for a special concert to benefit the Music House Museum. The two will be performing an evening of Holiday and Jazz Classics on Violin and Piano. >>Read More

The DAM Shop * 118 Bridge Street * Elk Rapids, MI 231-498-5855

Hey pretzel pals!

Swing by the Pull Barn in Elk Rapids every Monday to Wednesday and snag a hot, soft pretzel with dip for just $4.50. But here's the scoop—limited supply, so hustle for that pretzel bliss!

Short's Pull Barn in Elk Rapids

211 Industrial Park Drive

Step right up to our electrifying Bloody Beer Bar! Quench your thirst by grabbing a Bloody Beer from the bar and decking it with our handpicked, lip-smacking garnishes. All this goodness for just $8 - Bloody Beer and garnishes included. But hurry, it's available only while supplies last!

Sunday Funday Trivia in Elk Rapids

Foundry 151 River Street in Elk Rapids

TRAVERSE BAY FARMS

Save money while ringing in 2024 with Traverse Bay Farms Bacon🥓 Fest!

$1 Off Discount on each of the following items made with real BACON!

• Traverse Bay Farms Bacon Ketchup
• Traverse Bay Farms Maple Bacon Jam
• Traverse Bay Farms Bacon Jam

Visit us downtown Elk Rapids at 204 River Street. (877) 746-7477

David & Brothers

Need Interior Painting done?

Need help with moving?

Now that the summer and fall landscaping season is over, David & Brothers are here to help you with moving or painting!

Give them a call today ~ (231) 499-8235

Space for Lease

Located in beautiful Elk Rapids, MI, this 1,947 SF standalone flex office building has a shop and retail/showroom area, which allows for a wide variety of uses. There is a centrally located kitchenette and bathroom which provides a nice separation of the retail space from the shop space. One street over from Ames St but visible from the main road providing good visibility.

https://www.threewest.com/property-listings/?ptype=CM_3&listingID=1911588#

BOS Wine Local's Night

Every Wednesday evening from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Join in for some wine and camaraderie with friends and neighbors.

BOS Wine 🍷135 Ames Street 🍷 Elk Rapids 🍷 (231) 498-2073

Join us for a Wine & Chocolate Pairing on Thursday, Dec 28th at 6 pm featuring Nativo by Thrivu chocolates! Dave will be talking with Gustavo Lascano about their native chocolates made by native hands and how it pairs with BOS Wine.

Your ticket includes a tasting of 4 wines and a chocolate pairing along with a discussion with Gustavo and Dave. Tickets are available here: https://www.exploretock.com/.../wine-chocolate-pairing. We’re looking forward to seeing you there!

Register for upcoming classes and workshops on our website! Check back often as we will be posting more classes and workshops



https://www.artandconnection.org/register-draft

Available Classes

• Thurs. Jan 11, Decorative Lettering
• Fri. Jan 12, Vintage Metal Embossing
• Thurs. Jan 18, Start to Draw
• Tues. Jan 23, Paper Quilling to Embellish Words

Art and Connection🎨965 Green Street 🎨Elk Rapids🎨 (231) 498-2522

2023 Holiday Season at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa

ACME, Mich., December 1, 2023 – It's the most wonderful time of the year and Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is your home for the holidays. Enjoy a Christmas feast, cross items off your shopping list, visit with Santa, and ring in the new year! Here is a list of this year's holiday specials and events.

New Year's Eve                   

We are kicking off 2024 in a grand way! Travel the world this New Year's Eve as we take you on a journey around the globe. Join us for our New Year's Eve Around the World package to ring in 2024. Guests who book a two-night or three-night package will indulge in a delectable selection of international cuisine featuring dishes from Mexico City, Tokyo, Venice, Paris, Nashville, and New York City. Dance the night away to live music from the John Pomeroy Band and as the clock strikes midnight, raise a glass and toast to the New Year. Party-only tickets are also available.

Looking for a more intimate and romantic option for New Year's Eve? Make a reservation in Aerie Restaurant & Lounge and enjoy our pre-fixe menu and live music. A New Year's Day breakfast buffet will also be available in Aerie on January 1, 2024. Make your reservations online or by calling 231-534-6800. 

Spa Holiday Special

Self-care can go a long way, especially during the holidays. Whether you are celebrating an office get-together or a reunion of friends this season, make your celebration a cozy and relaxing one at Spa Grand Traverse. This December and January, let us pamper your group with exclusive discounts for the most wonderful time of the year! For groups of four or more, buy one treatment per person, and get a second 20% off. For availability, contact Chloe Leach at 231-534-6756 or chloe.leach@gtresort.com.

Resort and Spa Gift Card

Looking for the perfect gift or stocking stuffer? Purchase a Grand Traverse Resort and Spa gift card! Gift cards can be purchased at the Concierge or online. Digital gift cards for Spa Grand Traverse are available here.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Grand Traverse Resort and Spa!

NO MONDAY MEALS IN DECEMBER

Thanks to the Ladies Auxiliary for all they dALL ARE WELCOME!

Amvets * 410 Bridge Street * Elk Rapids (231) 264-5182

#LoveThatAveda 25% off* everyone's self-care favorites this season!  Stop by to shop the Aveda 25% off event going on through the month of December Offer valid 12/1-12/31

204 Traverse Street

Elk Rapids 231-264-8277

Elk Rapids Yoga Flow * 212 River Street * Elk Rapids

 elkrapidsyogaflow.com * 231-463-4556

Book your Next Yoga Class today at

www.elkrapidsyogaflow.com/schedule

404 Bridge Street, Elk Rapids (231) 264-8184

www.indulge-elkrapids.com * FACEBOOK PAGE

DECEMBER HOT DEAL

Customer Appreciation Event

The celebration continues through December. Specials all month long!!

~ 25% off All Retail

~ Purchase $50 in Retail Products, Get an Entry into a Prize Drawing

~ Purchase $100 in Retail Products and receive a Complimentary Gift 

~ Spa Package $216 

   Includes: (1) 60-minute Massage (1) 60 minute European Facial

(1) Basic Pedicure (1) Basic Manicure

GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE

Message from Judith ~

I hope you're able to enjoy some quality time with friends and family during this season of Thanksgiving. 

To help keep you moving through the holiday, come join me on Black Friday, November 24 for Vinyasa Yoga at 9 am at 508 Elm Street. You can buy a punch card for $10 off when you come. Join us!

For Class Schedule and Recipes READ FULL NEWSLETTER



For more information about our services check out our website at erbodywise.com and check out our updates HERE.

Waterside Wellness Schedule Alert 

Updated October - December Schedule!!! Starting Monday, October 23rd!

Two new evening options Tuesday at 5:30 pm and Thursday at 6:30 pm.

All group guided sessions will now be available via live streaming!

Private sessions also available online.

Book online through https://www.vagaro.com/watersidewellness

Grass River Natural Area 

6500 Alden Hwy ~ Bellaire

(231) 533-8576

check online for events: www.grassriver.org

2-Day Winter Camp

Thursday, December 28 and Friday, December 29, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, Ages 7 to 12, $80 per camper for 2-day camp, limited space, must pre-register!

Grass River Natural Area will be hosting a 2023 2-day winter camp for children 7 to 12 years old. Your children can spend their winter break building a snow shelter, tracking animals along the boardwalks, building a campfire, or enjoying the view along Grass River - perfect for the child who loves the outdoors in winter.  https://www.grassriver.org/winter-ca

Jewelry donations are accepted also at the library during business hours.

Tis the season to give books!

If you need to clear out some space on your bookshelves, The Book Cellar is happy to take those books off your hands. All donated books sold help fund programs and equipment at the Elk Rapids District Library.

Thank you for your support!

https://www.friendsoftheelkrapidslibrary.org/the-book-cellar

300 Isle of Pines

Elk Rapids, MI

(231) 264-9979

www.elkrapidslibrary.org

Library happenings, the newest of the new titles, upcoming events, Friends of the Library updates, and more!



Read the Latest Newsletter

DECEMBER NEWSLETTER

Events at the ERDL!

See their website calendar for schedules

Follow school and sporting events events on the Elk Rapids School Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/erschools

www.erschools.com

School Calendar: https://www.erschools.com/downloads/district_files/year_at_a_glance_23-24_-_final.pdf

Athletics Calendar: https://www.erschools.com/schools/elk-rapids-high-school/athletics/athletics-calendar/

Fall/winter hours - The Center will be open noon to 4 pm Saturdays; 2 pm to 4 pm Sundays and other times, including holidays, by appointment. Give a call if you are interested in visiting! Call 231.536.3369 or email info@miravenhill.org to make appointments to visit other times, including major holidays.

>>>>>> Click to Read Full Raven Hill Newsletter

Read the December 26, 2023 Newsletter

We have skis, snowboards, sleds, and winter gear available now!!

Christmas items will be at the lowest price starting

Tuesday, December 26th.

Stop in for a deal!

Thrift Store Hours

Tuesday - Friday 10 - 5 pm * Saturday 10 - 3 pm

Thrift Store 231-938-2990 * Food Pantry 231-267-3002

ACTS * 8925 M-72 E. * WILLIAMSBURG

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