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Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce

Monday Minute Newsletter

May 27, 2024

Chain of Lakes Area

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

Guide to Newsletter

• Chamber Events
• Snapshot of Upcoming Events
• Local Government News and Public Meetings
• Business Information and Resources
• Job Listings
• Events/Classes/Workshops
• Member News/Specials/Information
• (Members are listed alphabetically)

Arts & Crafts

10 am - 4 pm

Downtown Elk Rapids

APPLICATIONS

Every Friday | June 7 - October 4

8 am - Noon

305 U.S. 31 N Elk Rapids

APPLICATION

Applications are open for the upcoming Arts and Crafts Shows and the Farmer's Market. For any questions, please email

Mary Lakin or call the chamber office at (231) 264-8202.

Mark Your Calendars!

Visit the WEBSITE for more information and to sign up for your space on the street!

Fischer Insurance is celebrating their move to its new office located at 103 River Street in downtown Elk Rapids. As a local and family-owned business for over 50 years, they care deeply about our region and the people in it. Visit their website, fischerins.com to see how Fischer can help you with all your insurance needs.

From left to right: Loretta Fedewa, Nicole Hill, Chris Bueby, Joe Fischer, Joe Sr. and Tammy Fischer, Chris White, Mark Irwin, Michael Wnek, and Kathy Peterson.

River Street Dog opened their new business in December 2023 and they haven't stopped since. Located at 114 River Street, Unit C in downtown Elk Rapids they are visited daily by dogs and their owners. They have done amazing things with the space, it's fun to visit even if you don't have a pet! Visit their website, riverstreetdog.com or stop in today.

From left to right: Maddie Zell, Kellie Sergent, Katy Caddy, Leah Moskovitz, Karen Simpson, Anja Gierlach (owner), Cindy Price, Shaun Quinn, and Becky Morin (Owner).

Traverse Bay Farms is celebrating the opening of their new satellite retail store just down the street at 129 River Street in Downtown Elk Rapids. Winner of 42+ National Food Awards, stop in to sample nationally award-winning salsa, jams, salad dressings, and more on Fridays and Saturdays! You can view all their products at traversebayfarms.com.

From left to right: Anja Gierlach, Kellie Sergent, Katy Caddy, Kathy Peterson, Cindy Price, Becky Morin, Shaun Quinn, Alaina (manager), Jennifer and Andy LaPointe, Joe Fischer, and Karen Simpson.

Aurora's Cottage is now the home of Nature Connection located at 137 River Street in Downtown Elk Rapids. Owner Monica Cory owned Aurora's Cottage across the street for 2 years before purchasing Nature Connection. Still offering all the things we love about Nature Connection, we can't wait to see what Aurora has in mind! View the FaceBook page for updates.

From left to right: Becky Morin, Katy Caddy, Karen Simpson, Kellie Sergent, Shaun Quinn, Monica Cory (owner) Cindy Price, Kathy Peterson, Michael Wnek, Andy Lapointe, and Leah Moskovitz.

Masala Magic by Anita celebrated her new business with a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting at Townline Ciderworks. Anita is offering her authentic Indian cuisine to the Chain of Lakes Region for the season. You can't help but enjoy the delicious food and drinks created by Anita who is a joy to meet. View the menu HERE and stop in soon, tastes great with cider!

From left to right: Emily and Eli Petrovich, Aaron Hill, Shana Wojtowicz, Terry and Sarah Miller, Divyang Chhunchha, Anita Jogi (Owner), Mira and Rishabh, Kristie Altonen (owner-Townline Ciderworks), Gary and Jane Stauffer, and Rick Bellingham.

Public Meetings about Our CommUNITY

Tuesday, May 28, ER Village Council Meeting, 6:30 pm

• Agenda and Zoom Instructions

Monday, June 3, ER School Board Meeting, 5:30 pm

• check website

Check out Announcements and Community News on the Village Website HERE

The Village of Elk Rapids is now a Social District.



What does that mean? For more information visit:

https://elkrapids.org/elk-rapids-social-district/

Email laura@elkrapidschamber.org with any questions.

Brush pickup will begin on April 1, 2024, and will continue on the FIRST MONDAY of each month until November. Chippable items only, tree branches, nothing over 5 inches wide, between 4-5 feet long, stacked neatly at curbside, with the butt end out.

Village of Elk Rapids

Elk Rapids Township

Milton Township

Torch Lake Township

Antrim County

Acme Township

White Water Township

Helena Township

ANTRIM COUNTY: EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

• Antrim County Transportation-Mechanic
• Commission on Aging - Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Commission on Aging - Homemaker
• County Administrator - Food Service Coordinator
• Sheriff's Department - Corrections Deputy
• Maintenance-Custodian

BURNETTE FOODS: Job Openings:

• Forklift Driver
• General Labor
• Maintenance Processor
• Sanitation Worker

CHANG EXPRESS: Help Wanted, Part-time Part-time Waitstaff

ELK RAPIDS GOLF CLUB: Small Engine Repair Tech

ELK RAPIDS MARINA: Dock Hands

GILL-ROYS HARDWARE: Cashier

GRASS RIVER NATURAL AREA: Fund Development Assistant

INDULGE ELK RAPIDS DAY SPA, Seeking Licensed Cosmetologist

MASALA MAGIC: Customer Service /Food Handling FT/PT

MICHIGAN LAKE PRODUCTS: Looking for:

Shop Supervisor and Shop Employees

NORTE YOUTH CYCLING: Elk Rapids Community Liaison

TOWN CLUB: Hiring Front of House

URBAN DIVERSIONS: Looking for: Warehouse Supervisor

VILLAGE MARKET: HIRING FOR ALL POSITIONS!

MDARD Director Applauds $8 Million USDA Investment to Strengthen Michigan's Food Supply Chain Infrastructure

Grant applications are available until June 17, 2024



LANSING, Mich. - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has announced a cooperative agreement with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI) investing $8 million in competitive grant funding. Through this agreement, USDA and Michigan are working together to award grants for projects designed to build resilience across the middle of the state's supply chain. MDARD is accepting applications for RFSI grant funding through June 17, 2024.>>Read more

The Community Foundations's economics of placemaking

The downtowns of both Port Huron and St. Clair are enjoying the economic impact of recent placemaking projects which lure young people, couples, and families to just hang out and linger. >> Read More

Elevate grants help small Michigan businesses level up

Some small businesses in Michigan are getting big help from FHLBank of Indianapolis and its Elevate Small Business Grants. Although headquartered in Indiana, FHLBank of Indianapolis has a network of over 300 member institutions and offers grants to bolster economic development and community revitalizations throughout Indiana and Michigan. 

>> Read More

How Michigan aims to get more tourists from Germany, UK

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Michigan is working to bring more tourists into the state, both from across the country and internationally.

The Michigan Strategic Fund Board on Tuesday approved 11 grants, totaling around $360,000, most of which will go toward developing websites for local travel destination organizations. Three West Michigan communities will be receiving some of that money. >> Read More

Child Care Solutions Showcase Offers a Regional Plan of Action

NORTHWEST LOWER, MI – A new plan offering practical solutions to childcare challenges in northwest Lower Michigan will be presented at a Child Care Solutions Showcase scheduled for multiple locations in the region during the month of May. The Showcase event will highlight the challenges and opportunities for child care in our community, including current policy initiatives. Solutions for businesses, local governments, and other organizations to increase access to quality care will be presented. The event will also serve as a way to facilitate community conversations about the next steps.

Supported by a grant Networks Northwest received from the Early Childhood Investment Corporation's (ECIC) Child Care Innovation Fund, the Northwest Regional Child Care Planning Coalition spent the past year looking at the capacity and quality of the current childcare system, the childcare preferences of parents, and the needs of the business community. The Coalition also looked at barriers to increasing access and affordability, and strategies for policy, funding, and programs meant to overcome these barriers.

Four options are available for attending the Child Care Solutions Showcase. Live, in-person events will be held May 21 in Traverse City, May 22 in Cadillac, and May 29 in Petoskey. There will also be a regional virtual option via Zoom on May 28. Business leaders, government officials, community leaders, and anyone seeking to improve our childcare system are encouraged to attend.

There is no charge.

Registration and more information are available at, nwm.org/ChildCareShowcase

For recorded webinars and upcoming workshops: +

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

ONLINE LIVE EVENT

Business Plans Made Simple

Tuesday, May 28, 2024, 12:00 pm CDT

Create a Roadmap for Business - the Simple Way

ONLINE LIVE EVENT

How To Create A Marketing Plan For Your Small Business

Thursday, May 30, 2024, 1:00pm EDT

In this webinar, you'll learn how to create a marketing plan, define your brand, determine your audience and find where to advertise to get a positive return on investment

Read the Latest News

>> May 22, 2024 Edition

Outdoor Recreation & Innovation as an Economic Driver

Discover the fascinating synergy between outdoor recreation and technology at our second Economic Strategy Session on Wednesday, June 5, at the Hagerty Center. Our panelists will offer insights into the practical applications of technology in outdoor recreation, community development, and environmental conservation. Gain valuable perspectives on sustainability, regional connectivity, and economic growth. 

Don't miss this chance to engage with industry experts, expand your network, and gain a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of outdoor recreation in the Grand Traverse region. >> Reserve Your Seat

→ According to data collected in the Spring Economic Ecosystem Report, Traverse City's business sector is continuing to grow. Despite positive trends, the barriers to growth continue to be staffing and housing. 

→ Local residents are encouraged to attend events at the Traverse City Horse Shows this summer to see future and past Olympic athletes before the competition in Paris.

Join ACD and local artist Kathy Amerman to learn and practice the skill of creatively mending worn apparel and other textiles. According to the EPA, 11.3 million tons of textiles from municipal solid waste were landfilled in the United States in 2018. We hope to inspire you to repair worn clothing instead of replacing it; unique and attractive mending reduces waste and saves money! 

Materials will be provided at the workshop, and we encourage participants to bring an item that needs mending. 

Space is limited and registration is required! Sign up at  tinyurl.com/ACDmending or call (231) 533-8363 x7.

>> Click HERE for more detailed information and artists at Art Beat!

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



REGISTER FOR CLASSES/WORKSHOPS

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

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 MAY Newsletter

See their website calendar for schedules

NOW AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE!

Elk Rapids Harbor Days New Merchandise `



Pick up yours today at either the Chamber or

Art & Connection.

Of course, our favorite is the Swan sticker!

Calling all boat enthusiasts! Come one, come all to Elk Rapids Marina, and join us for a day filled with live music, great food, and a stunning display of boats. All boats will be at one location.

Proceeds from this event benefit Elk Rapids Harbor Days.

Click HERE to register your boats.

Kindergarten Registration

for the 2024-2025 Elk Rapids school year! 

Call now to sign up for your child's screening. 

Lakeland (231) 264-8289, Screening Day, Thurs. May 30

Call 231-264-8289 or email Principal Angie Nichols, anichols@erschools.com

Mill Creek (231) 267-9955, Screening Day Tues. May 28

Call 231-267-9955 or email Principal Kim Kramer, kkramer@erschools.com

Tickets are on sale now!

You have two opportunities to join us at Maple Bay for a garden tour and fundraiser:

Tuesday & Wednesday, June 12 & 13, 5:30-7 p.m.

Tickets are $25 per person, and there are only 25 spots available each night. (NOTE: Each night will be the same presentations, so there's no need to attend both nights.)

The garden party will include:

• Maple Bay Farmhouse tour
• Organic gardening tips
• Elk Rapids Garden Club presentation
• Information on the NW Michigan Food Rescue
• Garden party attire--including hats--is encouraged!

>> Buy tickets here! <<

Golden Hill Farms 2-Year Anniversary Celebration

Saturday, June 1, 2024, 5 - 7 pm

Join us in celebrating 2 years in our downtown location! Drinks, snacks, desserts, music, and plenty of friends & neighbors to share the excitement with! We will also have 20% off all Golden Hill Farm swag as well as some “golden” favorites!

131 River Street * Elk Rapids

Grass River Natural Area 

6500 Alden Hwy ~ Bellaire

(231) 533-8576

check online for events: www.grassriver.org

Weekly Wildflower Walk

Every Tuesday, 10:30 am (1.5 hrs), Free to attend, donations gratefully accepted

Take a leisurely stroll through the scenic trails of Grass River Nature Area alongside knowledgeable docents Lyn Petty and Phil Jarvi. Discover the stunning variety of wildflowers and learn to identify their unique beauty. As we wander keep an ear out for the delightful melodies of the birds that call Grass River home. Join us every Tuesday at 10:30 am to see new flowers in bloom. Donations are gratefully accepted.

Grass River Native Plant Sale

Saturday, June 8th at Grass River, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Native plants are incredibly important to native wildlife. Join us for this one-day sale event.

​You can get plants in two ways:

1. Pre-order garden kits below with 38 plugs of a variety of species meant for a 4'x 10' garden. Then, pick them up on the day of the event, June 8. Orders need to be placed by June 3.

2. Show up the day of the event (June 8) to purchase single species quarts at the Grass River Center. They are first-come first-served until stock runs out, so arrive early if you want your pick of all the species available! 

All plants are locally grown and native to Michigan. Sales from this event help to support Grass River's important conservation work. And, you help local wildlife by planting native plants in your yard!

TEACHER SPECIAL



~ ENTIRE MONTH OF MAY ~

Teachers receive 10% off a European Facial

Indulge Elk Rapids Day Spa

404 Bridge St. -

Elk Rapids

(231) 264-8184

Kewadin Community Church is sponsoring our 2nd Annual Mexican Dinner on Wednesday, June 5 from 5 pm-7 pm. It will include Burritos, Tamales, Rice, Beans, and our delicious dessert, Tres Leches! There will also be several salads on the menu. Recommended donations, Adults $15, Children 5–12 y/o $7, Children under 5 y/o Free. Come hungry and we hope to see you there!

Take Out is also available.

Sip & Paint at Lost Cellars!

Thursday, May 30, 2024, 5:30-7:30 pm

Grab your friends for a fun evening of food, wine, and painting. 

All painting materials are provided, so you will have everything needed to create a beautiful piece of art. Sean Gallagher will guide you through the painting process step-by-step.

$50 includes your 1st glass of wine and all painting materials. Food items including pizza available for purchase.



More details to come! Call (231) 499-4755 to reserve your spot today. Seating is limited.

Merrie's Market 🌸7993 E. State Street 🌸Central Lake 🌸(231) 544-3300

Music House Museum

David Chown Special Solo Concert

Saturday, June 8, at 7:00 pm.

Acclaimed northern Michigan pianist David Chown will once again be back at the Music House to take people on a historical adventure through piano highlighting the great singer/songwriters of the 70’s. David is a well-known Traverse area pianist who owns and operates Lookout Music Productions, is co-owner of MusicHub.Live, and teaches audio technology at Northwestern Michigan College. He has released 5 albums of piano music, and 3 albums with Miriam Picó, and is a regular performer and supporter of the Music House Museum.

We hope to see you there! Go to MyNorth Tickets or musichouse.org to purchase tickets.

Norte Youth Cycling

Programs

2024 Spring Mountain Bike Club

Sessions available from 05/06/2024 - 06/06/2024

2024 Spring Balance Bike and Pedal Power

Sessions available from 06/03/2024 - 06/13/2024

2024 Summer Bike Camp

Sessions available from 06/10/2024 - 08/22/2024

2024 Summer Friday Mechanic Classes

Sessions available from 06/21/2024 - 08/16/2024



VIEW CLASSES Call (231) 668-2734 for more information

2024 Paddle Antrim Festival

September 12-14, 2024

Registration is Open !



The Paddle Antrim Festival celebrates the amazing waterways and communities of Northern Michigan. The Festival includes a two-day paddle event through the Chain of Lakes Water Trail in Antrim County. This choose your own adventure event provides the opportunity for you to paddle one or both days and decide how far to travel. There are exits strategically placed along the route so you may go anywhere from 7 miles to all 42 miles, making it an event for both beginner and the advanced paddlers. Local events begin Thursday evening with food, music, and great times and continue through Saturday when we end with a bang at the Final Bash hosted by top sponsor Short’s Brewing Company. Friends, family, and the entire community are welcome to join for the local events. For more information, go to www.paddleantrim.com/festival/

Exciting news! Our May newsletter is out, and we've just unveiled our complete summer schedule! Don't miss out—take a look today and make sure to subscribe if you haven't already!

Paddle Antrim May Newsletter

Join us on Saturday, June 1st, at Bellaire’s Richardi Park for a paddling season kick-off on Intermediate River, followed by a gathering at Short’s Beer Garden. We look forward to kicking off our 10th paddling season with friends and supporters. The community paddle portion of this event will run from 2:00 – 3:30 pm, followed by a gathering at Short’s Beer Garden just down the road from 3:30 – 5:00 pm. This event is free and open to the public. >>Read More

COMMUNITY CENTER

DEDICATION AND OPEN HOUSE

Saturday, June 15, 2024 - The Salvation Army of Petoskey will hold a building dedication ceremony followed by an open house for the new Community Center located at 2350 Mitchell Park Drive in Petoskey. The dedication ceremony will begin at 10 am followed by refreshments and building tours through 12 pm. 

Open House Event Information

Summer doesn't start until we say so—throw on your summer shorts, grab your camp chair, and join us for the perfect summer evening (rain or shine!) on the lawn by Grand Traverse East Bay.

We'll be pouring Short’s Brews and Starcut Ciders and will have a bevvy of N/A bevvies at your command. You can stuff your face with tacos, BBQ, coney dogs (and more) on-site if you need something to satiate (other than our luxurious liquids). Release your wiggles with live music from DaVeonce & The Funk Gang, Kanin Wren's "Taylor Swift Experience" and Elizabeth Reed.

Must be 21 with a valid photo ID to enter.

Short's Pull Barn🍺211 Industrial Park Drive in Elk Rapids.

Smart Commute Week | June 3 - 7



Ditch the solo drive and find freedom, friends, fun, and maybe a new way to get around. The week is packed with events for mixing and mingling, or dashing in and out, at free daily breakfasts and a fun community commuter challenge. 

Learn more HERE. Read the latest Tart Trails NEWS.

Tiny Traveling Boutique >>Storefront

703 Ames Street in Elk Rapids

Featuring "Late Night Fridays" at the shop. 

Open 11-8 pm every Friday from Memorial Day to Labor Day. 

Follow on FACEBOOK for updates

Torch Lake Cafe*4990 US 31 N.*Central Lake*(231) 599-1111

Join us as we unveil and celebrate our new 2022 Riesling! Made with SIP-certified grapes, this wine bursts with fruit and citrus flavors. We will have a paired food offering available (menu coming soon). Northern Blessings Alpaca Farm is also celebrating with us! Come pet the alpacas and shop at their alpaca fleece store. The last time the alpacas were with us, they were full-on fluffy. They will have just been sheared this time, so visit them and check out the difference. This is a family-friendly day at the vineyard. We hope to see you then!

WaterFire Vineyard🍷 12180 Sutter Road in Kewadin🦙 (231) 498-2753

The Golf Outing is scheduled for August 25 at Antrim Dells.

STAND OUT, BE ORIGINAL

THERE ARE SOME FUN ITEMS TO BE SCOOPED UP!

Read the May 27, 2024 Newsletter

Acme Christian Thrift Store

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

The American Legion Post #350 in Elk Rapids is collecting donations for a Bucket Raffle and Auction.

Items may be new or old, but unused in the box, for example gifts received but not used, or purchased for an event or a cash donation.

Proceeds will go to fund training for County Veteran Service Officers, student programs such as Boys and Girls State and student dictionaries which are handed out year to the third graders in the Elk Rapids and Bellaire school districts. Your donation will help tremendously to continuing our programs.

Questions about our raffle or programs call or text George Siwirski (231) 360-0607.

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. Building is located one street over from Ames St but visible from the main road providing good visibility.

Click to see Listing

David & Brothers

Need Interior Painting done?

Need help with moving?

David & Brothers are here to help you with moving or painting!

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

We are open and in full swing for the season! Stop in and check out our supplies, or visit our newly updated website for prices and inventory. www.ertoolrentals.com

Located at 11550 U.S. Hwy 31 S. in Williamsburg

Accepting Donations Now!

Do you have necklaces and earrings you don't wear anymore?

Did you inherit or were you gifted jewelry that's not quite your style?

Would you like to support the Elk Rapids District Library and the work they do in and for the community?

Please consider donating your new and gently worn jewelry to the Friends for our 2024 Glamour, Glitter & Glitz sale! All funds earned support library programs and needs. Donations are accepted at the library during business hours. Please contact us if you have any questions!

>> >> Continue Reading Page 2

Shear Canine Pet Spa in Elk Rapids

Taking appointments now for

. $10 Nail Trims while you wait.

Please stop by. Located near Gill-Roy’s Hardware.

121 Bridge Street, Elk Rapids

Short Resume’ :

30+ Years experience

-Previously Primary groomer American K9 Travers City (2016-2021)

-Owner/Operator Shear Canine Pet Salon .. Saginaw (Shields), Mi (1996-2015)

-Groomer/handler. Hunt Club Kennel & Cattery, Virginia Beach, Va.

Groomer, handler of AKC Champion Bichon Frise’s. 1988-1995

-9-year Navy wife. A staunch supporter of active military, veterans, and 1st responders.

- Total animal lover.

Call and make an appointment today (231) 231-499-1577

TINKER TAILOR "DRESS VAULT"

Tinker Tailor will be launching the Dress Vault. They have heard our community and their need for formalwear, and this is the perfect way to provide those beautiful outfits we only wear once. The current collection will be featured through June, so stop by anytime to shop.

Tinker Tailor * 125 River St. * Elk Rapids * (231) 409-7498

Torch Lake Bed & Breakfast

on Beautiful Torch Lake

Now taking reservations

(231) 599-3400

www.torchlakebb.com

Facebook Page

Torch Lake Vineyard Retreat

at Waterfire Vineyard



Do you dream of a vineyard vacation in a secluded setting? Sampling wines and connecting with how they are made? Touring wine country?

Take a Peek!

Northern Michigan IN-HOME Primary Care

Waterfront Wellness is a *NEW* and *UNIQUE* local VIP Primary Care practice that travels to you, providing IN-HOME visits. >>Read More

Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce

info@elkrapidschamber.org | (231) 264-8202 | Website