Boyne Business News
The Boyne Business News is produced by the Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce and the Boyne City Main Street Program. To subscribe, unsubscribe or ask a question, reply to this email or call the Chamber at (231) 582-6222 or Main Street at 582-9009. This week’s newsletter is being sent to 1,045 subscribers.
n Santa parade and open houses – videos and photos
n German Christmas Market features 20+ vendors
SOBO, the South Boyne arts district, presents an Old-Fashioned European Christmas Market with art, gifts, food and fun – something for everyone this Saturday, Dec. 5. The German Weihnachtsmarkt-style market will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Water Street Mall, located at the corner of Main and Front Streets. Mr. And Mrs. Santa Claus will visit from 3 to 5 p.m. Music will be provided by Kristin Glasgow, Andy Schmittdiel and others.
EXHIBITORS AND VENDORS: German Christmas Booth by Chris Wacholz; CindiFranco’s Cool Stuff – In-store specials; Sun For The Soul – Stocking stuffers from Lavender Hill Farm; Upsy-Daisy Florals; Leslie and Ron Paul – Lamb yarn, fleece, pelts, roving, spinning; Boyne Arts Collective – Holiday cards, and paintings by Jerry Douglas; Logo Pros/Dancing Threads – Embroidered screening, German decorations; FreshWater Studio – handcrafted designs; Kilwin’s – Specialty Christmas Candies; Spa Gift Baskets by Steve Czerkes; refreshments from Sammich ‘N’ Sudz; Beyond Borders – jewelry and more; Baubles & Beads, Wood Crafting – Lori Cheadle; Cookie vendors; Wreaths by Blue Spruce of Boyne and Julie Stratton; Re/Max – Roasted chestnuts; Diane Gracy – Jewelry and Photos; Soup kettles by Lake Street Market and 220 Lake Street Restaurant. For information, contact Donna Prevost of Sun for the Soul at 582-0410.
n Labor Day school start under fire
From the Petoskey News-Review: While the state government sprints to get the state in-line for a potential $400 million education infusion from the Race to the Top competition from stimulus funds, a proposal to a house bill could eliminate the requirement for schools to begin after Labor Day threatening the Northern Michigan tourism industry. Rep. Tim Melton, D-Auburn Hills, and the chairman of the education committee, sponsored a proposal (in House Bill 5623) to eliminate a state law that was passed in 2005 to require schools to begin after Labor Day. The Labor Day law was enacted to extend the summer months and promote tourism-based business. Rep. Kevin Elsenheimer, R-Kewadin, called the proposal political maneuvering that has nothing to do with the Race to the Top competition. Full story.
> Contact Rep. Tim Melton – toll-free (888) 635-8664, fax (517) 373-5061, email timmelton@house.mi.gov
n Snowmobiles at Avalanche Park debated
From the Petoskey News-Review: A group of city residents is hoping an ongoing master plan-making process will not change long-standing rules that allow snowmobiles to operate in certain areas of Avalanche Park. Speaking at a public input session Tuesday that city officials scheduled specifically to hear community input on the snowmobile issue, a number of people – some avid snowmobile riders, others not – spoke out against a recommendation in the proposed master plan that non-parking areas of the park be made off limits to all motorized vehicles. Full story.
n Bike path meeting planned for Dec. 10
From the Petoskey News-Review: Charlevoix County officials are seeking more input from property owners along Boyne City-Charlevoix Road on a non-motorized path that has been proposed along the road. To that end the Charlevoix County Parks Committee has scheduled a public input session on the proposed path at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, at the Charlevoix Public Library, 220 W. Clinton St., Charlevoix. While the meeting is open for all to attend, Charlevoix County Commissioner and parks committee chairwoman Shirley Roloff said at last week’s county board of commissioners meeting that she organized the meeting specifically to solicit input from as many property owners along the route as possible. Full story.> YouTube video showing Little Traverse Wheelway along M-119.
n Performing Arts Center series tickets available;
Horton Creek plays Christmas Show on Dec. 19
The Boyne City Performing Arts Center is offering Patron Series bargain-priced tickets for its four-show 2009-10 series. All shows will be on Saturday evenings except the Young Americans, which has not been scheduled. Season ticket prices have been reduced to $35 for adults and $20 for students and seniors 65-plus. The series includes:
* Dec. 19 – Horton Creek Christmas Show
* Feb. 20, 2010 – North Michigan Entertainers – Pinky Lee, Northern Nights and the Sun Dogs.
* April 24 – Harry Goldson Sextet 100th Anniversary Tribute to Benny Goodman
* June – Young Americans
> TICKETS are available at Local Flavor, Country Now & Then/Up the Lazy River, and the Boyne Area Chamber office. Credit card orders are accepted at the Chamber. Individual tickets for the December, February and April shows are $10 for adults and $6 for students and seniors. Young Americans are $20 for adults and $12 for students; you can get the entire series for $35 or $20.
> PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS – The Boyne Area Chamber is assisting the Performing Arts Center by producing an expanded program for the four concerts. If you would like to promote your business in all four programs for as little as $50, contact the Chamber at 582-6222.
n Senior Center celebrates with Sunday dinner fund-raiser
The Boyne Area Senior Center invites the community to help celebrate the fourth anniversary of their building with a Homemade Meat Loaf Dinner from 11:30 to 1:30 Sunday, Dec. 6. The Cousins Music Group will entertain, and a bake sale and silent auction will be held. Tickets are $6 for adults and $3 for children. Advance sale tickets are available from 9 to 1, Monday through Friday. The event is cosponsored by Thrivent Financial For Lutherans.
n Shop “kid-free” on Dec. 12 – thanks to Boyne Library
During this busy holiday season, Boyne District Library is offering a little help for parents wanting to spend some time shopping in their home town. Children ages 3 to 8 are welcome to spend a couple hours at the library while their parents shop at local businesses on Saturday, Dec. 12. Parents can shop “kid-free” from 2 to 4 p.m. while their children watch a movie, complete with a snack. “Up,” released on DVD in November and rated PG, will be shown on the library’s large screen in the Community Room. There is no charge for the event. Parents will receive special promotional coupons and materials from local businesses when they drop off their children. Pre-registration is suggested; please call the library at 582-7861.
> Businesses that want to provide coupons or special offers should provide 50 copies to the Chamber office by noon Friday, Dec. 11.
TEEN ACTIVITIES > RuneScape Night for teens will be Wednesday, Dec. 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Boyne District Library. Teens will gather at the library’s computers to play the online game RuneScape, under the direction of teen librarian Jon Baughan.
> The first meeting of the Anime/Manga Club will be held on Friday, Dec. 11 from 4 to 5 p.m. in the library Community Room. This club is for teens who are interested in animation, graphic novels, and comics.
n Boyne City couple take over airport restaurant
From the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance newsletter: Jay Higdon and Lora Muethel, who own and operate Sammich ‘N’ Sudz delis in Boyne City, Charlevoix and Petoskey, have leased space at Pellston Regional Airport, and plan to call their new restaurant, Smokey’s Grille. Smokey’s will emphasize the finest of Northern Michigan in a relaxed atmosphere, featuring Michigan wines, microbrews, and coffees, while presenting gourmet meals created using local beef, poultry, seafood and produce, whenever possible. Smokey’s will highlight the full line of sandwiches from Sammich ‘N’ Sudz in Boyne City, along with steaks, chicken and seafood. More news from NLEA.
n Holiday Business After Hours to be held at Re/Max
Re/Max Resort Properties will host the Boyne Area Chamber’s next Business After Hours at its office located at 111 S. Lake St. from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 17. Cosponsoring the event are CindiFranco’s Cool Stuff and Lake Street Market. No RSVP is needed for this business mixer event. Re/Max has been in the Boyne City real estate business for 17 years and is a full-service office that handles residential, commercial, waterfront, vacation property or vacant land. You can contact them at 582-2400. Cosponsoring the Business After Hours is Lake Street Market, well known for providing “Good things to eat and drink” at 306 S. Lake St. Contact them at 582-4450 for information about holiday gift baskets and catering. CindiFranco’s Cool Stuff, located at 309 Lake St., is a “pleasant place of discovery” offering gifts and home accessories, interior design and redesign and installation services. Call 582-0526 for information. Promote yourself by donating a door prize for this event. Reply to this email or call 582-6222 for details.
> Mark your calendar for the Chamber’s Annual Meeting from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010, at Boyne Mountain.
n FreshWater plans Santa visit, workshop, book signings
FreshWater Studio is planning a series of holiday events at 217 S. Lake St. On Sunday, Dec. 6, McCune and Company will host a Christmas Gift Tag Making workshop from 1 to 3 p.m.; hand make your christmas gift tags; supplies are provided for this free event. “Santa’s Last Stand” will give you and your kids a chance to see Santa one more time from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12; bring your camera. Also on Dec. 12, Mary Ellen Geist will be on hand for a book signing of “Measures of the Heart” from 4 to 6 p.m. On Dec. 13, author and Illustrator Vera Thornton will be sharing original paintings, discussing and signing her book, “Max and Little Bit’s Big Adventure” from 1 to 3 p.m.
n Main Street board nomination deadline is Dec. 9
The Boyne City Main Street Program invites city residents to apply for a seat on its board of directors. The board has two four-year terms expiring. The Main Street approach is a volunteer and grassroots-driven effort dedicated to the health and vitality of Boyne City’s downtown. It promotes building a vibrant Boyne City through historic preservation, community self-reliance and local ownership. Successes of the program include the Downtown Improvement Project, Stroll the Streets, Boyne Thunder, facade improvements, support of a bike patrol program, and management of the Farmers’ Market. If you are interested in serving on the board, a board member application must be completed and returned to Boyne City City Hall by 5 p.m., Dec. 9, 2009. Applications are available at City Hall or the Main Street office, located on the upper level at 112 S. Park St. For more information, call the Main Street office at 582-9009 or email mainstreet@boynecity.com.
n Red Mesa hosts annual benefit breakfast for food pantries
The 13th annual Judy Kuheana Memorial Benefit Breakfast will be hosted by Red Mesa Grill from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. The all-you-can-eat Latin American breakfast buffet is $8 for adults and $4 for kids 12 and under. The Red Mesa Grill, with the help of Judy’s brother Jerry Kelts, has held this event every year since it opened in 1997 and has helped raise more than $20,000 to benefit Boyne Area charities. This year the proceeds will benefit Boyne area food pantries through the Manna Food Project. The breakfast will include the final bidding in the Wreath and Angel Silent Auction, with proceeds also going to the food pantries.
n Boyne Community Christmas still needs donations
The Boyne Area Community Christmas Baskets program is expecting that the need for assistance will be greater than ever this year. Non-perishable, unwrapped food, toys, games, books, clothing and blankets may be dropped off at the Early Childhood Education Center on Pine Street from Dec. 1 through 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Checks may be made payable to Boyne Area Community Christmas, c/o Treasurer Eleanor West, 915 Robinson St. #15, Boyne City 49712. Those eligible for baskets may pick them up Dec. 18 from 3 to 6 pm.. at the Early Childhood Center gym. For further information call Ruth Witenski at 582-3152 or Nancy Hosmer at 582-7165.
n “Boyne Bucks” are good at 31 businesses
The Boyne Area Chamber is again offering the ideal Christmas gift, “Boyne Bucks”. Boyne Bucks can be redeemed at 31 Boyne Area Chamber-member businesses, which are listed below and on the back of all Boyne Bucks. This makes it easy to give a gift that will truly be appreciated, whether it is a dinner, a book, a sweater or a power tool. Boyne Bucks can be purchased from the Chamber office in $10 and $20 denominations. The Chamber encourages businesses to give Boyne Bucks as Christmas bonuses. If your business would like to participate, call the Chamber at 582-6222.
RETAIL MERCHANTS: bali living imports, Boyne Avenue Greenhouse, Boyne City Ace Hardware, Boyne Co-op True Value, Boyne Marathon (next to Glen’s), Boyne’s Beyond Borders, CindiFranco’s Cool Stuff, Country Now & Then/Up the Lazy River, Eyes on Main, F.O. Barden & Son Lumber, FreshWater Studio, Huff Pharmacy, Local Flavor Book Store, Logo Pros (formerly Dancing Threads), Mary’s of Boyne, North Country Cycle & Sport, Progressive Dental, Radio Shack, Red Brick Salon, Studio One Hair Design, Sun For the Soul and Sweetgrass Framing & Gallery. DINING AND FOOD: 220 Lake Street, BC Pizza, Boyne Country Provisions, Glen’s Market (Boyne City), Indo-China Gardens, Kilwin’s Chocolates of Boyne City, Lake Street Market, Sammich ‘N’ Sudz, Up North Party Store and Water Street Café.
n NEWS BRIEFS
HOLIDAY HOBBY CRAFT SHOW will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Boyne City High School. Admisssion is free and refreshments are available. Proceeds benefit the Boyne City Booster Foundation. For information, contact Theresa Robarge at 582-3694.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA will again be hosted by Water Street Cafe at 8:30 and 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12. Seating is limited and reservations are required – call 582-9929.
SANTA AT THE CASTLE – Santa is coming to Castle Farms on Friday, Dec. 11 from 1 to 3 p.m. Enjoy Christmas crafts and games, see the Polar Express train village, and even write a letter to Santa and deliver it in person. $5 per child with tickets available at the door. For more information contact Janelle at 231-237-0884 ext. 235 or janelle@castlefarms.com.
LAVENDER HILL FARMS is hosting its annual Open House at the Farm, located at 7354 Horton Bay Road from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4 and 5. You are invited to a customer appreciation party and last chance to shop for lavender gifts while the store is open. Delicious treats will be prepared by Chef Scott Schornak. Though the store will close for the season, purchases can still be made on the website, www.lavenderhillmichigan.com. Info: 582-3784.
IRISH MUSIC - Musicians and music lovers are are invited to join the fun as Gail Gerrie and Master fiddler John Richey host a the Boyne Sunday Session featuring Celtic/Folk Tunes and Songs at the Sammich ‘N’ Sudz at 202 S. Lake St. in Boyne City from 1 to 3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 6. Musicians are asked to bring their own stools or chairs. The session is held the first and third Sunday of every month. There is no charge for this family friendly musical event that features some of our region’s finest Irish, Folk, Bluegrass and Old Tyme musicians.
INDOOR FARMERS MARKET continues from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 19, at 126 Water St. in Boyne City. Fourteen vendors have been offering seasonal produce, meats, cheese, baked and canned items, honey, maple syrup, and other goodies. The market is a project of the Boyne City Main Street Program. For more information, call Market Manager Jen Lewis, at 420-0996, or the Main Street office at 582-9009. Indoor market video * Photo album
BAKED GOODS – The Team Hospitality Program at Boyne City High School is again offering holiday baked goods. Orders must be placed by Dec. 14. Offerings include Granny Smith Apple Pie for $5 and banana bread (with or without walnuts), hearty brown bread, pumpkin cake rolls, lavender pound cake, apple cherry pecan bread and lemon-scented pound cake for $3 each. Pickup date is Dec. 15 from 3:15 to 5 p.m. Orders may be sent by e-mail to dacrissman@boyne.k12.mi.us, placed with a hospitality student or submitted in the high school mailbox. Make checks payable to Boyne City Hospitality. For information call 439-8153.
BC BUSINESS BLOG includes stories on the European bistro coming to One Water Street, Lake Street Market, Team Boyne, Carey’s Shoes, the Indoor Farmers Market, “Boyne Bounces Back,” SOBO arts and dining district, FreshWater Studio and Classic Instruments.
VISITORS GUIDE – It’s time to reserve your ad in the Chamber’s 2010/11 Visitors Guide and Business Directory, produced by Harbor House Publishers. Direct your ad to 20,000 targeted potential customers in the Boyne area’s top quality publication with a full-year of circulation. For details, call 582-2814 or click here.
OLDE ENGLISH CHRISTMAS LUNCH is a new event this year sponsored by the United Methodist Church at 324 S. Park St. Enjoy a midday meal in the Wesley tradition on Saturday, Dec.5 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets are $5 in advance or $6 at the door. For information call the church office at 582-9776.
HELP FEED THE HUNGRY and Spicy Bob’s Italian Express will help feed you. Donate two non-perishable food items and receive $1 off your order. Food items will be collected through Dec. 15 at the Boyne City store, located at 472 N. Lake St. Donated items will be given to local food pantries. This offer excludes express pizza, and discounts are limited to $5 per week per customer.
STARTING A BUSINESS classes are held monthly by the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance. The next classes will be Dec. 16 at Elk Rapids High School and Jan. 26 at the Petoskey Public Library. The fee is $20 and you must pre-register by calling 582-6482 or emailing info@northernlakes.net. NLEA and its partners also offer a number of business training workshops.
LOCAL NEWS – Charlevoix County News * Petoskey News-Review * Boyne City Gazette * BoyneNews.com * Chamber newsletters
BC WINDOW STICKERS and license plates are available at the Chamber office, Local Flavor and Country Now & Then/Up the Lazy River. Proceeds go to the Boyne City Booster Foundation.
CHAMBER ON FACEBOOK – Add us as a friend – facebook.com/boynechamber.
CHAMBER ON YOUTUBE – 24 local videos – www.youtube.com/boynechamber
JOIN THE CHAMBER - Click here for an application.
SPREAD THE WORD! - The Boyne Business News is free to everyone. To subscribe or unsubscribe, call 582-6222 or email info@boynechamber.com. The newsletter is produced by the Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce, 28 S. Lake St., Boyne City MI 49712 and the Boyne City Main Street Program. Recent newsletters.
