January 2018

Hundreds compete in Michigan’s longest and oldest point-to-point cross-country ski race, scheduled this year for Saturday, Feb. 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The annual event stretches over the hills and through the woods to Shanty Creek Resorts while raising funds for the Children’s Hospital of Michigan. After racing, participants and volunteers gather for a post-race gala sponsored by Shorts Brewing Company in the Lakeview Hotel Grand Ballroom at Shanty’s Summit Village. Race distances are 10K and 20K (the 50K has been cancelled this year).

On the last Sunday of each month, the Bellaire Masonic Lodge hosts a fundraising dinner. This month’s dinner will be held Sunday, Jan. 28, from 4:30-7:30 p.m. The meal includes: Swiss steak, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetable, coleslaw, dinner rolls, hot/cold drinks and dessert. The price is $10. Eat in or take out. Proceeds go to support projects in the community. The Masonic Lodge is located at 4905 Stover Road, just past Mama’s Kitchen Restaurant and across from Craven Park. For more information, call Guy DeWitt at 231-377-7156.

The Grass River Natural Area will host a Winter Owl Prowl at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26 to learn more about the owls’ calls and habits and take a moonlit hike in the woods. The 1.5 hour program is $5 per person. Snowshoes or skis are recommended if the snow is deep. For more information or to register visit grassriver.org/classes-and-programs.html. The Grass River Natural Area entrance is located at 6500 Alden Highway.

Free Family Fun Ski days will be held from 2-3:30 p.m. each Sunday from now through Feb. 11 at the Grass River Natural Area. All are invited to enjoy a warm fire, hot cocoa and free cross-country skiing on the GRNA’s tracked trails. Rental equipment is available by donation at the center and families can sign up for an instructor to guide them through the trails. Call ahead for availability and more information: 231-533-8314 (office) or 231-533-8576 (center).

The Elk Rapids District Library will host local financial advisor Tom Shelder, AAMS, as the speaker in its next “How to Begin …” series, scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18. Shelder will discuss how to start saving for retirement. For more information, call the library at 231-264-9979.

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The Central Lake Adventist Church will host emergency room physician Dr. Bevin Clayton for a special presentation at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 15. Dr. Clayton will discuss “The Entertainment Trap – the effect of media on the brain and how much is too much?” He will also talk about healthier snack options for family night. There is no charge for the event and free food samples will be available. The church is located at 2424 Green St. in Central Lake.