The Area Seniors, Inc. (ASI) of Antrim County is studying the feasibility of building and operating a recreational facility on ASI property in Bellaire, serving all of Antrim County, with space for indoor walking, pickleball and community events. Your input would be welcome at our next free community engagement meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. at the ASI Community Center, 102 S. Maple Street. You do not have to sign up in advance. Come and help us plan this new project.
Join us for our annual family friendly pumpkin carving event on Tuesday, Oct. 29 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Art & Connection, 965 Green Street in Elk Rapids. We will have spooky and fun games, pumpkin carving, trunk or treating and lots of food and treats. Please bring your own pumpkin, all other supplies will be provided.
On Sunday, Oct. 27 join Grass River Natural Area at 1 p.m. and invite some fairies to come over for Halloween and stay till Thanksgiving. We will be working with a plastic pumpkin bucket, hot glue and lots of fun fall decorations to create a unique fall fairy house. All materials are supplied for this class. Cost is $10 and you must pre-register due to limited space.
Autumn has brought many changes in the colors here at Grass River. Join Grass River Natural Area at 1 p.m. for Autumn Pastels. The green of the trees becomes gold in the tamarack, red of the maples and rust of beech leaves. In contrast, the animals and birds take on their camouflage plumage. Pastels are the perfect medial to represent this panorama whether it’s bright colors of leaves or the muted colors of camouflage. All materials are supplied and the cost is $10 and you must pre-register because space is limited.
The Upper Torch Lake Association UTLA will host its monthly potluck dinner on Monday, Oct. 21 at the Torch Lake Township Community Services Building, 2355 U.S. 31. Presentation from the Elk Rapids Indigenous Students will be sharing highlights of their summer trip out west. Bring a favorite non-alcoholic beverage and a dish to share. For allergy purposes chefs are asked to bring a list of ingredients. Social hour begins at 6 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m. This is the last meeting for 2024. All are welcome.
Help From My Friends is having its 23rd Annual Chili Cookoff and Silent Auction on Sunday, Oct. 20 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Helena Township Hall in Alden. Restaurants and chefs from around Antrim County donate their chili for this great FUNdraiser. Enjoy a tasty all you can eat dinner while supporting the animals. There will also be a bake sale and 50/50 raffle round out during this event. Tickets are $15 and $5 for kids five to 12 and kids under four eat for free and will be sold at the door. Bring a donation for the community pet pantry and save $2 off your ticket.
True North Vineyard Church is having a fall fest on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Everyone is invited to a day of fun. Enjoy chili cook off, sack races, a photo booth, delicious apple cider, cornhole tournaments, inflatable games, face painting, a pie eating contest, cotton candy and so much more. The church is located at 6035 Twin Lake Road in Mancelona.
Join us at the Bellaire Area Historical Museum (downstairs in the Community Building, 202 N. Bridge Street) for a family histories project work afternoon. Join us anytime from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. to use museum resources and each other to work on your family history. See you there.
Owls are fascinating birds. What is it about the elusive owl that sparks an air of mystery and intrigue? Join Grass River staff on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. as we learn about local owls, their biology, identification, calls and habits. Learn times and places to go searching for owls during day and night. Participants should be comfortable walking outdoors at night for about one mile on uneven trails. Bring a light. Register at Owls of Northern Michigan – NMC Lifelong & Professional Learning (augusoft.net).
Join the Bellaire DDA for a Meet & Greet on Tuesday, Oct. 15 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Bee Well Mead & Cider, 116 N. Bridge Street in downtown Bellaire. Meet the DDA members, get updates on DDA projects, Q & A. Appetizers and beverages will be available. Admission is free.
Join the Bellaire Public Library on Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 6:30 p.m. for an exciting presentation by the Spice and Tea Exchange where we will explore the diverse array of spices perfect for the fall season. While Pumpkin spice often steals the spotlight there are many other flavorful spices that deserve recognition and appreciation. Tea will be served with a few treats that highlight our spice selection. Call the library to register at 231-533-8814.
On Sunday, Oct. 13 at 2 p.m. Paul DeLange, president of Helena Township Historical Society will be continuing his discussion and historical photo presentation from last year about Spencer Creek Village’s History and how it was renamed to Alden. This event is free of charge and is sponsored by the Friends of the Alden District Library and will be held at the Helena Township Community Center, 8751 Helena Road. For more information contact 231-331-4318.
Kalkaska United Methodist Church is hosting its Arts and Crafts Fair on Saturday, Oct. 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be new vendors, baked goods and lunch. The church is located at 2525 Beebe Road in Kalkaska.
The Central Lake United Methodist Church will be having their Swiss Steak Dinner to Go on Saturday, Oct. 12. This is curb side pick up from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Pre-order by Friday, Oct. 11 by texting to 231-676-2989 or call or text orders to 231-350-1914 and leave your name, number of dinners and a phone number and when you arrive outside on Saturday, Oct. 12 call 231-350-2771 and they will run your dinners to your car. Served hot is slow cooked swiss steak in gravy with homemade potatoes and gravy, vegetable, cole slaw, dinner roll and a piece of pie.
St. Mary of the Woods Catholic Church will be holding its 5th Annual Arts & Crafts Show and Accessory Bazaar on Saturday, Oct. 12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 438 County Road 612. There will be a variety of crafts, arts and accessories for sale and bake sale. Lunch is available to purchase. For more information contact Melanie at 231-631-5163.
The Alden’s Harvest Festival will be held on Saturday, Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Alden Tennis Court Park. There will be craft market and kids activities, live music featuring Bridge Street Jazz Band. Also included in the day is a chili cook off that starts at 11 a.m. until sold out. People’s Choice Award featuring seven downtown Alden business’ hot cider and donuts available. Come join this fun event. The festival is sponsored by Alden State Bank and the Downtown Alden Business Association (DABA.)
The Central Lake United Methodist Church will be having their Swiss Steak Dinner to Go on Saturday, Oct. 12. This is curb side pick up from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Pre-order by Friday, Oct. 11 by texting to 231-676-2989 or call or text orders to 231-350-1914 and leave your name, number of dinners and a phone number and when you arrive outside on Saturday, Oct. 12 call 231-350-2771 and they will run your dinners to your car. Served hot is slow cooked swiss steak in gravy with homemade potatoes and gravy, vegetable, cole slaw, dinner and a piece of pie.
On Friday, Oct. 11 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. the Antrim County High Tea for Breast Cancer organization will be hosting an event at the Dockside. There will be an auction and live music featuring Rick Woods. Dine in and carry out proceeds go to ACHT. All are welcome to attend.
