Bemidji BuyLine | March 16, 2024

Watermark Art Center offers Kids Printmaking Camp

BEMIDJI — Registration is now open for Watermark Art Center’s Kids Printmaking Camp from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on

Friday, March 29, at Watermark, 505 Bemidji Ave.

Participants will create several projects while exploring various printmaking techniques combined with other artsy, and possibly messy, mediums, a release said.

This camp is geared toward kids aged 6 and older.

The class fee is $36 for Watermark members or $38 for non-members.

Registration is required.

Scholarships based on financial need are available for campers. Scholarships are awarded on a first-come first-served basis, so campers are encouraged to apply for them by Friday, March 15.

Information and registration are available online at watermarkartcenter.org/event/ printmaking-camp.

World’s Shortest St.

Patrick’s Day Parade set for March 17

BEMIDJI — The World’s Shortest Parade is set for 3 to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 17, in downtown Bemidji.

The 78-pace parade will start at Brigid’s Pub, 317 Beltrami Ave. NW, and end across the street at Keg N’ Cork, the first Irish pub on the Mississippi. Community members and their pets are invited to dress in their favorite parade regalia and join the parade to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style.

The parade typically attracts hundreds of spectators to downtown each March.

Anyone interested in bringing a float can contact Tyler at Keg N’ Cork for details. More information can be found on the event’s Facebook page.

Bemidji Parks and Rec to hold Shamrock Shuffle 5K

BEMIDJI — The city of Bemidji Parks and Recreation Department will host a Shamrock Shuffle 5K or 10K with the race starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 16, at Hampton Inn and Suites, 1019 Paul Bunyan Drive S. Participants can run this 5K or 10K challenge in person or virtually. Runners will go in two waves, one for the 10K runners and one for the 5K runners.

Chip timing will be done through Duluth Timing and breakfast and awards will be held after the run.

Prizes will be awarded to in-person and virtual participants for overall top finishers, finishers by age group and to all of the participants ages 15 and under, a release said.

There will be no sameday registration this year

and race bags will need to be either mailed or picked up before March 15.

The cost per person is $30 and participants must pre-register by 3 p.m. on Friday, March 15. For more information or to register contact (218) 3331862 or visit www. ci.bemidji.mn.us.

This event is sponsored by Paul Bunyan Communications and Sanford Health.

the shop willy nilly and 10% of all sales will be donated to Great River Rescue,” a release said. For more information, visit the Pinot and Puppies event page on Facebook.

Northern Artist Association to host Community Artistic Adventures

BEMIDJI — The Northern Artist Association

Annette Meyer. March 16, from 2 to 4 p.m. - “Painting Landscapes Working From Photos” acrylics with Gillian Bedford.

• March 23, from 10 a.m. to noon - “Copper Engraving” multimedia with Diana Collison-Jones.

• March 23, from 2 to 4 p.m. - “Tree of Life Pendant” jewelry with Kathy Sanders.

Basics” watercolor pencil with Les Sanders.

Pinot and Puppies event to raise funds for Great River Rescue

BEMIDJI — A Pinot and Puppies event will be held from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, at Brigid’s Pub, 317 Beltrami Ave NW.

”We will have wine (not just Pinot) catered by Brigid’s Pub; puppies from Great River Rescue will be running around

will host a Community Artistic Adventures series on Saturdays, March 16 to April 20, at the Historic Carnegie Library, 426 Bemidji Ave N. These free classes are for participants age 18 and older. Registration is required as class size is limited.

Attendees can choose from the following classes: March 16, from 10 a.m. to noon - “Sunset on the Lake” acrylics with

April 6, from 10 a.m. to noon - “Mini Stenciled Signs” acrylics with Lily Hadrava.

• April 6, from 2 to 4 p.m. - “Desk Pencil Holder” basketweaving with Eileen Spilman.

April 13, from 10 a.m. to noon - “Paper Birch Tree” watercolors with John Winter.

• April 13, from 2 to 4 p.m. - “Glittering Birch Branches” multimedia with Amara Bedford.

April 20, 10 a.m. to noon - “Watercolor Pencil

April 20, from 2 to 4 p.m. - “Felted Froggie” needle felting with Lanee Paulson. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota, through a grant from the Region 2 Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. To register, stop by the Tourist Information Center or visit www. ci.bemidji.mn.us.

For more information, visit northernartistassociation.com/classes.

Laporte American Legion to hold Irish Food Festival

LAPORTE — The Laporte American Legion Auxiliary will host an Irish Food Festival fundraising event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 17, at the Laporte Town Hall next to the water tower.

”Come and enjoy the flavors of Irish stews and soups, Irish bread, cake and a beverage,” the release said. Baked goods will also be available to purchase.

First City Squares 2023-2024 dance schedule

BEMIDJI — The First City Squares will host dances from 2 to 4:30 p.m. on Sundays each month through May at the Bemidji United Methodist Church, 924 Beltrami Ave

NW. Dances are set for the following dates: March 17 with Tom Allen calling

• April 21 with Brian Freed calling May 19 with Abe Maier calling

All square dancers, those wishing to dance and spectators are welcome to join the fun. A potluck dinner will follow each dance.

For more information, call Scott in the evenings at (218) 766-3544 or Carole during the day at (218) 766-9346.

Cass Lake Auxiliary to hold soup and pie sale

CASS LAKE — Cass

Lake American Legion

Auxiliary No. 284 will host a soup and pie sale fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 17, at the Cass Lake Senior Center, 219 Cedar Ave.

Attendees can choose between St. Patrick’s Dayinspired Reuben soup, creamy chicken wild rice soup or chili. The soup will be accompanied by fresh homemade bread and pie, a release said.

The cost is $8 per person. All proceeds will go toward funding the American Legion Auxiliary Scholarship, Veterans care breakfasts and local community projects, the release said.

NMF seeks applicants for Training and Education Fund

BEMIDJI — The Northwest Minnesota Foundation is seeking funding proposals for its Training and Education Fund to provide financial support to nonprofit organizations and leaders in northwest Minnesota.

Preference will be given to efforts that build leadership knowledge, skills and capacity, a release said.

Eligible expenses may

include staff and board training; travel and conferences; consultant hiring; strategic planning; leadership training; diversity, equity and inclusion training; organizational or systems audits or other efforts that help make nonprofits more efficient and viable for the long term. Eligible applicants are nonprofits, public agencies and tribal

organizations located within the Northwest Minnesota Foundation service area that includes Red Lake and White Earth Nations along with Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Kittson, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake Falls and Roseau Counties. Grant applications will be accepted on a rolling

basis until funds are exhausted. The maximum grant award is $2,500.

To learn more about this round of funding, visit the Grants page on the NMF website, www. nwmf.org.

To apply, submit a letter of interest at form.jotform. com/240566812579163.

Northwoods Habitat for Humanity offers tree care program

BEMIDJI — Northwoods Habitat for Humanity is offering “A Brush With Kindness” tree care services for qualified low-income homeowners in Beltrami and Clearwater Counties.

According to a release, applicants must be less than 60% of the median income for Beltrami and Clearwater Counties as well as meet other qualifications outlined on the application.

“Since the storm of 2012, we have continued to hear from homeowners that the cost of removing and replacing damaged and dead trees is far beyond what they can afford,” Executive Director Geri Hickerson said in the release.

The Serving Community Forests by Assisting Low-Income Homeowners Program provides assistance for:

• Removal of damaged/ fallen/dead trees. Replacement of trees. Planting of trees if none exist.

• Trimming and treatment of damaged, diseased trees.

“This grant funding allows us to assist low to moderate-income homeowners maintain their property which, ultimately, benefits our community,” explained Hickerson in the release. “Wellmaintained trees benefit communities by reducing pollution in lakes and rivers and removing airborne pollutants. Additionally, areas with more trees have reduced rates of respiratory illness, cardiovascular disease and childhood asthma rates (US Environmental Protection Agency).”

The program is made possible through grant funding from the

Pioneer file photo

Northwoods Habitat for Humanity is offering tree care services for qualified low-income homeowners in Beltrami and Clearwater Counties.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the USDA Forest Services and the Northwest Minnesota Foundation.

The application period will be open now through June 1.

The program

application is available online at habitatbemidji. org/treecareprogram.

Interested residents may also call the Habitat office at (218) 751-4649 or email adminhfh@paulbunyan.net for more information.

Parks and Rec to hold

Basic Life Support classes

BEMIDJI — The city of Bemidji Parks and Recreation Department will hold Basic Life Support classes from 5 to 8:30 p.m. on Mondays, March 18 and April 22, at the BSU

Gillett Wellness Center, 1801 Birch Lane NE.

This class is geared toward pre-hospital providers such as EMTs, paramedics, firefighters and in-facility hospital providers. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive a course completion card, valid for two years.

During this class participants will learn:

• High-quality CPR for adults, children, and infants

The AHA Chain of Survival, specifically the BLS components • Important early use of an AED

Effective ventilations using a barrier device

Importance of teams in multi-rescuer resuscitation and performance as an effective team member during multi-rescuer CPR

Relief of foreign-body airway obstruction (choking) for adults and infants BLS Initial / Renewal Course takes approximately 4.5 hours to complete, course time is based on one instructor, six students and two manikins.

The cost is $130 per participant. Register online at www.ci.bemidji.mn.us or call (218) 333-1857 with any questions.

Four Pines Bookstore to host author Robert Saxton

BEMIDJI — Four Pines Bookstore will host a book signing with local author Robert Saxton from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20, at Bemidji Brewing, 211 America Ave. NW.

Saxton’s debut novel, Shades of a Warrior,

follows ninth-grader, BJ, as an evil presence starts a killing spree near his Lake Superior home. With strange messages guiding him, BJ embarks on a quest that leads him to a mysterious warrior from five hundred years in the past, a release said.

Saxton is a husband, father, EMT and educator. He has taught youth everything from foreign languages to wilderness survival skills, native plant harvesting and selfdefense, the release said.

He is well-known in the Bemidji community and lives in the Northwoods of Minnesota with a dozen chickens, two big dogs and one small wife. Their three children are out in the world making it a much better place, the release said.

The event is free; no registration is required.

More information can be found at fourpinesbookstore.com.

Northern Artist Association to hold monthly meeting

BEMIDJI — The Northern Artist Association will hold its monthly meeting at 10 a.m. on

Monday, March 18, at the Bemidji Eagles Club, 1270 Neilson Ave. SE.

”If you would like information to become a member, please join us,” a release said. “The public is welcome to attend and encouraged to invite a friend.”

For more information, call Grace at (218) 5561042 or visit www.northernartistassociation.com.

Laporte School to host spring craft sale March 23

LAPORTE — The Laporte School will host a spring sale fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, at the school, 315 Main St. W. The event will feature over 50 vendors,

handmade gifts and a plant and soup sale, a release said. There will also be pictures with the Easter Bunny and a kids’ Easter egg hunt at 11 a.m. Proceeds will go to the school’s spring sports program.

For more information or to host a booth, contact Activities Director Caitlin Hadrava at (218) 2242288 ext.1041, or email caitlin.hadrava@laporte. k12.mn.us.

Community contra dance set for March 23

BEMIDJI — Bemidji

Contra Dance will host a community contra dance at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, at Rail River Folk School, 303 Railroad St. SW.

Contra dancing is a lively, traditional social dance that originated in New England and is now done all over the United

States, a release said. The community is invited to learn and dance to live music by Leatherwood of Bemidji, with calling by Wendy Greenberg.

Everything is taught by the caller and experience or partners will not be necessary. A free-will donation of $5-10 is suggested but not required.

For more information, visit the Bemidji Contra Dance Facebook page.

Headwaters to host discussion with Will Weaver

BEMIDJI — Bemidji

author Will Weaver will host a discussion with area book clubs at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 24, at Headwaters Music and Arts, 519 Minnesota Ave.

NW. Will Weaver’s newest novel, “Power & Light,” follows a Norwegian emigrant family’s arrival in North Dakota. This event is open to

book clubs from around the Bemidji area. Attendees should bring their best ideas and questions, a copy of the book for Will to sign and a tray of their club’s best bars to share, a release said.

Participants are also encouraged to bring artifacts or memorabilia from 1930s farm life to share with other attendees.

Beltrami Electric to host Home Energy Efficiency Expo

BEMIDJI — Beltrami

Electric Cooperative will host a Home Energy Efficiency Expo from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, March

21, in the Beltrami Electric Community Room, 4111 Technology Drive NW.

At this free event, homeowners can enhance their understanding of energy-saving strategies and explore the latest advancements in home electrification, a release said.

There will be an open house from 4 to 6 p.m., with a special presentation scheduled from 5 to 5:30 p.m. The event is designed around three key pillars: learn, earn and share.

Attendees will learn about how the Inflation Reduction Act tax credits and rebates can be leveraged to enhance home energy efficiency and electrification measures. Experts will be on hand to guide participants through the various financial incentives available to support these initiatives, the release said.

Participants can earn by meeting with energy experts from Beltrami Electric Cooperative and Otter Tail Power Company to explore a range of rebates, innovative programs and incentives aimed at reducing energy

bills. ”Delve into the world of heat pump technologies with expert guidance,” the release said. “Learn how these advancements not only save you money but also contribute to improved home comfort.”

Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet with fellow homeowners who have successfully undertaken energyefficiency improvements. Homeowners can share experiences, insights and challenges to collectively promote sustainable practices within the community.

Beltrami Electric Cooperative has partnered with Otter Tail Power Company, Citizen’s Climate Lobby – Bemidji Chapter, Clean Energy Resource Teams and Sustainable Bemidji for this expo.

For more information, contact Ayla Lyseng at alyseng@beltramielectric.com or (218) 444-3689.

BCHS Brown Bag History to host ‘Scottish Highland Bagpipes’

BEMIDJI — The Beltrami County Historical Society will host bagpiper John Egelhof as the speaker for its Brown Bag History event at noon on Thursday, March 21, at the History Center., 130 Minnesota Ave. SW.

Egelhof will unravel the captivating history of

Scottish Highland bagpipes, the national instrument of Scotland, dating back to 1400, a release said.

Attendees can discover the intricate details of bagpipe construction, learn about the materials that bring these instruments to life and explore the fascinating history behind their melodic tunes.

”Originally hailing from Staten Island, N.Y., Egelhof’s journey with bagpipes began as a teenager, drawn to the instrument through exposure to Irish music,” the release said. “With a background playing in various bands in New York City and later joining the New Hampshire Law Enforcement Association Pipes and Drums, John continued his piping journey after relocating to Bemidji in 1997.”

Egelhof has taught at the Headwaters School of Music and Arts and played with local bands. He is available for hire and private instruction and aspires to elevate interest in piping and Celtic music in the Bemidji area, added the release.

The event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring their lunch. Coffee and water will be provided. For more information, call the Historical Society at (218) 444-3376 or visit

beltramihistory.org.

Big Bog State Recreation Area to host spring equinox celebration

WASKISH — A spring equinox celebration will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 23, at Big Bog State Recreation Area.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the equinox and what is happening in nature while taking an invigorating snowshoe hike, a release said. Afterward, participants will plant seeds to take home to bring in the new season.

Attendees should meet behind the visitor center, and dress in layers and snow boots. If there is not enough snow, the group will go for a hike instead. Rachel Breen to present workshop, lecture at Watermark BEMIDJI — Exhibiting artist Rachel Breen will

host a workshop and “Sustainable Systems in the Garment Industry” presentation on Saturday, March 23, at Watermark Art Center, 505 Bemidji Ave. N. Breen will teach a “Making Meaning with the Everyday” workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. The workshop will focus on using ordinary objects that are a part of daily life and exploring ways to create works that convey these objects’ significance.

Participants will engage with objects through disassembling, constructing, cutting, arranging, building, gluing, drawing, sewing, mending, decorating and experimenting, a release said.

Pre-registration for the workshop is required. A sliding-scale donation will be accepted at the door. Following the workshop, Breen will present

on the need to create new, and more just, sustainable systems within the global garment industry to protect the planet and create solidarity with garment workers, the release said.

The lecture will run from 3:30 to 5 p.m. and there is no cost to attend.

To register for the workshop, visit watermarkartcenter.org/product/making-meaning.

Watermark galleries are free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

For more information, visit watermarkartcenter. org or call (218) 444-7570.

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