Bemidji Buyline | April 6, 2024

Back in the day

BECC to host Tiny Tots Health and Wellness Fair

BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Early Childhood Collaborative will host a Tiny Tots Health and Wellness Fair from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 6, at the Boys and Girls Club, 1600 Minnesota Ave. NW.

This event is for families with children ages birth to five. Participants can enjoy over 20 community booths with resources, games and activities, prizes, snacks and fun, a release said.

“Enjoy a free familyfriendly morning out to play, connect with others and learn about all of Bemidji’s wonderful community resources for young children and their families,” said the release.

The Concert Band and Singing Sergeants are two of the six performing ensembles within The United States Air Force Band.

The community relations tour travels through North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin, honoring the service of Airmen both past and present.

This event is sponsored by Sanford Children’s Health and Beltrami County’s First Steps to Healthy Families. Air Force Band and Singing Sergeants to perform in Bemidji BEMIDJI — The United States Air Force Band and Singing Sergeants will stop in Bemidji on their 12-day community relations tour, performing at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 7, at Bemidji High School, 2900 Division St. W.

The concert is free and open to the public but tickets are required.To reserve a ticket or view the full list of performances, visit bit.ly/ TheUSAFBandTickets.

Beltrami County Historical Society photo

Sled Dog Races in Bemidji, Jan. 14, 1988.

Historical Society to host Train Days event

BEMIDJI — The Beltrami County Historical Society, in partnership with the Northern Iron Horse Railroad Society, will host a Train Days event on April 13-14, at the History Center, 130 Minnesota Ave. SW.

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 14. This year’s Train Days will offer fresh model train layouts, showcasing a variety of scales from N to H.O. Scale, O gauge and even LEGO models, a release said.

“We are especially excited to share our newto-us Steel Cupola Caboose at Train Days this year and bring the community together to celebrate the history of the locomotive industry and our area,” said Emily Thabes, executive director of the Beltrami County Historical Society, in the release. “Whether you’re a seasoned rail enthusiast or just curious about the world of trains, there’s something for everyone at this event.”

Admission is $7 for adults and $3 for kindergarten through college students, with special discounts available for seniors, tribal members and veterans. Children ages five and under,

Attendees will enjoy various activities, including a model train swap meet and sales for enthusiasts, children’s train books and coloring page giveaways, unique train souvenirs and food from Teresa’s Wicked Tasty Food Truck. Visitors can also take special tours of the Great Northern 1948 steel cupola caboose, providing a unique glimpse into the history of railway travel, the release said.

Don Ricke Scholarship Fund seeks applicants

com-

students to apply for the 2024 scholarship round. The scholarship intends to develop career opportunities in northwest Minnesota by helping students pursuing post-secondary education with a preference for those studying engineering, machine tool trades and technology-related fields, a release said. Scholarships are offered as a one-time award to local high school graduates. Previous recipients may reapply for a second-year scholarship with proof of successful completion of their first year of study. Renewals are not guaranteed.

Students must have or will graduate from Bemidji (ISD 31), Bagley (ISD 162), Bertha-Hewitt (ISD 786), Blackduck (ISD 32), Cass Lake (ISD 115), Clearbrook-Gonvick (ISD

members of the Beltrami County Historical Society and SNAP cardholders will enjoy free admission. Admission fees support the Northern Iron Horse Railroad Society and Beltrami County Historical Society’s mission to preserve and promote the region’s railway history.

“We are grateful for the support of our community and look forward to

showcasing the fascinating world of trains big and small during this special weekend,” the organizers said in the release. A complete schedule of Train Days activities will be published closer to the event. For more information, visit beltramihistory.org or contact depot@ beltramihistory.org.

311), Detroit Lakes (ISD 22), Fosston (ISD 601), Frazee-Vergas (ISD 23), Hawley (ISD 150), Kelliher (ISD 36), Lake Park Audubon (ISD 889), Laporte (ISD 306), Nevis (ISD 308), Park Rapids (ISD 309), and WinEMac (ISD 609). Preference will be given to high school seniors.

Applications for the scholarship will be accepted through April 15. Applications can be completed online at nwmf.org by clicking on the “Scholarships” tab on the home page. Those interested in learning about how to establish a scholarship fund at Northwest Minnesota Foundation or support the TEAM Industries Don Ricke Scholarship should visit nwmf.org.

Doug Wood to perform at Headwaters Peace Center

BEMIDJI — The Headwaters Unitarian Universalist Fellowship will host Doug Wood for an evening of song and stories at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, at Headwaters Peace Center, 1826 Mikrantip Road SW.

As a professional musician and songwriter, Wood is a virtuoso performer on 12-string guitar, mandolin and banjo, a release said.

Wood is also the author of 35 books for children and adults, with over two and a half million copies in print. His first book, “Old Turtle,” was hailed a “profound work” and an “instant classic,” the release said.

He has received the Christopher Medal, ABBY Award, International Reading Association Book of the Year, Minnesota Book Award, Midwest Publishers Association Book of the Year, Parent’s Choice Award,

Contributed

The Beltrami County Historical Society, in partnership with the Northern Iron Horse Railroad Society, will host a Train Days event on April 13-14.

BEMIDJI — The TEAM Industries Don Ricke Scholarship Fund, a

ponent fund of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, is seeking qualified

Loon Country Arts to hold First Saturday showcase, April art workshops

BEMIDJI — Loon Country Arts will host a First Saturday showcase and several springthemed art classes during April, at 310 Fourth St. NW in downtown Bemidji. First Saturday showcase During the First Saturday showcase, set for 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 6, participants can join instructor Heather Fadness to create a cold forged copper bracelet with stamped impressions in a Creative Café activity. No registration is required and all supplies are included. The cost is $10 per person.

From 2 to 4 p.m., Loon Country Arts will hold an open house for showcase artist Eric Callagan and student showcase artists from Ponemah High

School, a release said. April Art Classes

Donna Andersen and Chris Tolman will teach a mixed-media hummingbird class on April 6-7. On Saturday, April 6, from 1 to 4 p.m., participants will work on a watercolor background. On Sunday, April 7, from 1 to 4:30 p.m., attendees will create a colored pencil hummingbird. The cost is $75 and all materials are provided.

On Friday, April 19, from 4 to 8 p.m., Heather Fadness will teach participants how to make a set of sterling silver earrings with their choice of gemstone. The cost is $60 and includes materials. Donna Andersen will teach a watercolor painting class from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 27. Attendees will create a painting of a bouquet of spring flowers. The cost is $60 and all materials are provided.

Loon Country Arts is a nonprofit, artist-run gallery that showcases work by local and regional artists in a variety of mediums including painting, basketry, jewelry, weaving, fiber art, photography, book arts and more. The organization also carries a wide selection of books by local authors. For more information, contact (218) 444-9813 or email president@looncountryarts.org.

Workshop on history of polka music and dance set for April 6

BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Public Library, in collaboration with the Beltrami County Historical Society, will host “They Brought Their Songs: International Folk Music in Minnesota,” at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, at the library, 509 America Ave.

”Join us for a workshop on the history of polka music and dance plus a

great performance by the Cathy Erickson Band,” a release said. “This is an exciting and culturally enriching partnership and series that seeks to celebrate the diverse and vibrant tapestry of international folk music in Beltrami County.” Erickson is a wellrenowned national recording polka artist with over 45 years of experience entertaining all ages with accordion music.

The Cathy Erickson Band shares their love for music for all occasions at dances, weddings, funerals, county fairs, special events and polka services at different churches throughout the area and with residents at nursing homes and group homes, the release said.

Participants will enjoy “a good steady beat and a taste for old-time that will put you on your feet,” added the release.

The event is free and open to the public and will also be livestreamed on the Bemidji Public Library Facebook page. This program is made possible through the Minnesota Legacy Amendment which supports the arts, culture and heritage of Minnesota. For more information, contact Kate Egelhof at the library at egelhofk@ krls.org or (218) 751-3963.

Blippi to perform at Sanford Center in Bemidji

BEMIDJI — The Sanford Center will host “Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour” at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, at the Center, 1111 Event Center Drive NE.

Tickets are currently on sale, starting at $25. ”Dance, sing and learn with Blippi and special guest Meekah as they discover what makes different cities unique and special,” a release said.

“Blippi inspires curiosity in preschoolers around the world by creating content and experiences that are relatable, accessible and make learning fun.”

”We are thrilled to be able to continue performances of Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour in even more cities in 2024,” Founder and Co-President of Round Room Live Stephen Shaw said in the release. “After a successful run in the spring and now this fall, across both North America and the UK, we’re excited for even more families to share in the joy and wonder of Blippi On Tour and to create lifelong memories together.” Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com.

Bemidji Area FGBF set to meet April 6

BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Area Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship of America chapter is set to meet at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 6, in the First Baptist Church Community Room, 1555 Paul Bunyan Drive NW.

A light breakfast will be served and all are welcome to attend. Attendees should park in the back and use the rear entrance.

The keynote speaker will be 20-year-old Hans Berg. Berg will share about his mission trip to India, Nepal and Kyrgyzstan through Youth with a Mission, including what he did during his time there, the impact it had on his life and how it has shaped the way he thinks about the world, a release said.

Berg was born and raised in Bemidji and he grew up going to church events and Bible camps and worked at Bethany Bible Camp in Bemidji, and Lutheran Valley Retreat near Florissant, Colo.

He has also had many other jobs including construction, sales, gym equipment installer and maintenance worker. He enjoys working with his hands where he can see the physical results of his labor. In his free time, he enjoys anything outdoors including hunting,

fishing, camping, motorcycling and many other activities.

Berg is currently in his third year of a bachelor’s degree in engineering technology with a minor in project management at Bemidji State University.

Bemidji Senior Center to offer April bingo

BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Senior Center will offer bingo at 1 p.m. on Tuesdays, April 9 and 23, at the senior center, 216 Third St. NW. Bingo is free and open to the public, a release said.

For more information, call the center at (218) 751-8836.

League of Women Voters meeting rescheduled for April 9

The Bemidji Area League of Women Voters meeting originally set for March 26 has been rescheduled for 6 p.m. on

Tuesday, April 9, at Bar

209, 217 Minnesota Ave. NW. Beltrami County Auditor Jodee Treat will update attendees about the presidential primary election and answer questions concerning how citizens can help with upcoming elections, a release said.

The meeting is free, open to the public and all are welcome.

The nonpartisan League of Women Voters has a mission of empowering voters and defending democracy through voter education and engagement advocating for

We’re on your team to provide expert orthopedic care you can count on. Sanford Orthopedics & Sports Medicine is nationally recognized for providing the highest quality of patient-centered, advanced care that goes unmatched in the region.

We offer more treatments and more specialties, including:

• Advanced foot and ankle care to restore and support function

• Knee and hip total joint replacements with same-day surgery options

• Physical and occupational therapy to treat and prevent mobility injuries and disorders

• Wound care to promote healing and prevent infection

Call (218) 751-9746 to schedule an orthopedic appointment in Bemidji.

Great River Rescue announces Pet Fixers clinic schedule

BEMIDJI — Great River Rescue will host low-cost spay and neuter clinics through its Pet Fixers program this year.

Qualified pet owners and caretakers can get their pets spayed or neutered and receive other low-cost preventative care services, including vaccinations and microchips, at an upcoming weekend clinic, a release said.

Clinics are typically held once per month at Great River Rescue, located at 1612 Carr Lake Road

SE.

Dates for this year’s clinics are:

• April 6 and 7

May 11 and 12

June 1 and 2

July 13 and 14

Aug. 10 and 11

• Sept. 7 and 8

• Oct. 5 and 6

• Nov. 2 and 3

Registration for each clinic opens on the first of the month prior to the scheduled clinic. Income qualifications along with all available services and prices can be found on the Pet Fixers page of the Great River Rescue website.

A $40 deposit per animal is required at the time of registration to secure a spot. Those unable to access the website can call (218) 760-1307 to get help with registration. Additional dates and opportunities may be added. Check the Great River Rescue website and Facebook page for additional opportunity announcements. Approximately 70 to 80 pets are spayed or neutered at each weekend clinic, the release said.

Pet Fixers sponsors for this year include Ace on the Lake Hardware, Modern Woodmen of America, First National Bank Bemidji, Super 8 of Bemidji and Petco Love.

For more information, visit greatriverrescue. com.

Beginner bagpipe meetings offered BEMIDJI — Bagpiper John Egelhof will hold beginner bagpipe interest group meetings from 6 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays, at First Lutheran Church, 900 Bemidji Ave. N. Attendees should be interested in Celtic/Gaelic bagpipe music and learning this storied instrument, a release said.

Participants must have a hand size sufficient to cover the holes on a practice instrument, called a practice chanter. Attendees must obtain a practice chanter and tutor book to begin learning. Limited tutoring will be available during the meeting.

Egelhof has been a member of the New Hampshire Law Enforcement Association Pipes

and Drums, taught at the Headwaters School of Music and Arts and played with local bands. Meetings are free to attend and all are welcome, the release said.

For more information, contact Egelhof at (218) 209-1560 or join the Bagpipes Around Bemidji Facebook group.

Parks and Rec to offer ‘Daughters and Dads: Relaxed and Enlightened’ classes BEMIDJI — The city of Bemidji Parks and Recreation Department will host “Daughters and Dads: Relaxed and Enlightened” classes from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, April 10 and 24, at the Historic Carnegie Library, 426 Bemidji Ave. N. ”Do you ever think about the missed opportunities with your dad when you were a kid?” a release said. “There are many things that get in

the way of bond building: work, chores, fatigue, overscheduled kids or a general disconnect.”

In this class, dad and daughter duos can experience shared inquiry with bond-building activities that may include drawing pictures, one-on-one conversations or micro-projects. Then, participants will enjoy gentle joints and glands movements, breathing and guided relaxation, a release said. Daughters and dads will then return to a oneon-one conversation about the experience. Attendees should bring a yoga mat and blanket for each person. Some will be available to borrow on a first-come, firstserved basis. The class is designed for ages seven and up. The cost is $28 for two participants. Register online at www.ci.bemidji.

Modern automobiles are technological marvels. As advancements in automotive technology have made cars more reliable than ever, drivers may feel as though vehicle ownership also is more hands-off than ever before.

Though its true built-in diagnostic technology is designed to alert drivers when issues arise, it can still benefit motorists to recognize when certain issues may arise.

Cars and the people who drive them are different, so mileage intervals are not always the best measuring stick for maintenance issues. However, the following rundown can serve as a guidebook for drivers who want to know what to expect at various mileage intervals.

30,000 miles: The experts at Auto Trader note that disposable engine air filters usually last between 15,000 and 30,000 miles. If it’s been around 30,000 miles since the engine air filter has been replaced, now is a good time to replace this important part, which prevents components like dirt and debris from getting into the engine. This also might be a good time to replace the fuel filter, which prevents debris from clogging fuel injectors.

50,000 to 60,000 miles: It’s around this time that drivers may need to replace their vehicle batteries. Little-used vehicles may need a new battery much earlier, as lengthy periods of little or no use adversely affect the life expectancy of vehicle batteries. Brakes also may need to be

replaced around this time, as the experts at AutoZone note that most drivers get between two and five years out of a set of brake pads. If that sounds like a significant disparity, it is, and that’s because driver behavior is a significant variable affecting the life of the pads. Drivers who brake hard will likely need to replace their brake pads with greater frequency than drivers who brake slowly.

• 50,000 to 90,000 miles: As noted, there is no uniform guideline governing when vehicle components will need to be replaced. Hoses are a good example of that, as recommendations regarding when to replace hoses range from 50,000 to 90,000 miles. That’s a significant gap, but drivers can be on the safe side and start discussing the status of

their hoses with their mechanics around the 50,000-mile marker. It’s unlikely the hoses will make it all the way to 90,000 miles before they need to be replaced, but drivers can keep that mileage marker in mind and aim to replace the hoses before that point even if no issue has arisen. Timing belts also tend to fail between 80,000 and 100,000 miles, so this is another part to consider replacing as a vehicle reaches this point. These mileage markers are not set in stone, and should only serve as a guideline for drivers who want to stay ahead of vehicle repairs. Drivers also are urged to discuss any additional changes that might be necessary with their mechanics during routine mainte-

Factors to consider before leasing in the current economic climate

No two drivers are the same, and that reality is evident when motorists look for a new vehicle. Some drivers may want a flashy sports car, while others hope to get a great deal on a spacious minivan. Drivers also may be looking for different types of deals when visiting a dealership.

Leasing was once a gateway to a new car for millions of drivers. However, the automotive experts at Edmunds note that leases made up 18% of transactions involving new vehicles in the middle of 2022. That figure represented a 27% decline from a year earlier. That decline could be a byproduct of several variables, including the value of trade-ins.

Edmunds notes that the average trade-in value of cars leased in 2020 is 19% higher than the predetermined residual value, which means it makes sense for some motorists to purchase their vehicles at the end of a lease rather than turn it in.

Despite the decline in leases, the option to lease can still make sense for some drivers. With that in mind, individuals who are considering leasing can consider these factors to ensure they make the best decision possible.

• Trade-in value: As noted above, the value of trade-ins is very high. However, that value could be vulnerable to considerable fluctuations. The spike in average trade-in values was related to supply-and-demand issues associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of those issues have lingered, which means the supply of new vehicles is still lagging with some manufacturers. With fewer new vehicles to sell, the value of vehicles coming off a lease could be much higher than the predetermined price lessees would pay to purchase the vehicle outright when their lease expires. Drivers may still prefer leasing to purchase, but in the current economic climate, it makes sense to determine the market value of a trade-in when their lease is set to expire.

Budget: Millions of motorists prefer leasing because monthly lease payments on new vehicles tend to be significantly less than it would cost them to purchase the vehicle and finance it through a bank or credit union. And that still holds true, as data from Experian indicates the average monthly payment for a financed vehicle is $667, which is $127 more than the average monthly cost of leasing a car or

truck. That’s a considerable cost benefit of leasing, particularly at a time when high inflation has forced millions of households to cut back.

Maintenance: Another factor to consider before leasing a vehicle is maintenance. Lessees are responsible for maintaining the vehicle during the lease terms, but new vehicles do not typically require the level of upkeep that older vehicles need. Drivers who are considering purchasing a leased vehicle when the lease expires should factor in the costs to maintain the vehicle in the years ahead, particularly if the manufacturer’s warranty is due to expire soon. Substantial maintenance costs could compromise drivers’ budgets, and that’s unlikely to happen if drivers turn in a leased car and begin a

3 simple maintenance strategies to help keep cars running longer

The last few years have not proven the most advantageous times for new car buyers. According to the Consumer Price Index Summary from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, buyers paid 12.2% more for new vehicles in January 2022 than they had in January 2021.

Faced with such a significant increase in price, many drivers understandably want to keep their current cars longer than they might have initially planned.

Data released by S&P Global Mobility in early 2022 indicated that the average vehicle on the road is 12 years and two months old, which marked the highest number in the 20-plus years such information was tracked. A host of variables affect how long drivers keep their cars, but the rising cost of new vehicles has undoubtedly compelled many drivers to aspire to keep their cars for longer periods of time.

Aging cars may require a little more TLC than vehicles that are right off the dealership lot. But the following are three simple tips that can help drivers keep their cars running longer.

1. Become a more

careful driver. A careful approach when behind the wheel is safer than aggressive driving and beneficial for your vehicle. When starting, avoid revving the engine, which needlessly wears it down. When out on the road, avoid rapid accelerations, which also contribute to needless wear and tear. Even excessive idling can adversely affect the engine, so keep winter warm-ups to around 30 seconds to prevent damage to engine components.

2. Know when and how to fill up. Every driver has likely visited a filling station when an oil tanker is busily filling the tanks. That’s traditionally been considered a lessthan-ideal time to fill up, as the theory is that filling the tanks stirs up sediment that could then find its way into consumers’ gas tanks, adversely affecting their vehicles.

However, that’s often dependent on the station itself and how much its owners prioritize maintenance of the tank and filtration systems. Drivers who trust their local station owners can likely fill up when the tankers are present without worry.

In addition, avoid topping off once the nozzle clicks when filling up. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes

that topping off is harmful to the planet and the vehicle, as gasoline needs room to expand. When you top off, the extra gas may damage the vapor collection system and cause the vehicle to run less efficiently.

3. Change oil more frequently as the vehicle ages. It’s true that modern vehicles no longer require oil changes for every 3,000 miles driven.

However, as vehicles age, drivers and their vehicles’ engines may benefit from more frequent oil changes than the owner’s manual necessarily recommends. Oil changes remove dirt and metal particles from the engine, potentially contributing to a longer life expectancy.

More frequent changes can be especially beneficial for vehicles that are routinely driven in stopand-go traffic.

Beltrami Area Service

Collaborative sets

2024 meeting dates

BEMIDJI — The Beltra-

mi Area Service Collaborative has set its meeting dates for the remainder of the year. All meetings will run from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on select Wednesdays and are open to the public.

”For more than 20 years, the Beltrami Area Service Collaborative has successfully partnered with area stakeholders to plan, implement and sustain prevention and early intervention services for the children and families of Beltrami County,” The BASC website reads.

“BASC has been recognized as a leader in Minnesota’s Collaborative movement.”

Meetings are set for the following dates:

• April 10

• June 12

• Aug. 14

Oct. 9

Dec. 11

Contact the BASC Office at (218) 333-8190 for the Zoom link or location information.

Bemidji Senior Center to offer theater trips

BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Senior Center is offering trips to see “Pretty Woman: The Musical” in Grand Forks on April 10 and “Beautiful: The Carol King Musical” in Chanhassen on May 8. Pretty Woman: The Musical

Join the Bemidji Senior Center for the Broadway touring company production of “Pretty Woman: The Musical” on Wednesday, April 10, at Chester Fritz Auditorium in Grand Forks, N.D.

The musical is based on one of Hollywood’s most beloved romantic stories, a release said.

The bus will depart from Bemidji at 4:30 p.m. at the Cenex South Parking Lot, 120 Convenience Lane SW. The bus will stop in Bagley at 5 p.m. to pick up more participants at the Cenex C-Store, 1039 Central Street. Participants will return at approximately 11:30 p.m. to Bagley and midnight to Bemidji.

The cost is $145 for members and $155 for non-members. Transportation, main floor tickets and a boxed dinner with a club sandwich, chips, dessert and water is included.

Beautiful: The Carol King Musical On Wednesday, May 8, the Senior Center will lead a bus trip to see “Beautiful: The Carol King Musical” at the Chanhassen Dinner Theater.

”Beautiful” tells the story of Carole King, who wrote pop hits for singers from Aretha Franklin to James Taylor while also building her own chartbusting solo success, the release said.

The bus will load at 6:15 a.m. at the Cenex South Parking Lot, 120 Convenience Lane SW. Participants will depart at 6:30 a.m. and return by approximately 8:30 p.m.

The cost is $151 for members and $161 for non-members. Lunch, a snack bag, the play ticket and transportation are included. The deadline for refunds for this trip is Tuesday, April 9. To register for either

trip, stop by the senior center at 216 3rd St. NW. Friends of Lake Bemidji State Park set to meet April 11 BEMIDJI — The public is invited to join the Friends of Lake Bemidji State Park at 11 a.m. on the second Thursday of the month in the visitor center of the main State Park building, 3401 State Park Road NE.

The next meeting is set for April 11. The Friends group provides funds for and volunteers at many park projects and events.

”Join us in making a positive difference in our beautiful park,” a release said.

For more information, contact the state park at (218) 308-2300.

Connie Nunemaker to present at NELL April 10

BAGLEY — NELL’s spring series continues with Connie Nunemaker presenting “Soil 101: Waking up the Garden” at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 10, at the Gonvick Community Center, 170 Main St. “Connie will share ways to make sure your spring garden gets a great start, from soil testing, encouraging soil microbes that help provide nutrients for plants, garden cleanup tasks and when to do them,” a release said. “She will share ideas that will help you create a wonderful place to enjoy nature’s color and bounty, and a healthy habitat for pollinators, including native bees and butterflies.”

Nunemaker’s love of nature was developed on childhood vacations where camping and explorations encouraged her scientific leanings, the release said. She majored in biology in college and taught science and art for 21 years. She has applied her biology knowledge in the vegetable and flower gardens around her home, starting her own seeds and dividing perennials and native plants to increase and improve habitat, as well as giving her bounty to share with family and friends, the

release said.

Doors open at 9 a.m. with the program starting at 9:30 a.m. Refreshments will be served and a free-will donation will be accepted.

100+ Women Who Care event to raise funds for nonprofits

BEMIDJI — 100+ Women Who Care will host a nonprofit fundraising event at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, in the basement of Keg N’ Cork, 310 Beltrami Ave. With a $100 donation, attendees will have the opportunity to nominate a local nonprofit to receive funding.

At the event, four organizations will be selected at random and a representative from the nonprofit will have three to five minutes to pitch their cause and how the funds will be used. Everyone at the event will vote for the best pitch and the winning nonprofit will receive the donations raised, a release said.

“When you donate $100 to a charity, often you wonder if you are making a difference,” explained the release. “But when 100 people donate $100 at the same time, they raise $10,000 to a worthy cause.” Attendees will also get a chance to network while enjoying appetizers and a cash bar. “It takes only an hour,” said the release. “No

additional fundraising, no silent auction donations to solicit, no volunteering. Simply a great way to give back right in our own community.”

Doors open at 5 p.m. Donations can be made in cash or check.

For more information and nonprofit nomination forms, visit 100bemidji. wixsite.com/ womenwhocare.

BSU to offer free federal and state tax preparation

BEMIDJI — Bemidji

State University’s Department of Accountancy is again offering free federal and state tax preparation and eFiling to the public.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays, through April 10, in BSU Memorial Hall room 250. There will be no service on March 6 due to spring break.

No appointment is necessary, but the last walkin is accepted no later than 5:30 p.m.

This free service is sponsored by the IRS.

With questions, contact Jeffrey Everhart, assistant professor of accounting, at (218) 755-3873 or Jeffrey.Everhart@bemidjistate.edu.

BSU’s annual Take Back the Night event set for April 11

BEMIDJI — Bemidji

State University’s annual

Take Back the Night event will be held at 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 11.

Planned in partnership with Support Within Reach, a sexual violence resource center, the event aims to raise awareness, empower survivors and dismantle the systems that perpetuate violence, a release said.

The event will begin at 5 p.m. with a march starting at Paul and Babe and ending at Lower Lakeside on the BSU campus. Following the march, participants can join a gathering featuring food and refreshments. A guest speaker will present at 6 p.m.

Take Back the Night will also include a speakout session open to all attendees and a bonfire and s’mores for a chance to connect and share powerful stories, the release said.

“While historically acknowledging violence against women, we emphasize that this event is open to all, recognizing the prevalence of male and nonbinary identifying victims in our region,” the organizers said in the release.

This event is made possible by contributions from the community. For more information or to donate, contact Support Within Reach at (218) 444-9524.

Support Within Reach’s

24/7 crisis hotline can be reached at (800) 708-2727 for anyone seeking help around sexual violence.

Bemidji Senior Center to hold Matter of Balance classes

BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Senior Center will hold Matter of Balance classes at 9:30 a.m. on Fridays beginning April 12, at the center, 216 Third St. NW.

This eight-week class will run through May 31, a release said. Matter of Balance classes are sponsored by Dancing Sky AAA.

The class is free for members and $20 for nonmembers. Class size is limited, so pre-registration is required.

Those who don’t get into this class can be put on a waiting list for the next time the class is offered, the release said. To register, visit the senior center or call (218) 751-8836.

Park Rapids Friendly Squares to host dance April 12

PARK RAPIDS — The Park Rapids Friendly Squares will host a dance from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, April 12, at Century School, 501 Helton Ave. The caller will be Charley Huhtala. A potluck will be held after the dance. Spectators are welcome.

For more information,

contact Karen at (218) 252-3853. Sally Klein O’Connor to perform at Hope Temple Messianic Fellowship

BEMIDJI — Hope Temple Messianic Fellowship will host Sally Klein O’Connor with Improbable People Ministries at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 12, at 3117 15th St. NW.

At 7:30 p.m., a potluck dinner will follow Klein O’Connor’s performance. There will also be a service to usher in the Sabbath, a release said. Improbable People Ministries is a ministry of music and healing that has existed for more than 30 years. “Sally Klein O’Connor is a Messianic Jew, singer, songwriter and pianist,” the release said. “Her husband Michael is a songwriter and one who works behind the scenes on every IPM project.” The service is free to attend and all are welcome.

For more information, call (228) 444-7862 and leave a message.