Headwaters seeks Bemidji Sings! vocalists
BEMIDJI — Headwa-
ters Music and Arts is seeking amateur singers to take part in the Bemidji Sings! annual vocal competition, which celebrates the musical talents of youth and adults who live, work or attend school in Bemidji.
Singers interested in taking part must register by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 19. Rather than holding auditions, the first seven registered singers from each age division will perform at the Bemidji Sings! competition. Singers will be evaluated based on their vocal skills, presentation skills, audience response and judge’s overall impression, a release said.
Participants must commit to taking part in a performance prep and rehearsal session at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 11, and the public show at 6 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 12. Both will be held in Bangsberg Hall at Bemidji State University.
Age divisions are 9-12, 13-18 and 19 and older.
First, second and third place cash prizes will be awarded for each age group, as well as a $50 “people’s choice” award for each division.
General admission is $10 adults and $5 students.
To register as a contestant or purchase tickets for the show, visit headwatersmusicandarts.org.
For more information or to become a Bemidji Sings! sponsor, contact Headwaters at (218) 4445606 or info@headwatersmusicandarts.org.
Guthrie Community Bible Church VBS set for July 15-19
LAPORTE — Guthrie Community Bible Church is set to host “Over the Moat” vacation bible school from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on July 15-19 at the church, 43948 275th Ave.
The castle-themed VBS will allow children to “experience medieval life, complete with a castle, knights and royalty,” a release said. The program is open to children ages 4-12.
“Through the lessons, students will see God’s sovereignty, love and faithfulness demonstrated in the life of David, and will learn to praise the King of the universe,” added the release.
For more information, call (218) 556-1869.
REACH support group to meet July 16
BEMIDJI — The Hope House Families and Friends Support Group will meet at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, July 16, at Hope House, 2014 Seventh Street SE.
This group is open to anyone who advocates for a loved one with mental illness, a release said.
The topic for the meeting is what families want from the mental health system. Attendees are encouraged to bring ideas, the release said.
There is no fee to attend. The meeting will be held in the living room of the blue building at Hope House.
For more information, call Robin Wold at (218) 444-6748, ext. 109.
Parks and Rec to offer free open skate
BEMIDJI — The city of Bemidji Parks and Recreation Department is offering free skating along with free rental skates from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16, at the Power Rink in the Bemidji Community Arena, 3000 Division St.
W. Participants can bring their own skates as limited sizes will be available, a release said. The program is sponsored by the Bernick Family Foundation and Sanford Health. For more information, visit www.ci.bemidji. mn.us or call (218) 308-3780.
Defensive Driving Refresher Courses scheduled
BEMIDJI — Defensive Driving Refresher Courses will be offered from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16, through Zoom.
The four-hour refresher courses are for drivers age 55 and older who have already had an eight-hour beginner’s course and want to continue receiving a discount on their insurance. The instructor for the classes will be retired Minnesota State Patrol Trooper Mike Flatley.
The cost of the course is $15. To pre-register, contact (218) 750-3189 or email mnflats@hotmail. com. For more information on Flatley’s upcoming courses, visit mndefensivedriving.blogspot.com.
BACM summer recital series continues July 17
BEMIDJI — The 37th season of the Bemidji Area Church Musicians Summer Recital Series continues at noon on Wednesday, July 17, at the Evangelical Covenant Church, 5405 Hart Lane NW. The recital will feature Lois Simonson on piano, Kari Miller on flute, Sanna Gustafson on saxophone and Janet Pederson on violin. They will present a number of selections in a variety of styles, a release said. A luncheon will follow the 30-minute recitals with a price to be announced.
The event is free and open to the public. A freewill offering will be received at the door for the scholarship programs of the BACM. For more information call Barbara Fisher at (218) 556-0098 or Carol L. Johnson at (218) 751-0415.
Ruby’s Pantry food distribution set for July 17
BEMIDJI — Ruby’s Pantry will offer a mobile food distribution beginning at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17, at the Sanford Center, 1111 Event Center Drive NE. At the event, people can drive up and receive a grocery bundle for a $25 cash donation. Exact change is preferred. Participants should bring baskets or boxes for shares to be put in their vehicle, a release said. Pre-pay for shares is available and can be purchased at rubyspantry. org. Pre-payers choose a time slot to pick up their share. The deadline to pre-pay is 3 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16.
Ruby’s Pantry is a nonprofit food ministry that provides affordable groceries to everyone, regardless of income or residency. For more information, email bemidjirubyspantry@gmail.com or visit the Ruby’s Pantry - Bemidji, MN Facebook page.
First City Paddling Club to offer dragon boat basics courses
BEMIDJI — The city of Bemidji Parks and Recreation Department, in partnership with First City Paddling Club, will offer dragon boat basics courses this summer at Diamond Point Park.
“Learn the basics, get out on the water and try something new,” a release said. Paddles are provided and a limited supply of
briefs on (To)
Beltrami County Historical Society photo
Bemidji Sweet Adelines on a float in the city’s 1969 Water Carnival Parade.
Pioneer file photo
Headwaters Music and Arts is seeking amateur singers to take part in the Bemidji Sings! annual vocal competition. Singers must register to audition by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 19.
life jackets are available upon request. There is a minimum of 16 participants, ages 13 and older, with a maximum of 20 participants.
The dates are:
5 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 18.
6 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 23.
• 7 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 13.
• 5 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 22.
The cost is $12 per participant.
For more information, contact Recreation Supervisor Jamie Anderson at (218) 333-1857 or email Jamie.Anderson@ ci.bemidji.mn.us.
Drawing classes scheduled at local libraries
BAGLEY — Lake Agassiz Regional Library will host virtual drawing classes with cartoonist
Rick Stromoski at 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 18, at the Bagley and Fosston libraries or online.
Stromoski will demonstrate how to draw planets, aliens, astronauts and more, a release said.
The virtual program can be accessed at larl. org/drawspace with no registration required.
This family-friendly program is free due to funding from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
For more information, call (218) 233-3757 or visit larl.org/explore/kids.
Support Within Reach to host Color Fun Fair
BEMIDJI — Support
Within Reach is set to host its second Color Fun Fair from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 19, at J.W. Smith Elementary School, 1712 America Ave. NW.
The event will include an all-ages color run, community resources,
games, face painting, crafts, food and more, a release said. Tickets cost $5 per attendee. Funds raised will directly benefit programs that provide free resources and advocacy services to individuals affected by sexual violence in Beltrami County.
“We are excited to bring together the community at our Color Fun Fair,” said Parker Korpi, county supervisor of Support Within Reach, Bemidji, in the release. “This event not only promotes fun and unity but also supports crucial services for our youth and families.”
For more information and to purchase tickets, contact Support Within Reach at (218) 444-9524 or visit the Color Fun Fair page on Eventbrite. Sameday registration is also available.
Blackduck Senior Center to host White Elephant rummage sale
BLACKDUCK — The Blackduck Senior Center will host a White Elephant rummage sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, July 19, at the center, 24 First St. SE.
The sale will feature new and gently used items and is part of the second Citywide Garage Sale sponsored by the Blackduck Chamber of Commerce, a release said. In the event of rain, the sale will be held inside the center.
Harmony Foods to host Summer Fest
July 19
BEMIDJI — Harmony Natural Foods Co-op will host a Summer Fest event from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, July 19, at Harmony Foods, 302 Irvine Ave.
The event will include a bouncy house, face painting, kids crafts, live music and more. All are welcome; there is no cost to attend. There will be a free community meal starting
at 5:15 p.m. The meal will serve 350 people and is first come, first served.
All free-will donations from this event will support Headwaters Music and Arts, which inspires learning and creativity through music and the arts, a release said. There will be a 10% discount on all items in the store for Summer Fest.
Bemidji Senior Center to host Pie in July fundraising event
BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Senior Center will host its third annual Pie in July fundraising event from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 20, at the senior center, 216 Third St. NW.
A slice of homemade pie with a side of vanilla ice cream, donated by Big River Scoop, will be available for $5 per slice along with a cup of coffee. Whole pies will be $20 each. All proceeds will be donated to the Bemidji Senior Center.
Clearwater Lake Area Association to host annual meeting
BEMIDJI — The Clearwater Lake Area Association will host its annual meeting at noon on Saturday, July 20, at 27287 North Shore Drive.
Members and nonmembers are welcome to join, a release said. a potluck meal will be served. Plates, utensils and lawn chairs will not be provided for the meal, but refreshments will be.
The guest speaker will be a representative from the Beltrami Soil and Water Conservation District.
Annual membership dues can be paid at the meeting, the release said. Paul Bunyan Vintage Auto Club to host car gatherings BEMIDJI — The Paul Bunyan Vintage Auto Club will host First City Cruise-Ins from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturdays, July 20, Aug. 17 and Sept. 21, at Lueken’s South, 609
Washington Ave. S.
The events will include antiques, collectors, new electric and late model vehicles and many more. There is no cost to attend or participate, all are welcome.
Boy Scouts of America will provide brats, chips and soda.
Tickets on sale for Mask and Rose Theater production of ‘Something Rotten!’ PUPOSKY — Tickets are on sale for the July 25-29 performance of “Something Rotten!” by the Mask and Rose Theater in Puposky.
Featuring a cast of 23, directed by Cate Belleveau and with musical direction by Janet Preus, “Something Rotten!” takes place in 1595 London, England.
“In the play, the Bottom siblings, Nick and Nigelina, are trying to find success by writing plays, but are outshined by the rock-star
playwright of the Renaissance, William Shakespeare,” a release said. “Desperate to find success, Nick gets help from a soothsayer for the next big hit, ‘Omelette the Musical.’” Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. on July 25-27 and 29, with a 3 p.m. matinee on Sunday, July 28. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $15 for youth ages 13 to 18. Seating is limited and tickets will not be sold at the door.
Tickets are available for purchase at McKenzie Place in Bemidji, 802 Paul Bunyan Drive SE. McKenzie Place is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit www.maskrose.com or email maskrose57@ gmail.com.
Great River Rescue seeks shoe donations BEMIDJI — Great River Rescue, in
partnership with Funds2Orgs, is accepting donations of new, gently used or worn shoes for its shoe drive fundraiser. Any type of shoe in good condition can be donated, except rollerblades and skates. The shoes must be a matching pair. Cleats and winter boots are acceptable, a release said. Items can be dropped off until July 27, at Great River Rescue, 612 Carr Lake Road SE. For every pound of shoes collected, Great River will receive $0.40. The shoes will be picked up by Funds2Orgs and sent to developing countries to create job opportunities for over 4,000 micro-entrepreneurs, lifting them out of poverty. It is estimated that 300 million people do not own shoes, the release said.
For more information, call (218) 751-7910 or email info@greatriverrescue. com.
Parks and Rec to offer youth climbing club
BEMIDJI — The city of Bemidji Parks and Recreation Department will host a youth climbing club from 10:30 a.m. to noon July 29-31 at the Gillett Wellness Center, 1801 Birch Lane NE.
This introductory course is designed to empower youth to discover the sport of climbing with experienced climbing instructors and a state-of-the-art climbing wall, a release said.
During each session, participants ages 9-14 will explore basic climbing movement skills and master techniques like knot tying and belaying. Each session is for up to 10 participants with two instructors.
The cost is $70 per participant per session.
For more information and to register, visit www.ci.bemidji.mn.us or call (218) 333-1862.
Bagley Farmers Market open every Friday
BAGLEY — The Bagley
Area Farmers Market is open from 3 to 6 p.m. each Friday through September and is located at the grassy lot next to Gali Furniture, one block south of the stoplights. Customers can find a wide variety of fresh produce, homemade canned and baked goods, maple syrup, honey, craft items and much more.
Credit, debit and EBT cards are accepted at the yellow info booth at the market. Customers can also receive $10 in Market Bucks and an additional $10 in Produce Bucks to use at the market each time they spend at least $10 on their EBT card.
There are also several vendors who accept Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers as part of the WIC
program, which can be used on fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs.
The market is always looking for more vendors, anyone interested in selling at the market can contact Annie Braught at (218) 358-1990 or visit the Bagley Farmers Market Facebook page at facebook.com/ bagleyfarmersmarket.
Mississippi Headwaters
Audubon Society to hold summer events
BEMIDJI — The Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society will host a Boreal Book Club, Plein Air Painting class and a Mindful Yoga series this summer, at the Neilson Spearhead Center nature preserve, 48851 County 29.
Plein Air Painting:
Capturing the Northwoods Landscape will be held from noon to 2 p.m. on Aug. 10. Instructor Gillian Bedford will lead participants in techniques for painting outside, using acrylics to capture the landscape. Bedford’s approach as a teacher is to offer simple techniques as tools and to encourage her students to find their own artistic voice, the release said.
Attendees should bring several sheets of watercolor paper, a water bottle and a folding stool or chair if needed. Paint and palette, brushes, paper towels, clipboards and tape will be available.
The cost is $30 per class or $90 for the series.
Mindful Yoga: Stretch and Flow led by instructor Ann Gorman will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. on the last Tuesday of each month through September, invite participants to engage their senses and relax in their practice while taking in the sights, sounds and smells of nature, the
NEWS BRIEFS
release said. Participants are asked to dress in comfortable layers suited to the outside temperature the day of class and bring a water bottle. Yoga mats will be available or you can bring your own. Weather permitting, classes will be held outdoors. The cost is $15 per class or $75 for the series. Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society Members receive a discount.
Boreal Book Club will be held on the second to last Sunday of each month through October and will begin with a short hike followed by a discussion of the book of the month.
Books are selected with the goal of including Minnesota-specific topics, Indigenous voices, memoirs, humor and adventure, and information about the natural world that provokes awe and a closer connection to the earth, a release said.
The cost is $5 per month or $30 for the whole season. For more information or to register, visit spearheadmhas.org/events.
John Egelhof to offer beginner bagpipe meetings
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.
Registration open for 48th North Country Arts and Crafts Workshop
BEMIDJI — The North Country Arts and Crafts Board of Directors invite people of all abilities and ages to register now for the 48th year of the North Country Arts & Crafts Workshop.
The three-day workshop consists of 30 high quality art and craft classes taught by local and regional artists. Participants can register for one, two or three days of classes and gourmet food.
The North Country Arts and Crafts Workshop will take place from Sept. 10-12 at the scenic Lesnoe Ozero Russian Village, northeast of Bemidji on the north side of Turtle River Lake. Lodging is also available. Classes offered this
year include weaving, wood carving, watercolor and acrylic painting, mosaics, sewing, kolrosing, basket making and more. The 2024 schedule, class offerings, photos and registration information can all be found at www.ncacw.com. People must register in advance for classes.
Blackduck Senior Center to host coffee and cards this summer
BLACKDUCK — The Blackduck Senior Center will serve morning coffee and treats and offer card games this summer, at the senior center, 24 First St. SE.
Attendees can enjoy coffee and treats from 9 to 11 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The center will host card games at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays. Everyone is welcome, a release said. Bingo will begin again in September. For more information contact (218) 835-7719.
Bemidji State to offer Beaver Happy Hour events for alumni
BEMIDJI — The Bemidji State Alumni and Foundation will offer Beaver Happy Hour events to alumni and friends at local bars and restaurants throughout the year. The events will take
place from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every other month. Here’s a look at the upcoming schedule: • Sept. 11: Bar 209 Nov. 13: Brigid’s Irish Pub Jan. 8: Corner Bar • March 12: Keg N’ Cork Beaver Happy Hours provide an opportunity for all community members to connect with Alumni and Foundation staff and others in attendance, make meaningful contacts and build camaraderie around all things BSU, a release said. Bagley Senior Center offers weekly programming BAGLEY — The Bagley Senior Center is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday each week and offers a variety of programming for seniors and more. Featuring a gift store, thrift shop and great coffee, the center, located at 26 Main Ave. N, is a great place to come and spend an afternoon and make new friends. The Yarn Club meets at 10 a.m. on the first and third Tuesdays each month. The Whist Gang meets at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays each week, all are welcome to participate. The center also offers Meals on Wheels for dine-in and
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Meals on Wheels seeks Bemidji area volunteers
BEMIDJI — The local Meals on Wheels program, located at the Bemidji Senior Center, is seeking volunteers to help deliver meals to seniors in the area who need a hot meal and someone to check up on them.
For more information or to sign up to be a volunteer driver, call Lacie at (218) 444-3987.
Community Table offers sit-down meals
BEMIDJI — Mt. Zion and United Methodist Churches of Bemidji offer sit-down Community Table meals on Mondays through Thursdays.
The doors open at 4:40 p.m. with meals being served from 5 to 6 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays at Mt. Zion and Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Methodist Church.
The meals are free and open to the public, everyone is welcome.
Beltrami
Area Service
Collaborative sets
2024 meeting dates
BEMIDJI — The Beltrami 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: Aug. 14 Oct. 9
• Dec. 11
Contact the BASC Office at (218) 333-8190 for the Zoom link or location information.
Outdoor preschool program available from Parks and Rec
BEMIDJI — The city of Bemidji Parks and Recreation Department will offer an outdoor preschool program from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Mondays through Aug. 26, at North Country Park, 1001 30th St. NW. This nature-based playtime will be held at the new natural playground. Participants will enjoy a few fun stories and then have time to play, a release said. This is a free program. Attendees should dress to be outside and meetings may be canceled due to the weather. Parents or guardians are asked to stay during this program. For more information and to register, visit www.ci.bemidji.mn.us or call (218) 333-1862. Wagging Tails dog walking club available
BEMIDJI — The city of Bemidji Parks and Recreation Department will host a Wagging
NEWS BRIEFS
Tails dog walking club from 10 to 11 a.m. on Tuesdays through Aug. 20 at various locations in Bemidji. “Get outside with your furry friend throughout the summer,” a release said. This program is intended for dogs that get along well with both other people and other dogs. The cost is $15 for the series or $3 per drop-in. For more information and to register, visit www.ci.bemidji.mn.us or call (218) 333-1862.
Comedian Charlie Berens returns to Bemidji Oct. 5
BEMIDJI — Comedian, New York Times best-selling author, Emmy-winning journalist, musician and creator of the Manitowoc Minute Charlie Berens is bringing his Midwestfocused sketch comedy back to Bemidji at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, at
the Sanford Center, 1111 Event Center Drive NE. Berens was last in Bemidji at the Sanford Center in November 2022, where he performed to a sold-out crowd with his humor and uniquely hilarious Midwest comedy, a release said.
He began his career working for MTV News’ Choose or Lose. In 2012, Tribune Media tapped him to host the comedic news show Nightcap. In 2013, he won an Emmy for “The Cost of Water” while reporting for KDAF, a television station in Dallas, Texas.
Berens has since been featured on Comedy Central, Fox, Funny or Die, TBS and more. His comedic mashups, including “If Jack Dawson Was Really from Wisconsin,” have garnered more than 16 million views.
In 2017, the Wisconsin native began the viral
Midwest comedic news series Manitowoc Minute. His fans flock daily to his Facebook page to view his content. He currently has over 2.6 million Facebook followers. After garnering millions of views, he’s toured the United States selling out venues within minutes. In 2020, Berens paired up with Horseshoes and Hand Grenades alum Adam Greul to release the music/comedy album, “Unthawed.”
The album, which is a mixture of bluegrass, country and Charlie’s comedy, hit number one on the Billboard Bluegrass chart and number six on the Bluegrass Comedy chart.
His first book, “The Midwest Survival Guide,” was released in November 2021 and immediately became a New York Times Best Seller, the release said.
Berens also hosts the
Cripescast podcast where he interviews musicians, artists, comedians, creators and more to talk about their stories and connections to the Midwest. Guests have included Jeff Foxworthy, Nate Bargatze and Roy Wood, Jr.
“We are so excited to bring Charlie Berens back to the Sanford Center,” Bobby Anderson, general manager of the Sanford Center, said in the release. “Charlie has a way of connecting with his audiences in such an entertaining way. With his connection to the Midwest and ability to tie it into his humor in such a relatable way, we know Bemidji will love him just as much as they did in 2022.”
Tickets are available on ticketmaster.com.
