Blackduck Senior Center to host lunch social during Backwoods Bash
BLACKDUCK — The Blackduck Senior Center
will host a lunch social during the Backwoods Bash, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10, at the center, 24 First St. SE.
Attendees can enjoy homemade food and visit with area friends in the air-conditioned center, a release said.
The cost is $10 for sloppy Joes, homemade pies with ice cream and a beverage.
This is a fundraiser to help maintain operating expenses for the center, the release said.
The center will also have a float in the Backwoods Bash parade, which starts at noon on Saturday, Aug. 10, at Blackduck High School, 156 First St. NE.
Birthday celebration for Smokey Bear set for Aug. 10 at Big Bog
WASKISH — An 80th birthday celebration for Smokey Bear will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10, at Big Bog State Recreation Area.
“Follow a treasure map to learn about the history of Smokey Bear and fire towers,” a release said.
“Meet wildland firefighters and find out what they do to protect our forests and see fire trucks,
climb the fire tower, meet Smokey Bear and more.”
Attendees can pick up a treasure map at the Visitor Center. This event is for all ages and will take place at the southern unit of the park, the release said. Cupcakes will be served. Those who need accommodations should contact Christa at christa.drake@ state.mn.us or (218) 3082328 two weeks before the event.
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 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.
Headwaters now offering community open chess
BEMIDJI — Headwaters Music and Arts will hold community open chess from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sundays, Aug. 11 and 25, at Headwaters, 519 Minnesota Ave. NW.
These gatherings are an opportunity for informal matches with other area players.
Headwaters instructors
Caleb Erickson and Wyatt Parthun will be on hand to answer questions or offer advice to anyone with an interest in learning or improving at chess, a release said.
Chess boards and pieces will be provided. There is no charge to attend these sessions; free-will donations are welcomed. All ages and skill levels are invited to participate. Children under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
For more information,
contact Kendra at (218) 444-5606 Ext. 4 or kendra. cuthbertson@headwatersmusicandarts.org.
Pet Fixers clinics scheduled for Aug. 10-11
BEMIDJI — Great River Rescue will host low-cost spay and neuter clinics through its Pet Fixers program this year. The next clinics are scheduled for Aug. 10 and 11.
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.
Remaining dates for this year’s clinics are: • 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.
Bemidji Senior Center offers bus trips to State Fair
BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Senior Center is offering two bus trip options to the Minnesota State Fair on Monday, Aug. 26, and Thursday, Aug. 29.
The bus will depart at 6 a.m. at the Cenex South Parking Lot, 120 Convenience Lane SW and return by approximately 8 p.m.
There will be moderate walking during this trip.
The cost is $85 for members and $95 for nonmembers who are seniors 65 and over and kids 5-12. There is an additional $3 fee per person for ages 13-64.
Trip price includes motorcoach
transportation to the State Fair, fair admission, two bottles of water per person and a tour director. Completed registration form from all participants and payment in full required to be considered registered. The deadline for a refund is Aug. 12. Those interested can go to the senior center, located at 216 Third St. NW, and sign up for one of the bus trips. For questions contact Sharie Linke at (612) 396-6923 or email at sharie_linke@hotmail. com.
BACM summer recital series continues Aug. 14
TURTLE RIVER — The 37th season of the Bemidji Area Church Musicians Summer Recital Series continues at noon on Wednesday, Aug. 14, at Aardahl Lutheran Church, 2920 Van Buren Ave. SE. The recital will feature
Kelli Lien to teach collage class
BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Senior Center will host visual artist Kelli Lien for a floral garden collage class from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 14, at the senior center, 216 Third St. NW.
Each participant should bring a small jelly-type jar for the class; everything else will be provided.
This class is for members only and is limited to 10 participants. The annual membership fee starts at $25.
The center asks that those who participated in Lien’s June class don’t sign up for this class so others have the chance to attend, a release said.
Lien holds a Core Certificate in Book Arts from the Minnesota Center for Book Arts.
“The certificate is designed to recognize the work of individuals who
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build skills and knowledge in fundamental book arts processes, as well as in-depth
understanding in one or more areas of technique,
such as bookbinding, printmaking and creating one of a kind artist books,” a release said. To learn more about Lien, visit kellilien.com.
To register for the class, stop by the center or call (218) 751-8836.
Parkinson’s Support Group set to meet
Aug. 14
BEMIDJI — The Parkinson’s Support Group will hold its monthly meeting at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 14, at Sanford Health Windsong, 1010 Anne St. NW. The group meets at 2 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at the same location.
For more information, contact (218) 760-8266.
Senior Center to host Cooperative Living presentation
BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Senior Center will host a Cooperative Living
presentation by Gracewin at noon on Thursday, Aug. 15, at the center, 216 Third St. NW. All seniors are invited to attend this presentation, a release said. Refreshments will be served.
For more information, call the center at (218) 751-8836.
Parks and Rec to hold family painting class
BEMIDJI — The city of Bemidji Parks and Recreation Department is set to hold a family painting class from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 15, at Diamond Point Park. Participants will work together as a family to create three amazing pieces of art, a release said. The cost is $20 per family. Register online at www. ci.bemidji.mn.us. For more information, call (218) 333-1862.
Beltrami Area Service Collaborative
set to meet
BEMIDJI — The Beltrami Area Service Collaborative will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 14. All meetings will run from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on select Wednesdays throughout the year 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.”
Remaining meetings will be held:
• Oct. 9
• Dec. 11
Contact the BASC
Office at (218) 333-8190 for the Zoom link or location information.
Wild Hare Bistro to host ‘Ojibwe by Design’ exhibit
BEMIDJI — The public is invited to view works young artists created during Watermark’s “Ojibwe by Design” summer workshop, on display through Aug. 16 at Wild Hare Bistro, 523 Minnesota Ave. NW.
Exhibiting artist and middle school teacher Sarah McRae, of the Red Lake Band of Ojibwe, led the workshop over three days in June at Bemidji State University.
McRae taught students design principles, Indigenous art history and technical skills while encouraging them to focus on “filling space with intention,” a release said.
The workshop was made possible with support from the Blandin Foundation and the McK-
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night Foundation.
A closing reception for the exhibit will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 16, at the Wild Hare.
For more information, contact (218) 444-7570 or visit watermarkartcenter. org.
‘Christian Woodstock’ event set for Aug. 16-17
BEMIDJI — An outdoor worship event titled “Christian Woodstock” will be held Aug. 16-17 with worship starting at 6 p.m., at 50585 279th Ave., just past T and K Outdoors.
“Come join us for a family atmosphere, music, love and hope for those dealing with depression, addiction and trauma,” a release said.
During the day, participants can enjoy relaxing, music, games and walking trails. In the evening, there will be campfire and jam sessions.
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, 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.
Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church to hold ice cream and pie social
PUPOSKY — Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church will host its annual ice cream and pie social from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 18, at the church, 1214 Durand Drive NW in Puposky.
The event will feature live music and fellowship.
A free-will offering will be accepted, and everyone from the community and surrounding areas is welcome to attend, a release said.
Watermark to host Third Coast Chamber Collective Festival performance
BEMIDJI — Hosted by Watermark Art Center, the final concert of this year’s Third Coast Chamber Collective Festival is set for 6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 18, at Watermark, 505 Bemidji Ave. N.
The Festival will feature “Music from the Americas” by composers C. Shaw, A. Piazzolla, O. Golijov, E. Fine, W. Grant Still and others, a release said.
Third Coast Chamber Collective is made up of musicians Magdalena Sas on cello, Pedro Oviedo on viola, Natalia Korenchuk on violin and Evgeny Zvonnikov on violin.
“Coming from diverse backgrounds, they have joined together with the goal of building connection and improving community access to the arts and arts education in Minnesota,” the release said.
The group will be joined by guest artists “Floocello Duo,” comprised of Pola Benke on cello and Antonina Styczen on flute; pianist Alyona A. Waldo; and percussionist Ryan Loken.
Tickets cost $24 for adults; $15 for seniors and college students; and $10 for children 17 and younger. Visit thirdcoastchambercollective.com to purchase tickets and learn more about their programs, faculty, retreats, projects and events.
Defensive Driving Course scheduled for Aug. 19
BEMIDJI — A Defensive Driving Course/ Refresher Course will be offered from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 19, through Zoom.
The four-hour course is for drivers age 55 and older who want to receive a discount on their insurance. The instructor for the classes will be retired Minnesota State Patrol Trooper Mike Flatley.
A recent change in the law regarding the Senior Driving Program says participants can now take the four-hour course for their initial course. The eight-hour beginner’s course is no longer a requirement, a release said.
Those who have already completed the beginner’s course can also take this course to continue receiving a discount on their insurance.
The cost of the course is $15. To pre-register, contact (218) 750-3189 or email mnflats@hotmail. com. Course materials need
to be mailed, so early registration is recommended.
For more information on Flatley’s upcoming courses, visit mndefensivedriving.blogspot.com.
United Way seeks donations for Stuff a Bus school drive
BEMIDJI — The United Way of Bemidji Area’s annual Stuff a Bus K-12 school supply drive is underway to benefit children attending Bemidji Area Schools.
Community members can help by donating new school supplies, including backpacks, notebooks, folders, pencil boxes, pencils, markers, crayons and colored pencils. A full supply list and wish lists are available at UnitedWayBemidji.org/ stuff-a-bus.
“Donating to United Way’s Stuff a Bus school supply drive is one way you can help meet the basic needs, health and education of our local students and their families and empower them to be successful in school,” a release said.
The Tourist Information Center and Lueken’s Village Foods North and South locations will be accepting donations through Tuesday, Aug. 20. Supplies will be distributed through Bemidji Area Schools the week of back-to-school orientation, Aug. 26-Sept. 3. Families in need of school
supplies should contact Community Resource Connections at (218) 333-0880.
The Stuff a Bus drive is supported in partnership by Paul Bunyan Broadcasting, Bemidji School District, Lueken’s Village Foods, Visit Bemidji and Bemidji Parks and Recreation.
Ye Olde Schoolgrounds group seeks vendors for corn feed
LAPORTE — The Ye Olde Schoolgrounds group is seeking vendors for its annual corn feed set for Sunday, Aug. 25, at the Guthrie Community Center, 44255 Front St. in Laporte.
This year’s event will feature a farmers market, craft fair and flea market, a release said.
Set up will begin at 9 a.m., with the market running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The corn feed lunch will be held from noon to 3 p.m.
Outdoor space and limited indoor space are available for $10.
Vendors must reserve a spot by Aug. 15 by calling Sue at (218) 224-3415 or emailing beevor@paulbunyan.net.
‘Procla!m’ summer worship event set for Aug. 31
SOLWAY — Solway
Bible Chapel is set to hold
“Procla!m,” a summer worship event, at 1 p.m.
on Saturday, Aug. 31, at the Bergamo Campground, 15661 Tom Jefferson Drive NW in Solway. Gates open at 11 a.m. for participants to enter Bergamo Campground. The event is free to attend and will feature artists The Afters, Presence Music, Saphire, Seventh Day Slumber and Ryan Stevenson, a release said. Bounce houses, a game area for children and food trucks will also be available.
Attendees are asked to bring a chair or blanket for seating.
For more information or to make a donation, visit www.solwaybiblechapel.org. 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.
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 dinein and delivery. For more information, call (218) 694-6873. 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.
