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Bemidji Recovery Alliance to host annual Walk for Recovery
BEMIDJI — Bemidji Recovery Alliance will host its second annual Walk for Recovery from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 29, starting at Paul and Babe.
Attendees will walk south down Paul Bunyan Drive, cross the Paul Bunyan Trail Bridge and loop back to Paul and Babe. Participants will receive a free T-shirt.
The family-friendly event will also feature food vendors, a resource fair and a closing ceremony. Vendor registration is free.
For more information on how to be a vendor, volunteer or sponsor of the event, call Bella at (218) 508-7347.
Safe Sitter babysitting program available through Parks and Rec
BEMIDJI — The city of Bemidji Parks and Recreation Department will offer a Safe Sitter babysitting program from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 30, at the Historic Carnegie Library.
Safe Sitter teaches young teens, ages 11 to 14, everything they need to know to be safe when they’re home alone, watching younger siblings or babysitting, a release said.
Students learn life-saving skills such as how to rescue someone who’s choking, and helpful information like what to do if there’s severe weather.
“The lessons are filled with fun activities and role-playing exercises,” the release added. “Students even get to use CPR manikins to practice choking rescue.”
This program is sponsored by the Bemidji Jaycees.
The cost is $38 per person. Register online at
www.ci.bemidji.mn.us or call (218) 333-1862.
Bemidji Senior Center to hold pool players meetup, book club
BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Senior Center will hold a meetup for pool players and its monthly
to discuss “Final Justice” by James Robert Miller. Helen Malbraaten, who has donated several books to the group, will be at the October meeting to talk to the group about her work editing and proofing newly published
book club during the first week of October, at the center, 216 Third St. NW.
A pool players meetand-greet event is set for 12:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 30, in the center’s basement. Attendees will meet other pool players and get to know each other, a release said.
The center is tentatively planning to hold a weekly pool club at 12:30 p.m. on Mondays, Oct. 7-28.
For more information, contact (218) 751-8836.
The book club will meet at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 1, in the center’s conference room. Participants should come ready
snowsuits for men, women, infants and children, a release said. Winter accessories including boots, scarves, gloves and hats are also welcome.
Those who donate gloves or boots are asked to attach each pair
books, the release said.
The club will read “The War Librarian” by Addison Armstrong for its November meeting.
For more information about the book club, contact Jean Lavour at (218) 444-7303 or (615) 589-2951.
United Way’s Coats for the Community drive seeks donations BEMIDJI — The United Way of Bemidji Area’s annual Coats for the Community drive is underway, with donations being accepted through Sept. 30.
Accepted donations include new or clean, gently used coats and
together prior to donating.
Donations can be made at Dress Club Cleaners and Lueken’s Village Foods North and South locations through Tuesday, Sept. 30.
“The coat drive is one of United Way’s community impact initiatives aimed to help meet the basic needs of those who may otherwise have to go without, while also helping families become more financially stable,” the release said.
The coats and winter accessories will be distributed from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 5, at First Lutheran Church
in Bemidji. Anyone may come on the distribution day to get winter items for themselves and their family.
Sons of Norway Bemidji to meet Sept. 29
BEMIDJI — Sons of Norway Bemidji will meet at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 29, at Calvary Lutheran Church, 2508 Washington Ave. SE.
Tanley Lego will present on Sami culture and the Arctic lifestyle. Lego is a native of the Scandinavian Arctic area and will speak first-hand about the culture of the Sami, a release said.
The meeting is free and open to the public.
Bret Byfield to present at Northern Exposure to Lifelong Learning
BAGLEY — NELL’s fall 2024 series continues with Bret Byfield presenting “Experience In, Leaving and Life After Being in a Cult” at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 2, at Faith Lutheran Church, 32 Bagley Ave. NW. Byfield was here approximately 20 years ago to share his captivating experience to a full audience at the Bagley High School Gymnasium, and this time will be no different, a release said.
The presenter currently lives in Minneapolis but was born and raised in Clearwater County and graduated from Bagley High School. 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.
Military Vehicle Preservation Association convoy to make stop in Bagley
BAGLEY — The Military Vehicle Preservation Association will stop in Bagley at approximately noon on Wednesday, Oct. 2, in the parking lot behind the Bagley American Legion Post 16, 112 Main Ave. N.
35 vehicles from various wars and time periods will be on display to the public for approximately an hour while over 65 volunteer members of the convoy enjoy a lunch served by the American Legion family.
This convoy is part of the MVPS-HA Jefferson Highway 2024 Convoy.
This transcontinental convoy will take place from Oct. 1 to 31 and will retrace the historic 1918 Jefferson Highway Route from the Minnesota border to New Orleans, traveling 2,500 miles in 30 days, a release said.
After the stop in Bagley, the convoy will continue on to the Headwaters of the Mississippi where they will stay overnight before continuing south. The historic vehicles will travel approximately 80 miles per day at 30-35 miles per hour.
The MVPA is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit. Donations can be made to: “MVPA Historical Archives, Convoy Donation” MVPA, PO Box 520378, Independence MO 64055. There will also be a place to donate at the Bagley stop.
For more information on the route and history of the convoy, go to www. mvpa.org.
Bemidji Senior Center to offer pedicure foot care clinic
BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Senior Center will host a pedicure foot care clinic from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on two Wednesdays a
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month at the senior center, 216 Third St. NW. The dates are Oct. 2 and 23, Nov. 6 and 20 and Dec. 4 and 18. Participants will be able to receive nail trimming and other foot care, a release said. The cost is $35 for members and $40 for non-members.
Walk-ins are welcome. To make an appointment, call Registered Nurse Marina Verke at (802) 579-9597.
Beltrami Electric to host electric vehicle car show Oct. 3
BEMIDJI — Beltrami Electric Cooperative will host an electric vehicle car show from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3, at Beltrami Electric, 4111 Technology Drive NW, in conjunction with National Drive Electric Week. Attendees can hear about today’s charging technologies and explore the world of EVs, meet
EV owners, check out e-bikes, electric lawnmowers and more. Representatives from Beltrami Electric Co-op and Otter Tail Power will be available to discuss the latest charging technologies, home charging options, and how to take advantage of rebates, tax credits and off-peak rates to make EV ownership more accessible and affordable, a release said.
The event will feature popular EVs, including the Ford F-150 Lightning, Ford Mach-E Mustang and various Tesla models. At 5 p.m., there will be a presentation featuring Red Lake Schools’ new Blue Bird electric school bus. Attendees will learn how local communities are embracing sustainable transportation solutions, the release said.
“Come explore the future of transportation and discover why electric vehicles are gaining
momentum,” added the release.
This is a free event and the first 75 attendees will receive a free T-shirt.
Bemidji Retired Military Club set to meet Oct. 2
BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Retired Military Club will host a meeting on the first Wednesday of each month at a local restaurant for dinner and camaraderie. The next meeting is set for Oct. 2.
“If you are a retired military veteran of any branch of service, we would love to have you join us,” a release said.
For more information, contact (218) 759-1096 to get the name of the restaurant of the month and leave your name and number to reserve a spot. Defensive Driving Course scheduled for Oct. 3
BEMIDJI — A Defensive Driving Course/ Refresher Course will be offered from 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3, through Zoom.
The four-hour course is for drivers aged 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. There will be no defensive driving classes scheduled for November. Classes will resume in December.
For more information on Flatley’s upcoming courses, visit mndefensivedriving.blogspot.com.
Open Mic and CoffeeHouse event set at Headwaters
BEMIDJI — Headwaters Music and Arts will host an Open Mic and CoffeeHouse featuring Nick Ostrye at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4, at Headwaters, 519 Minnesota Ave.
NW. Nick Ostrye is a newcomer to northern Minnesota. A veteran of the Pacific Northwest underground music scene, Ostrye is known for his passionate vocals, powerful instrumentation and somewhat explorative, yet grounded style that will leave attendees feeling refreshed.
Held on the first Friday of most months, the Headwaters Open Mic offers a welcoming and supportive community for musicians and spoken-word performers. All ages and skill levels are encouraged to sign up for a 10 to 15 minute set.
Sign-up begins at 6:30 p.m. or by email to jjhgaard@gmail.com.
Admission is $4 per person and $10 for families. Coffee and treats will be available for purchase courtesy of Apple Blossom Village in partnership with Starbucks.
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Watermark to host artist talk, closing reception for ‘Smart Wars’ exhibit
BEMIDJI — Watermark
Art Center will host an artist talk and reception for Rory Wakemup’s
“Smart Wars: Gaa-miinigoowiziyang — What We Were Given” exhibit from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3, at Watermark, 505 Bemidji Ave. N.
The exhibit is currently on display in Watermark’s Miikanan Gallery.
“Originally a performance art piece based on Star Wars, Wakemup wants to (use this exhibit to) help fans of Native culture to understand the difference between dehumanizing racism and what truly honors Natives,” a release said.
Recognized in the art world as an innovative thinker, Wakemup is fearless in bringing Indigenous concerns to light through his artwork and community activism. One can see the results of his vision in this exhibit.
“From dismantling stereotypes to making visible the exploitation of earth’s resources, the missing and murdered Indigenous peoples, to celebrating the power in our survival, Wakemup constructs narratives that tell (Indigenous) stories,” added the release.
Wakemup and community members will also install a metal tipi sculpture on Watermark’s
South Lawn beginning at 9 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 4. There is no charge to attend these events. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Watermark galleries are accessible and open to the public Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit watermarkartcenter. org or call (218) 444-7570.
HCLL fall series continues PARK RAPIDS — Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning program series continues with each event taking place at 1 p.m. at the Event Room, 1104 Park Ave. S in Park Rapids.
Here are the remaining events for the season:
Oct. 3: Phyllis Root will present, “Where is the Lost Forest?” Attendees will learn about the impact of old growth forests and how the Lost Forty was spared from logging after it was mistakenly mapped as a lake.
Oct. 8: “Three Old Guys Snowmobile to Alaska.” Rob Hallstrom, a Menahga native, will share stories from a oncein-a-lifetime adventure, including memorable events and how the guys decided to make the trip.
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Contributed
Watermark Art Center is set to display multi-media artist Rory Wakemup’s exhibit, “Smart-Wars - Gaa-miinigoowiziyang (What We Were Given),” through Nov. 30, in
Oct. 18: “The Twelve Owls of Minnesota.”
Eben Spencer of Itasca County will present on owl spotting techniques, local owl species and his mounted owls. Spencer has federal and state permits to possess mounted owls, and will bring four mounted owls to this pro-
gram for viewing.
Oct. 22: “The Making of RISING.” Artist and teacher Tiffany Besonen will share her 10-minute experimental art film “RISING,” discuss her filmmaking process and answer questions. All programs are held free of charge and wheel-
chair accessible.
HCLL is a nonprofit organization that presents free programs to people of all ages, offering opportunities for intellectual pursuits related to the humanities.
To donate to HCLL, mail a check to: Carol Schellack, HCLL
Treasurer, P.O. Box 628, Park Rapids MN 56470. Parks and Rec to offer Little Sprouts Nature Exploration program
BEMIDJI — The city of Bemidji Parks and Recreation Department will offer a Little Sprouts Nature Exploration program from 10 to 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, at North Country Park, 1001 30th St. NW.
This is a preschool program all about nature exploration, a release said. Parents or guardians are required to stay during the event.
The program costs $6 per participant.
To register, visit www. ci.bemidji.mn.us. For more information, call (218) 333-1859. St. Theodore’s Catholic Church to hold fall home goods, bake sale
LAPORTE — St. Theodore’s Catholic Church will host a fall home goods and bake sale from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, at the church, 580 County Highway 39, Laporte.
Items for sale will include new and gently used home goods plus a variety of homemade pies, cakes, cookies and treats made by the exceptional bakers of the church, a release said.
The event is open to the public, rain or shine.
Pet Fixers clinics scheduled for Oct. 5-6
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 Oct. 5 and 6. 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.
The last dates for this year’s clinics are 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.
Sanford Health to host annual Walk to Remember Oct. 5
BEMIDJI — Sanford Health will host its annual Walk to Remember at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, at the Sanford Bemidji Medical Center, 1300 Anne St. NW.
The community is invited to join the Sanford Parents Embracing Time After Loss program to remember all babies lost in early pregnancy, stillbirth, newborn death and SIDS.
The event is a time to reflect, share and remember children taken from this world too soon, a release said. Registration begins at 9 a.m., followed by the walk at 10 a.m. A memorial service will follow the walk, including the planting of a remembrance tree donated by Hills Country Greenhouse. There is no cost to attend. Attendees will receive a free T-shirt and a silent auction will also be held during the event. Proceeds from the walk will benefit the PETAL program, which provides mementos and support information to every parent who experiences the loss of a baby or infant within the Sanford Health of Northern Minnesota Region.
For more information or to contact a PETAL team member, call (218) 3336129, email bemidjirsvp@ sanfordhealth.org or visit www.sanfordhealth.org/ classes-and-events/ walk-to-remember.
Bemidji Area Narcotics Anonymous holds New Freedom group meetings
BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Area Narcotics Anonymous group holds two meetings in Bemidji each week. New Freedom group meetings are held at 7
p.m. on Tuesdays, in Room 2 at Calvary Lutheran Church, 2508 Washington Ave. SE., and at 6 p.m. on Saturdays, upstairs at the Alano Club, 1225 Anne St. NW. Attendees should use the front entrance at Calvary Lutheran, a release said.
For more information, contact Stephen at (218) 760-1548, or Tim at (218) 497-0258.
Parks and Rec offering Storytime at the Carnegie program
BEMIDJI — The city of Bemidji Parks and Recreation Department is offering a Storytime at the Carnegie program from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. on Mondays, at the Historic Carnegie Library, 317 Fourth St. NW.
Each week, preschool participants will hear a different story and have the chance to make a themed craft.
The sessions are free to attend, and weekly programs will run through May 19.
To register, visit www. ci.bemidji.mn.us. For more information, call (218) 333-1862.
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.
Northwest Minnesota Foundation seeks applicants for its board of directors
BEMIDJI — The Northwest Minnesota Foundation is now accepting applications from those interested in serving on its board of directors.
The NMF board is looking to elect new members this winter, with newly elected directors starting their four-year terms in December or January, a
release said.
“The Foundation invests resources, facilitates collaboration and promotes philanthropy to make the region a better place to live and work,” the release said. “The vision of the foundation is that Northwest Minnesota will be a place where communities and people work together to foster opportunity, promote philanthropy and enrich the lives of all residents.”
The NMF Board of Directors is made up of 12 adults who live within the 12-county region, which includes Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Kittson, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake and Roseau Counties, and Red Lake and White Earth Nations.
NMF encourages applications from all who may be interested from throughout the region.
NMF is particularly encouraging people from the following groups to apply:
• Those representing Red Lake Nation and the counties of Lake of the Woods, Norman, Beltrami and Marshall. Indigenous people, people of color, immigrants/ new Americans, LGBTQ people, low-income people or younger ages. People working in the following sectors: banking/finance, health care, manufacturing, nonprofit, low-income serving, arts, early childhood, legal, elder care or housing. Applications will be accepted until Monday, Sept. 30. For a full position description and the application, visit nwmf.org/ who-we-are/ join-our-team.
