Sip, Shop and Stroll event to be held in downtown Bemidji
BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Downtown Alliance will host a Sip, Shop and Stroll event from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, in downtown Bemidji.
The event, formally known as “Ladies on the Loose,” invites the community to explore vibrant downtown Bemidji while enjoying exclusive deals, local flavors and exciting prizes, a release said.
Over 22 unique businesses are participating in this year’s event, showcasing the creativity of local entrepreneurs.
From charming boutiques to delicious cafes and restaurants, attendees will experience the best that Bemidji has to offer, added the release.
Participants can enjoy delightful sips as they browse through an array of products, allowing for a personalized shopping
experience that highlights local artisans and shopkeepers. “Shopping local is vital to sustaining our community’s economy, fostering relationships and enhancing the character of downtown Bemidji,” the release said. “By supporting local businesses, you ensure that your dollars contribute to job creation and the overall vitality of our town.”
For more information, visit the Bemidji Downtown Alliance Facebook Page.
Aardahl Lutheran Church to hold craft and bake sale
BEMIDJI — Aardahl Lutheran Church will hold its annual craft and bake sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, at the church, 2920 Van Buren Ave.
Attendees can browse crafts, quilts and delicious baked goods, a release said. There will
also be Scandinavian delicacies and warm lefse.
Malvik Lutheran Church to host hunter’s brunch
LAPORTE — Malvik Lutheran Church will hold its annual hunter’s brunch from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, at the church, 27689 474th St. The brunch menu will include homemade rolls, pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausages, coffee and juice, a release said. All are welcome; a freewill offering will be accepted.
Bemidji Area Aglow set to meet Nov. 9
BEMIDJI — Bemidji Area Aglow Lighthouse is set to meet from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 9, in the community room at Beltrami Electric, 4111 Technology Drive NW. Bob McKeown, worship leader and songwriter, will lead praise and
worship.
The special guest speaker is Phylis Talberg Krogseng from Northome. She has ministered at tent meetings, Messianic Fellowships, retreats, home fellowships, reservations, prayer groups and churches of various denominations, a release said.
Talberg Krogseng became a follower of Jesus when she was 9 years old and was baptized in the Spirit in the 1970s, added the release.
All are welcome, freewill offerings will be received.
Family Lions Club interest meeting set for Nov. 9
BEMIDJI — An informational meeting about forming a Family Lions Club is scheduled for 5 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, at Giovanni’s Pizza, 104 First St. W.
A family club is
designed for parents and children to gather with like-minded people to provide community service, personal development and fellowship with other families in the community, a release said.
The Bemidji Lions Club is the sponsoring club for this new Lions Club. The meeting will feature remarks from past Lions District Governor Lion Jessica Minske and current Lions District Governor Robert Woodke.
All parents and children are welcome to attend, the release said. Peter Mayer to present Bemidji concert
BEMIDJI — Headwaters Unitarian Universalist Fellowship will host a concert by Minnesota songwriter Peter Mayer at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Headwaters Peace Center, 1826 Mikrantip Roa SW.
“Mayer, known for his
thoughtful lyrics, soulful melodies and deeply moving performances, has been captivating audiences for over 20 years with his unique blend of folk, rock and spiritual exploration,” a release said.
His music often reflects themes of peace, justice and the shared human experience, making him a beloved figure within the Unitarian Universalist community and beyond, added the release.
Mayer is also the recipient of fellowships from both the McKnight and the Bush foundations.
Tickets cost $25 and are available at headwatersfellowship.weebly. com or by calling (218) 760-7446.
Headwaters Unitarian Universal Fellowship is a lay-led liberal religious community with services followed by a social time each Sunday at 10 a.m.
Bemidji Senior Center to hold monthly pancake breakfast fundraiser
BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Senior Center will hold its monthly pancake breakfast fundraiser event from 8 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, at the center, 216 Third St. NW.
The cost is $7 for adults and children 12 and older; $3.50 for children ages 5 to 11; and free for ages 4 and younger. The meal includes sausage, pancakes and milk.
The Senior Creations Gift Shop will be open during the breakfast, a release said.
All proceeds will benefit the Bemidji Senior Center.
For more information, contact (218) 751-8836.
Bemidji Senior Center to host Veterans Day program
BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Senior Center will host a Veterans Day program at 1 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, at the senior center, 216 Third St. NW.
The program will include music by the First City Singers and a presentation and honor guard by American Legion Post No. 14.
Steve Jewett will be the speaker and Maryhelen Chadwick will give an update on the Bemidji Veterans Home, a release said.
The center will also give away Quilts of Valor to selected veterans during the program. Light refreshments will be provided.
For more information, visit the senior center or call (218) 751-8836.
Bemidji Public Library book club to meet Nov. 12
BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Public Library’s book club will meet at noon on Tuesday, Nov. 12, at the library, 509 America Ave. NW.
The club will discuss “Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros, along with updates, and choose a holiday or winter-themed book for the Dec. 9 meeting.
The book club usually meets at noon on the second Monday of every month in the library meeting room; however, the library will be closed for Veterans Day on Monday, Nov. 11.
Newcomers are always welcome, a release said.
“Whether you enjoyed the book or not, you’ll have a great time and a fun discussion,” added the release.
For more information, contact Kate Egelhof at the library at egelhofk@ krls.org or (218) 751-3963.
Cass County MCCL to host Don Parker
HACKENSACK — Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life Co-Chairman Don Parker will speak at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at the Hackensack Hub, 213
Parker’s presentation will focus on the impact of election results on prolife issues in Minnesota, a release said.
The Cass County MCCL Chapter is sponsoring Parker’s presentation as part of his annual visit to MCCL Chapters throughout the state of Minnesota following a major election.
The event is free and open to the public.
Parkinson’s Support Group set to meet Nov. 13
BEMIDJI — The Parkinson’s Support Group will hold its monthly meeting at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 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.
This month’s guest speaker is Tanis Beadle. Beadle is part of a research study called Parkinson’s Predictive Marker Initiative.
For more information, contact (218) 760-8266.
Harmony Co-op to hold sugar cookiemaking class
BEMIDJI — Muriel Kingery will teach participants how to make their own sugar cookies at home at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at the co-op’s community kitchen, 302 Irvine Ave. NW.
During the class, participants can celebrate fall by learning to make these flavorful maple brown sugar cookies and decorate them with festive icing, a release said.
“We love getting together with the community for fun, food and learning, and we’re so happy to be able to offer these classes and bring people together,” Harmony event organizers said in the release.
The class costs $16.50 per person, with all materials included. Space is limited and classes fill up quickly, register in-store or online at harmonyfoods.coop/classes-events.
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: 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. Friends of Lake Bemidji State Park set to meet 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 Nov. 14. 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.
Bemidji Public Library to host author Art Coulson
BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Public Library is set to host Minnesota author Art Coulson at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14, at the library, 509 America Ave. Coulson, of Minneapolis, is a writer of Cherokee, English and Dutch descent and the 2023 McKnight Fellow in Children’s Literature, a release said.
He is also the author of 20 books, graphic novels and plays for children, including the middlegrade novel, “Chasing Bigfoot;” the picture book, “Look, Grandma! Ni, Elisi!” and the forthcoming picture book, “All the Stars in the Sky.”
Coulson is a teaching artist at the Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis and coordinates the Native Authors Program for All My Relations Arts.
Although he is known primarily for his books for young readers, Coulson’s next two writing projects will be his first novels for adults.
The reading in Bemidji is made possible by a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board.
Contact Kate Egelhof at the library with any questions at egelhofk@krls. org or (218) 751-3963.
AirCorps Aviation to hold open house Nov. 14
BEMIDJI — AirCorps Aviation will celebrate Veterans Day at its semiannual open house event from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14, at AirCorps, 1180 Adams Ave.
Attendees will get a chance to see ongoing projects in the restoration facility and ask questions of Aircorps staff, a release said.
The open house is a self-guided event with AirCorps employees onsite to answer any questions about projects and
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100+ Women Who Care to host fundraiser event for Bemidji nonprofits
BEMIDJI — 100+
Women Who Care will host its second nonprofit fundraising event at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14, at Fourth Street Lodge, 116 Fourth Street.
With a $100 donation, attendees will have the opportunity to nominate a local nonprofit to receive funding.
Four nonprofits will be chosen at random from the nominations and participants will have the chance to vote for the organization that they want to receive the collective donations, a release said.
Attendees will also get a chance to network while enjoying appetizers and a cash bar.
Within three days after the event, 100+
Women Who Care will deliver the checks to the nonprofit receiving the most votes.
According to the release, the group’s first event yielded $11,700 for Evergreen Youth and Family Services.
Doors open at 5 p.m. No RSVP is required and donations can be made in cash or check.
For more information, visit the 100+ Women Who Care Facebook page or 100bemidji.wixsite. com/womenwhocare.
Senior Center to offer card-making classes in November
BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Senior Center will offer iris card-making classes at 1 p.m. on Fridays, Nov. 15 and 22, at the center, 216 Third St. NW. Barb Bjerke will teach the classes. Class size is limited so pre-registration is required.
The center requests that participants only sign up for one class so
more people can take them, a release said. To sign up, stop by the senior center. For more information, call the center at (218) 751-8836.
Parks and Rec to host Minnesota trivia night
BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Parks and Recreation Department will host a game of Minnesota trivia from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15, at the Carnegie Library.
“How much do you know about the great state of Minnesota?” a release asked. “Gather your team and put your knowledge to the test.”
The top three teams with the highest scores will receive prizes.
The cost is $6 per team of two to five people.
To register, visit www. ci.bemidji.mn.us. For more information contact (218) 308-3780.
DAV Chapter 7 seeks volunteers to empty donation bins
BEMIDJI — Disabled
American Veterans North Central Chapter 7 is seeking volunteers to help empty its 25 clothing donation bins located throughout the Bemidji Area.
The bins are emptied twice a week and all the money generated from the donations is used to directly support local veterans in need and organizations directly serving veterans, a release said.
Both veterans and nonveterans are welcome to volunteer.
For more information, contact Bruce Tiegan at (218) 308-0962 or DAV Chapter 7 at (218) 556-4592.
Bemidji Middle School to host Lumberjack Craft Fair Nov. 16
BEMIDJI — Bemidji Middle School will host
its ninth annual Lumberjack Craft Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16, at the school, 3330 Middle School Ave. NW. There will be over 50 vendors selling a variety of crafts for attendees to browse and get a jump on holiday shopping, a release said.
Admission is free and the National Junior Honor Society will provide commissions.
For more information, contact Andra Vaughn at andra_vaughn@isd31.net.
Bemidji Senior Center to hold Fall Craft Show
BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Senior Center and its Senior Creations Gift Shop will hold a Fall Craft Show and jewelry sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16, at the center, 216 Third St. NW.
The event will feature baked goods and items handmade by local
crafters, including holiday gifts, quilts and home decor, a release said. The gift shop will also be open during the Craft Show and attendees can enter hourly raffle drawings for handmade prizes donated by vendors. Sloppy Joes and chips will be available to purchase for $5. For more information call (218) 751-8836.
Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society to host Walk on the Wild Side event
BEMIDJI — The Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society will host a Walk on the Wild Side event from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 16, at the Neilson Spearhead Center nature preserve, 48851 County 29.
At the event, Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society’s Outreach Coordinator Amelia Kaiser will guide attendees
through a morning of nature journaling.
Participants will follow prompts to incorporate words, numbers and sketches to observe and draw closer to nature, a release said.
Kaiser is an accomplished artist who incorporates nature into many of her works. She enjoys plein air painting and using art to slow down and pay more attention to the natural world, said the release. Supplies will be provided but attendees are welcome to bring their own notebook, paper, pens or pencils.
This event is free to attend. Participants should come prepared for the weather with appropriate warm layers or rain gear as the forecast indicates, the release said.
For more information, visit spearheadmhas.org/ events.
St. Charles Catholic Church to host annual bazaar on Nov. 16
CASS LAKE — St.
Charles Catholic Church will host its annual bazaar from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16, at the church, 308 Central Ave. NW in Cass Lake.
The event will include lunch, a bake sale, second-time-around holiday decorations and crafts, a gift basket silent auction, a quilt raffle and door prizes, a release said.
The cost is $10 for a lunch of chicken, wild rice, squash, cranberry jello salad, a beverage and dessert.
Bemidji Sunrise Rotary Club to hold fall feast fundraiser
BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Sunrise Rotary Club will hold a fall feast from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16, at the Eagles Club, 1270 Neilson Ave. SE.
The feast will feature pork loin with sundried tomato cream sauce, roasted potatoes with greens, broccoli raisin salad, sweet peas and dessert.
Proceeds from the dinner will go to local youth programs including scholarships for high school seniors, Rotary Youth Leadership Academy scholarships, international youth exchange programs and other youth-focused community programming, a release said.
The meal will cost $20 per adult and $10 for children under 12.
For more information, contact Sunrise Rotary President Brian Hemmelman at (605) 593-7255 or bthemmelman@gmail. com.
Ye Olde Schoolgrounds group to host hunter’s breakfast
LAPORTE — The Ye Olde Schoolgrounds group will host a hunter’s breakfast from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 17, at the Guthrie Community Center, 44255 Front St. in Laporte.
The menu will include all-you-can-eat buttermilk pancakes, sausage links, scrambled eggs, applesauce, orange juice, coffee, milk and water. A free-will donation will be accepted and everyone is welcome, a release said.
For more information, visit the Ye Olde Schoolgrounds Guthrie
Community Center Facebook page.
Registration open for First City of Lights Tour of Homes
BEMIDJI — The First City of Lights Foundation is once again compiling a list of homes and creating a map of the decorated homes for the winter holidays.
There is no charge to add your home to the list.
Participants must simply agree to have their lights on from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., 7 days a week, from Nov. 29 to Jan. 1, 2025.
After registration closes, your address will be added to the Tour of Homes map, which will be available at the Bemidji Pioneer, Tourist Information Center and online for Christmas light enthusiasts to use to see displays.
The map will also be available for pick up at the First City of Lights Night We Light Festival, held on Nov. 29, in Santa’s Workshop located inside the Tourist Information Center in Paul Bunyan Park, at the Lake Bemidji water front by Paul and Babe, as well as various locations around town.
The deadline to register your home is Nov. 20. To sign up, visit firstcityoflights.org/mevents/ tour-of-homes.
First City Squares dances continue
BEMIDJI — First City Squares will host dances
from 2 to 4:30 p.m. on Sundays each month through May at the Bemidji United Methodist Church, 924 Beltrami Ave NW.
Dances are set for the following dates: Sunday, Nov. 17 with caller Larry Johansen. Sunday, Dec. 15 with caller Charlie Huhtala.
• Sunday, Jan. 19 with caller Larry Johansen. Sunday, Feb. 16 with caller Brian Freed. Sunday, March 16 with caller Charlie Huhtala.
• Sunday, April 27 with caller Tom Allen. Sunday, May 18 with caller Larry Johansen. A potluck dinner will follow each dance.
All square dancers, those wishing to dance and spectators are welcome to join the fun, a release said.
For more information, contact Carole at (218) 766-9346, Scott at (218) 7663544 or Jeff at (302) 383-1502.
Rory Wakemup to teach tipi
construction community workshop
BEMIDJI — Exhibiting artist Rory Wakemup will lead a tipi construction community workshop on Nov. 18-23, at Rail River Folk School, 303 Railroad St. SW. Participants can drop in any time between noon and 4 p.m. each day and stay as long as desired. This workshop is open
to anyone who wants to learn or observe the process of constructing a life-sized canvas tipi. Rory and his team will give hands-on guidance for all ages, a release said.
Watermark Art Center and the Indigenous Environmental Network are co-sponsoring this free workshop. No prior skills are required.
Wakemup is currently exhibiting his mixed media show, “Smart Wars – Fighting for Gaa-miinigoowiziyang” (What We Were Given) in the Miikanan Gallery at Watermark Art Center through Nov. 22.
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.
Parks and Rec to offer Basic Life Support class
BEMIDJI — The city of Bemidji Parks and Recreation Department will hold a Basic Life Support class from 5 to 9:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 18, at the BSU Gillett Wellness Center, 1801 Birch Lane NE. This class is geared toward pre-hospital providers such as EMTs, paramedics, firefighters and in-facility hospital providers. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive a course completion card,
valid for two years. During this class participants will learn: High-quality CPR for adults, children, and infants
• The AHA Chain of Survival, specifically the BLS components Important early use of an AED
• Effective ventilations using a barrier device Importance of teams in multi-rescuer resuscitation and performance as
an effective team member during multi-rescuer CPR Relief of foreign-body airway obstruction (choking) for adults and infants BLS Initial / Renewal Course takes approximately 4.5 hours to complete, course time is based on one instructor, six students and two manikins.The cost is $130 per participant. Register online at www.ci.bemidji. mn.us or call (218) 3331857 with any questions.
Bemidji ASI seeks
Sankta Lucia candidates
BEMIDJI — The Bemidji affiliate of the American Swedish Institute is seeking candidates for its annual Sankta Lucia Festival.
Young women of Swedish descent who are between the ages of 16 and 21 are invited to apply, a release said.
The application should be in the form of a letter written by the candidate expressing her desire to serve as Lucia and should include the following: details of her Swedish heritage, involvement in any Swedish-American organizations or activities, personal goals and special talents, as well as information regarding address, phone number, age, parents’ names and year in school.
A photo may accompany the letter but is not required. Letters must be received by Nov. 19 and should be emailed to Sankta Lucia committed c/o Michelle Dahlby at jmdahlby@paulbunyan. net.
Young men are also needed to serve as Star Boys, special attendants to Lucia. Applicants are invited to send a short note with their name, age, address and phone number to jmdahlby@ paulbunyan.net.
Applicants from previous years are eligible for
either position. Candidates will be interviewed and the Sankta Lucia and her attendants will be selected in late November.
“The legend of Sankta Lucia arose centuries ago,” the release said. “According to the old Swedish calendar, December 13 was the shortest day of the year. Sankta Lucia, whose very name means ‘light’ became the focus of the celebrations that brought the return of the sun to wintry Sweden.”
This year’s festival is set for the morning of Friday, Dec. 13, with the smorgasbord breakfast beginning at 6 a.m. Tickets for the breakfast are available at Calvary Lutheran Church, Lueken’s North and South locations and Ken K. Thompson Jewelry.
For more information, call Michelle Dahlby at (218) 759-1453.
Main Street Economic Revitalization Program funding available
BEMIDJI — The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development is offering $4.68 million through its final round of the Main Street Economic Revitalization Program. Organizations eligible to submit proposals for the grant funding, as partner organizations, include foundations engaged in economic development, community development financial institutions and nonprofit organizations engaged in housing and commercial development, a release said.
Elected partner organizations will use the awarded grant funds to establish funding programs that provide assistance for eligible
recipients and projects that support community and economic development within one or more defined commercial corridors or main street districts.
Once approved, community businesses and organizations eligible to receive funding from these partner organizations can use those awards for property repair or renovation, building construction, landscaping and street scaping, demolition and site preparation, predesign and design, engineering, non-publicly owned infrastructure and related site amenities, explained the release.
“Our main streets are key local and regional economic growth drivers,” DEED Commission er Matt Varilek said in the release. “Grants and loans from previous Main Street Economic
Revitalization Program grant rounds helped create jobs and spark investment in key commercial corridors across Minnesota.”
According to the release, more than 600 individual projects have been approved with $696 million in matching funds through previous rounds of the program.
The Northwest Minnesota Foundation received over $2 million in
funding from the program to distribute to area businesses in 2022. The application deadline is 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22. DEED will select and announce the partner organizations in January 2025. To apply, visit mn.gov/ deed/business/financingbusiness/deed-programs/emergency-programs/ economic-revitalization.
