Hometown Holiday Shopping
Check Wednesday's Bemidji Pioneer and the BuyLine for this section. Shop your favorite local businesses for the perfect gifts and register to win $500 "Holiday Hometown Dollars". Drawing will be December 23, 2024. Prize awarded voucher package, valid ONLY at participating Bemidji retailers. Participating retailers are listed in the Hometown Holiday Shopping page of the Bemidji Pioneer on Wednesdays and weekend BuyLine, 11/27/24-12/21/24. Vouchers expires 1/22/2025.
Friends of the Bemidji Public Library offering 18th annual Holiday Gift Tree
BEMIDJI — The Friends of the Bemidji Public Library is offering its 18th annual Holiday Gift Tree, and tax-deductible donations are being accepted through Saturday, Dec. 28.
Patrons to the library are encouraged to choose an ornament that designates the amount they’d like to give and category of book their donation will buy.
Participants should place the ornament and a check in the provided envelope and give it to the librarian behind the counter, a release said.
Gifts can also be mailed to Friends of the Bemidji Public Library, P.O. Box 1151, Bemidji, MN 56619.
To become a Friends member or renew your membership, fill out the form on the Friends of the Bemidji Public Library Facebook page and send it and a check to the above address or drop it off at the library.
Faith in Action hosting
‘Community Angel’ donation drive HACKENSACK — Faith in Action is again offering a “Community Angel” donation drive this holiday season.
Donations made to Faith in Action before the holidays are over will qualify for an ornament on the Angel Tree in the
NEWS BRIEFS
organization’s Hackensack office. Donors will have the option to dedicate these ornaments in honor or memory of a loved one, and their dedications will be written on the ornaments.
“By making a donation to Faith in Action in support of volunteer services, you can be an angel to many others in your community,” a release said.
According to the release, so far in 2024, 110 Faith in Action volunteers have served 344 people throughout Cass County,
primarily older adults and families in need.
These volunteers provided 2,138 rides, delivered over 3,500 home meals to rural areas, spent over 310 hours in friendly visiting and telephone reassurance and over 700 hours building ramps and helping with chores and home modifications to help people stay in their homes and communities.
If you know anyone in need of a friendly neighbor during the holiday season or are interested in volunteering in the New
Year, call (218) 675-5435 or email cassfia@uslink.net.
To donate to Faith in Action, visit www.faithinactioncass.com and select the “Support Us” section. Community contra dance set for Dec. 14 at Rail River Folk School
BEMIDJI — Bemidji Contra Dance will host a community contra dance at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, at Rail River Folk School, 303 Railroad St. SW.
Contra dancing is a lively, traditional social dance that originated in New England and is now done all over the United States, a release said.
The community is invited to dance to live music by Leatherwood of Bemidji with calling by Wendy Greenburg, the release said.
Everything is taught by the caller and experience or partners will not be necessary. All ages are welcome.
A free-will donation of $5 to $10 is suggested but any amount is accepted.
A potluck will be held before the dance starting at 5:30 p.m.
Organizers request that participants do not bring dishes containing nuts, the release said.
For more information, visit the Bemidji Contra Dance Facebook page. Sons of Norway Bemidji to hold Christmas program Dec. 15
BEMIDJI — Sons of Norway Bemidji will hold a Christmas program and potluck at its monthly meeting at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15, at Calvary Lutheran Church, 2508 Washington Ave. SE.
Attendees should bring a dish to share and invite their friends, a release said.
The group will also be accepting monetary donations for the Bemidji Community Food Shelf.
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, Dec. 15 with caller Charlie Huhtala.
• Sunday, Jan. 19 with caller Charlie Huhtala. 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 Abe Maier. 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) 7669346, Scott at (218) 766-3544 or Jeff at (302) 383-1502.
Sharon Geisen, a Friends of the Library board member, stands beside the organization’s annual Holiday
Tree.
Evangelical Covenant Church to host Carols and Candles concert
BEMIDJI — The Evangelical Covenant Church will host a Carols and Candles concert featuring pianist Lois Simonson at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15, at the church, 5405 Hart Lane NW.
The concert will include a variety of Christmas carols presented by the church’s First Service Worship Team instrumentalists. Attendees will also get a chance to sing some carols.
An offering for the Bemidji Community Food Shelf will be accepted at the entrance; food items or monetary gifts are appreciated, a release said.
“Come join us in celebrating this Christmas season,” added the release.
Mobile food drop set for Dec. 16 in Bagley
BAGLEY — North Country Food Bank is partnering with the United Way of Bemidji Area and the Clearwater County Food Shelf to offer a mobile food distribution from 11 a.m. to noon on Monday, Dec. 16, along Great Northern Drive SW in Bagley. Food will be available from 11 a.m. to noon, or until food runs out.
At the events, people can drive up and receive
food. Attendees should be mindful not to block driveways, a release said. Those receiving food will be asked to identify themselves and answer a few simple household questions by staff from North Country Food Bank. The Food Bank is collecting this information to allow access to more food items for these mobiles, the release said. For more information, contact Scott Johnson at (218) 399-7367.
Red Door Book Store to offer extended hours Dec. 17
BEMIDJI — The Red Door Book Store in the Bemidji Public Library will be open until 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 17, for holiday shopping at the library, 509 America Ave NW.
The Red Door has many gift options, including used Christmas gift books, CDs and movies, a
release said. The used book selection also includes Children, Young Adult, Fiction, Non-Fiction and Biography categories.
“There are books for everyone on your shopping list,” added the release.
A large portion of the proceeds from the Red Door are donated to the public library to add to their collection.
The Red Door is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays and from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
Ruby’s Pantry food distribution set for Dec. 18
BEMIDJI — Ruby’s Pantry will offer a mobile food distribution beginning at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 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. There is no income or residency requirement to receive food. 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, Dec. 17.
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.
Beltrami County Historical Society photo George H. Miller of Grant Valley Township was known among southern Beltrami County farmers as the “Potato King.” In 1917, he responded to a farm survey: George H. Miller, P.O. Bemidji. 230 acres with 86 acres cleared; heavy clay soil; in county 15 years came from southern Minnesota; has silo and incubator; six head horses, 35 cows, four sheep, 15 hogs, 200 chickens and four ducks; 11 persons in family; markets in Bemidji.
Watermark Art Center presents ‘Snow Day’ StorySLAM event
BEMIDJI — Watermark Art Center’s Spoken Word Series presents “Snow Day! Your True Stories Told Live” as the theme for the Dec. 19 StorySLAM to be held at Bemidji Brewing, 211 America Ave. NW.
Music starts at 6 p.m. with story performances beginning at 7 p.m.
Watermark StorySLAM events feature true personal stories, shared live from memory, in a friendly competition where anyone with a tale to tell is invited to take the stage, a release said. Performers are encouraged to consider the theme of each event when crafting their story.
StorySLAM events are free to attend and perform at, and cash prizes will be awarded to the top three performers. Storytellers are strongly encouraged to pre-register by calling Watermark at (218)
444-7570. Limited same-day sign-ups may be available starting at 6:30 p.m. but are not guaranteed. For SLAM rules and class information, visit watermarkartcenter.org.
Headwaters Music and Arts to host Music and Movement classes
BEMIDJI — Headwaters Music and Arts will hold the winter block of its eight-session Music and Movement led by music teacher Sarah Leach from 4 to 4:45 p.m. on Wednesdays, Jan. 8 to Feb. 26, at Headwaters, 519 Minnesota Ave. NW.
An exploratory group class, Music and Movement introduces young learners to the world of music through fun songs, engaging movement and hands-on experience with a variety of instruments, a release said.
In the first session of Music and Movement, participants will explore the core elements of music
VISION
Special lenses like tint/polarized,
— pitch, rhythm and tempo — through group singing, dancing and playful games with both piano and a recorder.
During the second session, attendees will play more of the recorder and move on to new instruments like the violin and ukulele. The spring session will also be held on Wednesdays and runs March 5 to April 23.
The cost to attend is $150 for each participant per session with an additional, one-time, $10 charge for an instrument kit.
Headwaters offers financial assistance options for all of its youth programming to ensure accessibility for all. Space for the program is limited; advance registration is required.
The registration deadline is Friday, Dec. 20, for Session 1 and Feb. 18 for Session 2.
For more information and to register, visit headwatersmusicandarts.org.
No copays for covered prescription drugs DENTAL
Crowns and replacement dentures
Parks and Rec to offer cookies and cocoa at the Carnegie
BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Parks and Recreation Department will host a cookies and cocoa at the Carnegie event from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 23, at the Carnegie Library.
Attendees can check out the festively decorated space, enjoy refreshments, play board games, work on a puzzle or pick up a craft, a release said. This is a free event. For more information, contact (218) 333-1872.
Afterschool food program available at Boys and Girls Club
BEMIDJI — The Boys and Girls Club of the Bemidji Area is participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program to offer afterschool meals to kids at the club.
Free meals will be pro-
children. Meals will meet nutritional standards established by the USDA, a release said. Meals will be offered from 2:45 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, with select days off. The program will end on June 4, 2025.
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
For more information, contact Stephen at (218) 760-1548, or Tim at (218) 497-0258.
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
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.
For a full position description and the application, visit nwmf.org/ who-we-are/ join-our-team.
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.
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.
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.
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.
OUR COMMUNITY
Each week, preschool participants will hear a
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
Law Enforcement Scholarship Program
BELTRAMI COUNTY
— Applications are now open for this year’s Law Enforcement Scholarship Program through the Minnesota Sheriff’s Association Board of Directors.
“These scholarships are due to the coordinated efforts of the 87 sheriffs of the state of Minnesota,” a release said.
Up to 18 scholarships of $2,000 will be awarded this year, the release said.
The scholarship committee, in making its selection of awards, intends
on achieving representation from all geographical areas of the state.
“The MSA Board of Directors acknowledges the current challenges in recruiting and greatly appreciates the individuals that make the decision to serve others through a career in law enforcement,” said Executive Director James Stuart, in the release. “This is one way that we can support that honorable decision.”
Scholarships are only available to students
currently enrolled in a mandated POST Skills Program, in their second year of a two-year law enforcement program, or in their third or fourth year of a four-year college criminal justice program.
In order to qualify, students must have completed at least one year of the two-year program or two years of a four-year program. Application forms and a statement of procedures are available at www.mnsheriffs.org.
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.
Headwaters Music and Arts offering adult pottery program
BEMIDJI — Headwaters Music and Arts is offering
an Adult Pottery Program throughout the year from 6 to 8 p.m. on Mondays and 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays, at Headwaters, 519 Minnesota Ave. NW. This open studio-style program is for all skill levels and includes supervision and individualized instruction. Participants can expect to practice using coil, slab, and pinch methods; learn paint and glaze techniques; and receive an introduction to wheel throwing, a release said.
Open pottery is selfdirected studio time in Headwaters Pottery Stu dio to practice techniques.
While no formal instruction is provided during open pottery hours, volunteer studio hosts will be in attendance to give support and encouragement. Open pottery hours are held from 2 to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays and 4 to 6 p.m. on Fridays. First-time participants in the Adult Pottery Program will receive a complimentary 12.5 pounds of clay when they first sign
provided free of charge.
The cost to participate is $100 per person or $90 for Headwaters members. Headwaters offers financial assistance options for all of its adult and youth programming to ensure accessibility for all.
Space for the program is limited; advance registration is required.
To register or find out more about pottery classes
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.
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:
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.
