Bethel Lutheran Church
Clearwater County History Center’s ‘Festival of Trees’ event underway
SHEVLIN — Decorated Christmas trees are on display until Sunday, Dec. 22, inside the main gallery at the Clearwater County History Center in Shevlin, with Santa visiting the center at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
Local organizations, businesses and families have used their talents to create a festive atmosphere.
Visitors can vote for their favorite tree by either buying a ballot for $1 or bringing an item for the food shelf. The winning trees will get bragging rights for a year. The winners will be announced on Dec. 20, a release said.
The Festival of Trees is open:
Tuesday through Thursday from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday from 1 to 7 p.m.
• Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
Santa will visit the Festival of Trees at 1 p.m. on the last day of the festival on Sunday, Dec. 22.
There is no admission fee; attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable donation for the food shelf. For more information call the History Center at (218) 785-2000.
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.
Faith Lutheran Church of Bagley to hold annual Christmas Day dinner
BAGLEY — Faith Lutheran Church, located at 32 Bagley Ave. NW in Bagley, will host its 24th annual community Christmas Day dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 25.
The meal will be served in the church fellowship hall and will consist of baked ham with raisin sauce, scalloped potatoes, corn, pistachio salad, lefse, a roll and dessert.
Everyone is welcome to attend this free dinner, courtesy of area churches, organizations and the Clearwater Polk Electric round-up program, a release said.
For more information, call Gladys Luecken at (218) 368-9772, or email at triscog@gvtel.com.
History Mystery event returns to Beltrami County History Center
BEMIDJI — The
Beltrami County Historical Society will host its annual history mystery event on Dec. 26 and 27, at the History Center, 130 Minnesota Ave.
“The event starts each night at 5:30 p.m. and promises a fun, interactive experience where participants can solve a Clue-like mystery set in 1894 at the Carson Trading Post in Bemidji,” a release said.
According to the release, at this “Murder at the Carson Christmas Party,” attendees will meet some of Bemidji’s earliest residents, including the Carson family, the Douds, Shaynowishkung and others. Local community members will bring these historical figures to life by portraying the suspects in this thrilling historical mystery.
This year’s cast includes returning performers Ernie Rall, Vicki Stenerson, Kevin Cease, Michael Meuers, Allison Cease, Cate Belleveau and Kay Murphy. New to the stage this year are Regan Morgan, portraying his great-great-great-grandfather Shaynowishkung; Hailey Kelly as Shaynowishkung’s daughter Bahgahmaushequay; and Joel Ward as George Carson, along with several others.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the History Mystery event series. Attendees are encouraged to dress in 1890s costumes to enhance the festive atmosphere.
“Whether coming in period attire or modern dress, this family-friendly event offers an excellent way to enjoy the holiday season while engaging with local history in a unique and interactive way,” the release said.
Tickets cost $15 for adults; $5 for children ages 12 and under; and $10 for BCHS members, SNAP card holders, tribal members, veterans and seniors ages 65 and older.
Tickets are available through the History Center’s website at beltramihistory.org, or by calling (218) 444-3376.
Parks and Rec to hold Neighborhood Candy Cane Hunt
BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a Neighborhood Candy Cane Hunt on Friday, Dec. 27, in multiple parks around Bemidji.
Participants can search for candy canes at the following parks:
• Nymore Park from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
• Algoma Park from 11 to 11:30 a.m.
Cameron Park from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
North Country Park from 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Gordon Falls Park from 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event is free and only one person per family needs to sign up to attend. Register online at www.ci.bemidji.mn.us or for more information, call (218) 333-1862.
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 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.
Beltrami County Historical Society photo
Memorial Day, 1919 in downtown Bemidji.
Parks and Rec to offer Brr-midji walking challenge starting Jan. 1
BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Parks and Recreation Department will offer a virtual Brr-midji walking challenge Jan. 1 through Feb. 28.
Participants will have two months to complete either the 50K, 100K or 150K challenge. This virtual challenge can be done from any location and with a variety of workout options.
Participants can run, walk, jog, ski, snowshoe, follow a workout video and more, a release said. This challenge is open to all activity levels.
Logs will be emailed to participants by Jan. 3 with the final turn-in date of March 1. The cost to participate is $22.
All participants will receive a long-sleeve T-shirt, and those who complete the challenge will receive a prize. These items can be picked up or mailed for a small additional cost.
To register, visit www. ci.bemidji.mn.us. For more information contact (218) 333-1862.
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 provided to all enrolled 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 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. For a full position description and the application, visit nwmf. org/who-we-are/ join-our-team.
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 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.
Headwaters Music and Arts offering adult pottery program
BEMIDJI — Headwa-
ters 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.
A subscription to the Monday or Wednesday Adult Pottery Program also gives participants access to monthly social gatherings with other adult pottery members and select open pottery hours.
Open pottery is selfdirected studio time in Headwaters Pottery Studio 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 up. After that, clay can be purchased through Headwaters Music and Arts. Only clay purchased through Headwaters can be fired at Headwaters. Firing and glaze are all 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 and other programming, visit HeadwatersMusicAndArts.org.
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.
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.
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, 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.
