Bemidji BuyLine | January 11, 2025

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NEWS BRIEFS

Watermark Art Center to resume intercultural creative circles

BEMIDJI — Watermark Art Center will host its second series of intercultural creative circles from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesdays, now through Feb. 26, at Watermark, 505 Bemidji Ave. N.

During the eight sessions, participants will learn embellishment techniques from both woodland and

Scandinavian traditions, including Osage and HoChunk style Indigenous ribbon applique arts, painting with natural dyes on hide, embroidery and woodland applique, a release said.

Bead artist Martina Isham will kick off the series with beadwork.

During the February sessions, artist Sharon Nordrum will lead the circles. The circles are free to attend and registration is not required.

Participants must pro-

vide their own supplies.

The funds for the intercultural programming were made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Region 2 Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Learn more about the intercultural creative circles at watermarkartcenter.org/ creative-circles.

Watermark galleries are free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and are located at 505 Bemidji Ave. N. For more information, call (218) 444-7570.

Little Sprouts Nature Exploration program continues

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, Jan. 11, at the City Park Warming House, 1224 23rd St. NW.

January’s meeting is all about birds. Attendees will take a short birding

walk and then return indoors for a hands-on bird beak activity and a make-and-take treat for our feathered friends, a release said.

This is a preschool program all about nature exploration. 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) 333-1862.

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, Jan. 11, 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.

Buena Vista to host art classes, Honor Our Troops Day

BEMIDJI — Buena

Vista Ski Area will hold several events this weekend, Jan. 10-12, at 19600 Irvine Ave. NW.

From 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, Buena Vista will host an acrylic painting class on the third floor of the Chalet.

Artists Gillian Bedford and her daughter Amara Bedford will teach participants about the usage of contrasting colors, predominantly orange and blue, in a bold, abstract style, a release said.

This is the first in a series of Saturday art classes the Bedfords will be teaching at Buena Vista, including a future class on painting birch trees.

The class is limited to eight people and the cost is $25 per person. For more information, call or text Amara at (215) 983-1664.

Buena Vista will offer special discounts on skiing to military members and veterans during Honor Our Troops Day on Sunday, Jan. 12.

Immediate family members and are also included in this special offer, the release said.

“We would like to thank all of you who are currently serving and those who have served our country in the past,”

Buena Vista Owner Suzanne Thomas said in the release. “We are very grateful for your service.”

Buena Vista will be open for skiing and snowboarding from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 10; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 12. Tubing is available from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday with online reservations.

For more information about these events, call (218) 243-2231 or visit the Buena Vista Ski Area Facebook page or website at www.bvskiarea. com.

Bemidji Area Aglow set to meet Jan. 11

BEMIDJI — Bemidji Area Aglow Lighthouse is set to meet from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Jan. 11, in the community room at Beltrami Electric, 4111 Technology Drive NW.

The meeting will start off with a praise and worship session.

Attendees will then watch a video presentation from internationally known teacher Jennifer LeClaire on how to spiritually clean their homes to experience the peaceful presence of God, a release said. All are welcome, freewill offerings will be received.

Back in the day

Beltrami County Historical Society photo
Willow Grove Methodist Episcopal Church in Liberty Township. It was built on an acre of land donated by Wes Wright in 1919 or 1920. It was a rather large building constructed of cedar blocks set together with cement. It was an active country church. Then around 1928, some missionaries from Oak Hills started coming out to hold Sunday school and worship services. The attendance grew and it was decided to hold services in the Northern School. The Willow Grove Church wasn’t used after that, and during a heavy snowstorm, the roof caved in.

Headwaters Music and Arts to offer ‘Campfire Jam’ for string players

BEMIDJI — Headwaters Music and Arts will hold a “Campfire Jam” program, a monthly community play-along circle for guitar, ukulele, banjo and fiddle players, at Headwaters, 519 Minnesota Ave. NW.

The first session will be held from 6 to 7:15 pm on Friday, Jan. 17, and the group will continue meeting on the third Friday of each month.

Led by local musician Mike Naylor, each Campfire Jam will feature familiar, feel-good songs using a few simple chords with the goal of building confidence and skills as well as fostering a sense of community and connection, a release said.

When the weather allows, the group will gather around an actual campfire.

Campfire jam is open to musicians of all ages, but attendees age 11 or younger must be accompanied by an adult.

A free-will donation will be accepted; the suggested donation is $5.

For more information, contact headwatersmusicandarts.org or call (218) 444-5606.

BCHS to host Art is HERstory series

BEMIDJI — The Beltrami County Historical Society will host Sierra Erickson for the first workshop in its new series, Art is HERstory, from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, at the Beltrami County History Center, 130 Minnesota Ave. SW.

Erickson, an artist based in Nevis, has over 30 years of experience creating thoughtful and engaging art using repurposed materials. She holds diplomas in photography and marketing and sales management from

Ridgewater College and works across various mediums, including beading, painting, woodworking and upcycled textiles. Erickson “is passionate about conservation and inspiring creativity and healing through her art,” a release said.

Participants in this workshop will create driftwood suncatchers, blending natural driftwood with vibrant beads to design unique and personal works of art. This hands-on activity is open to all ages, fostering creativity, self-expression and connection.

Attendees are encouraged to bring 4-8 small pieces of driftwood and any personal items they wish to include, such as shells, charms or feathers. Additional materials will be provided.

Each workshop in the Art is HERstory series is free and limited to ten participants. To register, visit beltramihistory.org.

The Art is HERstory series shines a spotlight on women’s creativity, resilience, and impact in the arts. Female artists have faced significant historical challenges, often denied access to training, excluded from exhibitions and undervalued in their communities.

Despite these barriers, women like Mary Cassatt broke through societal constraints to create extraordinary works of art that continue to inspire, the release said. This series brings these stories to light while celebrating contemporary women artists who shape and influence today’s cultural landscape.

“We are thrilled to support so many talented women artists while bringing meaningful art education opportunities to our community,” Executive Director Emily Thabes said in the release. “This series not only celebrates the

NEWS BRIEFS

resilience and creativity of women in the arts but also fosters connection, dialogue and self-expression for participants of all ages.”

The BCHS invites the community to join this exciting celebration of women in the arts.

Whether you’re an experienced artist or new to creative expression, this series offers a unique opportunity to explore art, history and community, the release explained.

The Art is HERstory programs are made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Region 2 Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

For more information about this event, contact the Historical Society at (218) 444-3376 or via email

at depot@beltramihistory. org.

Big Bog State Recreation Area to host Nature Stories event

WASKISH — A Nature

Stories: It’s Winter event will be held from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, at Big Bog State Recreation Area.

“Welcome to our

enchanting nature story time, a magical experience crafted for curious minds of any age,” a release said. “Immerse your little ones in the wonders of the natural world through a delightful blend of storytelling, crafts and other fun activities that will spark their imaginations and ignite a love for learning.”

During this Nature

Stories event, participants will learn all about what critters do in the wintertime, added the release.

Afterward, attendees can play with puppets, do a puzzle, color, play dressup or get to see and touch soft animal furs. Adults must accompany children. Attendees should meet in the Visitor Center.

Ming of the Basketball Hall of Fame

Scarecrow stuffing

Elastic fabric

It may have an extra electron

Realtor’s offering

Cover anew, as a plot 31. Hoops cable channel

Tommy Pickles’ younger brother on “Rugrats” 35. Good buddy

36. HBO crime drama series

42. Show set after the “Sudden Departure” with “The” 43. Blubber 44. God: Sp. 45. Letter abbr.

5. Shelley’s alma mater

__ _ the nose (dominated) 7. Supper, e.g.

“__ n’est pas un pipe”: Magritte

Looked over 11. Shining 12. “The Jetsons” boy 15. Resound 17. Singer Sumac 20. “Yes, ___!” 21. Water tester 23. “___ Explains it All” (Nickelodeon sitcom)

Flapdoodle 25. Off-road goer, for short 29. “Golden

Contributed
“Campfire Jam” program, a monthly community play-along circle for guitar,
banjo and fiddle players starting from 6 to 7:15 pm on Friday, Jan. 17.
Bemidji Pioneer
Saturday,

Community contra dance set for Jan. 11 at Rail River Folk School

BEMIDJI — Bemidji Contra Dance will host a community contra dance at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, 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 O’Neil Family Band of East Grand Forks 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.

The first hour will be dedicated to dances for young families.

For more information, visit the Bemidji Contra Dance Facebook page.

Bemidji Senior Center to offer January bingo

BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Senior Center will offer bingo at 1 p.m. on Tuesdays, Jan. 14 and 28, at the senior center, 216 Third St. NW.

The event is free and open to the community.

For more information, call the center at (218) 751-8836.

Blackduck Senior Center’s annual membership meeting set

BLACKDUCK — The Blackduck Senior Center will host its annual membership meeting at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 14, at the center, 24 First St. SE.

The center’s officers will share year end reports and updates on the center’s building improvement projects. Following the updates, members will vote for three new board members to replace

retiring board members, a release said. Attendees are also invited to check out the new flooring, visit with friends and celebrate January, February and March birthdays.

Ruby’s Pantry food distribution set for Jan. 15

BEMIDJI — Ruby’s Pantry will offer a mobile food distribution beginning at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 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, Jan. 14.

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.

Bemidji Senior Center to resume pedicure foot care clinics

BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Senior Center will host a pedicure foot care clinic from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on two Wednesdays a month, starting Jan. 15, at the senior center, 216 Third St. NW.

The next dates are Jan. 15 and 29, Feb. 12 and 26 and March 12 and 26. 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.

Bemidji Senior Center to offer Medicare 101 class

BEMIDJI — Joan Miller will be teaching a Medicare 101 class at 1 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month, starting Jan. 15, at the Bemidji Senior Center, 216 Third St. NW. “Medicare can be very confusing and having a professional explain all the options really is a benefit to our community,” a release said.

Miller will answer questions about the Medicare process. This class is free to attend.

For more information, call the center at (218) 751-8836.

Parks and Rec to offer bird feeder workshop

BEMIDJI — The city of Bemidji Parks and Recreation Department will offer a bird feeder workshop from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16, at the Historic Carnegie Library, 426 Bemidji Ave. N. Attendees will learn about the birds you can see during winter and then make and take their own winter bird feeder. This workshop is open to all ages. One register covers an entire household and each household will make one bird feeder. The cost is $20 per household.

Register online at www. ci.bemidji.mn.us. For more information, contact (218) 333-1862.

Watermark to hold closing reception for ‘Mayaadaaboonjib’ exhibit Jan. 17

BEMIDJI — Watermark Art Center will hold a reception for Mayaadaaboonjig exhibiting artists Zac Earley and Arden Ramay from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 17, at Watermark, 505 Bemidji Ave. N. Earley, an Ojibwe culture keeper, will speak about the exhibit and then he will follow with Ojibwe storytelling or Aadizookewin, the act of telling a sacred story, a release said.

Mayaadaaboonojig, meaning “The Ones Drifting Off on the Current,” is centered around a traditional build of a birch bark canoe. Colorful floral paintings by Ardin Ramay plus mixed media birch etchings and Ojibwe story portraits by Earley are also on display making this a mix of traditional and contemporary Ojibwestyle work.

The energy and heart given to the project resulted in an exceptionally beautiful canoe that honors the stories of the Ojibwe people. Watermark partnered with Oshki Manidoo, a Bemidji-based White Earth operated recovery center, to move forward with exploring community wellness through arts.

Oshki Manidoo provided space where youth and staff were able to watch and participate in various aspects of assembling the canoe.

The title of this exhibit perfectly encompasses the journey taken for this meaningful accomplishment. Watermark is truly grateful to the people at Oshki Manidoo that supported and contributed to the project, the release said.

Watermark also thanked White Earth Nation Behavioral Health and Language and Culture Program in the release.

For more exhibit information, exhibit images and Ojibwe language pronunciation visit watermarkartcenter.org/ drifting.

This activity was 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.

Bemidji Senior Center offers bus trip to see ‘The Story of the Beach Boys’ Jan. 18

BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Senior Center will be taking a bus trip to the Reif Center in Grand

Rapids to see “The Story of the Beach Boys” on Saturday, Jan. 18.

“The Beach Boys created pure magic using soaring, definitive harmonies that lead to an astonishing twenty-two Top 10 hits,” a release said.

“Their career spanned over two decades and would place them with rock and roll royalty as they were inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988.”

The show will bring attendees the magic of every hit with spot-on vocals and tight melodies from Justin Ploof and his professional touring cover band, added the release.

Before the show, attendees can enjoy an included lunch buffet at Sammy’s Pizza featuring a variety of pastas, salad, soup, chicken wings, pizzas and a non-alcoholic drink. Alcoholic beverages will also be available to purchase.

The tour will depart at 11 a.m. from Cenex South, 120 Convenience Lane SW, and return to Bemidji at approximately 5:30 p.m.

The cost per non-member is $129.50 and the cost per member is $109.50. Those interested in joining the trip can sign up by Friday, Jan. 17, at the senior center, 216 Third St. NW.For more information contact (218) 751-8836.

Bemidji’s annual March for Life set for Jan. 18

BEMIDJI — Bemidji’s annual March for Life event will take place at noon on Saturday, Jan. 18, starting in front of the Beltrami County Courthouse, 619 Beltrami Ave. NW.

The annual march is coordinated by St. Gianna’s Group, the prolife committee within St. Philip’s Church, along with the Knights of Columbus, a release said.

The event will begin with an invocation outside the courthouse, followed by a short march through downtown Bemidji.

After the march, attendees will gather in St. Philip’s Catholic Church’s social hall to hear speaker presentations. A soup and sandwich lunch will be served.

Participants are encouraged to bring signs to the march, the 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)

766-9346, Scott at (218) 7663544 or Jeff at (302) 383-1502.

January Family

Enrichment classes set at Mt. Zion

Church

BEMIDJI — Two Fami-

ly Enrichment classes are scheduled for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. this January at Mt. Zion Church, 414 Lincoln Ave.

A “Palette Knife Landscape” class will be held on Thursday, Jan. 23. The instructor will give participants step-by-step instructions for painting a birch tree landscape using acrylic paints and palette knives, a release said.

A “Woodburning Techniques” class will take place on Thursday, Jan. 23, Feb. 6 and 20. Les Sanders will start by demonstrating and then attendees will practice the basic techniques of woodburning on a practice board.

As the course progresses, participants will move to a 10 by 12-inch Italian poplar plaque. Sanders has plenty of patterns and attendees will get their pick, added the release.

These free classes are for participants ages 12 and older; children must have an adult family member present.

Pre-registration is required. Contact Les Sanders at (218) 556-3521 or Kathy Sanders at (218) 556-0887 for details and registration. For more information, visit www. sandersartstudios.com.

Bemidji High School, Middle School to hold potato bar fundraiser

BEMIDJI — The Bemidji High School and Bemidji Middle School activities departments will hold a potato bar fundraiser during the boys and girls doubleheader basketball games on Saturday, Feb. 1. The event will run from

NEWS BRIEFS

a.m.

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Bemidji High School commons, 2900 Division St. W.

Tickets for the potato bar are $10 and available at the BHS and BMS activities offices as well as from a number of coaches.

According to a release, funds raised will go to the Lumberjack Field Improvement Project, which is a component fund of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation.

The goal of the project is to improve athletic fields and practice areas by building a new competitive soccer field, updating soccer practice fields and building additional softball fields. This year, the project created a new jumps area for track and field. For more information, contact Andrea Vaghn, dean of students and activities at Bemidji Middle School, at andra_ vaughn@isd31.net.

Bemidji Retired Military Club set to meet Feb. 6

BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Retired ilitary Club will host a meeting on the

first Thursday of each month at a local restaurant for dinner and camaraderie. The next meeting is set for Feb. 6.

“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. Parks and Rec to offer nature book club

BEMIDJI — The city of Bemidji Parks and Recreation Department will offer a nature book club from 5 to 6 p.m. on Thursdays through Feb. 20, at the Historic Carnegie Library, 426 Bemidji Ave. N.

The group will meet every other week to discuss “Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter” by Ben Goldfarb. Hot beverages will be provided, a release said.

The cost is $7 per participant if they provide their own copy of the

book or $26 if they would like Parks and Rec to order them a copy. Register online at www. ci.bemidji.mn.us. For more information, contact (218) 333-1862.

Headwaters to host Rock Band group performance class

BEMIDJI — Headwaters Music and Arts will host a Rock Band group class for musicians with one to two years of experience in voice, guitar, drums, piano or bass. Participants in grades 4-12 will work together as a band to choose what songs they want to practice and learn, drawing from the many rad decades of rock ‘n’ roll, a release said. The winter block will meet from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Thursdays through Feb. 27, at Headwaters, 519 Minnesota Ave. NW.

Led by Headwaters music instructors, the class will cover everything from learning covers, songwriting, chord progressions, scales, singing harmonies, soloing and band communication.

Q: I watched a British movie years ago about a civil servant played by Bill Nighy who falls in love with a young activist, but I can’t remember the name of it, and I’ve never seen it since. What was it?

A: You’ve pinpointed the rare case of a Richard Curtis movie that hasn’t gotten more beloved with age.

“The Girl in the Cafe” aired on HBO in 2005, and it cleaned up in all the made-for-TV-movie categories at the Emmy Awards the following year.

It was written by Richard Curtis, the man responsible for such perennial classics as “Love Actually” (2003) and “Four Weddings and a Funeral” (1994). It reunited him with his “Love Actually” star Bill Nighy (also of 2004’s “Shaun of the Dead” and many other hits).

Yet unlike those other films, which are always airing in reruns and kicking around on streaming services, “The Girl in the Cafe” rarely gets a mention these days.

One explanation could be the fact that, while the acting and production may have aged well, the story was too mid-2000s to have

The class will end with a live show for family and friends.

Drum kits and most instruments will be provided. However, participants are encouraged to bring a secondary instrument if they would like to learn how to improvise.

The cost to attend is $200 per participant with limited financial assistance available. Space is limited so advance registration is required.

For more information and to register visit HeadwatersMusicAndArts.org.

Bemidji State to offer Beaver Happy Hour events for alumni BEMIDJI — The Bemidji State Alumni and Foundation will offer a Beaver Happy Hour event from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12, at Keg N’ Cork for alumni and friends.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.

Bill Nighy stars in “The

any staying power. Variety magazine’s review, for example, praised the performances and pacing but said the film “somewhat awkwardly affixes an overt political message onto its more marketable core.” That message, about poverty policies discussed at a G8 summit of political leaders, was the core of the film’s plot: Nighy’s character falls for a young activist (Kelly Macdonald, “Gosford Park,” 2001) who may or may not be using him for his access to the summit. And while the question of what world leaders are doing about poverty hasn’t gone away in the two decades since, the way the film addresses it could indeed feel dated.

Haveaquestion?Emailusat questions@tvtabloid.com.

Courtesy / Pixabay
The Bemidji High School and Bemidji Middle School activities departments will hold a potato bar fundraiser from 11
to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, in the BHS Commons.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Concordia Language Villages announces family and adult camps

BEMIDJI — Concordia

Language Villages will host a variety of family and adult language camps this winter and spring at 8659 Thorsonveien Rd.

NE near Bemidji.

These immersive experiences offer participants opportunities to begin learning new languages and explore diverse cultures in a dynamic and engaging setting in the lakeside north woods, a release said. These programs are offered in addition to the full lineup of summer camps, which include day camps, one-, two- and four-week camps, high school credit programs, as well as weekend school group and virtual programs in the academic year.

Family camps

Concordia Language Villages’ family camps provide a unique opportunity for families to embark on a global learning adventure together.

Designed for family units that include at least one adult (age 19 or older) and one child (age 18 or younger), these programs feature:

Interactive language lessons tailored for all proficiency levels.

• Traditional crafts, music, games, and culinary experiences.

Seasonal outdoor activities.

Attendees can register to attend family weekend and week options

throughout the year in nine languages:

Korean Family Weekend: Jan. 31-Feb. 2

• French Family Weekend: Feb. 14-17

German Family Weekend: Feb. 14-17

Spanish Family Weekends: Feb. 14-17 and May 23-26

• Swedish Family Weekend: April 24-27

Finnish Family Week: June 9-14

German Family Weeks: June 9-14 and Aug. 11-16

• Les Voyageurs (French) Family Week: July 21-26

French Family Week: Aug. 11-16

• Spanish Family Weeks: Aug. 11-16 and Aug. 18-23

• Arabic Family Week:

Aug. 18-23

Chinese Family Week: Aug. 18-23

Adult camps

Adult camps are tailored to people interested in language and cultural learning for personal or professional enrichment.

The overnight programs feature a rich array of focused and engaging language learning, cultural presentations and hands-on activities, including games, sports, cooking, music and more from the target cultures.

Participants will also have the chance to eat culturally appropriate meals.

Adult programs include:

Spanish Adult Weeks: March 20-26 and April 24-30

Norwegian Adult Weekend: April 24-27

• Swedish Adult Weekend: April 24-27

French Adult Week: April 28-May 4

German Adult Week: April 28-May 4

• Finnish Adult Week: May 11-17

• Italian Adult Week: Aug. 18-23

Concordia Language Villages also offers a number of other experiences geared toward adults, including classes to prep people for international travel, on-site and virtual cooking classes, holiday workshops and various cultural conversation groups, the release said.

AARP Foundation TaxAide seeks volunteers

BEMIDJI — AARP

Foundation Tax-Aide is looking for compassionate and friendly people to join their volunteer team at the Bemidji Senior Center. There will be training and support to help volunteers learn new skills.

Volunteers come from a variety of industries and span from retirees to college students, a release said.

“Tax-Aide focuses on serving older adults and others with low to moderate income and helps them secure much-needed tax refunds,” the release said.

“Tax-Aide volunteers provide free tax preparation and filing services to taxpayers, as well as providing tech support, helping to organize, recruiting volunteers and more.”

All levels and types of experience are welcome. Volunteers are trained and IRS certified, with classes generally held in December or January for the upcoming tax filing season. The amount of training required depends on the position.

Volunteers are asked to provide approximately five hours of service per week during the tax

season from February through April. Dating back to 1968, Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest free, volunteerbased tax assistance and preparation program. According to the release, for the 2023 tax season, 27,771 volunteers at 3,600 national sites helped 1,680,084 taxpayers receive $1,280,817,176 in refunds. Locally, 17 volunteers helped more than 750 people get refunds of $805,000.

“Tax-Aide volunteers make a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults right in their own communities, by helping build their financial resilience,” said Tax-Aid District Coordinator Susan Lind. “Even modest refunds can benefit the lives of older adults, especially those living with low incomes. Our Tax-Aide volunteers help make sure they don’t miss out on the credits and

deductions they have earned and need.”

Those interested in volunteering should contact Lind at (218) 751-0060 or email Taxes9632@ gmail.com. Supplies and equipment are provided and mileage reimbursement is available through the AARP Foundation. For more information and schedule details, visit aarpfoundation.org/ taxaide.

Region 2 Arts council seeks applicants for Artist Support Grants

BEMIDJI — Applications for the Region 2 Arts Council Artist Support Grant are due by Wednesday, Jan. 15. Artist Support Grants are open to artists in any discipline or stage of their career, including but not limited to culture bearers, musicians, writers, artisans, theater artists, woodcarvers, beading artists, dancers, jewelers, regalia or basket makers, poets, potters, weavers, sculptors and filmmakers.

These grants can help support costs associated with the exhibition, performance or production of creative work or opportunities to enhance the applicant’s creative development.

Examples of projects covered by this grant are: educational opportunities such as mentorships,

classes, demonstrations and workshops; attending a national conference or culture-bearing activity; residency programs; promotion/marketing projects; purchasing materials/equipment and more, a release said. The maximum award is $2,000.

Eligible applicants must be 18 or older and reside in Beltrami, Hubbard, Clearwater, Lake of the Woods or Mahnomen Counties.

To apply, visit r2arts. org. For more information, call (218) 751-5447or (800) 275-5447; text (218) 407-2507; or email staff@ r2arts.org.

Region 2 Arts Council Artist Support Grants are made possible in part with funding from the McKnight Foundation.

Classifieds

Annalise Braught / Bemidji Pioneer
The Bemidji Senior Center is located at 216 Third St. NW in downtown Bemidji.

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