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Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
DECEMBER 2019
PLATINUM MEMBERS
2020 Executive
2020 Board
Board of Directors
of Directors
Danette Doyle President The Pioneer Group
GOLD MEMBERS
Connie Koepke Mecosta County Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Randy Ostrander Past President Lake and Lodge Realty, LLC
SILVER MEMBERS
Josh Pyles Downtown Business Association
Mindy Taylor Treasurer Mecosta County Jeff Godfrey Secretary Spectrum Health
Michelle Rasmussen Ferris State University Jim Sandy
LEADING BUSINESSES, LEADING COMMUNITIES For information on becoming a member of the Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce, please contact us.
Mecosta County
SOCIAL NETWORKING
Development Corporation facebook.com/mcacc
twitter.com/mcacc2017
Heather Bowman Member At Large City of Big Rapids Kasey Pressley Member At Large Hampton Inn of Big Rapids
Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce 127 South State Street, Big Rapids Big Rapids, MI 49307 (231) 796-7649 • Fax: (231) 796-1625 mecostacounty.com
Stay connected by reading the Chamber’s blog! My Chamber Connect is updated frequently with helpful articles, information about the county, video tutorials and commentary!
instagram.com/mecostacountychamber
STAFF
Kim Schwamberger
Jennifer Buwalda
director@mecostacounty.com
events@mecostacounty.com
Executive Director
Program & Events Coordinator
DECEMBER 2019
Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
3
A Message From Kim Schwamberger, Executive Director something year old reporting to a 30 something, and vice versa, and with our clients, customers, vendors, and the list will go on. The other portion of our day was attending the HSCB (Mecosta Osceola Human Services Collaborative Board) meeting. One of the best examples of great communication I have experienced most recent. The vision of the HSBC is to promote strong families and the welfare of the community through the joint planning, collaboration and promotion of human services with an emphasis on prevention. It was impressive. There are other collaborative councils in our There is one thing everyone has in area, and this is a fantastic best practice common, the need to communicate. to engage supportive conversations, Regardless of who you are, what you resource sharing, and networking. do, or where you live, your existence Effective communication is depends on communication. I would like to share an experience I had recently, imperative in any role. An age-old I am one of thirteen (13) participants aphorism goes, “your actions speak in our 2019-2020 Leadership Mecosta louder than your words.” Good class. We meet once a month for a communication is what separates a day long schedule of visiting local poor leader from an exceptional one. businesses and organizations in the Having effective communication skills Mecosta County area. We hear from our is the key to good leadership and we leaders in the community for a portion need to continually improve on selfof the day and we have class time awareness and how we communicate with business associates, store clerks, focusing on leadership skills the other waitress, neighbors, friends, family, and portion. this means everyone. The moment you This month our class time included get the lines of communication open, reviewing a book we read and sharing the process of carrying out tasks and what we have learned and how to best projects will most likely go by smoothly. build on our own leadership styles. Our Plus, you will be surprised how meeting class finished a book called The Servant targets will become a whole lot easier. by James C. Hunter. If you have not read It’s hard to change the way we it, it is a great book. The number one think and harder to practice good thread of conversation that stood out communication skills when you are to me was communication. (well and a unaware how or where to start. We very close tie with listening) I did not hope that in this issue you will receive ask if I could share specific examples some reminders or learn a few new outside of the classes “Trust Circle”, communication skills. Enjoy, gathering but the message to take away is there this holiday season to share the joy and are some major, major, did I say major blessings. issues in how we communicate with each other. Some shared it was from To learn more about 2020-2021 boss to employee, employee to boss, Leadership Mecosta please visit our different personality types, across website at www.mecostacounty.com / the age differences for example a 50 education and leadership tab
Congratulations to our Member of the Month Sherwin Williams
Sherwin-Williams is your neighborhood paint store. Whether you’re looking for color inspiration or expert advice, we’re here to help. For 150 years, Sherwin-Williams has been an industry leader in the development of technologically advanced paint and coatings. As the nation’s largest specialty retailer of paint and painting supplies, Sherwin-Williams is dedicated to supporting both do-it-your-selfers and painting professionals with exceptional products; resources to make confident color selections; and expert, personalized service that's focused on your unique project needs. We are located at 210 N Michigan Ave. Hours of operation M-F 7a-7p, Sat 8a-6p, Sun 10a-6p. Contact us at 231-796-8492 or sw1055@sherwin.com for help with your next project. For more information, visit sherwin-williams.com
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Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
DECEMBER 2019
CHAMBER NEWS AND INFO Ambassador Club Thanks Hosts
There will be no Rise & Shine Mecosta in December. See you in January!
at CL Pizza Company
Rise & Shine Mecosta! Start your day with networking over morning refreshments. All Mecosta county area residents are welcome to attend this free networking event. Are you interested in hosting a Rise & Shine? We still have dates available! Give us a call at (231) 796-7649
There will no Business After Hours in December. See you Next Year! Business After Hours is a great way to showcase your Business and network with community and other Chamber Members. There are several 2020 dates still available. Call us today to get your business signed up to host a Business After Hours.
2019 Business After Hours and Rise & Shine Mecosta Schedule The Ambassador Club of the Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors monthly networking events. Business After Hours are on the third Thursday of the month and Rise & Shine Mecosta are on the fourth Thursday of the month. If you’d like to host a Rise and Shine or Business After Hours event at your workplace, call the Chamber at (231) 796-7649 or email events@mecostacounty.com. RSVP by calling the Chamber at (231) 796-7649 or email events@mecostacounty.com.
Thank you to our November hosts! CL Pizza Company hosted a Business After Hours. Hosting Rise & Shine Mecosta or Business After Hours events are a great value included in membership. Contact the Chamber at (231) 796-7649 or email events@ mecostacounty.com if you are interested in hosting either.
Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
DECEMBER 2019
A Message From Danette Doyle, Chamber President Dear Chamber Members,
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Business After Hours and Rise and Shine mixers, have educated and inspired our members to do new exciting things. As your president, it is my hope that we can I am humbled and honored at the continue to pursue meaningful business connections together. opportunity to serve as president of the Mecosta County Area Chamber of Our executive director, Kim Schwamberger, has hit the ground running – it’s Commerce. Many thanks to our departing hard to believe she only just started a few short months ago. Kim and Jennifer, our Chamber president, Michelle Barker, for events and programming coordinator, both do a fantastic job of keeping the ship her service. upright. And, the board of directors is dedicated to providing the vision necessary to help move Mecosta County Forward. My years of involvement in this organization have provided me with a We have a great team in place, and there’s never been a better time than now unique perspective to everything the to be on board. Chamber has to offer. Events like the 5K Glow Run, the Labor Day Arts and Crafts I look forward to serving as your Chamber president and thank you for the Show and the Taste of Mecosta bring our opportunity. community together in fulfilling ways. Our networking opportunities, such as the Danette Doyle
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Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
Everyone is invited to attend the St. Mary – St. Paul annual Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, December 7 from 9:00am to 2:00pm, and Sunday, December 8, from 8:30am to 11:00am at
the St. Mary Parish Center, 919 Marion Avenue in Big Rapids. This event includes a luncheon (on Saturday), handmade crafts, bake sale, book sale, grandma’s attic, jewelry booth,
gift baskets, raffle and an array of fresh greens made into wreaths, swags and holiday centerpieces. Parish Council of Catholic Women (PCC) sponsors this event. On Sunday morning,
DECEMBER 2019
while shopping at the bazaar, everyone is welcome to attend the Knights of Columbus pancake breakfast. Please call (231) 796-5202 for more information.
DECEMBER 2019
Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
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How to join the Chamber All types of businesses are welcome to join the Chamber and anyone that feels they would benefit from additional marketing, networking and educational opportunities are encouraged to take advantage of all of the benefits that the Chamber has to offer! Joining the Chamber is easy, all you have to do is fill out the application form and submit with your annual dues. Payment options are available. You can receive the application form by going to our website at www.mecostacounty. com, by stopping in our office at 127 South State Street, Big Rapids or by
mecostacounty.com
calling us at 231-796-7649 and requesting a packet be mailed to you. Your benefits start immediately once the application is received. It’s just that easy! Let us know if you have any questions and we look forward to serving you!
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Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
DECEMBER 2019
Member Benefit Spotlight: Communication
Member Communication Benefits:
• Networking Rise and Shine Business After Hours Lunch & Learn • Social Media
• E-News and Chamber Print Insert • Member Hot Deals • Chamber Member Website • My Chamber Connect App • Committee Involvement
For more information on how you can help make the difference, contact the Chamber at (231) 796-7649 or by email at: events@mecostacounty.com
R V
Royal View
Thank You Mecosta County for Voting Us “Favorite Landlord”
Retirement Community
Services and Amenities
Three home-cooked meals per day Housekeeping and laundry services Nutritional snacks provided throughout the day Life enriching activities • Beauty/barber shop services Registered Nurse on Staff
Call Today!
231-796-6329
www.silvernailrealty.com Sue Glatz, GRI, CRB, ABR, Broker/Owner Salespersons: Terry Weaver, Katy VanCuren Property Management • Land Contracts
24 hour personal care assistance All medical needs monitored • Assistance with medication 9100 Buchanan Rd., Mecosta (Canadian Lakes Area)
231-972-6600
“Helping Buyers & Sellers for over 50 years”
Sue Glatz
Katy VanCuren
SO MUCH TO OFFER • Full Line of Farm Seeds & Fertilizer • Full Range of Pet Foods & Supplies • Chicken Feeds and Accessories • Horse Supplies The Area’s ONLY Drive-Thru Feed Store!
WE SALUTE OUR LOCAL 4-H GROUPS!
CHECK OUT OUR GREAT LINE OF BOOTS AND GLOVES
GET READY FOR WINTER! DELIVERY AVAILABLE
Visit Big Rapids Farm & Garden at 310 N. Fourth Street with the Area’s Only Drive-Thru Feed Store! Phone: 231-796-6363
17810 205th Ave., Suite #1 - Big Rapids, MI 49307
Center of Big rapids
Snow Plow Repair Transmission Rebuilding Special!
FREE Estimates Knox/Ice Away Salt
SILVERNAIL REALTY
PARIS AUTO SALES & SERVICE
NAPA Certified Service Center All Work Guaranteed!
BEST PRICES IN TOWN!
BIRD SEED
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Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
DECEMBER 2019
Front End Alignment $29.95
Installed with Warranty Starting at
$1,295
• Brake Special • Tune-Ups • Struts, Shocks & Ball Joints • Starters & Alternator Service
WE ALSO DO TIRES! STOP IN TODAY!
All Major Credit Cards Accepted • Towing Available from Currie’s & BR Towing
OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE!
231-796-7355
18415 Northland Drive, Big Rapids | Just north of the airport on old 131 OPEN: Mon-Fri 8a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
DECEMBER 2019
231.598.9212
NOW A FULL SERVICE SPA!
We also offer facials, salon services, body waxing, and whirlpool! OUR GROWING TEAM NOW INCLUDES: Christie Webster, Cosmetologist Katie Omness, Esthetician Monica Schriner, Massage Therapist Tanya Parks, Massage Therapist 126 Maple Street • Suite C • Big Rapids, MI www.CardinalSpaAndMassage.com
Metron... the faster way to get back to the things you love!
REACHING YOUR THERAPY GOALS FASTER THAN THE NATIONAL AVERAGE
Make Metron of Big Rapids your choice for Short-term Rehab Thank you Mecosta County, for voting Metron your People’s Choice Favorite Nursing Home!
www.metronhealth.com Call today for a tour of our facility...
231-796-2631
2018 Mecosta County People's Choice Nursing Home
DECEMBER 2019
Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
Thank You Mecosta County For Voting Meijer Big Rapids People’s Choice for #1 Favorite Grocery Store, Pharmacy, Produce, Cashier and place to purchase meat! JOIN
REWARDS TO SAVE MORE!
15400 Waldron Way • Big Rapids
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HAMBER CHAMBER 12
Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
DECEMBER 2019
Reach Mecosta County Residents
CHAMBER Multimedia Marketing Packages Flyer and Business by Advertising CHAMBER CHAMBER Multimedia Marketing Packages Flyer in CHAMBER Sig Page Package A- $175
• Social Media Marketing- $75 - $175 • Digital Display- 8,000 imp.
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• Digital Display8,000 • Digital Display - 8,000 imp. imp. • Digital Display8,000 imp.imp. • Digital Display8,000 • Search Engine Marketing$25 Package $325 Marketing$25B-Engine • Search Marketing- $25 • Email Marketing Newsletter • Search Engine Marketing$25 $25 • Search Engine Marketing• Email Marketing Newsletter • Social• Email MediaMarketing Marketing-$125 Newsletter g Newsletter Package A- $175 • Email Marketing Newsletter • Email Marketing Newsletter • Digital Display-16,000 imp. PackageB-B$325 - $325 • Social Media Marketing- $75 Package • Search Engine Marketing-$50 Package B- $325 • Social Media Marketing - $175 • Social Media Marketing-$125 Package B- $325 • Digital Display- 8,000 imp. • Email• Social Marketing Newsletter Media Marketing-$125 • Digital Display - 16,000 imp. • Search Engine Marketing- $25 • SocialMarketing-$125 Media Marketing-$125 • Digital Display-16,000 imp. • Social • DigitalMedia Display-16,000 imp. • Email Marketing Newsletter •• Email Newsletter SearchMarketing Engine Marketing-$50 • Digital Display-16,000 imp. arketing-$125 Package $450 • Digital Display-16,000 imp. • SearchCEngine Marketing-$50 • Email Marketing Newsletter • Search Engine Marketing-$50 • Social Media Marketing-$200 • Email Marketing Newsletter • Search Engine Marketing-$50 -16,000 imp. • Email Package C -Marketing $450 Package B- $325 Newsletter Social • Digital Display-24,000 imp. • Email Marketing Newsletter •Package Social Media Marketing - $250 • Social Media Marketing-$125 C$450 Marketing-$50 • Search Engine Marketing -$50 Package C- $450 Social Media Marketing-$200 • Digital Display - 24,000 imp. Package C- $450 • Digital Display-16,000 imp. • Email• Social Marketing Media Marketing-$200 g Newsletter Social DigitalMarketing Display-24,000 imp. • Search Engine Marketing-$50 Newsletter Double Spot •• Email • Social Media Marketing-$200 • Digital Display-24,000 imp. • Newsletter Search Engine Marketing Double Spot -$50 • Email Marketing Newsletter • Social Media • DigitalMarketing-$200 Display-24,000 imp. • Search Engine Marketing -$50 • Email Marketing Package D$600 • Search Engine Marketing • Digital Display-24,000 imp. -$50 Newsletter Double Spot • Email Marketing Package D $600 Package C- $450 • SocialNewsletter Media Marketing$250 •Engine Email Marketing Double Spot • Search Marketing -$50 • Social MediaNewsletter MarketingDouble - $250 Spot • Social Media Marketing-$200 • Digital Display-32,000 imp.
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Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
DECEMBER 2019
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OPEN COMMUNICATION: VITAL TO BUSINESS SUCCESS By David Hassell AMERICAN MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION Open communication is a concept that almost all companies claim to value, but very few truly achieve. The importance of an open business environment cannot be overstated; a company can survive without open communication, but very few organizations thrive without it. This article takes a look at how open communication can truly be developed in an organization, the pitfalls involved when that attempt fails, and some key basics to keep in mind as a manager determined to keep the lines of communication open and healthy. Trust is key. What is needed to nurture an environment of open communication? All high-performing teams, whether in the sports arena or in the business world, are built on a solid foundation of trust. Trust grows over time and is based on individual members of a team making and keeping commitments, as well as being vulnerable with one another. These honored commitments are noticed by other team members, making them feel less vulnerable, which in turn opens the door to stronger relationships. Relationships are then built upon through continued open, honest communication. Engagement enhances performance. Nurturing any staff members to a higher level of performance involves leading them to this place of strong relationships and trust. Another key element in creating this type of environment, and a natural result of trust, is employee engagement. High engagement means that employees care deeply about their work, feel like they’re part of the team, are bought into the greater vision, and bring their unique strengths to their work. None of this is possible unless those employees feel like the company they work for cares about them, values their work, has their best interests in mind, and accepts them as part of an integral team. If an employee believes these things to be true, they will bring their best work to the company every day. Again, communication is key to reaching this level of engagement. A culture of open communication where employees are encouraged to share their ideas and concerns, both positive and negative, gives employees the sense that they are valued. This feeling of value in turn leads to a greater sense, for the employee, of ownership in the company’s success. It can mean the vital difference between an employee who shows up and offers a minimum of effort to receive his paycheck and an employee who comes to the office ready to give his all for the success of the team and the
business as a whole. In short, a sense of progress, felt both personally and overall, leads to happy employees. And happy employees tend to be the most productive employees. Communicate a common goal. While an open, trusting, and highly engaged employee will perform at a high level and boost productivity, not just for himself but for all around him, these hard-working employees do no good if there is no common goal to unite them. When employees operate at cross purposes, communication is critical in setting things straight. Management must be clear in openly stating the objectives of the company, both overall and at the departmental level. Establishing and communicating clear objectives is the way company management creates alignment among disparate disciplines within an organization. The more open a leadership team is in sharing their vision for the company—which should include their goals, strategies, and values—the more likely each employee will understand their role in the greater mission and engage to make success happen as part of the team. Snowball effect of bad communication. In the absence of open communication, a snowball effect of negative actions can envelop the energy of an organization. If communication is tentative and secretive, trust—what there is of it—tends to erode. When trust erodes, employees tend to disengage and hold back their thoughts for fear of retribution. They may also begin to feel that management no longer has their best interests in mind, and they may be wary of offering anything over and above the minimal contribution. At the same time, management begins to note the lessthan-stellar efforts on the part of employees. Managers then begin to no longer believe that employees have the best interests of the business in mind, and doubt they are performing to the best of their abilities. Worst of all, poor communication and the resulting erosion of trust leads to a reluctance to share ideas. Good ideas that stem from the individuals who know an organization most intimately—the employees—are the lifeblood of any business. To lose the steady flow of insights and innovations unique to your business is a sure path to static, or worse, arrested growth. Keys to keep in mind. As a manager, what are some basic things to keep in mind while continuously trying to foster open communication in an organization and keep the pitfalls of bad communication at bay?
1. Make open communication part of the company culture. If it is clear to employees from the beginning of their time with the company that open communication is welcomed, mutual, and expected, they will proceed to operate on that basis and seek it out in others. You must go first and lead by example. Your employees’ willingness to be open and vulnerable will be a direct reflection of your own willingness.
or a regular protocol for electronic communication. Whatever it is, stick to it, and let it be known that participation is welcome and expected.
2. Respect, honor, and reward open communication. Meet the enthusiastic sharing of ideas, insights, and concerns with positive reinforcement, never reproach, no matter how critical.
5. As a manager, practice what you preach. Employees can’t be expected to behave in a way that management itself doesn’t adhere to. So, trust your employees as you expect them to trust you. Honor your commitments.
3. Develop an efficient and effective method for collaboration and the sharing of ideas. It could be a software tool, a coordinated series of meetings,
Keep goals, values, and concerns out in the open, even if the news is not always good. Stay engaged and give it your all for the success of the team.
4. Remember vulnerability has its rewards. Great communication requires vulnerability on both sides, which is scary for most people. Put aside the fear and remember—and remind—that the rewards far outweigh the perceived potential danger.
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Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
DECEMBER 2019
Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
DECEMBER 2019
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SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS COMMUNICATION: IT STARTS AT THE BEGINNING By: Amy Rees Anderson Forbes.com A while back I was able to attend a seminar by Dr. John Lund on communication where he gave some uncaptioned amazing advice on how to better communicate with others. His input was simple and easy to follow, yet powerful. The best quote of the entire event was this: “Don`t communicate to be understood; rather, communicate so as not to be misunderstood.” What a great way to put things in perspective regarding our efforts on how to improve our communication. Here are some of the notes I made from his presentation:
to let you know about __________." This way the other person knows it will be quick and painless and that you just want to give them a few facts on the call that will only last a minute. Now they can relax and listen to you as you share the requested info. Otherwise, without knowing if the call will be long and painful, they may try to make an excuse that they can't talk right now, etc.
a
Same thing goes for a sales team. They call a prospective client and the first thing out of their mouth needs to be something to the effect of, "I realize that your time is very valuable so I will only need two minutes to schedule a time for a second call where I can do a 10-minute demonstration of our ___________."
Dr. Lund shared that men in general and women in business settings (so men all the time, and women mostly in a work setting only), want to know three things before they are willing to enter into a conversation with you:
Same advice applies for approaching your manager or boss to set up a meeting. Let them know if it will be painful, how long it will take, and the end result you are asking for – they will be much more apt to schedule a time for you.
How to successfully conversation in business:
begin
1. Is what you want to talk about going to be painful? 2. How long is it going to take? 3. When you are done talking, what do you want from me? If they don't know these three things up front, they will make excuses to avoid your call or to avoid talking to you on the phone. The same applies if you come into contact with them in person. He shared that your manager or boss in a work setting will always want to know those three things in advance of agreeing to a conversation as well. The reason he gave was that men and executive women always want to know the exit to the conversation before they feel safe engaging in it. So for example, if you are calling a client, the very first thing you may want to say is: "I realize how busy you are so I will only need one minute of your time
Dr. Lund shared some amazing tips on how to better understand the way we interpret communication from others. He also revealed some very interesting statistics on this topic. He said that when someone else communicates with us, the way we interpret their message is based on the following three things: 55% is based on their facial expressions and their body language. 37% is based on the tone of their voice. 8% is based on the words they say. Dr. Lund said that these percentages above are the averages across both men and women together, but that if you looked at women alone, they would even give greater weight to the facial expression and body language and even less on the words. This tells us that it is critical that we become very
self-aware of how our body language is speaking to others as well as the tone we use. One thing I always recommend to people is to keep a small mirror by your office phone so that when you are on the phone talking to people you can look in the mirror because it makes you more aware of the facial expressions you have, which makes you smile more, which in turn ends up coming through in your tone of voice over the phone. It works wonders on how well you come off on a phone call, trust me! Success in business is greatly impacted for better or worse by
the way in which we communicate. Happiness in our personal lives is also greatly dependent on this very same skill. If you don’t believe me just ask any married couple! Becoming a good communicator takes practice and consistent attention and effort on our part, and it is a skill that we cannot afford to overlook. There is no doubt that we can all benefit from Dr. Lund’s tips on how to better approach people when we begin a conversation, as well as his advice that we “don`t communicate to be understood; rather, communicate so as not to be misunderstood.”
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Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
ut It! o b A l l A d a Re ber r fellow Cham
h you Share it wit to us as Got news? y sending it b y it n u m m uld d your co photos sho & s members an le ic rt A of each attachment. n the 10th an MS Word a th r te la d no month’s be submitte luded in the following e inc s to: info@ month to b es and photo cl ti ar d n se e 96-7649. issue. Pleas m or give us a call (231) 7 icles ty.co straints, art n mecostacoun co e m ti due to ion. Unfortunately, ct to omiss je b u s re a late submitted
DECEMBER 2019
Members Bulletin Board
This section is dedicated to Chamber members who are utilizing their marketing opportunities as one of the many values of belonging to the Chamber:
Artworks.
Youth Beginning Dance Mondays, Sep 9–Dec 2 5-6:30 pm
Big Rapids Community Library
Youth Drop-In Studio Friday, December 13 1-3 pm
After School Art $5 Tuesdays, Sep 10-Dec 17, 3:45-5:15 pm
Intermediate Photography Dec 3 & 10 5:30-7:30pm
Harmonica Grup Tuesday 9-10 am
Stained Glass Ornaments Fri, Dec 13, 6-7 pm
Open Pottery Studio Wednesday Dec 11, 6-9 pm (Prices Vary)
Basket Weaving Sat, Dec 7, 9-3pm
bigrapids.lib.mi.us
Library Closed: Dec 24, 25, 31 & Jan 1 NaNoWriMo Thank Goodness It’s Over Party
Dec 2, 3:30 pm
Friends of the Library Meeting
Dec 4, 4 pm
Breast Feeding Support Group
Community Playgroup
Tuesdays 9:30-11:30 am (No playtime on 12.24.19 & 12.31.19)
Chess Club
Thursdays 5:00 pm
Dec 6, 11:30 am
(No Chess Club on 12.26.19)
Playgroup
Knit Night
December 12th 10 am-12 pm Mary’s Book Club
Dec 13, 12 pm
Foreign Film Club
Dec 14, 7 pm Story Time
Mondays & Wednesdays 10:30-11:30 am (No story time on 12.23.19, 12.25.19, & 12.30.19)
1st & 3rd Thursday 6:30-8:30 pm (12.05.19 & 12.19.19) Tiny Tots Tinker Lab
Fridays 10:30-11:30 am (12.06.19, 12.13.19 & 12.20.19) Overeaters Anonymous
Saturdays 9:30-10:30 am Sundays 9:30-10:30 am
Drop-in Studio Wednesdays Dec 4, 11 & 18, 11am-2pm
For class descriptions, fees, and registration, visit artworksinbigrapids.org/ classes or scan QR code
Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
DECEMBER 2019
FSU Fine Arts Gallery Incoherent Thing War: A Useless Analysis
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Big Rapids Department of Parks & Recreation Programs To register for programs please contact City Hall Recreation Department 226 N. Michigan Avenue, Big Rapids, MI 49307 (231)592-4038
ZUMBA GOLD
LINE DANCE CLASSES
cardio, balance and muscle stretching. The
Thursdays
September 3rd —December 19th
class will get you feeling energized and active!
September 5th—December 12th
Cost: $2 per participant
Bring a mat, water bottle and personal weights.
5:30—6:30 pm
Instructor: Diane Jones
Cost: $2 per participant
Come join choreographed line dancing while
Big Rapids Middle School Cafeteria
increasing your heart rate for a great cardio
No Class (Nov. 28th)
workout! You can select the class that best fits
Instructor: Janitza Sawyer
your needs.
Zumba Gold is perfect for active older adults,
MORNING LINE DANCE
as well as those just starting their journey
Tuesdays and Thursdays
RECYCLE! Of Mecosta County
to a fit and healthy lifestyle, who are looking
8:00am-9:00am (Step Instruction and easy
Cost: $2 per participant
for a modified Zumba class that recreates the
beginner dances)
Style Station (1619 Catherine Street)
original moves you love at a lower intensity.
9:00 am—10:00 am Improver Dances
(No class November 28th)
The design of the class introduces easy-to-
Learn coordinated steps to a variety of music. A
Instructor: DeMar Hatchew, Continuing
MONDAY 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. FRIDAY 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. SATURDAY 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 424 N. 4th Street Big Rapids, MI 49307 (231) 796-9872
follow Zumba choreography that focuses on
social and aerobic activity. Bring a friend!
Education in Parkinson’s Disease Training
balance, range of motion and coordination.
Artworks, Dance Studio
Methods
(No class: (Sept 17, 19, 24, 26 or November
A fitness class designed to slow the
28th)
progression of Parkinson’s disease. No matter
Now through December 12th, 2019 By: Matt Schenk, Damian Goidich, & Taylor Mazer
Card Wildlife Education Center Website: www.ferris.edu/card
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE
DELAY THE DISEASE FITNESS FOR PARKINSON’S September 5th—December 19th Thursdays 1:00 pm—1:45 pm
what stage of the disease you are battling—it’s
Sundays
never too late to start exercising! The class
Scrimmage: September 8th
WATER AEROBICS
League Games Begin: September 15th
September 9th—December 13th
Cost: $300 per team
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Big Rapids Middle School Gym
8:30 am—9:30 am
Games are played on Sundays starting at
Cost: $5 per class or $50 for punch
1:00pm and ending as late as 9:00pm. 10-week
card (12 classes)
season. Ages 18 and older. Registrations due
Ferris State Recreation Center Pool
GROOVE
by August 30th.
(No class November: 29th )
September 9th – December 9th
Instructor: Sherry Williams
Mondays
TAI CHI
Low impact exercise offered for adults.
5:30pm-6:30pm
September 4th—December 18th
Beginning in the shallow area and progressing
Cost $2 per participant
Mondays & Wednesdays
to the deep water to allow for a full body
Big Rapids Middle School Cafeteria
12:00 pm—1:00 pm
workout.
Instructor: Janitza Sawyer
will incorporate a variety of chair exercises, stretching, balance work, strength training, and vocal and facial exercises. Caregivers are welcome to join participants.
Class description: No dance experience
Cost: $2 per participant When weather permits (60° or above) class will
SENIOR FIT TIME
required or fancy choreography to memorize!
meet at Hemlock Park, otherwise class will be
September 3rd —December 19th
Do the simple steps your way, at the intensity of
held at Artworks.
Tuesday: 4:00 pm—5:00 pm
your choice, and add your own style! Have fun
(No class: November 27th)
Thursday: 3:00 pm—4:00 pm
moving and groovin' to ALL genres of music.
Instructor: Mary Loesch, Certified International
Cost: $2 per participant
GROOVE is a great opportunity to cultivate
Instructor
Style Station (1619 Catherine Street)
your innate creativity and self-confidence. Wear
An ancient form of exercise originally
(No class November 28th)
comfy clothes to move in & comfy shoes (or go
developed in China as a martial art. This
Instructor: DeMar Hatchew, Certified in Senior
barefoot). Be sure to bring along a water bottle
exercise has benefits to allow participants to
Fitness
and a towel (or yoga mat) for light stretching at
improve muscle tone, flexibility, balance and
A senior fitness class geared to get those in
the end. Come for the fun and stress relief! Take
coordination. Newcomers are always welcome!!
need of a low impact routine emphasizing
a sneak peek of the class at bodygroove.com.
18
Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
DECEMBER 2019
QUICK COMMUNICATION TIPS FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON
By: Lauren Sergy Up Front Communication This time of year, brings pressure to interact, be social, and put on a display of happiness in our words and actions. Even if you’re feeling very merry indeed (I’ve been feeling quite Christmassy this year), you’ll probably also be strained and snappy every now and then. There’s only so much socializing, chatting, talking, networking, and wellwishing we can do before we get worn a bit threadbare. Here are a few tips to help you remain sane and fit for human interaction during this season:
1. Don’t feel obligated to do Christmas Activity XYZ just because everyone else does. The sheer amount of engaging we do during the holiday season can be draining. If there is some kind of social activity that you find really saps your mental energy, feel free to bow out. As much as I like receiving Christmas cards, I hate writing and sending them so much that I felt like an absolute fraud every time I sent one out. I don’t send them anymore. I also don’t attend every party I’m invited to, even if I’ve got “time” in my schedule for them. Here are some more of my opt-outs: Attending big parties in cramped quarters is like running a gauntlet for me, and I find it hard to have decent conversations with people there. So, I don’t go to very many, instead preferring really small gatherings with just a couple friends. Ugly Christmas Sweater thing? Nope. Not doing it. But I’ll happily make jokes about yours. The social pressure to take part can really drain us of the bandwidth necessary to connect meaningfully with people. Pick and choose what you’ll participate in with the confidence that gracefully bowing out of certain things doesn’t make you an antisocial curmudgeon. It will actually help you be more engaged and present in the
things you do take part in.
2. Recognize that sometimes more interaction is what you might need. We’ve all been there – wanting to crawl under the covers and hide from absolutely everyone. But if the urge to hide from the world is making you feel more miserable, then you might actually need to rally your nerve and seek out more interaction, not less. Yes, we all need a break and time to ourselves, but it’s about balance. If you find yourself going too far into hermitude, find one or two people you can go out with (even if it’s just for a walk) to help lift the clouds a bit.
3. Sometimes, the choice you have is between being right and being pleasant. This is one of my mantras for getting through awkward family or workrelated parties. If conversations turn heated, don’t worry about being right. It’s a party, not a court trial, and your goal is to survive the conversation with your dignity and relationships intact. Instead, focus on being pleasant and
leave the desire to win behind.
*With the exception of the occasional expletive whenever I drop an ornament.
This is a source of stress for so many people, and it is totally and utterly unnecessary. There’s more than enough politics in our communication already – don’t add to it by worrying excessively over the best format of your chosen holiday greeting. Most (reasonable) people won’t take offense to you wishing them a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Hanukkah, or other greeting unless one of you is trying to make a point with it. And as far as I’m concerned, the only point worth making is “Hey, I hope this time of year is a happy one for you.” Which is basically the spirit behind any of these greetings. (And if someone greets you with something you didn’t expect, and you find yourself flummoxed; you can’t go wrong with saying “Thanks! Same to you!”)
5. Greet people with the expression you feel is right for you, and graciously accept their choice of greeting in return.
I’ll be going quiet on the blog for the next couple of weeks while I unwind a bit. So, in the spirit of tip #5, I wish you all Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a bright and beautiful New Year!
4. Build space for silence. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the noise of the season. Be sure that you protect time in your schedule where you don’t need to talk to anyone. You don’t need to spend the time reflecting or meditating or anything like that – sometimes that can constitute mental noise as well. Just give yourself some time where you can turn your brain off and enjoy something that doesn’t involve talking or socializing. One of my favorite non-talking times is the night where I stay up after everyone else has gone to bed and finish decorating the Christmas tree with the 1995 BBC Pride and Prejudice miniseries playing in the background. It’s brainless bliss that doesn’t involve me uttering a single word. *
Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
DECEMBER 2019
Dec. 1
AMVETS Auxiliary All-you-can-eat Breakfast
MECOSTA COUNTY CALENDAR OF EVENTS
DECEMBER 2019
@ American Legion Post 98, 9-11:30 am Dec. 2
19
NaNoWriMo Thank Goodness It's Over Party @ Big Rapids Community Library, 3:30 pmf
Dec. 4
Friends of the Library Meeting @ 4 pm
Dec. 5
Creative Night Out: Stained Glass Ornaments @ Artworks, 6 pm
GFWC MONTHLY MEETINGS
2ND TUESDAY OF THE MONTH, SEPTEMBER THROUGH MAY AT THE BIG RAPIDS PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT. CALL 231-349-7743 FOR MORE INFORMATION.
BIG RAPIDS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS ZUMBA - THURSDAYS 5:30-6:30P
TAI CHI - MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS 12-1P MORNING LINE DANCE - TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS - 8-9A BEGINNER, 9-10 IMPROVER WATER AEROBICS - MON, WED, FRI 8:30A-9:30A SENIOR FIT TIME - TUESDAY 4-5P & THURSDAY 3-4P DELAY THE DISEASE FITNESS FOR PARKINSON’S -THURSDAYS 1-1:45P GROOVE - MONDAYS 5:30-6:30P
Dec. 7
St. Mary-St. Paul Annual Christmas Bazaar 9 am - 2 pm Santa @ Artworks, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Dec. 8
St. Mary-St. Paul Annual Christmas Bazaar 8:30 - 11 am
Dec. 9
Big Rapids Greens Workshop @First Methodist Church, 6 pm
Dec. 12
A Christmas Evening of Harmony @ Artworks, 6-8 pm
Dec. 13
Mary's Book Club @ Big Rapids Community Library, 12 pm
Dec. 14
Foreign Film Club @ Big Rapids Community Library, 7 pm
Dec. 19
Ho-Ho-Home for the Holidays @ Downtown Big Rapids, 5-8 pm
Dec. 24
Christmas Eve
Dec. 25
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Dec. 31
New Year's Eve
WHEATLAND MUSIC ORGANIZATION WHEATSCOUTS: LAKE EFFECT FAMILY BAND DEC 14, 11AM-1PM - FREE JAMBOREE @ THE CABIN - DEC 14, 2-5PM - FREE CALL 989.967.8879 FOR MORE INFO
ARTWORKS YOUTH BEGINNING DANCE: AGES 5-8 $5 MONDAYS SEP 9–DEC 2, 5PM-6:30PM AFTER SCHOOL ART: DEC 3, 10, & 17, 3:45PM-5:15PM BASKET WEAVING: DEC 7, 9AM-3PM HARMONICA GROUP: TUESDAYS 9AM-10AM INTERMEDIATE PHOTOGRAPHY: DEC 3 & 10, 5:30PM-7:30PM OPEN POTTERY STUDIO (PRICES VARY): WED DEC 11, 6PM-9PM YOUTH DROP-IN STUDIO: DEC 13, 1PM-3PM
BIG RAPIDS COMMUNITY LIBRARY STORY TIME - MONS & WEDS 10:30-11:30A (NO STORY TIME ON 12.23.19, 12.25.19, & 12.30.19) COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP - TUES 9:30-11:30A (NO PLAYTIME ON 12.24.19 & 12.31.19) KNIT NIGHT - 1ST & 3RD THURS 6:30-8:30P (12.5.19 & 12.19.19 ) PLAYGROUP - DEC 12, 10A-12P TINY TOTS TINKER LAB - FRIDAYS 10:30-11:30A (12.06.19, 12.13.19 & 12.20.19) OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS - SATURDAYS 9:30-10:30A
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY FINE ART GALLERY INCOHERENT THING WAR: A USELESS ANALYSIS MATT SCHENK, DAMIAN GOIDICH, TAYLOR MAZER NOW THROUGH DEC. 12TH, 2019 BIG RAPIDS ROTARY CLUB MEETS EVERY TUESDAY AT NOON AT FALCON HEAD
BIG RAPIDS LIONS CLUB MEETS EVERY SECOND AND FOURTH MONDAYS OF THE MONTH, 6:30 P.M. AT #52 SPORTS BAR AND KITCHEN.
DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS, CHAPTER 18 A SERVICE OFFICER IS AVAILABLE TO ASSIST VETERANS IN RECEIVING BENEFITS. THURSDAYS 10 A.M. TO 2 P.M. AT THE DAV IN BIG RAPIDS. ALL VETERANS WELCOME
20
Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
DECEMBER 2019
The Board of Directors of the Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce cordially invite you to the
"Masquerade Murder Mystery Dinner"
on Friday, December 6th, 2019 at the
34th Annual Holiday Gala. Guests will experience a one-of-a-kind live performance by a professional theater company while enjoying an amazing dinner, drinks, raffles, games, auctions, and more!
Mask Contest! Games! Raffle! Auctions! What to expect: An interactive eveing led by the theater company where it's up to the partygoers to solve the mystery. Guests will trade clues and gather information to solve the crime before the masked menace gets away. Date: December 6, 2019 Location: Holiday Inn and Conference Center Time: 5:30 PM Suggested Attire: Evening Wear, Ball Gowns, Venetian Masks, Suits Ticket Prices: $70 per Person / $130 per Couple $600 per Table of 10 $700 per Table of 10 (with Sponsorship)
mecostacounty.com
(231) 796-7649