Boyne City Main Street is pleased to present the Holiday Open House and Santa Parade on Friday, Nov. 29 (the day after Thanksgiving) from 5 to 9 p.m. A true community celebration of the season, the open house begins at 5 p.m. with refreshments at businesses throughout the downtown, and the parade starts at 6 p.m. Boyne Area Girl Scouts will light the Community Christmas Tree in Old City Park at 5 p.m. Following the tree lighting the Girl Scouts will lead holiday revelers in caroling. Santa will arrive on his horse-drawn sleigh in the parade, joined by some of his elves from the North Pole. Those participating in the parade must send in a parade registration form and line up on East Main Street between East and Park Streets starting at 5:30 p.m. The parade route will follow Lake Street to Water Street through the heart of downtown. 

After the parade, children can visit with Santa at a NEW LOCATION, the Sunset Park Log Cabin. For more information, contact Boyne City Main Street at 231-582-9009. Parade/Open House poster.

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED for the Santa Parade from 5:30-6:30 p.m. to help with road closures and to wear fun holiday costumes. Please call Karen Guzniczak at 231-582-2355 if you are interested.

LIVE NATIVITY SCENE - Returning this year will be a live Nativity scene at Coldwell Banker Real Estate, 231 Water St., from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Kids can feed and pet Gunther the Camel, a donkey, goats and sheep. Hot chocolate, chili, hot dogs from Family Fare, coffee, cookies from McDonald's and sample pours from Stiggs Brewery will be provided. Nativity Scene flyer.

PARADE ROUTE

  - Entries line up on Main Street between Lake and Park Streets.

  - At 6 p.m., parade starts by turning right, north on South Lake Street.

  - Parade turns right, east on Water Street.

  - Parade ends at East Street with entries turning right to disburse.

  - Santa Claus will go to the Sunset Park Log Cabin to visit with children after the parade.

MRS. CLAUS ON SATURDAY - The morning after the parade, Saturday, November 30th, Mrs. Claus will be at the log cabin from 10 a.m. to 12 noon to receive letters for Santa. Stop by and say hello!

MERCHANTS WILL CELEBRATE during the Open House with refreshments, Black Friday sales and fun like Buddy the Elf visiting Boyne City Hardware. Details below.

HOLIDAY HOURS - The Chamber office, City Hall and the Main Street offices will be closed on Thanksgiving and the next day, Friday, Nov. 29th.

The Sunset Park Log Cabin is decorated and ready for Santa Claus after the parade on Friday night and Mrs. Claus on Saturday morning.

Tickets are now on sale for the Boyne Chamber's Annual Awards Gala at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, January 16, 2020, at the Boyne Mountain Civic Center. Presenting sponsor for the gala will be KorthaseFlinn Insurance and Financial Services. In addition to the presentation of awards to community leaders and the installation of chamber board members, the event will feature a buffet dinner, cash bar, bucket raffles and a live auction. Tickets are $55.

Bucket raffles will be held for great prize packages with 10 tickets available for $25. There will also be a raffle with $10 tickets for a Yeti Cooler full of spirits and goodies, sponsored by Boyne City Hardware. The Live Auction is sponsored by Boyne Mountain. We are seeking donation items for raffles and bottles of spirits for the cooler raffle.

> Click here to reserve individual seats, table sponsors and other sponsorships. 

> Details on table sponsors and other sponsor opportunities and benefits.

> Facebook pictures from last year.

Thanks to our sponsors!

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Korthase Flinn Insurance

GOLD SPONSORS

Boyne Mountain Resort

Boyne City Public Schools

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

Family Fare  NEW THIS WEEK!

Truestream, fiber internet service from Great Lakes Energy NEW THIS WEEK!

TABLE SPONSORS

Charlevoix County Community Foundation

Pat O'Brien & Associates

Kammerman & Bascom

Kiwanis Club of Boyne City

Boyne City Kiwanis Club is organizing their 9th annual Turkey Trot 5K race and 1-mile fun run/walk to be held at 9 a.m. Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 28. The race will begin and end at City Hall, 319 N. Lake St. Packet pick-up will be the day before event from 2-6pm at Stiggs Brewery & Kitchen. T-shirts are guaranteed if entry form is received by November 20. For further information email [email protected]. Entrants are asked to bring a nonperishable food item that will be donated to Boyne area food pantries. Here is a race registration form to print, register online or pick up a form at the Boyne Area Chamber, Edward Jones, Kilwins of Boyne City, or Lake Charlevoix Coffee.

> MUNSON CHARLEVOIX HOSPITAL will host their 9th annual 5k Turkey Trot at 8:30 on Thanksgiving morning. The run/walk starts and ends at the hospital parking lot (14700 Lake Shore Drive). Register online, in person at our Wellness Workshop (411 Bridge St., Charlevoix) or on the day of the event from 7:30-8:30 a.m. Register by November 24th to guarantee your long-sleeved t-shirt - or upgrade to a sweatshirt. Early shirt pickup available from 5-7 p.m. on Nov. 27 at the Wellness Workshop. Please bring a non-perishable food item to help support local food pantries. Costumes and leashed pets are encouraged - and you can get your photos taken at our photo booth. The Wellness Workshop will be open from 8:30-11am to serve as a warming station along the Turkey Trot route, providing hot chocolate, a warm place to rest, and use of the restroom or baby changing station as needed. New this year, medals for gold, silver and bronze will be awarded in several categories. Registration and details.

Take our survey about the Business & Community Expo Chamber members and anyone who attended our recent Business & Community Expo at Boyne City High School are encouraged to take our survey about the event. We value our member feedback and will use the results to help plan future events.  > Click here to take this short survey.

Jordan Peck will be joining the Boyne City Farmers Market team on December 7th. Many of you may have already met him from the Boyne City Bakery, where he is one of the bakers and crepe makers. Jordan and his fiancé Monica Kroondyk (pictured at right) have made this community their home. It's fully his desire to see the market continue to do well and better this community. He's looking forward to serving the market and Boyne City with some of the best that Northern Michigan has to offer.

	Preparing Thanksgiving dinner at the Eagles Hall last year.

The Boyne City Eagles will host their annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner from noon to 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, at the Eagles Hall, 106 River St. The dinner is open to the public, and there is no charge. Dinner includes turkey, stuffing, potatoes and gravy, vegetables and desserts. Anyone who would like to volunteer or donate food is asked to call the Eagles in advance at 231-582-6904. Also call if you are housebound and would like a meal delivered - give us your name, address and phone. Please consider bringing a monetary donation or a non-perishable food item; proceeds will be divided among local food pantries.

THE WHI-SKI INN of Boyne Falls is hosting their 4th Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner from 12-4 p.m. They will be preparing a delicious meal with all the fixin's for anyone that would like to stop in and enjoy. The meal will be by donation of your choice or by bringing in non-perishable food items. All proceeds will benefit the Boyne Valley Food Pantry. This is "just a way to show our thanks and to give back to the community," the Whi-Ski Inn owners say. "Take a break from cooking this year and come on down for a traditional holiday dinner, watch a little football and give back to others at the same time."

Are you interested in business policy? Ready to have a regional impact?  Join us for the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance 2019 Northern Michigan Policy Conference from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2 at the NMC Hagerty Center in Traverse City. 

The Northern Michigan Policy Conference is a regional economic development conference led by the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance - a partnership of Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development Organizations throughout Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. Now in its second year as a policy conference, the event is designed to leverage diverse strategies to enhance northern Michigan region's standing as a world-class place for business, residents, visitors, and students of all ages. Agenda topics and highlights include:

Register here for $30, including lunch and networking reception. Click here for details on the topics and speakers, and special hotel room rates of $85 plus tax.

Main Street program seeks applicants for board positions The Boyne City Main Street program is seeking applicants for two positions on the board of directors. Board terms are four years and start in January. Applications are due at noon on December 10th.  Board application .

BUDDY THE ELF (pictured at right) will be visiting Boyne City Hardware for photos at the store during the downtown open house on Friday night. The store will also have complimentary food and drinks.

NORTH COUNTRY CYCLE SHOP is having two days of Black Friday. The sale starts Friday and ends Saturday afternoon. All Trek bikes are on sale, even if you would like to special order one. All Bontrager products are 20% off. Those who bring us cookies or sandwiches get a special offer!

LONG ROAD DISTILLERS of Boyne City is turning ONE, and we're doing free tastings to celebrate! Join us this Friday in between shopping and eating leftovers for a free tasting experience. We'll have some other great deals to make it even more special.

BOYNE TRADING CO. invites you to join them for the Santa Parade and Downtown Open House on Friday evening after Thanksgiving. Save 25% off storewide and sample some holiday sweet treats. Savings and treats continue for Shop Small Saturday. Shop local!

Need a gift, maybe for someone who is hard to buy for? Don't forget Chamber Checks are available at the Chamber Office, 115 S. Lake Street, Boyne City. Chamber Checks make the ideal "shop local" gift that can be redeemed at many businesses in the Boyne area. Chamber Checks are issued through Charlevoix State Bank by the Boyne Chamber and are redeemable much like a gift certificate or traveler's check. Chamber Checks are available in denominations of $10, $20 and $25 certificates. We appreciate advance notice for orders of 6 or more checks. If you have questions about Chamber Checks, call the Chamber at 231-582-6222 or email [email protected].

HOLIDAY BONUSES - Chamber Checks are a great way to give holiday bonuses to your employees. Already this year we have filled an order for a total of more than $8,000 in Chamber Checks from one local employer. It's a great way to reward your employees and keep money local!

PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES are listed here. To add your business to this list, email [email protected].

The McKaig family posted this announcement on the Thick 'n' Juicy Diner Facebook page Tuesday night and asked us to include it in our newsletter:

To all of our wonderful customers and former employees, we would like to announce that we are officially closed. We hope that you will welcome our new friend Kathrine as she opens a new business.  Eggs~N~Anchors will be taking some time to renovate and create a whole new atmosphere in downtown Boyne City! We are happy to refund any outstanding gift certificates you may have, please email us at [email protected] or message us on Facebook. We have had a pleasure serving this community for the last thirteen years, Thick 'n' Juicy Diner has been a staple of Boyne City for almost 22 years. When we took over from the Rosellis we knew that we had big shoes to fill. From our family to yours, Happy Holidays, we wish nothing but the best for each and every one of you.

	This Lake View Chalet will host Business After Hours on December 12th.

Resort Rentals North is hosting the Boyne Area Chamber's holiday Business After Hours on Thursday, December 12th, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. It will be held at "Lake View Chalet," 1113 Marshall Road, one of our newest properties. There is no admission charge and appetizers, beer and wine will be provided at no charge. There will be a 50/50 raffle and the grand prize will be a two-night stay at the Lake View Chalet (some restrictions apply). Door prizes consist of holiday arrangements created by Upsy Daisy. Boyne Area Community Christmas will receive the proceeds from the 50/50 raffle. 

Resort Rentals North takes pride in getting people the right property for their needs. We help to bring families together to make unforgettable memories while assisting clients in generating reliable, profitable revenue. Whether you are a client with a property you would like to rent or a guest looking for the perfect rental for your next vacation, our full-service property management business can help. Looking to purchase a home or investment property? Let our brokerage assist you with all your real estate needs. From marketing and administrative tasks to management and maintenance, our locally owned business does it all. Contact them at 231-535-0010, [email protected] or visit their office at 5 W. Main Street, Suite 4.

OFF THE CLOCK - The Boyne Area Chamber is changing the name of Business After Hours to "Off the Clock" starting in the new year. Stay tuned for the new schedule, starting in February after the January 16th Awards Gala.

	Howes Leather Company, "The Tannery"

Boyne City history buff Patrick McCleary attended last week's board meeting of the Boyne Heritage Center and reported that Thanksgiving Day, November 28th, is likely the 50th anniversary of the closing of the Howe Leather Company, also known as The Tannery. As City Manager Michael Cain noted, "A new Boyne was born" when the tannery closed, due to the end of the pollution caused by the facility, which was located where today's Harborage Point and the Harborage Condominiums are now located. To mark the occasion, McCleary has transcribed a lengthy article about the closing that was printed in the Grand Rapids Press on January 4, 1970, which we have posted online here.

McCleary notes that various news reports confirm that the closing date was EITHER November 27, 1969 OR November 28, 1969. He says local historian Bob Morgridge has always claimed that it was November 27, 1969. However, several others sources (including the Grand Rapids Press article) state "two days after Thanksgiving," which would make it the 28th.

	Open Space photo courtesy of Petoskey News-Review.

Residents and community members are invited to attend a public input session from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 4th at Boyne City City Hall, 319 Lake St. The focus of this meeting is to seek public input on the development of schematic design plans for Avalanche (base of the hill) and the Open Space properties. The city will build upon previous planning and design efforts for each park property.

After a short presentation describing this and prior efforts to plan park development, attendees will be invited to participate in a hands-on activity aimed at influencing schematic plans for the park properties. Public input for schematic development of the two park spaces will be critical to ensure a comprehensive plan that responds to the public's and city's desires. This input is an important step in funding acquisition for park development.

A subsequent presentation by Beckett & Raeder Inc. will present preliminary schematic design plans based on the input, as a subsequent opportunity to provide input toward the final schematic plans. This presentation will take place on January 9, 2020 at Boyne City City Hall, time TBD. Final Schematic Design Plans and accompanying information is scheduled to be completed in February 2020.

> For more information on the public input sessions and the schematic design process for the Avalanche and Open Space properties, contact Tim Knutsen, Beckett & Raeder Inc. at 231-347-2523.

As we start gearing up for the 2019 holiday season, Boyne Area Community Christmas asks that you remember those less fortunate by making a donation.  Non-perishable food items, new unwrapped toys, games and books can be dropped off Monday through Thursday beginning Dec. 2 through Dec.16, from 10am-2pm at the Boyne City Education Center, Pine Street entrance. 

For monetary donations, please make checks payable to Boyne Area Community Christmas and send them c/o Eleanor West, Treasurer at 915 Robinson Street #15, Boyne City, MI 49712.

For additional information or to submit the name of a child in need, contact Heather Ross at (231) 459-5588.

Basket pick-up will be from 1-6 p.m. Thursday, December 19 at the Boyne City Education Center Gym (321 South Park Street). Deliveries will start at 11 a.m. that day. 

Click here for an application.

Want to volunteer? Bring a friend and just show up for packing/distribution day on Dec. 19th at the Boyne City Education Center, 9am to 6pm. 

From all the volunteers at Boyne Area Community Christmas and the many grateful families of our community, thank you for your continued support and generosity!

Join us this winter for an extraordinary, life-enriching experience as a Challenge Mountain volunteer . You don't need to be a skier to volunteer. There are many opportunities inside the Lodge for helping hands or outside leading a snowshoe walk or catching smiles on the sledding hill. 

Long-time volunteer Bill Aten explains why he comes back year after year, "I got hooked after just one day of volunteering and seeing what kids and adults with special needs can accomplish through skiing. They see there's more in life. My own life is greatly enriched as a volunteer at Challenge Mountain."

If you want to have fun while making a difference in the lives of children and adults living with disabilities, come to the Challenge Mountain Lodge on North Springbrook Road Saturday, December 7 at 8:30 am for breakfast and a volunteer meeting and orientation from 9-11 a.m. 

To learn more about how volunteers make Great Things Happen Together at Challenge Mountain check out this article from Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine.

Everyone is invited to attend the Bay Township Wreaths Across America Ceremony at Dyer Cemetery at 11:45 a.m. Saturday, December 14th. Wreaths Across America in Bay Township is celebrating its sixth year.

You do not have to be a wreath sponsor to participate in the ceremony. At Noon (EST) a moment of silence will be held across the entire nation. At this time the seven ceremonial wreaths will be placed on the graves of the veterans throughout the township's three cemeteries and the Scattering Garden at the Horton Bay United Methodist Church. The Boyne City American Legion Ernest Peterson Post 228 will be assisting at this ceremony. It will be a very special time to honor all our veterans and their families. "Everyone Plays a Part" is the National Wreaths Across America Day Theme for 2019. We will have hot drinks and snacks at Dyer Cemetery before the ceremony and everyone is welcome to return there after all four locations are covered.

> Here is an information and sponsorship form. Note that the organization has made online sponsoring much easier now. Deadline for online and mail in sponsorships is December 2. Once we reach our local goal for 2019, all additional wreath donations will carry over to 2020. Call Georganna Monk at 231-883-9867 if you have any questions. 

For this upcoming GivingTuesday, Sail Charlevoix is asking for help to replace our aging sails. Donations will go directly toward buying new jibs and spinnakers for our JY15 and C420 sailboats. Sail Charlevoix is a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable, educational organization, dedicated to the development and access of youth and adult sailing opportunities for our community. Since 1985, we have served hundreds of students every year, many of whom wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity to access Lake Charlevoix without our affordable programs with locations in Boyne City and Charlevoix. Learn more about Sail Charlevoix and GivingTuesday 2019 at sailcharlevoix.org.

The Top of Michigan Mountain Bike Association (TOMMBA) is working hard to expand mountain bike trails in Boyne City. The recent agreement between the City of Boyne City and TOMMBA solidified the final piece of the puzzle, bringing the Boyne Forest Trail System closer to reality. Land acquired earlier this year by the Walloon Lake Trust and Conservancy connects the Boyne School Forest Trail to the city property, allowing TOMMBA to continue to build a world-class destination mountain bike trail system. Year-round and summer residents alike rely on multi-use accessible, diverse, enjoyable outdoor-lifestyle activities for the whole family. The Boyne Forest Trail System is and will continue to be an economic driver for the Boyne City community and surrounding areas. Celebrate #Givingtuesday on December 3 by making a donation to TOMMBA. If you can't wait until then, feel free to donate directly to TOMMBA: https://www.tommba.org/Donate  or send a check to TOMMBA, PO Box 112, Boyne City, MI 49712.

The Courtyard by Marriott Petoskey at Victories Square is officially open. Featuring an innovative lobby space as well as Courtyard's latest contemporary room design, the new hotel provides flexibility and choices that allow guests to optimize and elevate their travel experience. Located at 1866 Bear Place, the 139-room hotel is only minutes away from popular area attractions. The five-story hotel features views of Little Traverse Bay, an indoor swimming pool and whirlpool spa, patio with a fireplace, business center, large fitness center, 24/7 Starbucks, a Kid Zone and Arcade, guest laundry, complimentary parking, and breakfast, dinner, and drinks at the Bistro. Other hotel amenities include 1,620 square feet of meeting space to accommodate functions of up to 90 people. Website.

	Lights of Love organizers include, from left, Connie Tenkel, Pati Scott, Candy Greene, Jeanne Marriott and Sharon Kemp.

The Boyne Eta Nu Charities annual "Lights of Love" tree lighting remembrance ceremony will take place Wednesday, December 4, at 6:30 p.m. on the Dilworth Hotel porch. This special event offers an opportunity for community members to honor and remember loved ones during the holiday season and raise money for Northwest Michigan Hospice Assist. You can help decorate our Lights of Love tree by purchasing a green, blue, red or gold light ranging from $5 to $30. For a $40 contribution, you will receive a personalized "heart of love" with the name of your loved one that will hang on the tree during the month of December. All monies collected will go to the Hospice Assist program. Lights of Love flyers with donation information for lights, hearts or reserving for our post-ceremony dinner at Water Street Cafe are available online. Those wishing to make direct contributions may do so via mail to Pati Scott, 4408 E. Fontenoy, Boyne City MI 49712. Please make checks payable to Boyne Eta Nu Charities.

> For additional information visit Boyne Eta Nu Charities on Facebook or contact Pati Scott at [email protected] or call 231-758-2496. 

Starting at 6pm on Thanksgiving and running through 11:59 on Cyber Monday is Friske Farm Market's "Biggest & Best Online Sale Ever." Watch for a new promo each day: Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. In addition you can save $5 on your order of $50, $15 on your order of $100, $50 on your order of $250. This is one online sale you don't want to miss. Friske's online store.

Now is a great time to double your investment in saving the lives of dogs and cats at the Charlevoix Area Humane Society. Your previous support has helped thousands of animals recover from injuries and illnesses and find forever homes. By donating now, we are able to double your donation, helping twice as much as ever before. $10 = $20, $50 = $100, etc.

Why? Because the Charlevoix Area Humane Society has joined the National Giving Tuesday campaign, and we have some generous supporters who will match donations on Tuesday, December 3rd. Your tax-deductible donation, in addition to providing shelter, food and medical care for homeless animals, will make it possible to accomplish two critically needed improvements - a ventilation system and a new heating and cooling system. Second, to provide an in-house surgical room, making it possible for us to spay and neuter our shelter dogs and cats, which will save tens of thousands of dollars, year after year.

> Please write "Giving Tuesday" on the memo line of your check, or on December 3rd donate online at www.charlevoixhumane.org or call 231-582-6774 to make a donation with your credit card.

Char-Em United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in our community. One way we achieve this goal is by funding 211 - an information and referral hotline available 24/7 year-round by phone, text, chat or web search. The call line is staffed by trained specialists who connect the caller with free and sliding scale resources available in our community. Any unmet needs are reported back to help identify gaps in services, allowing us to guide conversations on community needs. This Giving Tuesday, December 3rd, help our community get connected to all the resources available with one call by making a donation here.

   

   City looks at extending non-motorized trail to downtown - Story & Map

   BC graduate  Chase Petroelje in Macy's Thanksgiving parade  - Story 

    State police offer property checks while residents are away - Story

The Chamber/Main Street E-News is  newsletter readership is up 12% from a year ago - now opened by an average of 1,369 people per week. To request ads for any Thursday in 2020, just email Newsletter Editor Jim Baumann, [email protected]. Don't delay - our ads are very popular. We run three ads each week and nearly every ad position has sold out in the past two years. You can send us a ready-to-publish ad (we'll give you the specs) or we can design your ad. We link your ad to your website or Facebook page, and we bill you after it runs.

> The Boyne Business News comes to your inbox every Thursday morning (except today because of Thanksgiving). If you have news for next week, please send it by Tuesday to  [email protected] .

> SPREAD THE NEWS - We'd love to send you and your friends the weekly Boyne Business News. Click here to subscribe .

Boyne Mountain will have the slopes open for the four-day Thanksgiving Weekend, Thursday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tickets will be $55 for adults and $45 for youth and seniors.  The slopes have been open for skiing and riding on weekends since Nov. 14th.  Current conditions and webcams . Boyne Mountain Buzz video with scenes from last weekend's skiing and news about $99 "December to Remember" passes.

Everyone is invited to Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark for an enchanted afternoon featuring the Frozen Sisters. On Saturday, November 30, your favorite princesses will be at Avalanche Bay to celebrate the release of Frozen II. Guests can enjoy the royal treatment with meet-and-greets, photo opportunities and signatures. Spend the day splashing with your own princes and princesses, enjoy Frozen-themed beverages, complimentary royal crafts and a special experience with the stars of Frozen. This event is complimentary with the purchase of any full-day waterpark pass. Visit avalanchebay.com for event details and more.

We're heading into the holiday season and we've got details on lots of great local events:

NOV. 27 - Lighting of the Village in Walloon Lake, 6-9 p.m.*

NOV. 28 - Turkey Trots in Boyne City and Charlevoix on Thanksgiving morning.*

NOV. 28 - Community Thanksgiving Dinners at the Eagles in Boyne City and the Whi-Ski Inn in Boyne Falls.* 

NOV. 29 - Santa Parade/Downtown Open House in Boyne City. Includes tree lighting, refreshments in the stores and a live Nativity scene.*

DEC. 1 - Breakfast With Santa at Water Street Cafe from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.*

DEC. 4 - Lights of Love tree-lighting remembrance ceremony at 6:30 p.m. on the Dilworth Hotel porch followed by dinner at Water Street Café.*

DEC. 7 - Holiday Hobby Craft Show presents 150 arts and crafts vendors from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Boyne City High School, benefiting the school Booster Foundation.*

DEC. 12 - Holiday Business After Hours hosted by Resort Rentals North from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at one of their vacation rental homes, 1113 Marshall Road.*

DEC. 13 - Six-for-one Day for skiers on Friday, and Holiday Open House with Santa and more on Saturday night at Boyne Mountain Resort.

* = details below in this newsletter 

The Lighting of the Village of Walloon Lake will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. tonight, Wednesday, November 27th, featuring Santa, refreshments, and a performance by the Petoskey Steel Drum Band. The Lighting of the Village includes a stunning Christmas tree provided by the Walloon Lake DDA. There will be complimentary hot chocolate and cider, cookie and ornament decorating, and a giveaway package for a Walloon Lake Getaway. The outdoor portion of the event is dog-friendly. This event is sponsored by Barrel Back, Walloon Lake Inn, Hotel Walloon and The Walloon Lake DDA. For information, contact [email protected] . 

Water Street Cafe is hosting Breakfast With Santa from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, December 1st. An expanded Christmas-themed buffet will be served for $15 for adults and $6 for kids 12 and under. All of the cafe employees will be dressed as Santa's elves and helpers. Pictures with Santa will be available for $5, and those funds will be donated to Boyne Area Community Christmas, which provides meals, toys and clothing for local families for the holidays. Anyone attending on this or other days is invited to drop off canned food items that will be donated to local food pantries, and the cafe will also have a Giving Tree with local donation opportunities.

The Strand restaurant at Sommerset Pointe Yacht Club has extended their T.G.I.Fish Fry on Fridays from 5-9 p.m. (except December 13th). The fish fry features all you can eat fish served with fries and coleslaw for $17. Other entrees on the menu are Grilled Hanger Steak, Fried Chicken Sandwich and BBQ Ribs (half or full). Appetizers include Truffle Fries, Butternut Squash Bisque, and Caesar Salad. Fine dining overlooking Lake Charlevoix at 00970 Marina Drive, Boyne City. Note: the For reservations, call (231) 582-9900. Click here to see the menu and prices.

For every $100 worth of Magnum Hospitality Gift Cards purchased between now and Dec. 15, you will receive a $20 bonus certificate to be used on a future visit to your favorite Magnum Restaurant - Red Mesa Grill, Cafe Santé or Pearl's - or online at www.magnumhospitality.com. The bonus coupons can be redeemed from Jan. 1 through May 31, 2020.

The Charlevoix County Commission on Aging and MSU Extension are excited to present information sessions on three upcoming spring classes at county senior centers. These presentations will be a time to express interest in specific classes to ensure that they are scheduled and learn more about what will be offered. Presentations will be on Matter of Balance, Chronic Pain Management and Tai Chi at the following times:

  - East Jordan Senior Center: Monday, December 2, at 11am

  - Boyne Area Senior Center: Thursday, December 5, at 11am

  - Charlevoix Senior Center: Friday, December 6, at 12:15am

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS TOUR - The COA Local Travel Club will be taking a Christmas Light and Decoration Tour in each of our communities. The bus will leave the Boyne Area Senior Center at 6 pm, returning about 7:30 on Tuesday, Dec. 17. These tours will be weather dependent and you must sign up at the Senior Center for the trip you want to attend as there is limited room. Hot cocoa and cookies will be included.

CHRISTMAS DINNER - Join us at any of the senior centers on Friday, December 20, for our Traditional Christmas Dinner and Celebration. 

CLOSINGS - The county senior centers and the Commission on Aging Office will be closed December 24th and 25th and January 1 in celebration of the holidays.

NEW YEAR'S EVE - We will be counting down to Noon on New Year's Eve, Tuesday, December 31st in all of the senior centers. Join us at 11:30 a.m. for appetizers, musical entertainment and fun activities.

STAY UP TO DATE on the latest goings on at Senior Center sites by liking our Facebook page and visiting our website.  Click here for a calendar  of activities, lunch menus and entertainment.

BOYNE AREA SENIOR CENTER is located at 411 E. Division St., Boyne City, 231-582-6682. Site coordinator is Loretta Bayless .

Stiggs Brewery's next "Pint and Paint" is scheduled for Thursday, December 5th from 6 - 9 p.m. in the basement of the brewery. The theme is "Here Comes Santa Claus" with instruction by local artist Cindy Kujawski. Participants will learn to paint a fun Santa "work of art" using acrylic paints. All materials will be provided and includes a drink of your choice for $25. Laughs and giggles included at no charge! Profits will go to the Charlevoix Area Humane Society to help fund some much needed projects, including a small surgical suite to spay and neuter strays and a new HVAC system. Enrollment is limited to 15 so register early. Sign up by calling Sue at 231-582-7567, email [email protected] or mail a check to Susan Metzger, 05804 Lake Street, Boyne City MI 49712. Event flier to print.

> Participants will create a painting like the one shown at right.

Plant-based hearty "Vegitizers and Potlucks" is the theme of the December 4th Art of Healthy Eating dinner class at the Munson Charlevoix Wellness Workshop from 6-8pm. Come and learn how to make this year's gatherings a little healthier without losing the flavor. Other classes in this series include: January 8th "New Year Reboot" and February 12th "Valentine's Day Raw Chocolates." Cost is $25 per person per class, please call the Wellness Workshop (231) 437-3482 to register. Participants should expect to have a full meal during the class.

First Presbyterian Church of Boyne City invites everyone to join them for "Light of Joy," an exciting intergenerational way to prepare for Christmas. This event will be held from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, December 7, at the church at 401 S. Park St. Hear the Christmas Story through the eyes of the prophets, Mary and Joseph, angels, shepherds and wise men. There will be a pancake and sausage breakfast, a take-home craft, a take-home devotional and Bingo with prizes. Children will participate in a drama titled "The ABCs of Christmas." You will hear God's story as you talk and learn together with the people at your table. This event is open to all, but an adult must accompany children and participate in the activities. Activities are suitable for all ages. To save your spot, call 231-582-7983 and leave your name, telephone number and how many will attend. Event flyer.

Advent services will be on Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 at 11 a.m. Advent Bible Study will be held each Wednesday in December at 9:30 a.m. Christmas Eve Service at 7 p.m. will be "Joy Has Dawned" choral presentation with congregational singing, communion, and candlelight. All Sunday morning services begin at 11 a.m.

	William Raveau

Boyne City High School alum William Raveau will perform in concert in at Freshwater Gallery & Concert Venue at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27. Enjoy an evening of Christmas songs and songs from his upcoming album. Tickets will be available at the door but availability is not guaranteed. VIP tickets include early seating and a champagne reception before the concert. 

William Raveau is a Boyne City High School graduate now performing and residing in New York City. During his time in Boyne City, he was seen as Baby John in West Side Story, Nicely-Nicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls, Sid Sorokin in The Pajama Game, The Man in the Chair in several Boyne Meets Broadways, among other roles at the Little Traverse Civic Theatre and Bay View Music Festival. After performing in roles and receiving a BFA in Musical Theatre from Oakland University, he moved to New York City in pursuit of an acting career. During his two years in NYC, he was seen in cabarets in venues like the Laurie Beechman Theatre and The Duplex, as well as in Frankenstein the Musical, making his off-Broadway debut at the historic St. Luke's Theatre. 

> Tickets for his Boyne City concert start at $15 and can be purchased online  as well as by emailing [email protected] . This concert is part of a fundraising effort for Raveau's upcoming album, and is not part of the winter concert series produced by Freshwater.