Friday, August 31, 2018
Our monthly paper newsletter is online, thanks to the
Pioneer Group.
Be a Community Steward!

Community Members! FSU needs your help!

Ferris State University has been approved for a Guinness Book World Record Challenge to take place on September 6, 2018 from 6pm – 8pm. The goal is to challenge the current record for the most people at one time to blow a bubble out of gum. 

The university needs at least 10 more stewards that are not employed or attending Ferris to serve as the official counter for a group of 50 participants for it to be official.

The time commitment would be 5pm – 8:30pm on Sept. 6 th .
Deadline Extended for Leadership Mecosta Applications
Leadership Mecosta has extended its deadline for new members interested in being a part of the 2018-19 class. Mecosta County residents interested in developing their leadership skills and community connections still have the opportunity to apply for this year’s class.
Mecosta's Concert in the Park
Attend Mecosta’s Concert in the Park, Friday, August 31 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in downtown Mecosta. This week’s concert will feature Blair and the Fun Factor Band, playing classic rock, R & B, and standards. In the event of inclement weather, the event will take place at Morton Township Hall, located at 290 W. Main Street in Mecosta.
Join the candidates running for the legislative seats in your area at this morning forum. Candidates will have the opportunity to discuss issues important to the Mecosta County area and their plans to address the challenges unique to our area.
Currently, candidates attending include:
  • Michelle Hoitenga, 102nd District Representative
  • Dion Adams, candidate, 102nd District Representative
  • Rick Outman, candidate, State Senator, 33rd District
More candidates to be announced. Candidates representing all major parties in various levels of our legislature have been invited to this event. 
Tickets are $15 per person and will include breakfast, provided by Ferris State University Catering. Register by clicking the link.
Calling all Singers!
TrebleMakers Youth Choir is resuming rehearsals on September 13, 2018. Local students in grades 4 th through 8 th are invited to come and join the group as they learn basic musicianship skills and have a tone of fun preparing for the Winter Concert. New members are welcome. Rehearsals take place Thursday nights from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the United Church of Big Rapids, across from Family Video. Dues are $30. For more information, contact Jeanna Lamar at (734) 855-5955 or email [email protected].
Pianos, Pints, and Pig Roast
Join Tullymore on the patio for their 2nd Annual Labor Day Weekend Celebration – this year featuring pianos, pints and a pig roast, on September 1st!
Last year’s pig roast was so popular, Tullymore decided to add even more excitement to the night – with dueling pianos and a special visit from the team at Ludington Bay Brewing Company. This awesome event is sure to have something for everyone!
TUBA BACH PASSPORTS ARE IN!
Come see us at the Annual Labor Day Arts and Crafts Fair this coming Monday, September 3 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and be one of the first to pick up your Tuba Bach Passport.  We hope you’ll take advantage of our 2018 Tuba Bach Passport to find out more about our guest performers and the cultures they represent, as well as learn a bit more about our own community right here in Big Rapids. If you attend any one of the three concerts on any given weekend through the Tuba Bach Festival beginning September 15, be sure to get your passport stamped with the official Tuba Bach seal and take advantage of any or all of the special offers from area businesses highlighted for that week.
Celebrate Red Fox Market's 2nd Anniversary!
Spend the day with Red Fox Market from 11am-3pm, on September 29th!

Red Fox Market, located in downtown Big Rapids at 112 S. Michigan Ave., is celebrating its second year in business and the community is invited to the party! It's been such a great year and Red Fox Market wants to show its appreciation to all of its customers and community who have made it all possible! Without the continued support of the community this great local business wouldn't be able to do what they do!

Red Fox will be offering free samples from all of its local Michigan food vendors, prize giveaways, raffle drawing, and sales throughout the store!

This is a great opportunity to meet your favorite local Michigan vendors, connect, ask questions, and taste test!
Auditions for The Nutcracker
Stage-M announces auditions for its November production, The Nutcracker . Auditions will take place on September 23 and 24th, at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at the United Church in Big Rapids. Auditions are open to anyone from age 8 to adult. There are several roles for each age group available. Actors should remember that this production is a play and not a ballet when auditioning.
Trash Bash 2018 Needs You!
Local communities are joining together on Sept. 15, 2018 to tackle trash and debris in the Muskegon River for the second annual Muskegon River Trash Bash. Volunteers are needed in multiple communities including: Evart, Big Rapids, and Newaygo.  
Join the Chamber as we head to Detroit!
Join the Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce and the River County Chamber of Commerce at the partner to bring you this great travel opportunity! Join us as we travel to Comerica Park to see the Tigers! Trip includes travel, game tickets, giveaways, a quick meal stop on the return trip, and more! All for just $99! Seats are limited, so get yours soon!
Be a Part of the 2018 Ferris Homecoming Parade!
The 2018 Homecoming Parade will be held at 12:00PM on Saturday, September 29 in downtown Big Rapids. Line up begins at the Big Rapids Middle School, 9:30AM. All entries must be assembled and parked in proper line up, as determined by the Parade Committee, by 11:00AM.
(Parade entries will be judged while performing during the parade.)
The Homecoming Parade Registration Form must be completed and submitted via OrgSync by 5:00PM on Thursday, September 27th.
Help Support Habitat for Humanity
Applebee's Grill and Bar, located at 718 Perry Avenue in Big Rapids, is hosting a Tap Takeover featuring brews from Perrin Brewing out of Grand Rapids on Wednesday, September 19th. During this event, 10% of all food sales will be donated to Mecosta County Habitat for Humanity. Stop in for some great brews, delicious food, and make a difference in your community at the same time!
Student Support Coordinator
Driven by a passion to make a difference? Are you ready to commit to a team working to help students find lasting recovery? Then explore a career with Ten16 Recovery Network! We are passionate about equipping people to live fully, free from relying on alcohol and other drugs.
How to Turn a $10 Donation in to $30
Meijer Simply Give Donation Program for food pantries runs August 19 thru September 15, 2018. Project Starburst has been chosen as the recipient currently. Meijer matches every $10 donation card with $10. T he program has also just announced the double Match Day for the Fall campaign to be on September 7, 2018. Donations can be made to Project Starburst and we will purchase cards for you on Double Match Day. Gift cards given to Project Starburst are for food and diapers only. Last year 12,000 plus individuals were given food from Project Starburst. Please donate to help us to feed the hungry in our community. Call 796-5342 for more information!
Get Found on Google Search and Maps
Explore Google My Business, a free tool for local businesses, who want to connect with customers on Google Search and Maps Wednesday, September 12 from 11:30 to 1:00 p.m. at the Chamber. Get hands-on help creating or updating your listing, and take advantage of a free website.

Bring your lunch and your laptop to this free workshop!

RSVP by clicking the link or by emailing [email protected]
Angels of Action is thrilled to announce its first "Born To Be" Women and Young Miss Summit, set for October 13, 2018 at Tullymore Golf Resort in Canadian Lakes.

Geared towards women and girls ages 10 and up, we have designed a day that will inspire, uplift and ultimately move us into pursuing the good works that God planned for us to walk in before we even breathed our first breath. 
Member of the Month
Congratulations to Member of the Month, Mecosta County Habitat for Humanity!


Members of the month are chosen each month at the chamber's Business After Hours events.
PREMIUM MEMBERS
Platinum
Gold
Silver
Do you have an upcoming event? If you have anything you would like to add, please submit your information by noon on Thursday to be included that Friday. Articles will be included for two weeks. (All submitted articles are subject to approval and editing.) Thank you and have a great weekend!
Jennifer Heinzman,
Executive Director