December 11, 2025 | Issue #63 | Past issues

The ice pole cometh!

Great Lakes Energy helped the City of Boyne City Department of Public Works crew install the 2025-26 ice pole in Sunset Park on a rare sunny afternoon on Monday. Our cold temperatures will have the ice building up soon, we predict. Thanks to Vicki Hayes of The Beauty of Boyne Facebook Group for this photo and others.

Inside this issue: Holiday events & more...

City Commission hears long list of unfinished business
New mayor Farrell says his focus is steady leadership
BC schools report early progress in literacy overhaul
RSN Music starts new “Backstage Concert” series
School bands perform free holiday concerts Tuesday
Avalanche warming house, ice rink, sledding hill open
Chamber Business After Hours set for tonight
Bay Township Wreaths Across America ceremony
Middle School PTO Candy Gram sale ends Friday
Community Christmas deliveries will be Friday
Holiday Open House at Boyne Mountain this weekend
Heritage Center ornament celebrates Boyne Theater
Presbyterian Church continues Christmas dinner
Bank hosts fraud prevention seminars Dec. 11
C3F reflects on $185k ice storm relief grants
Evangeline Township Board meeting summary
Regional News from Bridge Michigan
Night Sky column: Our Local Group of galaxies
Patrick McCleary history: Small town Christmas
News briefs, Obituaries & Municipal News
Thanks to the donors who keep the news coming!
Music and entertainment listings

> CITIZEN HOLIDAY SCHEDULE - The Boyne Citizen will publish one more issue on Thursday, Dec. 18, and then we will take two weeks off for the holidays. We will resume publication on Thursday, January 8. Send your news to jim@boynecitizen.com. We even have an advertising opening next week.

> Like this newsletter? Forward to a friend and help us grow. If they like it, they can subscribe here. P.S. We just hit 2,055 subscribers this week!

Details and more pictures

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Commissioner Sandy Pritchard was concerned about the short agenda with "very old business that is unfinished."

New Commissioner Bridget Foltz noted that the city is in a transitional period and that the new city manager is still getting settled.

City Commission races through short agenda, hears long list of unfinished business

By Annie Doyle Grove, annie@boynecitizen.com

A Boyne City Commission meeting that usually runs close to three hours wrapped up in about 45 minutes Tuesday night, but not before Commissioner Sandy Pritchard used the “good of the order” period to lay out a long list of unresolved city business she wants brought back to the forefront.

“I’ve never seen an agenda quite this short for this commission,” Pritchard said, adding she was surprised given the volume of “very old business that is unfinished.”

Light agenda, one action item

Commissioners moved quickly through the consent agenda with a minor correction to previous minutes, then heard a brief city manager report that focused largely on water, wastewater and facility maintenance issues.

Staff reported:

A slight delay in starting up the new HVAC system at the wastewater treatment plant’s screen building while contractors calibrate equipment and verify gas controls.
Ongoing work to refurbish pressure filters, including questions about whether to replace missing anthracite media and internal components.
Progress on Well 7, which is replacing Well 2, including completion of required pumping tests and lab analysis.
A recent issue at Well 4 that initially looked like a costly equipment failure but turned out to be a simpler electrical problem, avoiding what could have been more than $10,000 in repairs.

The manager also noted that a recent fire suppression system analysis found the city hall system was only protected down to 10 degrees, when it should be rated to negative 20. The city will bring in a contractor to add about 150 gallons of antifreeze solution so the system meets standards for building protection and insurance compliance.

Commissioners questioned how long the system had gone without a service contract and whether there are other compliance gaps that need to be identified and fixed. Staff said they will review other facilities and develop formal maintenance procedures.

The only formal action of the night was approval of a life insurance benefit increase for nonunion city employees, raising the city-paid coverage from $50,000 to $100,000. Finance staff said the change will cost just under $2,000 a year and was already built into the current budget.

Commissioners unanimously supported the increase, calling it a modest but meaningful benefit in a time of higher living costs. Pritchard asked staff to confirm how federal tax rules apply when employer-paid life insurance exceeds $50,000 so payroll can be handled correctly.

Pritchard: ‘We need to move on that’

With no unfinished business and only one item under new business, most of the night’s discussion happened at the very end, when Mayor Bob Farrell opened the floor for good of the order.

Pritchard used the time to tick through a detailed list of projects, policy questions and loose ends she said have been lingering for months or years, including:

A short-term rental report the commission has been requesting and that staff previously said was in progress
The stalled Court Street housing project with Moxie Development, including the status of negotiations and deadlines that were set, then rescinded.
The planned relocation of the community garden to the airport area, including the need for soil enrichment and the idea of issuing a separate request for proposals for that piece of land.
Scheduling the next meeting of the city’s citizens housing subcommittee.
A full analysis of the compost yard, including contractor fees, camera use, gate controls, and how much city taxpayers are subsidizing the operation.
An update on the interlocal EMS agreement with area townships and future funding arrangements.
Installation of signage at public lakefront access sites.
Long-planned repairs at the North Boyne boat launch that have been discussed for several years but did not make it into last year’s budget.
City facility rental policies and forms, including how the city handles park use by private individuals and whether fees and application information need to be updated.
A requested list of tax increment financing districts and payment in lieu of taxes agreements, with expiration dates for each.
Cost recovery for the river mouth pump house work and other projects where city staff put in significant overtime that may be reimbursable.
The status of three Northern Homes lots on East Main that were expected to be converted to housing.
Airport licensing and the fact that the city has been on a provisional license for several years.
A rate sheet for donated memorial benches and stones that is referenced in city procedure but has not yet been produced.
The impact of the Red Fox Regatta on marina revenue during Labor Day weekend and whether the city should calculate lost transient rental income when deciding how to support the event.
Reconciliation of charges and a tax appeal involving the Avon Marsh development, including a report that was first promised in September then pushed to October.

“These are things that I pulled out of meeting minutes and notes from previously,” Pritchard said, suggesting a rolling report of pending items so the commission can track deadlines and avoid “date slippage” on major projects.

Foltz: Good of the order is also for recognition

Commissioner Bridget Foltz followed Pritchard by reflecting on what “good of the order” is meant to be and how she believes the commission can use it.

After researching the term, Foltz said she understands the segment as an opportunity for announcements, recognition and general thoughts that can help set a positive tone.

“I would like to acknowledge Sandy’s very thorough list of some unfinished business,” Foltz said. “I appreciate Sandy’s critical eye and attention to detail, and I think we all have a lot to learn from Sandy and her two years of service, as well as Bob.”

Foltz also reminded residents that the city is in a transitional period and that the new city manager is still getting settled and meeting staff and community members. She said she is looking forward to working through the long list of issues and asked for patience as they do so.

Foltz closed by highlighting recent holiday events downtown and offering thanks to Boyne City Main Street for organizing them, saying it was “fun to walk around in pajamas and visit the local businesses.” She wished city staff and residents happy holidays.

Mayor praises ‘unsung heroes,’ looks to visioning

Farrell used his own good of the order time to publicly thank the city’s four water and wastewater employees by name, calling them “unsung heroes” who make sure residents never have to think twice about flushing a toilet or turning on a tap.

He also circled back to a citywide visioning process that has been discussed in recent months, suggesting a work session early in the new year where commissioners can sit down together, review existing survey data from the city master plan and parks and recreation planning, and identify their top priorities.

Farrell said setting shared goals will help staff and the commission organize the long list of projects and policy questions that surfaced Monday night.

With no further business, the commission adjourned, with its next regular meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13.

> Full City Manager's Report & Main Street State of Downtown Report.

New mayor Bob Farrell says his focus is steady leadership, strong communication and investing in city’s long-term needs

By Annie Doyle Grove, annie@boynecitizen.com

For Bob Farrell, the title of mayor still feels a little surreal.

“I'm still getting used to being called mayor,” he said with a laugh during a recent interview. “People will recognize me in the grocery store and I have no idea who they are. That’s been a surprise.”

Farrell, who stepped into the role after voters chose not to reelect former mayor Tim Nemecek in November, said the transition has been smooth, thanks to staff who he believes held the city together through a challenging stretch without a permanent city manager.

“My kudos to them,” Farrell said. “They put their heads down, did the work and made sure the commission had what it needed.”

From paramedic to mayor

Farrell has lived in Boyne City since 1996 and raised two children here. His professional life has been rooted in emergency medicine, beginning in Grand Rapids in the late 1970s, working as a field paramedic and with Aeromed, later serving in leadership roles in Saginaw, Wayland, Newaygo County and at the Burns Clinic in Petoskey.

His background, he said, shaped how he understands policy, staffing and board governance.

“I’ve worked in large communities and small communities,” Farrell said. “I’ve worked with boards that function very much like a city council. You set policy, then you implement it in the field.”

Farrell still serves as a paid on-call paramedic with Boyne City EMS, but avoids taking shifts that conflict with council duties. He said the two roles can overlap, especially during busy periods, but he works closely with other medics to balance the schedule.

A steady approach to top city issues

Farrell said his priorities as mayor aren’t new. They’re the same goals that motivated him to run for City Commission two years ago.

“It’s about doing the best we can for our citizens and maintaining the assets we have,” he said. “The capital planning feeds into that. You have to invest in your infrastructure. You don’t wait until the roof fails to fix it.”

At the top of his list is completing the city’s major Clean Water State Revolving Fund project, a multi-year effort to update water and sewer systems, replace aging sections of pipe and expand service to underserved areas.

“We were behind the eight ball on sewer because it had lived out its life,” Farrell said. “This project lets us address it all at once instead of piecemealing it.”

Housing also remains a priority, including the future of the Flats on Court project. Farrell said the city needs clearer communication from the developer before deciding how to move forward.

“If they’re not going to do it, that’s okay,” he said. “But then we need to open the process and find a firm that can meet the city’s needs.”

Communication, engagement and finding balance

Farrell said the city has made major progress in public communication through livestreamed meetings and more frequent updates, but there’s room to improve remote participation. He recently heard from a resident watching online who didn’t know how to raise a virtual hand.

“We have to figure out how to make that work better,” he said. “We’re still learning.”

He said the “vocal minority” can sometimes steer discussions, but the commission’s responsibility is to consider what serves the entire community, not the loudest segment.

Farrell also wants to encourage younger residents to get involved, though he acknowledged that volunteer participation is always a challenge.

“People are coming forward and wanting to engage, which is encouraging,” he said. “The jury is out on whether we can sustain it, but we shouldn’t frustrate people who want to help. We need to give constructive feedback, not micromanage.”

He’s even open to trying informal meet-ups, like coffee hours, even though previous attempts didn’t draw many people.

What he wants residents to look for

Farrell said he hopes residents judge his tenure on thoughtful decision-making and a sense that the city is moving forward with its citizens, not apart from them.

“If people feel like they’re being heard and the city is working toward shared goals, then I’ll feel like I’ve done my job,” he said.

What he loves about Boyne City

Farrell said he didn’t fully grasp Boyne City’s sense of community until he retired from full-time work in 2019 and began taking more EMS shifts.

“The sense of community here is profound,” he said. “I hadn’t experienced anything like it since Wayland, which was also a very close-knit place.”

His wife, Vicki, shares the sentiment. Farrell said she once joked that if his career ever required them to move again, “she was staying in Boyne City.”

“That pretty much sums it up,” he said. “We love it here.”

Farrell said he welcomes residents to reach out through his official city email (bfarrell@boynecity.gov) if they have concerns or questions. Even in his early weeks as mayor, he’s already received messages “from people I’ve never met,” and he said he appreciates every one.

“I want people to feel like they can talk to me,” he said. “That’s the kind of community Boyne City is.”

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Avalanche warming house, ice rink, sledding hill open for the season

Boyne City’s Avalanche warming house, ice rink and sledding hill are officially open for the winter season.

City staff have noted that this is the earliest the ice rink has opened in recent years, and plenty of fresh snow means the sledding conditions are excellent as well.

The facility reopened this week with a refreshed interior and updated equipment, including newly sharpened skates and a selection of sleds available for visitors to borrow. Staff say the goal of the updates was to make the space more comfortable and welcoming for families throughout the colder months.

The warming house will also offer free hot chocolate, and the operation remains donation-based, meaning there is no cost to skate or use the sledding hill. City officials encourage residents of all ages to stop by, enjoy the hill and rink, and take advantage of the amenities throughout the season.

The winter recreation area is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends and 4 to 9 p.m. on weekdays.

> Pictures from Warming House attendant Lacey Kotalik on Facebook.

The interior of the Avalanche Warming House features a refreshed interior and updated equipment, including newly sharpened skates and a selection of sleds available for visitors to borrow.

Chamber Business After Hours set for tonight

The Boyne Area Chamber invites everyone to join them for their Holiday Business Hours from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11. The event will be held at One Water Street, upstairs above Alpine Chocolat Haus, hosted by the Boyne Arts Center, Boyne City Massage & Wellness, James Richman of Edward Jones, Christopher Fair D.C., with food sponsored by Cafe Sante and Red Mesa Grill.

Enjoy a “cringey” photo booth sponsored by Stella Jo Imagery, an ugly sweater contest, Spin to Win spa treatments from Boyne Massage & Wellness, beer, wine, spiked hot cocoa, plus Red Mesa and Cafe Sante catering, and more. Admission is free.

Bay Township Wreaths Across America ceremony is Saturday

Bay Township will again take part in the national Wreaths Across America observance, marking its 12th year of honoring local veterans with ceremonial wreath placements.

The community event will begin at 11:45 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Dyer Cemetery on Camp Daggett Road. Residents are invited to help lay wreaths and pause to remember the 54 veterans buried across the township’s cemeteries.

Following a brief ceremony at Dyer Cemetery, participants will travel to North Bay Cemetery on Church Road, then to Oaklawn Cemetery on Horton Bay Road North, before concluding at the Scattering Garden at Horton Bay Church.

Organizers stress that the event is open to everyone; no wreath sponsorship is required to take part.

Make an online donation to our 501c3 nonprofit

Or mail your check to Boyne Citizen, PO Box 83, Boyne City MI 49712

The winners of the Candy Gram Art Design Contest are, from left: Stella Willis, Ali Leathers, Blair Bybee-Wilcox, Sydney Bernhardt, and Sylvia Scott.

Middle School PTO Candy Gram sale ends Friday

The Boyne City Middle School PTO annual Candy Gram Sale is underway, with orders due by 3 p.m. Friday, December 12.

This year the PTO is offering two options - a Candy Gram card and candy cane for $1, and a Flower Gram, which includes a card, candy cane, and flower for $3.

All grams will be delivered on December 19, and all three schools - Elementary, Middle, and High School - will be included this year. PTO President Taryn LeVoy said, “It’s a wonderful opportunity for our community to add a little extra holiday cheer for BCPS students and staff. For convenience, we’ll have drop boxes located in each school office for in-person payments, as well as a Venmo option (@BCMSptotreasurer) for anyone who prefers to pay online.”

LeBoy said the PTO also welcomes donations to help ensure that every Elementary and Middle School student receives at least one candy gram.

Here are links to the order forms and payment information:

Elementary School Gram Order Form

Middle School Gram Order Form

High School Gram Order Form

Boyne City Elementary School is grateful for this crew of Building Trades students from Boyne City High School and Joe and Lisa Howie from the school Transportation Department. Together they helped to lift and load all the donations the Elementary School collected for the Boyne Area Community Christmas. There were so many donations that two buses were needed to transport all that was donated.

Community Christmas deliveries will be Friday

To our Community and Friends,

Christmas is right around the corner - the season for giving, sharing and helping our fellow man. For the last 69 years, your generous donations and contributions to Boyne Area Community Christmas have made sure thousands of children have enjoyed a merry Christmas.

This year, food boxes were packed on Wednesday, December 10 and will be delivered on Friday, December 12. Volunteers are needed starting at 10 a.m. on Friday.

Even though every donation is greatly appreciated, we will only be able to accept new items again this year. Donated items can be in the form of new, unwrapped toys, books, games, puzzles, personal care items, mittens, gloves, socks or non-perishable foods.

If you would like to contribute monetarily, please make checks payable to Boyne Area Community Christmas and send them to PO Box 886, Boyne City, MI 49712. Donations can also be dropped off at the Boyne City Education Center at the Pine Street entrance - please look for our sign on the door.

We will be accepting donations from now through December 12, Monday through Thursday, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. You may also drop off non-monetary donations at any local Toys for Tots collection site.

If you need any additional information, you have the name of a child in need to submit, or if you would like to volunteer, please call Heather at 231-459-5588.

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!

Heather Ross, Secretary

Boyne Area Community Christmas

Holiday Open House at Boyne Mountain this weekend

Boyne Mountain Resort is hosting their annual Holiday Open House the weekend of December 12-14. Create memories with Santa, marvel at the dazzling Lights in the Sky on SkyBridge Michigan, and gather around crackling bonfires while enjoying festive crafts, movies, holiday shopping, live entertainment, and seasonal treats for this winter celebration. Full schedule and details here.

Jingle all the way down the slopes on December 14 at the second annual Santa Sunday. Slide down the mountain in style and spread cheer, because if you're dressed as Santa, Mrs. Claus, The Grinch, or Buddy the Elf, you'll unlock a “sleigh-tacular” $25 lift ticket. Plus, when you hit the slopes on Santa Sunday, you also receive an extra day of skiing for free, valid from December 15-25. And the best part? All proceeds benefit Brother Dan's Food Pantry, so you can do good while having a blast. More details here.

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Heritage Center holiday ornament celebrates Boyne Theater

This year’s Boyne Heritage Center Christmas ornament honors the Boyne Theater, which has deep roots in the community. The original building was constructed in 1903 by C.I. Bellamy as the Bellamy Opera House. The theater was a contributing structure to downtown Boyne City’s listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

In 2023, the first Heritage Center ornament celebrated the 1917 LaFrance fire truck, which is currently on display in the glass room at the Heritage Center in City Hall. It was Boyne City’s first motorized fire engine and was eventually retired from service in the 1960s.

In 2024, the ornament depicted another Boyne City landmark, the Old Town Clock, which was originally built in 1901. It has been restored and now keeps time at City Hall.

The three ornaments are available for $35 each; the three-piece collection is available for $100. Ornaments are available at the front desk at City Hall.

> Heritage Center year-end report and fund-raising appeal.

Toys for Tots donation

Charlevoix County Women for Democracy announced the successful conclusion of its holiday toy drive, collecting many new toys for the local Toys for Tots program. The drive, centered at the drop-off location at Boyne City Hall, will help ensure that children across Charlevoix County have gifts to open this holiday season. Charlevoix County Women for Democracy is a non-partisan, grassroots organization composed of individuals dedicated to civic engagement and community improvement.

Presbyterian Church continues free community Christmas dinner

The First Presbyterian Church of Boyne City will continue its tradition of offering a free Christmas Day Community Meal from 12-1 p.m. Wednesday, December 25. The church is located at 401 S. Park St., and attendees are asked to use the Pine Street entrance near the Fellowship Hall. Flyer for this event.

Ministry Associate Daryl Michael said, "We are grateful for BC Pizza, Boyne River Grill/True North Catering, Boyne City Hospitality, an anonymous donor, and church members for their generosity in providing this meal." Anyone who would like to support the effort may call 231-582-7983.

Any donations will go to the Good Neighbors Food Pantry. Donations can be brought to the dinner or mailed to First Presbyterian Church of Boyne City, 401 S. Park St., Boyne City MI 49712.

> On Christmas Eve at 5:30 p.m., everyone is welcome to come to First Presbyterian Church's Christmas Eve Worship, which will include Christmas songs, Bible readings, and a finale by candlelight.

Bank hosts fraud prevention seminars Dec. 11

Charlevoix State Bank is hosting two Fraud Prevention Awareness Seminars at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Thursday, December 11, at the Charlevoix Public Library Rooms A & B, 220 Clinton St.

The speaker at the free, one-hour sessions will be Mike Burke, Shazam senior robbery & crisis management consultant. Reservations are encouraged but not required; email the bank at rsvp@csbchx.com.

Learn how fraudsters use emails, texts and phone calls. Learn the red flags to watch for, and find out ways to identify tech support, romance, investment, and “Grandparent” scams.

C3F reflects on $185k ice storm relief grants

As the weather turns colder and Northern Michigan prepares for the incoming winter season, there are many stark reminders of the 2025 Ice Storm. In response to that disastrous event earlier this year, the Charlevoix County Community Foundation awarded $184,919 in emergency relief grants to local nonprofits, municipalities, schools, and service organizations to aid recovery efforts.

When a massive ice storm swept through Northern Michigan last March, our community faced one of its toughest challenges in recent memory. Amid downed power lines and impassable roads, families were left without heat, businesses experienced losses, and buildings were damaged. Local C3F donors came together with remarkable speed and compassion. Thanks to their generosity, they were able to allocate Urgent Needs Ice Storm Relief funds immediately for stocking food pantries, providing critical supplies to those in need, and eventually, cleanup and repair efforts.

Support for vulnerable populations: $40,000 went to organizations serving the hardest-hit populations including seniors, low-income families, and farmers to offer financial assistance to cover the costs of emergency services and home repairs.

Food security: $10,800 was directed to regional food pantries and shelters to stock emergency food supplies, provide hot meals, and distribute bottled water and other resources to families affected by the storm.

Economic Impact Relief: $49,359 was awarded to help local small businesses and nonprofit service providers to recover lost wages, reduce their economic losses, and reopen safely.

Rebuilding efforts: $84,760 was allocated to local organizations, municipalities and schools to cover the costs of facility repairs, debris removal, and rebuilding or replacing damaged equipment and structures.

Community impact

“These grants represent the strength, resilience, and generosity of our Charlevoix County friends and neighbors,” said Sara Ward, C3F president. “By investing in food security, rebuilding efforts, and economic recovery, we ensured that families and businesses got back on their feet after this devastating storm.”

Bill Conklin, Hayes Township Supervisor, had this to say about C3F’s grant support, "Charlevoix County Community Foundation was the catalyst for ice storm clean-up in Hayes Township. Without their assistance, I doubt that the ice storm debris would have been cleaned up by this date."

Preparing for the future

C3F’s Urgent Needs Fund is active all year-round, including for this and other emergencies, by supporting access to food, shelter, safety, healthcare, mental health services, utility assistance, transportation, and more. Community members wishing to contribute to the Urgent Needs Fund can do so through the Foundation’s website or by contacting the office directly.

For more information about the Charlevoix County Community Foundation contact them at 231-536-2440 or online at www.c3f.org.

> Full press release with list of all donations from the foundation.

Evangeline Township Board Dec. 9 meeting summary

The Evangeline Township Board held its regular meeting Tuesday, December 9. Here is a summary provided by the township:

Cemetery sexton resigned the day after the November 12 meeting, and a job description is being prepared. Township resident Dawn Griffin has been added to the cemetery committee.
Audit presentation by Gabridge & Co. gave the township an unmodified position, the highest opinion possible.
Winter property tax bills were sent out last week, and 50 payments have been received so far.
The ice storm reimbursement from FEMA is moving along.
Reappointed Rod Cortright and Wally Kidd to the Planning Commission for three-year terms.
A meeting of the townships and the city to discuss EMS is being scheduled.
2026 goals will be discussed at the next regular meeting.
The next regular township board meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 13.
A joint township boards and commissions meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 27.
Budget planning session will be held Wednesday, January 28 at 5 p.m.
Township website.

Editor’s note: The Boyne Citizen has contacted other Boyne area townships and asked them to provide similar summaries of their board meetings and other news. Contact Editor Jim Baumann with questions or news items - jim@boynecitizen.com or 231-675-8793.

Boyne Area News Briefs

CHRISTMAS CAROL SINGALONG - St. Matthew Catholic Church in Boyne City is hosting a Christmas Carol Sing-Along at 5 p.m. Sunday, December 21. Everyone is welcome, and there will be desserts, coffee, and fellowship afterwards in the Parish Hall. The church is located at 1303 Boyne Ave. Event flyer.

FEEDING OUR FRIENDS - The Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Stiggs Feed-A-Friend to make sure 100 local families have full, nutritious meals during Christmas break. Each Christmas Break Peace Box costs $75 to fill for the 14-day break. You can support in two ways:

> Donate goods via daily themed donation days (pancake, cereal, kid snacks, fruits/veggies, proteins, etc.). Drop-off your donated goods at the chamber office, 115 S. Lake St. Some items can be dropped anytime, but fresh items should be dropped within five days.

> Donate funds to help reach the $7,500 goal to purchase fresh proteins, produce, and meal kits. Donate here or via Venmo @whimsical-wit.

DENTAL HYGIENE PROGRAM - North Central Michigan College (NCMC) has approved a new Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Dental Hygiene, a high-demand program designed to expand access to oral-health education and strengthen the region’s healthcare workforce. The new degree, approved unanimously by the NCMC Board of Trustees on December 9, will be the college’s first for-credit offering in the dental sciences, reflecting a strategic investment in healthcare, career, and technical education aimed at meeting urgent talent needs across Northern Michigan. Full press release.

GREAT START HOPE - A groundbreaking shift in how children and families thrive is underway in Northwest Michigan. The Great Start Collaborative and Family Coalition of Charlevoix, Emmet, and Northern Antrim Counties (GSC) is celebrating becoming the first organization in Michigan - and just the seventh nationally - to become certified as "HOPE-Informed" by the Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences national initiative. “Serving children and families is at the heart of the Great Start Collaborative and Family Coalition,” said GSC Director Savanah Cool. “This milestone means the GSC is enhancing support to bring more Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) to the community's youngest members and their caregivers.” Full story.

FAT & FLURRIOUS, the Lower Peninsula's most challenging fat bike race, has been scheduled for Saturday, January 17, 2026. Organizers invite everyone to come and celebrate the race's 10th anniversary. The race starts in downtown Boyne City and goes to Avalanche Mountain, with 1 to 3 laps around the course. There is an 800 ft. elevation gain, 22% maximum grade, and a one lap option. Stiggs Brewery & Kitchen hosts the after party and awards ceremony. Register and learn more.

HOLIDAY ART MARKET - From now through Dec. 24. the Boyne Arts Center will be hosting their popular Holiday Market. Open from 12-4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, the Holiday Market features “gifts for everyone on your list.” All items are handmade by local artists, providing a unique array of affordable gifts. Stop by at 7 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22 during Earlier Than the Bird for extra savings for those shopping in their pajamas. The Boyne Arts Center is located above Café Sante at One Water Street, Suite 203, which is accessible by elevator or stairs. Boynearts.org.

BOYNE AREA SENIOR CENTER is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and serves daily lunches from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For seniors ages 60+, the lunch donation is $3, for ages 59 and under, $10; and for children 12 and under, $8. Here is the December lunch menu, and the December activity calendar.

Regional News from Bridge Michigan

2025-12-05_SkiResorts_Boyne_Kyler-Phillips-1 image

> Ski season has arrived in Michigan and conditions are ‘good’ - Details

> How a Michigan Christmas tree landed in the White House with Melania Trump - Details

> Rural Michigan broadband access to jump with $920M in fed funding - Details

City of Boyne City Municipal News

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS DONATIONS - Shout out to Duncan Studios & Green Horizons Roofing, and their fundraiser donors for their generous donations to the Boyne Area Community Christmas, pictured above.

HOLLY JOLLY BOYNE - 21 photos from Facebook.

AVALANCHE WARMING HOUSE is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends and 4 to 9 p.m. on weekdays. There is lots of snow for the sledding hill and the ice rink is open in December for the first time in years. See story above for details and pictures.

MAIN STREET BOARD - Have you ever considered working with like-minded people to serve your community and the downtown area? “We have the opportunity you have been looking for,” says Boyne City Main Street Executive Director Ingrid Day. Main Street will have two seats on the board of directors available for four-year terms that begin February, 2026. The commitment involves monthly board and committee meetings and taking the time to become familiar with the organization’s purposes and activities. Interested? Fill out this application and either drop off a hard copy at 113 S. Lake St. or email to mainstreet@boynecity.com. The application deadline is December 19. For questions, call 231-582-9009.

BOARD OF REVIEW VACANCIES - The City of Boyne City is seeking applicants for one open position and two alternative positions on the Board of Review. The Board of Review is comprised of three members, with two alternative positions to fill in when needed, each serving a three-year term. Members are responsible for examining, reviewing and correcting the assessment roll developed by the City Assessor as well as hearing and considering appeals from property owners who feel their property has been incorrectly assessed. The Board meets in March, July, and December. Two sessions in March are full day sessions. If you are interested in getting involved or learning more about helping to make sure that property taxes are levied correctly, please contact City Clerk/Treasurer Jessica Puroll at (231) 582-0334 or jpuroll@boynecity.gov. Submit an application by December 19. Application forms are available online here or at City Hall.

SIGN UP FOR CITY ALERTS - The City of Boyne City has launched a new Alerts feature on our website to help you stay up-to-date on projects, notices, and other important things happening around town. It’s designed to be a quick, easy way to get real-time updates, as they become available, directly to your email or phone. Sign up at: https://www.boynecity.gov/enotify/index.php.

CITY MEETINGS – Click here for board information, agendas, and minutes.

> City Commission's next regular meeting is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 13. Agenda page.

Obituaries

Curt Sims

January 14, 1958 ~ December 4, 2025 (age 67)

Paygi Laurel (Brooks) Willson

November 19, 1929 ~ December 7, 2025 (age 96)

The Andromeda Galaxy. The image was taken at the Wildwood Observatory one mile north of Boyne City in October 2025.

OUR NIGHT SKY

Our Local Group of galaxies

By Rod Cortright, cortrigh@msu.edu

Did you know that our galaxy is part of a group of galaxies called the Local Group? This is a modest-sized collection of more than 80 known galaxies bound together by gravity, extending across roughly 10 million light years.

At its core lie three dominant spiral galaxies: the Milky Way, Andromeda, and the Triangulum Galaxy. Each of these central galaxies anchors its own family of smaller dwarf companions, sharing the overall structure of the group. Although relatively small in the broader context of cosmic clusters and superclusters, the Local Group serves as a crucial bridge between the intimate scale of individual galaxies and the vast architecture of the universe.

The Milky Way and Andromeda are the most prominent members, each surrounded by numerous dwarf spheroidal and irregular galaxies. These companions offer insights into galactic evolution, star formation, and tidal interactions. Their orbits and histories reveal the dynamic nature of the Local Group, in which gravitational forces continually reshape the distribution and evolution of smaller systems.

One of the most intriguing features of the Local Group is the slow but inevitable gravitational dance between its two giants: the Milky Way and Andromeda.

Observations show that Andromeda is moving toward our galaxy at about 70 miles per second, setting the stage for a dramatic merger several billion years from now. This event, though distant, will fundamentally alter the structure of both galaxies, eventually creating a massive elliptical or lenticular galaxy, sometimes nicknamed “Milkdromeda.” Such long-term dynamics underscore the Local Group’s ongoing evolution.

> “Our Night Sky” is a monthly column by Rod Cortright, an amateur astronomer and astrophotographer who lives north of Boyne City. He is also a NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador who does educational outreach for the agency. In the summer, Rod is a Sky Docent at the Headlands International Dark Sky Park.

The images with this article are original French Christmas cards and are part of the author’s personal collection of antique ephemera.

THROUGH THE HISTORIAN'S LENS

Christmas in a small town in the 1930s

By Patrick McCleary, Throughthehistorianslens@gmail.com

The Charlevoix County History Preservation Society

The Christmas season is a time of nostalgia. We look back on the events of our own lives and marvel at how some can remain so vivid, and others, equally important to our life story, have somehow become clouded. Having grown up in Boyne City, the fourth generation of my own family to do so, I often reflect on what Christmas was like in this same small, Northern Michigan town, during the lives of my parents, grandparents and great grandparents. These same holiday events, having taken place in the city that we call “home,” help me fully appreciate how their experiences were connected to other Boyne citizens and to the memories they were making at the same time.

The Great Depression was a severe global economic downturn that started in 1929. It was triggered by the U.S. stock market crash in October of that year and lasted through the 1930s, with significant effects felt until the start of World War II around 1939-1941. This marked the worst economic crisis in the United States in modern history. The articles you are about to read were pulled directly from the local press.

* * *

1930

The Boyne Citizen - Thursday, December 11, 1930. Page 1 Column 2

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS

There is a movement on foot, it is reported, by the businessmen of the city to dress up Lake and Water Streets with holiday evergreens. Flag sockets will carry a small tree, draped with tissue and colored lights during the evening. Stores will smell of the pine and the balsam and display an array of Christmas offerings for the young. This is good work and will attract the shoppers from near and far.

Page 1 Column 4

CHRISTMAS FUND FOR THE WORTHY

A small but enthusiastic party met at the Wolverine Hotel to organize for the coming Christmas giving to worthy people in Boyne City. The following subscriptions were secured and the list is at the First National Bank and anything you want to

give will be cheerfully received by them.

- W.L. Martin, $5.00

- W.H. White, $5.00

- C.C. Burnett, $5.00

- Rotary Club, $20.00

- Monday Study Club, $10.00

- Progressive Club, $10.00

- Presbyterian Church, $10.00

- Methodist E. Church, $10.00

- Catholic Church, $10.00

- F.O.E., $10.00

1931

The Boyne Citizen - Thursday, December 17, 1931. Page 1 Column 3

THE FIRST ANNUAL WINDOW DISPLAY

President F.O. Barden of the Progressive Club created no small interest among the merchants as well as others when he introduced Window Display Evening, which arrives Saturday, December 12th.

The judges, consisting of Herman Meyer, Wesley Dilworth and Ben Belknap, found plenty to do in placing the windows having the most merit nearest the top. 56 store windows were inspected, after which the judges opted, first for the best, then continued balloting until 10 or more had been given a “place.”

The show windows of Boyne City are a shopper's delight, a fact that many people in this vicinity find true. The merchants have made Christmas shopping so attractive to the eye, so easy on the pocketbook, and so pleasing to the most fastidious tastes, that Santa Claus himself could not have improved on the tempting array of samples exhibited as a lure to still more attractive displays inside.

The spirit of Christmas is in the air. The very soul of man is saturated with it and from now on, until we shall have with us in less than two weeks, “the night before Christmas when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse,” we shall and will see to it that everything possible is done to make life worthwhile.

The happy idea of giving prizes for the attractive window display was a hard undertaking for the judges. The Boyne City Baker, B.C. Hardware Co., and Nulph’s Dry Goods Store were winners. Those favorably mentioned were:

1. Neymark’s Dry Goods

2. Fox Variety Store

3. F.O. Boaden & Son

4. Smith & Smith

5. Michigan Public Service Co.

6. W.A. Sack

7. C.C. Friend

The bakery won first because of its own manufactured products. The B.C. Hardware showed sports and a similar layout. Nulph’s Dry Goods put on an elaborate display of ladies’ furnishings. The Neymark store display shone with artistic settings not approached by many. John Parker’s window showed pretty nearly everything in the animal line but rats and beaver. Evidently, he thinks too much of his muskrats to take them out. C.C. Friend and Smith & Smith put on a high class display, and Michigan Public Services Co, as usual, startled the judges with an outstanding exhibit of “electrics.”

> Click here to read the full article, including the years 1932-1939.

> Patrick McCleary is a Certified Genealogist affiliated with the Charlevoix County History Preservation Society (CCHPS), 12555 Taylor Road, Charlevoix, MI 49720. The CCHPS promotes the understanding and appreciation of the heritage of the people of Charlevoix County and its townships by seeking out, collecting, preserving, and interpreting artifacts of historical and cultural significance. For further information, contact Patrick by email: Throughthehistorianslens@gmail.com.

Thank you to the generous donors who are supporting local journalism and the Boyne Citizen!

> We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Donate here.

2025 Donors

This week's new donors are listed in bold.

Founding Donors

$5000+

Charlevoix County Community Foundation Geographic Enrichment Grant

Cortright Family Community Fund

The Hill Donors

$1000 - $4999

Kirk and Lynne Jabara

Pat and Jane O'Brien

Anonymous

Andrew Smith

Jeff and Dawn Caine

X and Mary Gaudard

Carl and Vicki Janssens Charitable Fund

Avalanche Donors

$500-$999

Stowe Family Fund

Frank and Chris Carleton

Lynne Ross

Bud and Nancy Shear

Ashley Cousens

Richard Bergmann

Jim and Jamie Baumann

Howard and Marcia Newkirk

Paula Larson
Sally Hara

Steve and Jean Van Dam

Martin Tuck

Lake Charlevoix Donors

$100 to $499

Bekah Rutz and David Osterhouse

Karen Colburn

Monica Peck

Karen S. Mertz

Betsy and Steve Schnell

Gary Coffer

Robin Stanley

Brett Binkley

Andy Schmittdiel

Gow Litzenburger

Ken Schrader

Terry and Marilyn Neilsen

Leslie Neilson

Lawrence Organek

Kyle Roberts

Gregg and Dee Smith

Ward Collins

Jo Ellen Rudolph

Gayle Harbaugh

Kristine Brehm

Christine A. Judd

Kevin and Marci Lavin

John Hoffman

Glen Catt

Beverly Neville

Jim and Kathe Carter

Penny Hardy

Jeanine Larsen

Cindy and Bill Binder

Richard Wright

Bill Aten

Jo and Ron Danczak

Marilyn A. and Jock Rader

Marcia and Howard Newkirk

Velma and Wes Dilworth

Gail and Ron Van Horn

The Frykberg Family

Tom Schraw and Pam Cislo

Richard M. Hodgson II

Miriam Hollar

Don Ryde

Catherine Bowers

Carl and Sally VanDomelen

Nord and Pat Schroeder

The Tosch Family

Jodie Adams and Bruce Janssen

Carol Ross

Roger and Pat Jacobson

The Tripp Family

John and Jan Bennish

Steve and Carole Drake

Caren Peltier

Al and Susan Newville

Linda Knibbs

Donald and Laurie Owen

Judith Gardner

Linda Burnham

Cynthia Boal-Janssens

Ann Knutsen

Dawn Ebersole

Yvonne Looze

Heaton Veterinary Hospital

John Princing

Jeff and Kari Streelman

Mike Sheean

Julie Hermann

Lynn Smith

Cynthia Tonkavich

Bruce Krauskopf

Bill and Barb Bryant

Dean and Fran Solomon

Scott and Jane MacKenzie

Meryl and Louis Hankey

Kevin and Diane Krenn

Randy Parker

Mark and Pam Mathisen

John and Jane Rozycki

Jane Burger

Craig and Terri Reynolds

Matthew Blandford

Jane Stieber Amato and Tony Amato

Leon W. and Wendy J. Stadt

Richard and Paula Paul

Jim and Nancy McKinstry

Corine and Craig Babb

Gary and Kim Roberts

Randy and Betty Hackney

Catherine Pumford

Patti Jasper

Carol and Steve Persons

John Van Etten

Nancy Blandford

Anne Nemes

Charles Gremel

Mike and Liz Durbin

Rachel and Rocky Swiss

Ralph Gillette

Kathleen Warner

Karen Reynolds

Kimberly Altobello MacNaughton

Mike and Cheryl Delahanty

Diane M. Winchell

Nancy Cunningham

The Spang Family

Bob and Jackie Wollenberg

Stephen Wickens

John G. Jessup

Lisa and Ian Whitelaw

Susan Coyle

Elizabeth Jensen

Betsy and Steve Schnell

James Richman

John Stimpson

Larry Taylor

Carol Hanes-Nason

Skip Simms

Rob and Danielle Swartz

Carolee and Jeff Macfarlane

Richard and Maureen Shipley

Peter Moss

Gregory Damman

Polly Stillson

Anonymous

Rolf Bates

Robert SontagLauren MacIntyre

Cameron O'Keefe

Cheryl and Joe Wald

Ralph and Kathleen Galbraith

Tom and Debbie Neidhamer

Linda Burgert

Lynda Christensen

Ed and Cindy Grice

Mary Jane Cargill

Scott and Kelly Kennedy

Karen and Glenn Mertz

Christopher Jones

Brian and Charlotte Battjes

Kyle Marshall
Dave Skornia

Barbara and George Ellwanger

Beth and Jeff Freeman

Nancy and Steve Weber

JoEllen Rudolph

Derek & Michelle Shankland
Janice Salisbury

(continued next column)

Lake Charlevoix Donors (continued)

$100 to $499

Mary Foucard

John and Jane Rozycki

Ruth and Dave Skop

Diane Carmony
Ali Cain
Jerry and Donna Swift
Kathleen Hoffman

Mindy Weigel

Linda Yudasz

John and Meg McClorey

William and Pam Gnodtke

Mindy Weigel

John and Jan Bennish

Anonymous

Thomas Smith

Sharon MacJennett

Gary Cofer

Patrick Turcott

Marilyn Cousineau

Carol Ross

Jim and Kelly McKee

Jeffery and Julie Bradford

Nancy Hellman and Glenn Hindbaugh

Sunset Beach Donors

$60- $99

Linda Larsen

Jack Laurent

Annabelle Hay

Kecia Freed

Kirk Kujawski

Vera Post

Polly Stillson

William Conklin

Marilyn Cousineau

Rebecca Miller

JoEllen Rudolph

Lynn Hall

Hylon Heaton III

Cheryl J. Leach

Julie Haase

David J. Graham

Julie Tokar

James Graves

Ken Allen

Clarence Rivette

Pat and Emil Nelson

"Friends of the Boyne Citizen"

Wirt-Rivette Group & MOXIE Development

Terry and Betty Desmond

Kathy Breedlove

Louis Califf

Paige Crim

Linda Wallace

Eleanor West

Bill and Dee Kelly

Dana Lorian and Ryan Hoenicke

Sharon Kemp

John Betts

Capt. Bob Goodenough

John Nantau

Aaron Nemec

Rob Stout

Monica Ross

Gary and Nicolette Blakeslee

Ashley Nosek

Paul and Colleen Kuehl

Mary Kaselitz

Kevin Wolfe

Matt and Maribeth Janer

Monica Peck

Pat and Nicole Little

JoEllen Gilbert
Gow Litzenburger

Alison and Jeff Williams

Perry Irish Hodgson

Julie Tokar

David Graham

Peggy and Jim Anthony

Eric Gold

Lynn Hall

Sam DeCamp

Cynthia McSurely

Ron and Kristen Lahner

Peggy Kerr

Bill & Diane Conklin

Alice Wright

Becky Nohel

Richard and Vera Post

Anita Hill

James Churchill

Peninsula Beach Donors

$5 to $59

Deborah Schira

Sheri Rhoads

Joel Epstein

Brian and Emily Tappan

Elizabeth Brett

Cheryl Alger

Carole Shane and Michael Shell

Lucy Hartlove

Mitchell and Carly Klooster

Michelle Archer

Josephine Roberts

Kathy Fruge

Rodger and Janet Smith

Mark Christensen

Janice Salisbury

Jim Nielsen

Lynne Johnson

Richard and Gayle Bouters

John Miett

Alex Dailey

Ron Pool

Babette Stenuis Stolz

William H. Gilbert

Mary Jean Larsen

Jeanine A. Larsen

Nancy Newman

Clark and Jill Vellis

Candy and Bob Greene

Marc Ressler

Ken and Nancy Visser

Philip Conklin

Bob and Bedonna Perish

Steve and Erin Zucker

Don Kaegi

Karen Jarema

Zachary Shalz

Jenell Kelsey Pawlus - A Storage Closet

David Mengebier

Stephanie Bovee

Mary Clare Glabowicz

Lesley Pritchard

Cindy Simpson

Diana Winchell

Shelli Duff

JoAnn M. Smith

John George Martin

Nancy Dwan

Cheryl Tournaud

John McCahan

Mary Grayson

Jeanne and Denny Phelps

Joan and Vasco Zucchiatti

Kenneth Graham and Eileen Couchman

Frances Wolf

Lisa and Randy Zipp
Richard Persiani
Nancy Newman

Bill Schumann

Ronald and Susan Ludgin

Sharyn and Doug Bean

Karla and Sheldon Buckmaster

Michelle Mitchum

Jerry Mann

Suzanne Skubick

Brigit Anthony

Rodger and Janet Smith

2024 Donors are listed on our website.

Donate

MUSIC, ARTS, AND ENTERTAINMENT

Please email your special events and music information to jim@boynecitizen.com.

AMERICAN LEGION Post 228 - 302 S Lake St., Boyne City, (231) 459-4188.

Bingo every Tuesday, open to the public, refreshments provided. Doors open at 3 p.m., play starts at 5, ending at 8.

BC LANES/THE VENUE BAR & GRILL - 1199 M-75 S, Boyne City, (231) 582-6353.

> Open bowling: 3-9 p.m. Tuesdays, 3-10 p.m. Fridays, 12-10 p.m. Saturdays, 12-9 p.m. Sundays.

> LIVE MUSIC Saturdays:

Saturday, Dec. 13 - Yankee Station, 8-11 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 20 - Ought 4 Nought, 8-11 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 27 - to be announced
Saturday, Jan. 3 - to be announced

BOYNE ARTS CENTER - 1 Water Street, Suite 203, Boyne City. (231) 622-2073.

> Upcoming classes and exhibits:

Holiday Market - Now through Dec. 24, open 12-4 p.m. Tuesday - Sunday. Boyne Area Puzzles available.
Book a Private Art Party
Demo Night with Julie Hermann - Feb. 19
Painting with Wool - March 10

BOYNE CITY FARMERS MARKET - Indoors at the Veterans Park Pavilion, 207 N. Lake Street, Boyne City. (231) 582-9009. Open Saturdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

> Live music 10 a.m. to 12 noon:

Saturday, Dec. 13 - Terry Coveyou
Saturday, Dec. 27 - Rhett DuCouer

BOYNE CITY TAP ROOM - 220 S. Lake St., Boyne City, (231) 459-4487.

Mondays - Trivia
Thursdays - Adam and the Cabana Boys
Fridays - Patrick Ryan and Josh Raber
Saturdays - Patrick Ryan
Saturdays and Sundays - college and NFL football. Food and beverage specials during games.

BOYNE DISTRICT LIBRARY - 201 East Main St., Boyne City, 231-582-7861.

December newsletter highlights: Self-serve Gift-Wrapping Station, Dungeons & Dragons *Teen,* Crafts & Arts: Hannukah, Scratch Board Postcards, Beloved discussion, Blood Drive, Mobile Secretary of State. Kid Stuff: Jolly Gingerbread, Paint an Ornament, LEGO Build. Board Game Bonanza.

BOYNE MOUNTAIN - 1 Boyne Mountain Rd., Boyne Falls, (855) 688-7024.

> Weekly schedule of events and entertainment at all Boyne Mountain venues.

BOYNE VALLEY VINEYARDS - 05325 US 131 S, Petoskey, (231) 373-2090.

> LIVE MUSIC - Saturdays 2-6 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 13 - Two Track Mind (2-6)
Saturday, Dec. 20 - Chris Calleja (2-6)
Saturday, Dec. 27 - Elisabeth Christi (4-7:30)
Sunday, Dec. 28 - Two Track Mind (4-7:30)
Monday, Dec. 29 - Chris Calleja (4-7:30)
Tuesday, Dec. 30 - Two Track Mind (4-7:30)
Wednesday, Dec. 31 - Michelle Chenard (4-7:30)

CAFE SANTE - 1 Water St., Boyne City, (231) 582-8800.

> LIVE MUSIC

Mondays through Dec. 15 - The Shifties, 6-9 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 19 - Sean Bielby, 7-10 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 20 - Nelson Olstrom, 7-10 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 26 - Chris Calleja, 7-10 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 27 - Michelle Chenard, 7-10 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 31 - New Year's Eve Party with the Shifties, 8 p.m.-12 a.m.

CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER - 461 E. Mitchell Street. Petoskey, (231) 347-4337.

> See website for updated art shows, entertainment, and children's activities.

Saturday, Dec. 13 - Downtown Sound: Charlie Millard Band with Lara Fullford and Dane Tollas, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Tickets range from $10 to $40 and are available at www.crookedtree.org/downtownsound or by calling (231) 347-4337.

FRESHWATER GALLERY & CONCERT VENUE - 217 S Lake St., Boyne City, (231) 582-2588.

Sunday, Dec. 28 - Larry McCray will perform at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6. Tickets are $45. Call to reserve tickets.
Saturday, Feb. 14 - Full Cord, award-winning Michigan bluegrass band.
Saturday, March 14 - Susan Werner, Chicago singer-songwriter.
Saturday, April 18 - Willie Nile, New York singer-songwriter.
May concert to be announced.

GREAT LAKES CENTER FOR THE ARTS - 800 Bay Harbor Drive, Petoskey, (231) 439 -2600.

Dec. 11-12 - Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra presents Messiah by Candlelight
Dec. 13 - Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra presents Family Holiday Pops Matinee, A Festive Concert of Carols, Classics, and Holiday Cheer for All Ages
Dec. 15 - Dorothy Gerber Youth Orchestra presents A Holiday Strings Celebration
Dec, 20-21 - Crooked Tree Arts Center School of Ballet Presents The Nutcracker, A Holiday Classic Performed by Young and Professional Dancers from Northern Michigan
Dec. 23 - Midtown Men Holiday Hits. Stars from the Original Broadway Cast of Jersey Boys
Dec. 27 - An Evening with Graham Young of Michigan Rattlers. Intimate & Acoustic

LAKE STREET PUB - 202 S. Lake St., Boyne City, (231) 497-6031.

> TRIVIA NIGHT - Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m.

MUSKRAT DISTILLING - 121 Water St., Boyne City, (231) 268-0178.

> KARAOKE - 8 to 11 p.m. every Wednesday except Dec. 24 & 31

> LIVE MUSIC and events:

Friday, Dec. 12 - Sean Bielby, 8 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 19 - SAXU4IA, 8 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 20 - First ever Winter Solstice Ball from 6-11:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 including two drink tickets and access to all the fun activities. Dress like you’re headed to King’s Palace in Terrasen or the dance floors of Velaris or Crescent City, and be ready to celebrate the new winter season. There will be dancing, a vendor market, and themed cocktails. Ticket required for entry.
Tuesday, Dec. 23 - Ugly Christmas Sweater Karaoke
Saturday, Dec. 27 - Seasonal Road, 8 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 31 - New Year's Eve party with DJ Lee Blossom, 8-11:59 p.m.

PIED PIPER ROLLER RINK - 04454 M-75 N, Walloon Lake. Admission $8, skate rental $2. Candy, chips, soda/pop, and pizza available for purchase.

Friday, Dec. 12 - Adult Skating Night (18+), 5-9 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 13 - Family Holiday Skate and Ugly Sweater Contest (all ages), 2-6 p.m. with sweater judging at 5 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 19 - Adult Skating Night (18+), 5-9 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 20 - Family Holiday Skate (all ages), 2-6 p.m.

PROVISIONS LOUNGE - 123 Water St., Boyne City, (231) 582-2151.

LIVE MUSIC, 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays and Saturdays

STIGGS BREWERY & KITCHEN - 112 S. Park St., Boyne City, (231) 497-6100. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays for the winter.