Sunday, April 30, 2017

Future leaders sought for new class starting in August

Applications are now being accepted for the 2017-18 Leadership program, which begins with an orientation in August and an overnight retreat on Beaver Island in September. The program then continues with one day-long session per month through next May. 
WHAT'S IT LIKE? Recent program graduate Ashley Cousens, executive director of the Boyne Area Chamber, says "Leadership Charlevoix County is a great way to learn more about what services and resources the county has to offer. For me, the value was not only in the information provided, but also in the opportunity for self-reflection. How often do we carve out time to reflect on our lives and careers, without being prompted? This program requires self-reflection and as a result many participants experienced important transformations throughout the nine months."
Another graduate, Emily Selph, says LCC is "an amazing program, which has given us an opportunity to embark, both individually and as a class, on this journey, this chance to come together as strangers, to connect, to grow, and to accomplish something that will truly make a difference."
APPLICATIONS and more details are available at www.leadershipcharlevoixcounty.com or by calling Ashley Cousens at the Boyne Chamber, 231-582-6222.
REFER A FUTURE LEADER - If you know someone who is a good candidate for LCC, email leadershipcharlevoixcounty@gmail.com and we'll be glad to invite them to apply.

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Boyne City Farmers Market opens outdoor season

Boyne City Main Street is pleased to announce the Boyne City Farmers Market outdoor season will start Saturday, May 6. More than 35 vendors will be in attendance for opening day of the outdoor season, in Veterans Park. Market hours are 8 a.m. to Noon. The first Wednesday market of the season will take place May 10 and the outdoor market will be open every Wednesday and Saturday, throughout the summer. 

During peak season the market features more than 65 regular vendors - all local, serving seasonal fruits, vegetables, and herbs; gourmet baked goods and preserves; eggs and cheese; honey and maple syrup; proteins, fish, potted annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs, and cut flowers; plus a juried craft market with unique hand-made items for your home or a special gift.

“We are really excited to move back outside for the season” said Market Manager Erica Tosch. “The amount of fresh local produce already available is amazing, and we’re getting more every week.”

The market will be accepting Bridge Cards (SNAP - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) for the sixth year. Customers swipe their card at the market booth and receive tokens to shop with. Eligible foods include all SNAP eligible food products, just like in the grocery store. The market also partners with Fair Food Network’s Double Up Food Bucks program. The program allows for up to $20 per market day in SNAP assistance to be matched dollar-for-dollar. For example, if a customer swipes their Bridge Card for $20 in tokens, the $20 will be given to them, plus another $20 in Double Up Food Bucks tokens, to spend at the market.

“Doubling the value of SNAP assistance spent at our market helps people bring home more locally grown fruits and vegetables. It’s really a great program as it helps low-income consumers eat healthier, local farmers gain new customers, and more food dollars stay in the local economy,” Tosch said.

The 4rd Annual Food Truck Rally will take place Thursday, July 13 from 6-9 pm at Veterans Park. Over 25 local food and beverage stations as well as live music will fill the park. The cost is $10 per person, which includes two beverage tickets. Children under 12 are free.

The Friends Farm Meals are always a highlight of the season, breaking bread and toasting the farmers and others who make Michigan’s agricultural community so vibrant. This year’s event on August 12 will take place at Bear Creek Organic Farm and features food from Pigs Eatin’ Ribs. Look for more information at the market booth. Proceeds raised from these events will be used to help fund the Community Pavilion.

The Boyne City Farmer’s Market is a program of the Boyne City Main Street and governed by an eleven member committee consisting of vendors and community members. For more information on the market, visit www.boynecityfarmersmarket.org or contact market manager Erica Tosch at 231-330-0139 or Main Street at 231-582-9009.

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Bliss Salon & Spa opening on Lake Street

Dana Betchek
Bliss Salon & Spa will open Tuesday, April 11 at 210 S. Lake Street, Suite B. The salon will be offering salon and spa services including hair, nails, skin and massage. Owner Dana Betchek has had impressive success with her original Bliss location in Gaylord. "We've had tremendous growth. When I started three years ago, it was just me and two staff members, and now we have 12 people on staff." Asked why she chose Boyne City for her first expansion location, Dana said, "I've been in love with Boyne City for a long time. We come over to Boyne on weekends and I've really been impressed with how the downtown keeps growing and improving." Besides Dana, who specializes in hair styling, her staff in Boyne City will include Mechelle Gardner, specializing in nails; Dawn Jones, who has 19 years experience doing massage; and Megan Mollette, specializing in hair and eyelash extensions. Dana is excited to get the new business up and running and she is planning a grand opening and ribbon cutting in June. Phone  (231) 497-6066  |   www.mibliss.com

Monday, April 10, 2017

Meet and greet new Main Street director in new office

Kelsie King-Duff
Everyone is invited to come check out the new Main Street office at 120 Water Street and meet the new director, Kelsie King-Duff from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 13th. Fustini's will be providing snacks, featuring an array of their different products. Main Street and Fustini's are excited to partner for this event, and want to show off the new Main Street office, which is located inside Fustini's. Kelsie King-Duff started as the Main Street executive director January 30th after being selected from a field of over 40 applicants for the position. More about the new director To contact Kelsie at the Main Street office, call 231-582-9009 or email mainstreet@boynecity.com.