Sagamore's Dining Room invites you celebrate the holidays in with friends and family in style at The Inn at Bay Harbor. Gather the family and simply enjoy the company while feasting at the Christmas Eve Dinner  from 6-9 p.m. Or perhaps you're looking to ring in the New Year in an intimate and refined setting, with live piano music from Steve August, and a seven-course menu that will delight your palette. Reservations are recommended so reserve your table today or call 231.439. 4059.

BEACH BASH! Friday, December 26th, from 6-8 p.m., bring your friends and family to the Charlebvoix Pool for a beach-themed Open Swim. Smoothies, games, and more! $5/person.Questions? Call or email the Pool - 231.547.0982 or info@charlevoixpool.org. www.charlevoixpool.org

Walstrom Marine welcomes you to stop by for a little holiday cheer on Friday December 26th from 4-7 p.m. in our heated showroom at 500 E. Bay Street in Harbor Springs. Enjoy light hors d'oeuvres, adult beverages, music and cheer with your staff at Walstrom Marine.

The American Red Cross invites you to give the gift of blood donation on Friday December 26 from 11:00 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. at the American Red Cross on Mitchell Park Drive. All who donate can enjoy lunch, courtesy of Jimmy Johns and can enter for a chance to win hourly draings of gift certifciates and coupons from area businesses. For info or appointment, www.redcrossblood.org (sponsor code PARC) or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Tap 30 presents... The Great Gatsby New Year's Eve Party Wednesday December 31st. New Year's Eve hours: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 a.m. Please join us on New Year's Eve for a Gatsby themed bash featuring specialty throwback cocktails, a costume contest at 11:00 p.m., and more. With every beer you purchase, you will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win great prizes. Drawings at 10:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. Must be present to win. For more information, please visit our website www.tap30.com or call us at 231.881.9572.

The perfect way to kick off the New Year? Dinner at The Bistro followed by the Charlevoix Bridge Drop! The Bistro at the Charlevoix Country Club presents New Years' Eve Lunch and Dinner, Wednesday, December 31st; Lunch from 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Dinner 4:00-9:00 p.m. Choose from Lobster Tail, Prime Rib, King Crab Legs, Sea Scallops, Chilean Sea Bass, Surf and Turf for Two or Seafood Platter for Two. Add a celebratory beverage including Champagne and Martini specials and Ice Cream Cocktails. Nelson Olstrum provides musical entertainment from 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. Call 231-547-1700 for your reservation.

Celebrate New Year's Eve at the Odawa Casino Resort with Midnight in Paris on December 31st. Enjoy Dinner at the Waas-No-Dé Buffet from 5-11:30 p.m. Adults, $27.95, Children 6-12, $17.95, Children 5 & Under are Free or the Late Night Buffet from 12:30-3 a.m. is $5.95! Make a reservation at the Sage (last seating at 10:30 p.m.) Dance and Party into 2015 with great entertainment; O zone from 8 p.m.-4 a.m. with DJ Shawn, $20 Cover and includes a Champagne toast at Midnight. The Rendezvous Lounge will feature the Doug Decker Duo from 7 p.m.-12 a.m. and Ovation Hall will host Randy Moore and the Fabulous Suedes from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. It's Midnight in Paris at the Odawa Casino Resort!

New Year's Eve at the Arts Center on Wednesday December 31st from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Enjoy Art, Music, Dance & Theatre, Performances & Workshops, Food & Refreshments and a Midnight at 9 Ball Drop on Division Street. This great event is for All Ages & Family Friendly! Admission Buttons: Adults $7 / Students $3. Buttons will be available for sale on-line, at Crooked Tree Arts Center and the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce. New Year's Eve at the Arts Center was established in an effort to create an all age, family friendly, alcohol-free and artistic celebration to launch the New Year. For lodging information while attending New Year's Eve at the Arts Center, visit www.PetoskeyArea.com.

New Year's Eve at Vernales, December 31st, reservations available at 5:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 8:30 p.m., and 9:00 p.m. - $50 meal includes appetizer, salad, entree, and dessert. Live music 7:30 p.m. - 12:30 p.m. by James Greenway & Company and 9:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. by Disasteroid. Some seating may be available in the Sports Bar with limited menu and children's items as necessary.Call Joe or Abby at 231-242-4777 for more information and to make reservations.

Modern Day Masquerade, a New Year's Eve Ball at Castle Farms. Join us at Castle Farms on New Year's Eve as we usher out the old year and celebrate the new with the brilliance of a Masquerade Ball! Wednesday, December 31st, 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. Ticket price includes open bar, heavy appetizers, photo booth, music entertainment, and a fire spinning performance. We'll celebrate the unmasking at midnight with a toast of champagne as the New Year begins! Prizes will be awarded for the best women and men masks. Modern Day Masquerade tickets available online at castlefarms.com or at the Castle's Welcome Center. $45 per person (when purchased in advance). For more information, call the Castle at 231.237.0884

Knot just a bar is bringing in the New Year Knot style! Celebrate New Year's Eve with us. Party begins at 10 p.m. Tim Nixon will be spinning the tunes. Admission is $25 at the door.  Includes dancing, appetizers, party favors, and champagne toast at midnight. We are Knot black tie. We are also having a 3 course New Year's Eve dinner from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. for $25 per person. Entrees include Surf and Turf, Prime Rib, Chicken Piccata, and Lobster & Crab Lasagna. Reservations for dinner are encouraged. For an extra $10 you can stay for the New Year's Eve Party. The Knot is also booking your holiday parties now. Contact John or Tina at 231-439-2770 and we will customize a great party just for you!

Start the New Year off on the right foot and join the Petoskey Area Junior Chamber, supported by the YMCA of Northern Michigan, and the McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation for the inaugural 'View of the Bay Polar 5K'. This fantastic new event is designed for both competitive runners and family fun. Bring your trail running shoes or snowshoes and join us for a day of fun in the snow! Event Date: Thursday, January 1st, 2015. Sign-in & Registration at 11:00 a.m. Race start time at 12:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.ymcanm.org; to register online visit www.runningintheusa.com. Advanced registration is $25 per participant. The course will run through the Bay View Association. Registration and post event activities will take place at the Terrace Inn (1549 Glendale Avenue).

1st Annual Winter Wine Dinners at Petoskey Farms Vineyard & Winery

Come Enjoy a Four Course Dinner with Wine at Every Course! January 8th Italian Theme, February 5th Cilantro Marinated Flank Steak, March 5th Stuffed Chicken Breast, April 9th Pork Tenderloin. Only 24 seats available so call now to Book your Reservation 231-290-9463. Dinner starts at 6:30 p.m.  http://www.petoskeyfarms.com Don't forget we are still doing wine gift baskets, the perfect Holiday Gift!

Bearcub Outfitters in Downtown Petoskey is in the midst of their 12 days of Christmas! Be sure to get it on the fantastic savings now through Christmas Eve! Today Tues. Dec. 23rd, Get a $20 gift card for every $100 you spend. Wed. Dec. 24th, All fleece 20% off. Happy Holidays from Bearcub outfitters!

The perfect gift is easy to find!  Symons General Store proudly offers customized gift baskets using endless combinations of our artisanal and Michigan-made products, candy, wine, liquor, cheese and more. Our baskets are customizable within any price range and we will create a gorgeous basket on any budget. Even your clients and loved ones living afar can enjoy a Symons gift basket. We ship! To place your basket order, please contact Symons General Store at (231) 347-2438.

It's Time for Grinder of the Month Gift Packs! Give the gift that keeps on giving all year long - only $30! Parents, grandparents & teachers LOVE these! Come see us to purchase yours before they're gone! And don't forget that you can now order lunch and dinner ONLINE at www.MancinosNorth.com!

Dear fellow Chamber members, looking for Holiday gift ideas for your employees? Maple Moon Family Sugary is offering a 20% discount on in stock maple syrup if you mention this add. You may call (231) 487-9058 or visit us at our farm store, 4454 Atkins Rd.  We are open on Saturdays from 10-5 and ON DEMAND. We live on the property and we are happy to serve you 7 days a week.

Take the stress out of your holiday party and let Bill and Carols help you. We have a great selection of beer and wine, and we specialize in large parties and celebrations. If you need champagne for New Years, we have a large selection in stock. Don't forget our daily lunch specials, soup of the day and full service deli with a variety of homemade salads. Take the stress out of that 'dish to pass' by letting us prepare an appetizer platter for you. Like us on Facebook at Bill and Carols or call 231-347-2741. To all our loyal friends and customers - Happy Holidays!

Holiday happenins' at the Charlevoix Area Community Pool!

Giving Tree: Our lobby Christmas "Giving Tree" is decorated with Gift Certificate "ornaments" for swim lessons, aqua exercise, and Pool passes. We'll package for easy gifting! We are also inviting everyone to place non-perishable food items under the tree for local foo pantrys. Discounts: Between December 15th and January 15th, any 12 month pass, family pass, and 20-punch passes are 10% off! Helping you keep off holiday punds and keep New Year's resolutions! Visit our web site for price information. Questions? Call or email the Pool - 231.547.0982 or info@charlevoixpool.org. www.charlevoixpool.org 

Congratulations to the November MacGregor Cares winner, Good Samaritan Food Services! MacGregor Cares - Monthly Community Giving Program December's MacGregor Cares participants are: Dress For Chill Project, Camp Daggett, Petoskey Club. One of these fine groups will win $500 from MacGregor Plumbing & Heating. Click the link below to vote! Do you know of a group, organization or fundraiser that needs help in the community? We're here to help them reach their goals. Nominate by clicking the following link! http://www.macgregorplumbing.com/macgregor-cares 

Petoskey District Library's Food for Fines program is back! Celebrate the season of giving this December at the Petoskey District Library.  Now through December 31st, patrons can donate cans of food or other non-perishable items and the Library will waive their overdue fines.  Fees incurred for lost or damaged items are not eligible.  All proceeds benefit our local food pantries. 

The 2015 travel booking season is in full swing. From Patty at Alaska and Beyond: Get $100 Community Cash (spend like cash at any Chamber biz!) for any small ship cruise/expedition booking made by Dec. 31. (Un-Cruise Adventures, Alaskan Dream Cruises, National Geographic, etc.) See glaciers, whales, and much more up close. Join Patty on the May 11 Alaskan Dream (only 42 passengers) for an unbelievable 7 day cruise of the Inside Passage, from $2564pp. Also includes Mexico, Hawaii, Antarctica and the very popular river cruises worldwide. Did you know it costs the same or less to book with a local agent vs online, and you get friendly professional service! Call for brochure or more details 231-753-8530 or visit www.alaskaandbeyond.com.

Charlevoix Fitness at the Charlevoix Country Club offers a Health Stimulus for 2015. Purchase an Annual Single or Family Social Membership in December to get 15% off! Our Social Memberships give you 24 hour access to our state-of-the-art facility including strength equipment and free weights, cardio equipment with personal televisions and ear bud jacks and Men's and Women's showers and saunas. Varied classes, massage and personal trainer also available. Giving yourself or a loved one the gift of good health is a gift that keeps on giving! Call Membership Coordinator, Michelle Grunch to schedule a personal tour at 231-547-9796. Charlevoix Fitness is located just 3 miles North of downtown Charlevoix. www.chxcountryclub.com.

The YMCA of Northern Michigan has just kicked off its Annual Campaign and we need your help! Thanks to the strong support of local people just like you, the YMCA has been offering quality programming to hundreds of local area children and families for the past 10 years. Summer camp, soccer, Y Winners basketball, karate, archery, horseback riding, and First Lego League are just some of the important programs from the Y's 2014 line-up. Y participants engage in meaningful learning experiences that last a lifetime, they make new friends, and they get exposure to healthy living opportunities. To find out how to donate, check out our website www.ymcanm.org, call our office 231-348-8393, email CSmith@ymcanm.org, or stop by our office at 434 E. Lake Street, Petoskey. 

The Future of Tough Trucks Have Arrived in Fox Charlevoix! The all-new, much anticipated 2015 Ford F-150 is now in stock at our Fox Charlevoix Ford dealership. We have two gorgeous Crew Cab models on our lot right now. Check out our inventory HERE.Ford Motor Company has taken the leap and composed their all-new 2015 F-150s primarily of aluminum. These aluminum-bodied trucks still have to earn the Tough Truck title and go through rigorous testing just like the previous year models. They passed with flying colors and have earned a spot in your garage! We recently released a blog post about the 2015 F-150 models, read it HERE.

Charlevoix County has been awarded $17,981 and Emmet County has been awarded $28,109 in Federal funds under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program, up over $9,000 from phase 31. These funds will be distributed by a Local Board and are used to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in these counties during the federal fiscal year 2014. These funds are administered locally by Char-Em United Way and they invite qualifying agencies to apply. Public or private agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact Char-Em United Way, P.O. Box 1701, Petoskey MI 49770; phone 231-487-1006; email info@charemunitedway.org for an application.  The deadline for applications to be received is 4 p.m. Friday, January 9, 2015.  

The Home Builders Association of Northern Michigan, its sponsor training site members, and MIOSHA are partnering to increase safety awareness on residential construction sites. Safety in Residential Construction Training Seminars Part 2 Those 5 categories are:  Falls, Scaffolds, Ladders, PPE/Tool Guarding and Electrical. Call your HBA Northern Michigan office at 231 348-9770 or visit www.HBAnorthernmichigan.org to register for a training class on these 5 hazard categories at the training location and date most convenient for you.    This training seminar is an important safety awareness starting point for all who work on residential construction sites.  Attendees will also be able to record Continuing Education credits for attending. Training class cost: $20 for general admission HBA Northern Michigan members - Free.

North Central Michigan College is seeking comments from the public about the College in preparation for its periodic evaluation by its regional accrediting agency. The College will host a visit March 16-18, 2015, with a team representing the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. North Central Michigan College has been accredited by the Commission since 1972. The public is invited to submit comments regarding the college: Public Comment on North Central Michigan College, The Higher Learning Commission, 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago IL 60604-1411.The public may also submit comments at www.ncahlc.org. Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the institution or its academic programs. Comments must be in writing and be be received by February 15, 2015.