'Campfire Snowshoe and Native Storytelling' under the dark night sky on

Jan. 24th at the Headlands International Dark Sky Park kicks off New Year of programming! This afternoon and evening program is designed for the outdoor adventurer who wants to take a snowshoe hike to the stars. Program is free and open to the public, and reservations are not required. A limited number of snowshoes will be provided, together with light refreshment, a crackling fire and stories to warm you through the season. Please plan to bring your own snowshoes for this event, as only a limited number will be available to borrow. If you have questions about the program, call Adams at (231) 838-8181 or email darksky@emmetcounty.org.

Heywood Banks will kick off the Blissfest Folk and Roots Winter Concert series at Crooked Tree Arts Center in Petoskey on Saturday Jan. 24th. Show time is 8:00 p.m. and tickets are available at the door or in advance at Grain Train and Legs Inn or on line at www.blissfest.org and by calling 231-348-7047. Heywood Banks is simply one-of-a-kind, almost impossible to describe, with a style his very own. Equal parts genius and buffoon, this songwriter-comic-singer-poet-musician has become a cult hero and a pop icon, with a show that appeals to college students, stoners, businessmen, yuppies, rednecks, punks, kids or your grandmother. Ticket prices: Members-$18 / $25 non-members, students ½ price.

Little Traverse Conservancy invites you to their Winter Wonders for Knee-High Naturalists on Round Lake Nature Preserve, Saturday January 24th from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m., between Petoskey and Harbor Springs for ages 3-5. Siblings welcome. We'll start with a story about a winter walk and many of the beautiful things to be found in nature during this coldest of seasons. Then we'll take a snow hike of our own to explore the winter wonders at the Round Lake Nature Preserve.  Snow permitting, we'll make some miniature snow people and finish with a fun craft to take home. Registration is preferred by calling 231.347.0991 or online at www.landtrust.org.

The Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra series of Sunday Recitals will present the Duo pianists Robin McCarty and Michelle Mitchum, and Baritone Peter Sims with the Great Lakes Chamber Ensemble on January 25th at 4:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Harbor Springs. The Sunday Series of Recitals are presented free of charge through the generous support of Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra Board member, Carolyn Klender. The Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra Sunday Series provides the community the opportunity to experience an intimate musical event. For more information about the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra, call 231-487-0010 and go to www.glcorchestra.org.

Friends @ the Carnegie presents Blissfest Music Organization - Past, Present and Future on Monday, January 26th at 7:00 p.m. Executive Director Jim Gillespie will describe the history of this award-winning roots music organization, the excitement and the challenges of presenting a major annual festival, and developing opportunities for the future. All Friends @ the Carnegie programs are held at the Carnegie Building at 451 E. Mitchell Street, unless otherwise noted. The programs are offered at 7:00 p.m. on the fourth Monday of every month, except May (third Monday) and December (no program). All Friends @ the Carnegie programs are open to the public and admission is free.

Doing Business in China, part of the North Central Michigan College International lecture series, will take place on Wednesday January 28th at 1:00 p.m. at the Library Conference Center. This program is free and open to the public. Improved international relations, government reforms, an expanding economy and the large population base are make China very attractive to US businesses. Successful US-Chinese business ventures require a knowledge of the business culture, etiquette, meeting protocols and more.  Learn how to approach Chinese business people and officials, what to expect, what to do and what to avoid. Bruce Finlayson, former Executive with AT&T and Lucent Technologies, currently with consulting firm ICP BizSolutions, will discuss his recent experiences doing business with China's doctors, including traditional Chinese medicine practices. 

An organization known as "FLOW" - For Love of Water - will hold a program about fracking on January 27th in Petoskey. It will take place at the Community Building at the Emmet County Fairgrounds, 1129 Charlevoix Ave. in Petoskey. The program begins at 6 p.m. The presentation is titled, "Horizontal fracking for oil and gas in Michigan: Legal strategies and tools for local communities and citizens." The Emmet County Planning, Zoning and Construction Resources Department invites the public to attend; there is no charge.For more information about this program, contact Planning and Zoning Director Tammy Doernenburg at (231) 439-8998 or email tdoernenburg@emmetcounty.org.

This Year get a Healthier Place at Anytime Fitness of Petoskey! Join for only $1.Three days only! January 27th-29th. Stop by Anytime Fitness of Petoskey located at 2170 Anderson Road, Petoskey. For more details call 231-348-2500.

Looking for some great reading this winter? Check out the North Central Michigan College Used Book Sale, Tuesday through Thursday, January 27th-29th, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The book sale will be in the lobby of the main administration building on the Petoskey campus. The sale includes fiction and non-fiction, self-help, poetry, cookbooks, coffee table books and paperbacks. Proceeds from the Used Book Sale go to North Central's Student Emergency Fund, established to help students deal with financial challenges that impede their ability to complete their coursework. For more information on the book sale or to donate books, contact the NCMC Foundation at 231-439-6218.

Visit Castle Farms of Charlevoix for Snowman Wonderland Story Time. Saturday, Jan. 31st from 10 a.m. - 12 noon. Enjoy story time, snowman making, interactive trains, plus hot cocoa and cupcakes by Cre8tive Cupcake. $5 per person; children 2 and under FREE. Purchase tickets at the door or online at www.Shop.CastleFarms.com. For more event details contact Charlynn at (231) 237-0884, ext. 224. Castle Farms, 5052 M-66, Charlevoix.

B.C Pizza in Alanson is hosting a fundraiser on February 3rd for the Harbor Springs Snowmobile Club from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. They will be offering only Large Pepperoni Pizza's for just $4.50 including tax. This is for Pick up only. There is no need to call in the order as they will have pizza's ready to go! And there is no limit so make plans now to help the Harbor Springs Snowmobile Club with the B.C. Pizza Alanson Fundraiser on February 3rd from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Book your seat at the February 5th Four Course Winter Wine Dinner at Petoskey Farms Vineyard & Winery. Enjoy French cuisine with wine at every course! Gougeres will start your evening, Fustini's Oil and Vinegar will dress your salad, Boeuf Bourguignon with Gratin Dauphinois will warm you up and Crème Brulee will completely satisfy your night! Call for reservations 231-290-WINE (9463). Seating is limited.

The next HarborActive class will be "Facebook for Business 101" led by Marcie Wolf of Abuzz Creative. Attendees will learn how to optimize a Facebook Business Page, understand how personal profiles and business pages link, follow other businesses as a business page, and more! "Facebook for Business 101" will be held on Thursday, February 5th at 5:30 p.m. at the Harbor Springs Library. Register and pay online today

Baker College of Cadillac will host College Goal Sunday, 2-4 p.m., Feb. 8th, to help potential college-bound students and their parents complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form on time. It will be held at the Baker College Academic Resource Center, 9600 E. 13th St., Cadillac. The event is free of charge and open to all high school seniors, whether or not they have identified their colleges of choice. Attendees will have the opportunity to compete for a College Goal Sunday $1,000 scholarship to the school of their choice. For information, visit www.baker.edu or follow Baker College on Twitter, @bakercollege, or on Facebook, www.facebook.com/bakercollege.

America's FIRST maple winery opens Saturday February 14^th at Maple Moon Family Sugarbush and Winery! Be the first to taste wine made from maple sap, maple syrup or infused with maple syrup at Maple Moon Family Sugarbush and Winery, 4454 Atkins Rd, Petoskey. Tastings are available in the new tasting room. Winter hours will be Thursday - Saturday 2 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Grand Opening in June.

Celebrate Valentines with your favorite person at the Terrace Inn and 1911 Restaurant! Enjoy a fantastic Valentine's Dinner Saturday February 14th for just $27.95 per person plus tax and gratuity. All tables will be elegantly set with a Red Rose and Reservations are required. Add a Sleigh Ride for only $10 per person. Want to get away? Inquire about one of our Cozy Room Valentines Packages. Call The Terrace Inn 231-347-2410 or visit www.theterraceinn.com 

Be sure to attend Little Traverse Bay Humane Society's Grateful Snowshoe Benefit on Saturday, February 14th, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Three snowshoe trails will be available at the beautiful PB&J Farm north of Harbor Springs. There will be a bonfire to make s'mores and drink hot chocolate, and everyone will receive a swag bag full of goodies. A delicious lunch will be available, courtesy of Cathy and Mark Bissell and Janie and Tim Jenkins. Snowshoes will be available courtesy of Bearcub Outfitters. Come walk for a $30 entry fee or get your family and friends to sponsor you. Those who gain the most sponsor money will win a fabulous gift basket! For more information or to register, go to www.ltbhs.com or call 231-347-2396. 

Make Reservations now for Valentines Dinner at Maple River Pub in Brutus on Saturday February 14th. Their kitchen will be seasoned with love as they feature fantastic beginnings, entrees and desserts. Check out their menu at www.mapleriverpub.com and make your reservations today!

North Central Michigan College and the Robert Emmet Society seek entries for a scholarship contest that will send a North Central student to Ireland this fall for a semester of study. The competition is based on an essay contest, academic achievement, student activities and an interview with college and society representatives. Entrants must be enrolled in an academic program at North Central Michigan College for the 2014-2015 school year. Those wishing to enter the competition should contact Dr. Sara Glasgow, Associate Dean of Liberal Arts at North Central at 231-348-6604 or sglasgow@ncmich.edu by February 15th. Essays must be submitted by March 7, 2015. Details are available at http://www.ncmich.edu/finaid/ireland.html.

Camp Daggett offers winter activities Father, stepfathers, grandfathers or big brothers are invited to bring their sons (ages 8-16) for a fun filled Father/Son weekend, March 13th-15th at Camp Daggett. Cost is $150 for father/son, plus $50 for each additional son. Space is limited, and registration is on a first come first served basis. Participants can expect a weekend of fun and adventure as they try their hands at various outdoor activities and enjoy dinners in front of the lodge fireplace. For additional information or to register, contact Ed Leverenz at Camp Daggett, 231-347-9742 ext. 112.

Save money at OfficeMax.  Now through February 15, 2015 - you can save $10 on a qualifying in-store purchase of $50 or more. Click here to print your coupon.  Only valid at the 1820 Anderson Rd. location.  You can also pick up the coupon by stopping in the Chamber office.

Radcliffe Reading Society at McLean & Eakin Booksellers. Martha Radcliffe, retired Petoskey Public Schools elementary school teacher invites children in grades three through five to join her at McLean & Eakin Booksellers for spirited discussions in January, February and March on the fourth Wednesdays from 3:30 to 4:30. Discussions are free and include refreshments. Reserve a spot by calling McLean & Eakin Booksellers at 231-347-1180 or send an email to www.mcleanandeakin.com. January 28: Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin. February 25: Tripods: The White Mountains by Matt Christopher. March 25:  The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare. 

Genesis Church sponsors the following ongoing groups February - May. DIVORCE CARE: In Petoskey: 7:00-9:00 p.m., Wednesdays, Feb. 4th-May 13th @ the Genesis Church Office. Practical help for those who are separated or divorced. Contact: Daryl 231-675-7570. See www.divorcecare.org for more specifics. SINGLE & PARENTING: In Boyne City: 6:45-8:45 p.m., Thursdays, Feb. 5th-May 14th @ Boyne City Hall. Practical help for single parents and grandparents. Contact: Daryl 231-675-7570. See www.singleandparenting.org for more specifics.

The Depot Club and Restaurant in Harbor Springs now has the "Locals" menu back for the rest of Winter. This menu includes 3 Courses for $30 and is available as well as the regular menu. Menus can be seen online at depotclubhs.com. We are excited to announce that Steve August will be entertaining guests starting the weekend of Jan. 23rd on Fridays and Saturdays. For those of you who do not know Steve, he plays keys and harmonica and is amazing! Please call for reservations at 231-242-4233. Serving Dinner Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to close. Bob and Lori Stark look forward to seeing you!

102.9 Big Country Family Fun Night! 102.9 Big Country Hits and Boyne Highlands are teaming up to bring you BIG FAMILY FUN NIGHT every WEDNESDAY! Lift Tickets - $10.29, Equipment Rentals - $10.29, and 2 Twin Zip Rides - $10.29 Per Person. Plus Wings and a Pint of Dos Equis in the Slopeside Lounge - $10.29. Bring the entire family out and enjoy what winter has to offer at BIG FAMILY FUN NIGHT with 102.9 Big Country Hits and Boyne Highlands every "WEDNESDAY" 4 p.m.-9 p.m.!

Rock the Slopes 2015!ROCK 105 and Boyne Mountain are teaming up to bring you Rock the Slops. Lift Tickets - $10.50, Tubing - $10.50 Per Person and 2 Twin Zip Rides - $10.50 Per Person. Plus Wings and Pint of Dos Equis in the Snowflake Lounge - $10.50. Bring the entire family out and enjoy what winter has to offer at ROCK THE SLOPES with ROCK 105 and Boyne Mountain EVERY Friday 4 p.m.- 9 p.m.!

Northwest Michigan Habitat for Humanity is seeking volunteer support on our current build in Alanson. We have the dates below in the near future and are looking for individuals and groups to help with trim and painting towards the middle/end of February. If you are interested in signing up for one of the below opportunities, please contact Mandy at mandy@northwestmihabitat.org or 231-348-6926. Monday, January 26th from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. and/or Tuesday, February 3rd from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. - we are seeking 6 skilled volunteers to assist with installing laminate flooring. Thursday, February 5th from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. - we are seeking 6 skilled volunteers to help with flooring and start trim work.

Hospice of Northwest Michigan invites you to join our four week "Journey Though Grief" group bereavement program beginning Tuesdays, January 20th, until February 17th. The group begins at 6pm and is meeting at the First Baptist Church, Community Room, 06781 M-66 North, Charlevoix. This program is open to anyone looking for assistance in their grief process and is facilitated by Rev. David Behling. There is NO CHARGE to attend. Please feel free to call Hospice at 231-547-7659 to register or for more information.

North Central Michigan College's nursing and allied health faculty will hold monthly information sessions on Thursdays at 4 p.m. to explain the process for admission into the college's highly competitive nursing and allied health career programs. The sessions will be in Room 347 of the college's Health Education and Science Center on the Petoskey campus. Sessions will take place on Thursday, February 19th, Thursday, March 19th and, Thursday, April 23rd. Anyone planning to apply for the nursing or allied health programs is strongly encouraged to attend one of these informational sessions. The information on prerequisites will be particularly important for those applying for the fall 2015 program.

Hey, kids! Win $100 by telling us the coolest part of Emmet County's history! Emmet County Historical Essay Contest for elementary students announced. The Emmet County Historical Commission is once again holding its annual Historical Essay Contest, which is open to any third- or fourth-grade student in Emmet County, including home-schooled children. First-place earns $100, while second-place wins $50. The teacher of the winning student also will receive a $50 stipend to use for classroom supplies. Rules and forms for the contest can be downloaded online, at http://www.emmetcounty.org/historical-essay-contest-531/ Entries must be postmarked by April 17, 2015 and should be sent to: Emmet County History Contest, c/o Melinda Spencley, 711 Plains Road, Brutus, Michigan 49716. Or entries may be emailed to: essay@emmetcounty.org

It's in the Details...At the Dave Kring Auto Detailing Center, we don't just wash cars - we protect investments! Our staff of Prep Excellence Technicians specialize in preserving your vehicle using the Valuegard Total Auto Preservation System. Call (231) 347-3570 to schedule your detailing appointment today!

Congratulations to the December's MacGregor Cares winner, Dress For Chill Project! MacGregor Cares - Monthly Community Giving ProgramJanuary's MacGregor Cares participants are: North Country Kids Daycare & Preschool, Northwest Academy, Challenge Mountain. 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 

Sandra Lee Photography Studio & Gallery at 318 E Mitchell St in Petoskey is offering local businesses a special photography/marketing package that is sure to give you the exposure you need to take your business to the next level. This package includes professional photography for your business, professional business portraits of each member of your team, and professional images of your products/services. There are many bonuses in this package so call Sandra Lee for your consultation and let her customize a photography/marketing package for your business. Contact Sandra Lee at 231-622-2066, sandraleephotography@hotmail.com, www.sandraleephotographystudio.com 

Raven Hill Discovery Center's Ham Radio Station is up and running. With help from members of the Top Of Michigan Amateur Radio Club (TOMARC) in Gaylord, the station is operational and the first class of technicians has received their ham radio licenses.  Recently, local electric company, Great Lakes Energy, came to the station's rescue, when sliding snow ripped the new ham radio antenna off the Center's roof.  A Great Lakes crew came out and set a utility pole for Raven Hill to use as a freestanding antenna. Anyone interested in joining the Raven Hill Discovery Center Amateur Radio Club or attending a technician class, should contact Cheri at 231.536.3369 or email her at info@ravenhilldiscoverycenter.org