Johan's Burger Express in Harbor Springs is hosting a FundRaiser on Tuesday, February 17th for Junior Achievement of Northern Michigan from 5 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Junior Achievement will receive 50% of the profits as you enjoy a great meal with your Family and Friends. Junior Achievement Board Members will be attending to personally thank you and answer questions. This event will help Junior Achievement provide programs in over 47 classrooms this year in Emmet County. See you Tuesday, February 17th from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Cork & Canvas - A Creative Evening at Stafford's Art Gallery on Thursday, February 19th, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. We invite you to bring your friends for an evening of art and wine! Local artist Katie Brines, will provide step-by-step instructions allowing you to create a one of a kind masterpiece on canvas. No painting talent required! Our fee includes all supplies, wine tastings and light hors d'oeuvres. Reservations for this event are required - we fill up fast! $50 per guest. Contact our friendly Gallery staff to reserve your spot, 231-347-0142.

The Petoskey Ski Team is holding a fundraiser on Thursday February 19th at Which Wich of Petoskey from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m.  Please join us for dinner and help support the Petoskey Middle and High School Ski Teams. Which Wich has kindly agreed to donate 50% of the proceeds to the Booster Club that supports both teams. The Boosters pay for gates, timing computers and software, bibs, busing and coaching. The Middle school is proud to have 42 skiers participating this season while the High School has 24 skiers. Please tell your co-workers, friends and family to come support our skiers and cheer them on as they prepare for the Division II State Final Ski meet on February 23rd at Nubs Nob.

Fly Fishing Film Tour presented by Boyne Outfitters at Boyne Mountain Resort: Friday, February 20th. The original and pre-eminent exhibition of fly fishing cinema, the F3T is a one of kind experience. Each year fishy folk of all ages gather to soak up films from around the world and dream about casts still unmade. If you've been, you know what we're talking about. If you haven't, we hope to see you soon! Join us inside the Mountain Grand Lodge and Spa, Vienna A, on Friday, February 20th at 6 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15. Available online at F3T Tickets, in advance at Boyne Outfitters, or at the door.

Join Char-Em United Way on Saturday, February 21st from 7 to 11p.m. at Castle Farms in Charlevoix for the Second Annual Toast to Literacy fundraiser event. Enjoy a food competition and vote for your favorite soup, savory and sweet dishes. Sample beer, wines, and meads from 12 local producers. Bid on a pig roast, a relaxing massage, an overnight stay at a hotel and many other wonderful items donated by generous supporters of children's literacy. Enjoy this Toast to Literacy to help Char-Em United Way provide books to preschoolers and foster their love of learning through support of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. For more information visit www.charemunitedway.org or www.castlefarms.com.

The 10th annual Northmen Night will be held on February 21st, from 6 - 10 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall. This year's theme is "Show your Colors" Tailgate party!  Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite team's spirit colors. The evening will be highlighted with games, and will include a live and silent auction, cash bar, and buffet dinner, all in support of Northmen Athletics. All proceeds go to the general athletic department fund - supporting all sports at the middle and high school levels. Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door. Reserved tickets will be available until Wednesday, February 18th. Tickets can be purchased at Petoskey High School Athletic Department or call Cathy Richardson at 348-2220.

The Charlevoix Area Community Pool is hosting a community pot luck dinner at Christ Episcopal Church (200 State Street, Charlevoix) on Sunday, February 22nd, from 4-7 PM. Funds raised from this by donation benefit will go towards the purchase of a robotic Pool vacuum.  Provided will be smoked pork roast, soft drinks, desert, and paper products. Bring a dish to pass and, if you wish, an adult beverage! There will be a 50/50 Raffle PLUS a Drawing for a 1-YEAR FAMILY POOL PASS valued at $330! Visit our web site at www.charlevoixpool.org or call us at 231.547.0982.

Crooked Tree Arts Center is hosting "Write Your Heart Out" with award winning journalist and editor, Ken Winter. Beginning February 21st, Mr. Winter will be leading participants on a personal writing journey over the course of three Saturdays. "Write Your Heart Out" focuses on writing from personal life and learning to craft a story in ways that will resonate with others, whether in print or online. Registration for "Write Your Heart Out" is currently available at www.crookedtree.org, or by calling the Arts Center at 231.347.4337.  Early registration is strongly recommended as many of Crooked tree Arts Center's classes and workshops fill quickly.

Friends @ The Carnegie presents: Rainbow Inn - Petoskey's First Afro-American Hotel on Monday February 23rd at 7 p.m. in the Carnegie Building. Resort William and Gail West's Rainbow Inn at 1630 Clarion Avenue, Petoskey, sat on the edge of this famous mid-west summer resort city from the summer of 1950 until March 9, 1965.  On that day a devastating fire burned the three story structure to ashes.  It would not be rebuilt.  All that would remain of this once stately building (and its short history as a northern Michigan gathering place for all races) would be memories. Join Richard Wiles as he shares his research. Free and open to the public. Contact the Library at 231-758-3100 or visit www.petoskeylibrary.org for more information.

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 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. February 25th: Tripods: The White Mountains by Matt Christopher. March 25th: The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare. 

Latitude 45 Trans-Fatitude Ride 2015. The 2nd Annual Trans-Fatitude is almost here. Don't miss this fun, fat bike frolicking adventure! Saturday February 28th a group of happy, weather resistant people will depart on large wheeled bicycles from the beautiful Walloon Lake Village. This year's unique 22 mile ride will benefit all 11 IMBA chapters of Michigan and their great mountain bike trails. This benefit ride adventure is presented by Latitude 45 Bicycles and Fitness of Petoskey. THIS EVENT IS LIMITED TO 100 RIDERS, SO SIGN UP TODAY! Register online at www.latitude45.com. Fat Bike Rentals are available at Latitude 45 with delivery and pick-up options available. Call (231-348-5342) or email chris@latitude45.com with any questions.

BOWLAPALOOZA! Hey businesses, get your teams together for the 3rd Annual Bowlapalooza hosted by the Sunrise Rotary Club of Petoskey. The event is a perfect team-building opportunity for your business or a chance to have a fun way to entertain clients. You can have up to six people on your team for just $200 with proceeds benefiting local charities and causes in the Little Traverse Bay Region. Bowlapalooza will be held Fri. March 13th at Northern Lights Recreation Center. Registration forms are available at the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce office.

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

Goal: 40 Pints! Mitchell Graphics and Petoskey Plastics are co-sponsoring a blood drive at the American Red Cross Friday, March 20th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donors will receive free juice and delicious cookies. Most importantly, you could help save up to three lives with just one donation. To schedule an appointment visit redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code: PPMG or call 1-800-733-2767. For more information, please contact Julie at jwitthoeft@mitchellgraphics.com.

Mark your calendars now for the Bay View Cottage Walk 2015 taking place on Tuesday, July 14th  from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit historic Bay View where nine private cottages will be open for tours plus four campus buildings. Music and dramatic performances throughout the day. Tickets are $25.00 in advance, $35.00 day of event. Parking available at Petoskey High School and shuttles to the event. Visit www.bayviewassociation.org for ticket and other information.

Congratulations to the January's MacGregor Cares winner, Challenge Mountain! MacGregor Cares - Monthly Community Giving Program February's MacGregor Cares participants are: Project Connect, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan and The Y of Northern Michigan. 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

Great ongoing events at Whitecaps Restaurant! Friday Night Ribs - once again we are offering a full rack of our amazing slow-roasted Northern Michigan cherry chipotle glazed BBQ Ribs accompanied by homemade cornbread and sweet potato fries. Featured on Friday Nights for just $21.00. Wine Wednesday - all day, every Wednesday, take advantage of half priced bottles of wine with the purchase of two entrees. It is the perfect opportunity to try something new from our extensive wine list. Happy Hour - Whitecaps is now featuring a daily Happy Hour from 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. in the Undertow Lounge. Enjoy a glass of our house cabernet or house chardonnay for $4.00 or one of our rotating draft beer selections for $3.00. Find out more at www.whitecapsrestaurant.com/events 

The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to help ensure a sufficient and diverse blood supply by giving blood this February. Since the beginning of the year, widespread flu and inclement winter weather in some parts of the country have prevented many regular donors from making or keeping their blood donation appointments. A few upcoming blood donation opportunities: Feb. 19th: Charlevoix Area Hospital. Feb. 23rd: Christ Lutheran Church, Boyne City. Feb 27th: Odawa Casino Resort. To learn more about donating blood and to schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

FEBRUARY is CHOCOLATE & WINE month at CROOKED VINE VINEYARD & WINERY Alanson. We are teaming up with the DUTCH OVEN BAKERY and  pairing some of their chocolate confections with our wines, a match made in heaven  Winery is open noon-5pm, Friday-Monday. 8370 Lakeview Road, 231881-6582. Bring your valentine and enjoy the experience!

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.

Rock the Slopes 2015! ROCK 105 and Boyne Mountain are teaming up to bring you Rock the Slopes. 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.!

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.!

February brings lots of interesting opportunities at North Central. Interested in: Online business, Organic farming, Vineyard management, Exploring Lake Superior, Leaders of LTBB, Karate or Brewing Beer? We've got it here.  A flyer listing all of the next month's events is attached.  For more details, check out www.ncmich.edu/cce. Please be sure to register in advance to reserve a place for you. Can't make it to campus, CCE has over 200 online workshops at www.ed2go.com/ncmc.

HBA Northern Michigan has multiple upcoming classes. Safety in Residential Construction Series Part 2: In-depth information on the top 5 serious hazard categories commonly associated with residential job sites. Those 5 categories are: Falls, Scaffolds, Ladders, PPE/Tool Guarding and Electrical. Click Here for the schedule and registration form. Special thank you to our host site sponsors: ProBuild Cheboygan, ProBuild Gaylord, and Preston Feather Petoskey. HBA Northern Michigan is also offering Certified Lead Paint Renovator Classes to help you re-certify in 2015. Make sure you are compliant with the EPA rules and avoid paying fines. Classes are in February and March. Click here for class schedule and registration information.

Trillium is excited to introduce to you one of our stylists, Riley Armstrong. Riley began and completed her schooling at the Up North School of Cosmetology. When she was a young child, she knew cosmetology was her future. Her passion for hair and makeup continued to grow as she grew older, and now she is building her business at Trillium Salon & Spa. Riley fell in love with Trillium not only because she can utilize her talents there, but also because the atmosphere is very team oriented and positive. She is extremely talented in all areas, but feels her skills shine when performing up-dos, and creative haircuts and styles. "Making people feel beautiful has always been a passion of mine." - Riley Armstrong, stylist at Trillium.

Fitness Classes offered at Pointe Health. Did you know you can take Indoor Cycling, Gentle Yoga, Strength and Conditioning, and Intermediate Yoga Classes at Pointe Health? We have 13 classes to choose from; morning and evening, Monday through Saturday. For our complete schedule see our website here or find it on Facebook here. With our many Class Pass options, there's sure to be the perfect one for you. Pointe Health is located at 4670 Lake Shore Road at Sommerset Pointe. For more information call 231-459-4442. Pointe Health is proud to be a sponsor of the Win by Losing program. For details click here.

Spring Arbor University is currently enrolling students for spring programs at our local sites in Petoskey, Gaylord and Traverse City. Get your bachelor or master degree in 2 years or less by attending class just one evening per week for most programs. Please contact Sara Lancaster at sara.lancaster@arbor.edu or 231.439.6203 or 800. 968.0011 ext. 4282 for more information.

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

Veterans at North Central Michigan College will be better able to transition from military to college life and connect with available benefits, state and local resources and one-on-one support thanks to an innovative program launched by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) and the Michigan College Access Network. The program, known as the Michigan Veteran Education Initiative, places a veteran resource representative (VRR) on college campuses throughout Michigan, where they will work to ensure student veterans and their dependents succeed as they pursue an education. At North Central Michigan College, Melissa Colby will serve as the school's VRR. Veterans can contact Melissa Colby by calling (231) 348-6820 or emailing mcolby@ncmich.edu.

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