Moolenaar holds office hours
EVART — Congressman John Moolenaar is holding office hours 11 a.m. to noon on Thursday, July 26, at Evart District Library, 104 N. Main St.
The purpose of the office hours is to help residents in need of assistance with a federal agency, like the IRS and the VA.
T.O.P.S. meets on Thursdays
EVART — T.O.P.S. Weight Loss Group meets every Thursday at 8:20 a.m. at Evart United Methodist Church.
Weigh-in is from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m., and the meeting begins at 9:30 p.m.
Free concert series
REED CITY — A free concert series at the Reed City Depot run every Thursday this summer.
The concerts will be on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month from 7 to 9 p.m. through the summer. The music featured will be old country and gospel.
If you have any questions, contact Pete at 231-629-0122.
Theatre to present ‘Anne of Green Gables’
REED CITY — Reed City CrossRoads Theatre will present “Anne of Green Gables” on July 27-29 and Aug. 4-5.
The July 27 performance will be at 7 p.m., while all other shows will be at 2 p.m.
Reed City CrossRoads Theatre is located at 249 W. Upton Ave. Tickets will cost $10 for adults and $5 for children.
For more information, call 231-465-4334.
Muskegon River Voyage planned
BIG RAPIDS — To spread awareness of river safety, a small crew representing Big Rapids Area River Safety (BRARS) is paddling the Muskegon River from Evart to Newaygo in early August. BRARS invites the community to join in paddling for a few hours or for a day.
The schedule is as follows:
• Day 1: Friday, Aug. 3. Leaving at 8 a.m., Evart (Riverside Park West) to Northend Park, Big Rapids. 9-plus hour trip, almost 28 miles.
• Day 2: Saturday, Aug. 4. Leaving at 9 a.m., Northend Park in Big Rapids to Brower’s Park. 7-plus hour trip, approx 20.5 miles.
• Day 3: Sunday, Aug. 5. Leaving at 10 a.m., Brower’s Park to Croton Dam. 5-plus hour trip, almost 12 miles.
• Day 4: Monday, Aug 6. Leaving at 9 a.m., Croton Dam to Newaygo. 5-6 hour trip, approx. 14 miles.
*This schedule may change. If the event of poor weather or mishaps, the group will reduce miles on the southern end.
Individuals joining in on the voyage participate at their own risk and are responsible for their own boats, transportation, food and safety gear. Life jackets are a must and minors must be accompanied by an adult.
For more information, email muskegonrivervoyage@gmail.com.
Fire department sponsoring Timber Beast race
EVART — The Evart Fire Department will be sponsoring its third annual Timber Beast 5K and Triathlon on Saturday, Aug. 11.
The race begins at 9 a.m. and begins at Riverside Park.
For more information, visit www.timberbeast.weebly.com or call Cheyanne at 616-821-3820.
Registration open for Crossroads 5K
REED CITY — Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital will be holding the 14th annual Great American Crossroads 5K Run and Walk on Saturday, Aug. 18.
Participants can register at spectrumhealth.org/annual-5K-run, or call 231.832.7149. More than 120 people are expected to take part in the event.
The course winds through Reed City parks and the Pere Marquette Trail, plus city streets. The hospital sponsors the 5K to promote health and wellness in the community.
Runners will start at 9:00 a.m., with walkers leaving immediately after the runners. Again this year there will be a free “Kids Dash” for youngsters up to age 10 at 8:30 a.m., preceding the start of the race.
Registration is $25 per runner or walker, which includes a tech tee shirt, although walkers who do not want the official race shirt can participate at no cost. Individuals who register before July 30 receive a $5 discount, along with a guaranteed shirt.
Big Rapids Eagles golf outing to benefit cancer patients
BIG RAPIDS — Big Rapids Eagles Aerie No. 2535 is hosting the 31st annual Steve C. Hall Memorial Golf Outing is Saturday, Aug. 18, at Clear Lake Golf Course. Their goal is to raise money to help patients struggling to meet travel expenses for their chemotherapy and radiation treatments at the Reed City facility.
The Eagles assist the cancer patients by underwriting gas cards for them. In the past the $65 per-person event has raised $3,000 for the patient assistance initiative.
Golfers can pre-register and pay the entry fee at the Eagles Lodge on 16 Mile Road in Big Rapids, or by calling 231-796-6453. The fee includes golf, lunch and a steak dinner.
The event features a shotgun start at 9 a.m. on Aug. 18. Check-in time is 8 a.m. Teams and individuals are welcome.
Better Breathers Club forms
BIG RAPIDS — Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital is launching a new free support group for people who live with lung disease.
The initial six-month series of meetings are 2 p.m. on the third Monday of the each month in the hospital’s third-floor classroom. Caregivers as well as lung disease patients are welcome.
The classes will be led by Melinda Hutson, respiratory therapist in the cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation department, and Cassie Tower, lead respiratory therapist in the cardiopulmonary department for Big Rapids and Reed City Hospitals.
For more information or to register, call 231-592-4204.
‘A Matter of Balance’
EVART — Osceola County Commission on Aging is offering a free program called “A Matter of Balance.” This program emphasizes practical strategies to manage falls.
Participants will learn to view falls as controllable, set goals for increasing activity, make changes to reduce fall risks at home and exercise to increase strength and balance.
“A Matter of Balance” consists of eight two-hour sessions. These sessions will be held at the Osceola County Commission on Aging office, located at 732 West 7th St., Evart. The classes will be held on Fridays, August 3, 10, 17, 24 and September 7, 14, 21 and 28 at 10 a.m. to noon.
For more information or to register, please call the Osceola County Commission on Aging 231-734-5559.
‘Powerful Tools for Caregivers’
BIG RAPIDS — The MSU Extension six-week program “Powerful Tools for Caregivers” has been postponed due to lack of signup and will now be held on Fridays from August 17 through Sept. 21.
The program focuses on helping caregivers take care of themselves while caring for a relative or friend. Topics will include ways to reduce stress, communication solutions, reducing guilt, anger and depression, ways to relax, how to make tough decisions and problem-solving.
The program will be held on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the MSU Extension Big Rapids office, 14485 Northland Dr. Feel free to bring a sack lunch.
This is a free program but registration is required by calling Lisa at 231-592-0792 or emailing danie270@msu.edu.
Free lunches available for children during summer
EVART — Evart Public Schools will be sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program for Children during the summer months to provide free lunches for children.
The lunches will be held June 4 through August 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The lunches will be held at Evart Elementary School, 515 N. Cedar St., Evart.
Free meals will be made available to children 18 years of age and under or persons up to age 26 who are enrolled in an educational program for the mentally or physically disabled that is recognized by a state or local public educational agency.
For more information, contact Cheryl Sherman at 231-734-5594.
Breakfast buffet at Evart VFW post
EVART— A breakfast buffet will be held on the second and fourth Sundays from 7 to 11 a.m., monthly until November, at 4681 85th Ave.
Bingo at Evart VFW
EVART— VFW Post 7979 will host Bingo each Thursday, at 4681 85th Ave. Doors open at 4 p.m. Early Bird start at 6 p.m. (License A04340)
TOPS weight loss meeting
REED CITY— TOPS weight loss meetings, Reed City, Chapter 1682, Monday weigh-in at 5:30 p.m. and meeting from 6 to 7 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church.
Al-Anon meeting
REED CITY— Al-Anon meetings will be held on Mondays at 1 p.m. at St. Philips Church in Reed City and Tuesdays at 7 p.m., also at the church.
• EVART— Thursdays at 7 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Evart.
Fish fry at Evart Moose Lodge
EVART— A fish fry or shrimp dinner will be held on Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Evart Moose Lodge, 8400 U.S. 10 in Evart.
For more information, call 231-734-6181.
Bingo at Evart Moose
EVART— Evart Moose Lodge will host Bingo each Monday at 8400 U.S. 10. Doors open at 4 p.m. Early bird takes place at 6 p.m. with regular Bingo at 6:30 p.m. (License No. A21600).
Rock, gem and mineral club meetings
BIG RAPIDS — Big Rapids Rock, Gem and Mineral Club will hold meetings at 6:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month (March through December) at the Geology lab, room 138, science building, at Ferris State University.
Free blood pressure clinics
EVART— Osceola County Commission on Aging is offering free blood pressure clinics for adults 60 years and older. Monthly blood pressure screenings will be conducted at the OCCOA meal sites in Evart, Marion and Tustin.
Evart’s clinic will be held on the second Tuesday every month, 10 a.m. to noon. The Evart meal site is located at 732 West Seventh St. (U.S. 10).
Marion and Tustin’s clinics will be held on the third Tuesday each month, 10 a.m. to noon. The Marion meal site is at 101 E. Main St. The Tustin meal site is at 213 South Neilson.
Walk-in clinics. If you wish to eat at the meal site, call 231-734-5559 at least a day before to reserve a spot.
Food pantries
A food pantry is available to residents in need who live in Osceola County. The following is a list of the different locations, hours and contact people.
SEARS— Former Orient Township Hall, next to the Post Office
Every Tuesday, 1 to 4 p.m.
Contact Ken at 231-620-2504
MARION— Marion Food Pantry, East Main Street, by appointment, on call 24 hours
Contact Marsha at 231-743-6092
TUSTIN— Augustana Lutheran Church
Every Monday, 9 a.m. to noon, for Pine River school district residents only
Contact Katie at 231-768-4418
LEROY — Rose Lake Free Methodist Church
Second Tuesday of the month from 3-5 p.m. for all Osceola County residents
Contact Vicky at 231-388-1782
REED CITY— St. Phillip Neri Church
Every Tuesday, Thursday, 1 to 4 p.m.
Contact Robert at 231-832-2624
AARP meeting
REED CITY— AARP No. 2418 meets on the second Wednesday of every month at the United Methodist Church in Reed City.
Potluck lunch (bring own table service) will start at noon followed by a program starting at 1 p.m. Everyone welcome.
For more information, contact Marylou at 231-832-4938.
Shepherd’s Table
REED CITY— Church of the Nazarene, Shepherd’s Table makes a free meal every Thursday at 5:30 p.m., 5300 220th Ave. Donations welcome.
Volunteers needed
for Road to Recovery
REED CITY— Road to Recovery is an American Cancer Society volunteer-based program that provides transportation for cancer patients to and from their treatments. Volunteer drivers transport patients from their home to cancer treatment centers, doctor visits and other cancer-related appointments.
The American Cancer Society is working with Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital, Susan P. Wheatlake Regional Cancer Center to recruit volunteer drivers and coordinators from Osceola and its surrounding counties to help drive cancer patients to and from their treatment. All volunteers’ need is a few hours during the week and a desire to make a difference.
Local community members who are interested in volunteering for the Road to Recovery program should contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345.
Dinner with friends at St. Paul Lutheran Church
EVART— Dinner with Friends Community Meal will be held on the second Wednesday of each month from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 435 W. 5th St. Sponsored by St. Paul Lutheran Church and the Evart United Methodist Church.
Donations appreciated. Takeout available.
For more information, contact 231-734-3585 or 231-734-5491.
In the event that school is canceled, Dinner with Friends will not take place.
Free dinner
at Reed City Church
REED CITY— There will be a free dinner every Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Church of the Firstborn Revival Center, 310 S. Higbee.
Donations accepted but not necessary.
Free community dinner
SEARS— Free community dinner will be held every Saturday night at 5:45 p.m. in Brooks Corners Hall with a contemporary worship at 6:30 p.m. Invite a friend.
Health specialty clinic
REED CITY— Urologist, John Anema, M.D. will be offering outpatient services at the hospital’s Specialty Clinic twice a month.
He will be consulting with patients on the second Friday of the month and performing outpatient surgery and other procedures, including lithotripsy on the fourth Friday.
The clinic is located at 300 N. Patterson Road. Contact Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital Specialty Clinic at 231-832-7108 for more information.
Crossroads Quilt Guild meeting
REED CITY— The Crossroads Quilt Guild will hold meetings on the fourth Tuesday of each month, except December, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Reed City Church of the Nazarene.
Activities at the Reed City Senior Center
REED CITY— The Senior Center, 219 Todd Ave., has the following activities:
Wednesday: Fun Bingo (18 and older) at 12:30 p.m.
Thursday: Euchre at 12:30 p.m.
Friday night: Regular Bingo (weather permitting). Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Early Birds start at 6 p.m. (License No.A22502)
For further information, contact Carolyn at 231-832-2676.
Free movie nights
SEARS— Free movie nights will be held the second Friday night of the month at 7 p.m. at Brooks Corner Hall, U.S. 66 and 10. Free popcorn and hot dogs.
Day book club
at Reed City Library
REED CITY— A day book club will be held on the first Wednesday of the month at 1:30 p.m. at the Reed City Public Library.
OLAH holding monthly meetings
EVART— The Osceola League for Arts and Humanities will be holding a monthly meeting on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at 207 N. Main St., Evart, 231-734-9900.
Art, antiques, crafts. Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lapidary Class, Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m.
Classes in other areas of the arts will be offered for those interested.
Free health care services
CADILLAC— Free limited health care services are available in Cadillac for residents of Wexford, Missaukee and parts of Osceola and Lake counties with low income and no health insurance. Weekly health clinics are scheduled based on the availability of volunteer healthcare providers. New patients need to call for an eligibility appointment.
Medication assistance may be available through the Stehouwer Free Clinic. Qualified applicants must have a Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital affiliated provider and meet guidelines set by pharmaceutical companies. Eligibility appointments are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.
Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m.)
Stehouwer Free Clinic is located at 201 N. Mitchell St. (lower level).
Hersey Congregational Church services
HERSEY— Service time for Hersey Congregational Church, 216 S. Main St., is a 10 a.m. traditional service.
Congregate meal sites for Osceola County COA
TUSTIN — Tustin Meal Site
213 Neilson
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
Lunch served at noon
REED CITY— Reed City Meal Site
802 Mill Street
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
Lunch served at noon
EVART— Evart Meal Site
732 W. 7th Street
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
Lunch served at noon
MARION— Marion Meal Site
221 S. Mill Street
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
Lunch served at noon
Beginning line dancing classes in Evart
EVART— Line dancing 101 (beginner line dancing) will be held every Wednesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at 110 U.S. 10 in Evart.
There will be a $3 donation.
For more information, contact Carol at 231-734-5305.
Breakfast on second Sunday at Evart VFW
EVART— Breakfast will be held the second Sunday of each month from 7 to 11 a.m. at the Evart VFW.
Includes eggs, sausage, bacon, hash browns, biscuits and gravy, and pancakes. All you can eat for $6.
Quilts to Comfort meeting
REED CITY— Patsy Blue’s Quilts to Comfort meets the second Monday of each month, except December, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to make quilts for the Susan P. Wheatlake Cancer Center. Guild meetings are the fourth Tuesday, except December, at 6 p.m. Quilters of all skill levels welcome.
All meetings are held at Reed City Church of the Nazarene, 5300 220th Ave.
For further details, contact Liz at 231-734-9704.
