Bemidji BuyLine | February 01, 2025 by Bemidji Pioneer

A2 | Saturday, February 1, 2025 | tHe buyline SHopper to contribute newS StorieS or pHotoS, email: buyline@bemidjipioneer.com

Buena Vista Ski Area

to offer art class, group discounts

BEMIDJI — Buena Vista Ski Area will hold several events this weekend at 19600 Irvine Ave.

NW.

From 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, Buena Vista will host an art class with Amara Bedford on the third floor of the chalet.

The class is limited to eight people and the cost is $25 per person. For more information, call or text Amara at (215) 983-1664.

Attendees can also listen to live music by Muffy Dickinson.

Buena Vista will offer special discounts to mili tary and law enforcement members during Honor Our Troops days on Sat urday, Feb. 1, and Sunday, Feb. 2. Immediate family members are also includ ed in this special offer, the release said.

the Lights specials from 4 to 8 p.m. On Saturday, Feb. 1, it will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The ski area will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 2, with a sunset special from 3 to 6 p.m. Snow tubing is also available from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday with an online reservation.

“Come celebrate 75 years of winter memories at Buena Vista Ski Area,” the release said. For more information about these events, call (218) 243-2231 or visit the Buena Vista Ski Area Facebook page or website at www.bvskiarea.com.

On Sunday, Feb. 2, all Scout and 4H members will get special discounts on their lift tickets.

Buena Vista will be open for skiing and snowboarding from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31, with Friday Night Under

Beltrami County to offer free Valentine’s Day weddings

BEMIDJI — Couples hoping for a Valentine’s Day wedding will get some help from the Minnesota Judicial Branch as judges throughout the state will offer free marriages on Friday, Feb. 14.

Beltrami County will join 10 other district courts in offering the free Valentine’s Day weddings.

Appointments are required as the courthouses have limited ceremony times — no walkins will will be accepted. Additionally, the couple will need a valid

marriage license in the county they plan to be married in before the wedding can be performed.

The couple does not need to reside in the county the wedding will be performed in, however.

The Beltrami County Judicial Center is located at 600 Minnesota Ave. NW, Suite 108 in Bemidji. To register for Beltrami County, call (218) 888-5060.

Bemidji Jaycees seeks submissions for Water Carnival logo contest

BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Jaycees is accepting logo design entries for the

The Bemidji Regional Interdistrict Council has openings effective the 2025-2026 school year for the following positions:

Speech Language Pathologist

Speech Language Pathologist to be assigned to Waubun-OgemaWhite Earth MN area. CFY supervision available. Will consider applicants working towards a Masters.

School Psychologist

Provides direct and indirect support services pre-k through grade 12. Travel to assigned Districts near Bemidji, MN.

The BRIC offers a competitive compensation package, effective supervision, in-service training and technology support. Salary range $56,152.00–$82,984.00 dependent on qualifications and experience.

For inquiries contact BRIC Executive Director: Brenda Story @ 218-751-6622

Interested candidates should complete the online application process located at https://www.bric-k12.com/page/current-openings

81st Annual Water Carnival, set for July 2-6, 2025. The design can be made up of up to three colors, as well as black and white, and must include the following: Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox, the American Flag, fireworks and lake or water. Entries must be from area artists age 18 and younger, with submissions preferred before Feb. 1.

To submit an entry, send the logo, artist name and age to bemidjijaycees@gmail.com.

For contest rules and more information, visit www.bemidjijaycees.com/

water-carnival.html.

Bemidji Jaycees to host BRRRmidji Days Snow Sculpture contest

BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Jaycees will host a snow sculpture contest now through Feb. 10 as part of its second annual BRRRmidji Days. Prizes will be awarded for the most traditional, most creative and most colorful sculpture, a release said. In the event of minimal snow, a backup drawing contest will be held.For contest rules and to submit an entry, visit bemidjijaycees.com/ brrrmidji-days.

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Bemidji Area FGBF

set to meet

BEMIDJI — The Bemi-

dji Area Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship of America chapter is set to meet at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, in the Beltrami Electric Conference Room, 4111 Technology Drive NW.

A light breakfast will be served and all are welcome to attend.

The keynote speaker will be Joel Hamilton. Hamilton’s testimony will describe how he and his wife are challenged by life, driven to work, worn by the world and tested by God’s word, a release said.

Hamilton and his wife, Tammy, have lived in the Bemidji area their whole lives. They both grew up in the church, attending Sunday school and worshipping in Lutheran, Baptist, Catholic and Bible Churches.

They run a farm in the Guthrie area where they raise horses, chickens, a dog and two cats. Hamilton has been a farrier for 25 years in north central Minnesota. Hamilton and Tammy have two adult children and twin grandchildren.

Many other children have stayed in their home, including nieces, nephews, foster, foreign exchange and other school-age kids that needed a bed, meal or have been in transition, the release said.

Little Sprouts Nature Exploration program continues Feb. 1

BEMIDJI — The city of Bemidji Parks and Recreation Department will offer a Little Sprouts Nature Exploration program from 10 to 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, at the City Park Warming House, 1224 23rd St. NW. February’s meeting is all about animal winter survival. Attendees will explore the actions nature takes to survive winter by spending a short time outdoors seeking clues before heading inside for some hands-on activities and craft time, a release said. This is a preschool program all about nature exploration. Parents or guardians are required to stay during the event. The program costs $6 per preschool participant. To register, visit www. ci.bemidji.mn.us. For more information, call (218) 333-1862.

Beltrami County Historical Society photo

Third Street in downtown Bemidji sometime between 1910 and 1921 when the O’Leary-Bowser Company was at

204 Third St.

Big Game Game

WINNER AND SCORE

Great River Rescue to hold ‘Barkin’ Boba’ event

BEMIDJI — Great River Rescue, in partnership with Conservation Minnesota, is set to hold a “Barkin’ Boba” event from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 1, at the shelter, 1612 Carr Lake Road SE.

“Join us to learn how to make fresh boba drinks and enjoy some socializing with the shelter animals,” a release said.

Conservation Minnesota will be providing homemade boba recipes, samples and reusable straws.

This event is free, but donations are always appreciated. Items currently needed are wet food for kittens, wet food for puppies, fragrancefree laundry detergent, dish soap, office supplies, copier paper and items on the shelter’s Amazon

and Chewy wish lists. To register, visit secure.everyaction.com/ yxr5Tx6Lqk6SbJsDjp80bg2. For more information about the event, email Ashley@conservationminnesota.org or call (612) 324-7932. Great River Rescue is open from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays. To learn more about the shelter, visit www. greatriverrescue.com, Great River Rescue Facebook page or call (218) 751-7910.

Bemidji High School, Middle School to hold potato bar fundraiser BEMIDJI — The Bemidji High School and Bemidji Middle School activities departments will hold a potato bar fundraiser during the boys and girls doubleheader basketball games on Saturday, Feb. 1. The event will run from

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Bemidji High School commons, 2900 Division St. W. Tickets for the potato bar are $10 and available at the BHS and BMS activities offices as well as from a number of coaches.

According to a release, funds raised will go to the Lumberjack Field Improvement Project, which is a component fund of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation. The goal of the project is to improve athletic fields and practice areas by building a new competitive soccer field, updating soccer practice fields and building additional softball fields. This year, the project created a new jumps area for track and field.

For more information, contact Andrea Vaghn, dean of students and activities at Bemidji Middle School, at andra_ vaughn@isd31.net.

Ski

and snowboarding lessons available at Buena Vista

BEMIDJI — The city of Bemidji Parks and Recreation Department will host beginner skiing and snowboarding lessons from 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 2, at Buena Vista Ski Area, 19600 Irvine Ave.

The cost is $81.50 per person and the package includes a lift ticket, ski or board rental package, a helmet and a one-hour lesson.

Attendees will be with instructors from 2 to 3 p.m. and then have free time to practice without an instructor from 3 to 6 p.m.

Participants must be 7 years or older and preregistration is required.

For more information contact (218) 333-1862 and to register visit www. ci.bemidji.mn.us.

TWEENS & TEENS ARTISTIC ADVENTURES

Northern Artist Association FREE CLASSES REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Class size is limited so sign up now!

Classes are for youth under the age of 18.

Classes will be held at the historic Carnegie Library, 426 Bemidji Avenue N, Bemidji, MN

MARCH 1, 2025 • 9:30-12:30

“Foggy Morning” acrylic painting with Annette Meyer

MARCH 1, 2025 • 1:30-4:30

“Sleepy Fox” needle felting with Lanee Paulson

MARCH 15, 2025 • 9:30-12:30

“Wirewrapping 101” jewelry with Kathy Sanders

MARCH 15, 2025 • 1:30-4:30

“Stenciling For Kids” stenciling with Lily Hadrava

MARCH 29, 2025 • 9:30-12:30

“Fun with Watercolor Pencils” watercolors with Les Sanders

MARCH 29, 2025 • 1:30-4:30

“Circular Basket” basket making with Eileen Spilman

APRIL 5, 2025 • 9:30-12:30

“Copper for the Younger” copper embossing with Diana Collison-Jones

APRIL 5, 2025 • 1:30-4:30

“Folded Card Making” making cards with Cindy Kingsbury & Joan Ranney

APRIL 12, 2025 • 9:30-12:30

“Rectangular Basket” basket making with Eileen Spilman

APRIL 12, 2025 • 1:30-4:30

“Self-Portraiture of the Face” multi-media with Amara Bedford

To register: Go online to www.ci.bemidji.mn.us, Parks and Recreation will have a link to sign up for the classes.

By Adam Thomlison TV Media

Q: What kind of car does Wayne Campbell drive in “Wayne’s World”?

A: “Wayne’s World” (1992) is by far one of the most successful films to be made out of a “Saturday Night Live” sketch. And though it does have a storyline running through the film (more or less), it often felt more like a series of bits. By far the most memorable bit featured Wayne (Mike Myers, “Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery,” 1997), Garth (Dana Carvey, “The Master of Disguise,” 2002) and their friends driving around at night, headbanging to Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” in a 1976 AMC Pacer, nicknamed the Mirthmobile.

AMC (short for American Motors Corporation) isn’t around any longer, but incredibly, the Mirthmobile lives on. It sold at an auction in 2022 and, fortunately, the listing included a lot of details.

For example, according to a MotorAuthority.com article about the sale, it has a 258-cubic-inch, inline six-cylinder en-

gine and automatic transmission. As seen in the film, it has mismatched front and rear wheels. And “Wayne’s World” nerds will be delighted to know the car actually came with the in-cabin licorice and cup dispensers seen in “Wayne’s World 2” (1993). It’s introduced in the film as Garth’s car, but you’re right that Wayne also drives it in the movie. And there’s a fun piece of trivia attached to that: Myers didn’t actually know

Saturday, February 1, 2025

To conTribuTe news, sTories or phoTos, email: buyline@bemidjipioneer.com

Loon Country Arts to hold creative café, First Saturday open house

BEMIDJI — Loon Country Arts will host a creative café event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and an open house from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, at the gallery, 310 Fourth St. NW.

Artist Kathy Sanders will lead attendees in creating a one-of-a-kind

Valentine’s Day card featuring folded paper layers that swirl into fun and fanciful designs for cards or framed art, a release said. All materials are provided and no experience is required. Classes are geared toward ages 10 and older. This is a free activity; no pre-registration is required. While at the gallery,

attendees are invited to view beautiful, fused glass art pieces and visit with showcase artist Elisa Schaum from 2 to 4 p.m. The Visiting Artist Showcase is sponsored by First National Bank, Bemidji.

In addition, attendees can visit with gallery artists on how to become a participant in the Pathways to Art Program, a

new opportunity to mentor with an artist in various mediums. The opportunity to apply is open to any artist age 13 or older, free of charge. Applications for the program are now available at the gallery or by emailing the president at president@looncountryarts.org.

To learn more, call Loon Country Arts at (218) 444-9813 or visit

looncountryarts.org. Animals in Winter after-school club available through Parks and Rec BEMIDJI — The city of Bemidji Parks and Recreation Department is set to offer an Animals in Winter after-school club for youth from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays, Feb. 4-25, at the Carnegie Library, 317 Fourth St. NW.

Attendees will learn

about how animals survive the cold winter months and more science facts, a release said. This program is designed for participants ages 6-12. Snacks will be provided. The cost is $31 for the four-week program; scholarships are available. Register online at www. ci.bemidji.mn.us. For more information, contact (218) 333-1862.

Stellher has an opening for a full-time

Stellher has an opening for a

As a mental health professional, you will provide diagnostic assessments, therapy, and counseling support services for a mixed caseload including adults, children, adolescents, and families experiencing mental health issues, communication challenges, or family conflict. The Mental Health Professional will be familiar with other services and resources in the community and work closely with them to provide information and support when required. You’ll be working for an organization that encourages personal and professional growth through training and exploring innovative methods of therapy to help you find your own niche.

If you’re ready to begin the rewarding and meaningful work of making a positive difference in the lives of others, apply today!

Check out our website at: www.stellher.com

Stellher is an EOE.

Compass Rose to host Rebrand Bash Feb. 1

BEMIDJI — Compass Rose invites the community to its Rebrand Bash from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, at its downtown Bemidji location, 108 Third St. NW.

The event will showcase the store’s fresh look while highlighting Compass Rose’s carefully curated selection of home décor, gifts and locally-inspired products, a release said.

Attendees will get 20% off all purchases during the event, exclusive swag bags with RSVP and the chance to win prizes during giveaways. Guests can also enjoy catering provided by Fozzies Smokin Bar-BQ.

Established in 2016, Compass Rose is a home and gift boutique that specializes in products that celebrate northern roots and shared adventures. The store is rebranding under the tagline, “Gifts that guide you North.”

“The rebrand reinforces Compass Rose’s dedication to creating meaningful shopping experiences that celebrate community connections,” the release said.

“The store continues its tradition of supporting small, family-owned, female-owned and Minnesota-based businesses through its product selection.”

To RSVP and learn more, visit the Compass Rose Facebook page.

Headwaters Music and Arts to hold Saint Brigid’s Day celebration BEMIDJI — Headwaters Music and Arts will host a Saint Brigid’s Day celebration featuring folk musicians Danny Diamond and Brian Miller on Saturday, Feb. 1, at Headwaters, 519 Minnesota Ave. NW.

From 2 to 3 p.m., participants can join Diamond and Miller for a workshop on traditional folk music from their home areas. Born in Belfast, Ireland,

Diamond has toured internationally, creating and performing collaborative projects with writers, dancers and visual artists. He currently does research for The Data Science Institute in Galway and EU Polifonia research project and teaches Irish fiddle with The Center for Irish Music in Saint Paul. Originally from Bemidji, Miller fell in love with Irish traditional music at the Winnipeg Folk Festival and spent a semester abroad at University College Cork. He is active as a musician, researcher and librarian. He provides guitar and bouzouki accompaniment for the band Bua and also teaches at the Center for Irish Music. In this hour-long session, Diamond will give a presentation on his family’s music and its roots in the north of Ireland, as well as a particular tune from his family repertoire. Miller will speak about his groundbreaking research into Irish-influenced folk

music in logging-era Minnesota and focus on a particular song that was once sung here, a release said. Singers and instrumentalists are invited to come ready to sing or bring instruments to play. Diamond and Miller will briefly teach the tune and song by ear. Participants are also welcome to just come and listen.

From 3 to 4 p.m., Headwaters Program Manager Angela Marie will lead a fun, hands-on event where attendees will learn about Saint Brigid’s rich history and traditions while creating their own Brigid’s Cross to bring blessings and protection to their home, the release said. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit HeadwatersMusicAndArts.org.

Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society to host winter events

BEMIDJI — The

Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society will host a variety of outdoor events this winter at the Neilson Spearhead Center nature preserve, 48851 County 29. Ice Skating on Spearhead Lake will be held from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 2. Attendees can enjoy hot chocolate and socializing in a cleared section of the lake. Participants should dress for the winter weather and bring their own skates. Skating is free and open to all.

Walk on the Wild Side: Birding Basics and Citizen Science is set for 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15. “Join a friendly guide from the Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society to learn the basics of birding, and how you can contribute to the Great Backyard Bird Count, an important citizen science initiative,” a release said. Attendees should gather

at the Neilson Spearhead Center nature preserve visitor parking lot at 1 p.m. Participants should dress for the weather and bring binoculars if they have them.

First Quarter Birding Trip: Lake Bemidji State Park will be held from 8:30 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22. Together, attendees will seek out winter birds as they walk the Bog Boardwalk. The hike to the bog will be 1.25 miles one way. Participants should meet in the main Lake Bemidji State Park parking lot near the lake, between 8:15 and 8:30 a.m. Attendees should wear warm clothes and pack their binoculars or camera if they have them, the release said. For more information or to register, visit spearheadmhas.org/events. Questions can be directed to outreach@spearheadmhas.org.

fact that director Penelope Spheeris (“Suburbia,” 1983) didn’t learn until they were in production. She told Billboard magazine in 2017 that they had to send him for driving lessons while filming went on.

Q: I know Keanu Reeves has had quite the career since his “Bill and Ted” days, but whatever happened to the guy who played Bill?

A: More than you think, and it’s still happening for him. Their career paths have certainly diverged since co-starring in “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure” (1989), but at the time, Keanu Reeves (who played Ted) and Alex Winter (who co-starred as Bill) were on similar teen-star trajectories.

Reeves came into the film after a supporting role in the prestige drama “Dangerous Liaisons” (1988) and a lead role in the comedy “The Night Before” (also 1988). But Winter had an arguably more impressive entry on his resume, a role in the smash-hit 1987 horror-comedy “The Lost Boys,” which featured a who’s-who of young heartthrobs at the time.

Reeves, of course, went on to even bigger roles (most notably the zeitgeist-capturing 1999 scifi hit “The Matrix”), while Winter’s biggest roles were the various Bill & Ted revivals (starting with the big-screen sequel, “Bogus Journey,” in 1991 and capping most recently with 2020’s “Bill & Ted Face the Music”). But that’s partly because he shifted immediately toward behind-the-scenes work, directing some pretty highprofile music videos at first and soon moving to TV and feature films. He most recently directed the 2022 documentary “The YouTube Effect.”

He’s still acting too, though you might not have recognized his most recent outing. He appeared under layers of makeup and prosthetics in the 2024 comedic horror film “Destroy All Neighbors,” which was distributed on the Shudder streaming channel.

He also has two more films in post-production: the sci-fi pic “Absolute Dominion” and the crime-comedy “Adulthood,” which he also directed. Have a question? Email us at questions@tvtabloid.com.

Bagley Senior Center

Thrift Store to offer filla-bag sales

BAGLEY — During the first week of February, March and April, community members can stop by the Bagley Senior Center Thrift Store and fill a bag with items.

Bags will be provided and customers will get all the items in their bag for $4 total. The thrift store is overflowing with items to choose from, a release said. The dates of the sale are Feb. 3-7, March 3-7 and March 31 - April 4.

The thrift store is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, at 26 Main Ave. N in Bagley.

Bemidji Senior Center to hold book club, Capturing Your Memories class

BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Senior Center will hold its monthly book club and a Capturing Your Memories class on Tuesday, Feb. 4, at the center, 216 Third St. NW. The book club will meet at 10 a.m. Participants should come ready to discuss “Women” by Kristen Hannah, a release said.

The club meets at 10 a.m. on the first Tuesday of the month, and is accepting new members.

Attendees should read “Covenant of Water” by Abraham Verghese for the March meeting.

At 1 p.m., historian Sue Bruns will hold another Capturing Your Memories writing class.

“If you are looking for a way to get the creative juices flowing, join us for this inspiring class,” the release said. Both events are free and open to the public. The center welcomes attendees of all ages, explained the release.

For more information, contact (218) 751-8836. ‘Portrayals in Paper’ exhibition on display at BSU’s Talley Gallery

BEMIDJI — Paper quilling artist Nikki Besser’s exhibition “Portrayals in Paper” is currently on display at Bemidji State’s Talley Gallery. A closing reception for the exhibition will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20, at the gallery, Bridgeman Hall room 140 at BSU. Besser will give an artist talk during the reception at 2 p.m. Besser, a Minnesota artist, is self-taught in the art of paper quilling. The Talley Gallery is open at no charge to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information contact Gallery Director Alice Blessing at (218) 7552950 or alice.blessing@ bemidjistate.edu.

Bemidji Retired Military Club set to meet Feb. 6

BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Retired Military Club will host a meeting on the first Thursday of each month at a local restaurant for dinner and

Customers Finding Relief

camaraderie. The next meeting is set for Feb. 6.

“If you are a retired military veteran of any branch of service, we would love to have you join us,” a release said.

For more information, contact (218) 759-1096 to get the name of the restaurant of the month and leave your name and number to reserve a spot.

February Family Enrichment classes set at Mt. Zion Church

BEMIDJI — A “Floral Painting in Oils” Family Enrichment class is scheduled for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Feb. 6 and 20, at Mt. Zion Church, 414 Lincoln Ave.

This class will investigate an acrylic value study in black and white and then add color using oil paints to complete a lovely floral painting, a release said.

Classes are for participants age 12 and older; children must have an adult family member present.

This activity is free and all materials are provided for the classes, but pre-registration is required.

Contact Les Sanders at (218) 556-3521 or Kathy Sanders at (218) 556-0887 for details and registration. For more information, visit www.sandersartstudios.com.

Sokuji Zen Buddhist community announces meeting schedule

BEMIDJI — Sokuji Zen Buddhist community will

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meet at 6:15 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 6, at The Clearing, 514 Beltrami Ave. NW.

Attendees will meditate, followed by tea and conversation focusing on how Zen practice supports healthy relationships with ourselves, other people and all of life, a release said.

This session is designed for beginners. The group will continue to meet from 6:15 to 8 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month.

“Sokuji’s intention is to create a welcoming, safe and wholehearted introduction to anyone interested in learning more about Buddhist meditation,” explained the release.

For more information, visit www.zenupnorth.org.

Bagley Public Library book club to meet Feb. 7

BAGLEY — The Bagley Public Library’s book club will discuss “Anxious People” by Fredrik Backman at its meeting at 1 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7, at the library, 79 Spencer Clearwater Ave.

The book tells a story about a crime that never took place, a bank robber who never robs a bank and mysteriously disappears and eight extremely anxious strangers who find out they have more in common than they could ever have imagined, a release said.

The Bagley Public Library is open from 1 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9 a.m. to

5 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.

For more information on the club and other Lake Agassiz Regional Library events, contact (218) 2333757 or visit www.larl.org.

Parks and Rec to offer Puzzle Palooza event

BEMIDJI — The city of Bemidji Parks and Recreation Department will hold a Puzzle Palooza event from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7, at the Historic Carnegie Library.

Teams of two to four participants will race to see who can complete their 500-piece puzzle the fastest, a release said. Each team will have a twohour time limit.

Prizes will be given to the top finishers. If the time limit expires before any team has completed their puzzle, the remaining “loose” pieces will be counted to determine the winners, the release said. The cost to participate is $22 per team. Snacks are provided and teams will get to keep their puzzle after the competition.

Check-in starts at 4:30 p.m. with the competition starting at 5 p.m.

For more information or to register, visit www. ci.bemidji.mn.us or call (218) 333-1862.

Open Mic and CoffeeHouse event set at Headwaters Feb. 7

BEMIDJI — Headwaters

Music and Arts will host an Open Mic and CoffeeHouse featuring

Chelsaurio at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7, at Headwaters, 519 Minnesota Ave. NW.

The duo of Mauro Gutierrez, from Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Chelsea Ottman Rak, from Bemidji, first met in a small mountainous village in Honduras. They borrowed an acoustic guitar and passed the time teaching each other their favorites and learning new songs together, a release said.

“Both come from musical families: Chelsea’s grandpa was in a barbershop quartet and Mauro’s grandpa played tango,” added the release.

“They’re a duo for now, until their children are old enough to pick up instruments themselves to complete the band.”

Chelsaurio’s music is a fusion of rock, folk, blues and soul.

Held on the first Friday of most months, the Headwaters Open Mic offers a welcoming and supportive community for musicians and spoken-word performers. All ages and skill levels are encouraged to sign up for a 10 to 15-minute set.

Sign-up begins at 6:30 p.m. or by email to jjhgaard@gmail.com. Admission is $4 per person and $10 for families. Coffee and treats will be available for purchase courtesy of Apple Blossom Village in partnership with Starbucks.For more information, contact John Henningsgaard at (218) 444-9845.

Bemidji Area Aglow set to meet Feb. 8

BEMIDJI — Bemidji Area Aglow Lighthouse is set to meet from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 8, in the community room at Beltrami Electric, 4111 Technology Drive NW.

The meeting will start off with a praise and worship session.

Attendees will then watch a video on “The Believer’s Authority in Prayer” by internationally known teacher Dutch Sheets, followed by an interactive discussion and practice session, a release said.

All are welcome, freewill offerings will be received. Parks and Rec to offer intro to snowshoeing

BEMIDJI — The city of Bemidji Parks and Recreation Department is offering a snowshoeing event

from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, in North Country Park. This activity is for anyone who has experience snowshoeing or wants to try snowshoeing for the first time. Participants will explore some trails and enjoy the beauty of the north woods, a release said.

Parks and Rec will provide snowshoes or attendees can bring their own. The cost is $8 per participant and pre-registration is required.

To register, visit www. ci.bemidji.mn.us. For more information, call (218) 333-1862.

Watermark to host workshop with author Kent Nerburn

BEMIDJI — Watermark

Art Center invites the public to a writing workshop and presentation with author Kent Nerburn on Saturday, Feb. 8, at Watermark, 505 Bemi-

dji Ave. N. In the workshop, held from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Nerburn will take participants on an in-depth exploration of writing in the north country, a release said. Attendees will learn and practice techniques to explore connections to the unique Northwoods landscape and build believable stories by crafting great dialogue.

The class costs $30. For more information and to register, visit watermarkartcenter.org/ kent-nerburn.

At 6 p.m., Nerburn will give a presentation titled, “Listening for the Native Heartbeat: How Northern Minnesota Shaped me as a Writer.”

He will address the layers of meaning he has found in the north country, from the cultural to the spiritual, how they informed his sensibilities

as a writer and what they have to teach others who practice the arts here in the north country.

“There is a power and a presence in this northern Minnesota land that shapes all who live upon it,” said Nerburn in the release.

The presentation is free and open to the public.

Nerburn is a two-time winner of the Minnesota Book Award and the author of 16 books on spirituality and the bridge between Native and non-Native cultures, including the internationally-recognized trilogy: “Neither Wolf nor Dog,” “The Wolf at Twilight,” and “The Girl Who Sang to the Buffalo.”

Watermark galleries are free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

For more information, contact (218) 444-7570 or

visit WatermarkArtCenter.org.

Community contra dance set for Feb. 8

BEMIDJI — Bemidji

Contra Dance will host a community contra dance at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, at Rail River Folk School, 303 Railroad St. SW.

Contra dancing is a lively, traditional social dance that originated in New England and is now done all over the United States, a release said.

The community is invited to dance to live music by Tickwood String Band of Fergus Falls with calling by Wendy Greenburg, the release said.

Everything is taught by the caller and experience or partners will not be necessary. All ages are welcome.

A free-will donation of $5 to $10 is suggested but any amount is accepted.

The first hour will be dedicated to dances for young families.

For more information, visit the Bemidji Contra Dance Facebook page. Bemidji Senior Center to offer Medicare 101 class

BEMIDJI — Joan Miller will be teaching a Medicare 101 class at 1 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month at the Bemidji Senior Center, 216 Third St. NW.

“Medicare can be very confusing and having a professional explain all the options really is a benefit to our community,” a release said. Miller will answer questions about the Medicare process. This class is free to attend. For more information, call the center at (218) 751-8836.