Mills Community House Association - Benzonia, Michigan
Office Hours by appointment
(7)
Attention animal lovers: a live raptor presentation is coming to Benzie County! All are invited to learn about these birds and how you can help support them. We’re thrilled to be partnering with Skegemog Raptor Center for this unique event on December 18 at 6:00pm.
December has arrived! Here is a copy of our newsletter.
https://millscommhouse.my.canva.site/december2023 -page
The Smithsonian Museum on Main Street is packed up and on it’s way to the next location. Big thanks to our community for supporting and attending this exhibition! And an extra shout out to Benzonia Public Library for bringing the Smithsonian to Benzie County!
Reminder, Friday and Saturday are the last days to see the Smithsonian exhibit.
FREE ADMISSION
Hours are 12:00-6:00
Let's highlight another partner organization! Point Betsie Lighthouse
As part of "Spark! Places of Innovation", Benzonia Public Library reached out to other Benzie County innovators to create wrap around displays and additional programming.
Point Betsie Lighthouse was established in 1858. Over a 160 years later the lighthouse is still serving ships on Lake Michigan as an active navigation aid. "Point Betsie is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Reference #84001375"
Website: https://pointbetsie.org/
The Smithsonian Museum on Main Street project is funded in part by Smithsonian Museum on Main Street and Michigan Humanities an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities
Let's highlight another partner organization! 100 Women Who Care - Benzie County
As part of "Spark! Places of Innovation", Benzonia Public Library reached out to other Benzie County innovators to create wrap around displays and additional programming.
100+ Women Who Care is a group of women formed for the purpose of helping those in need. 100+ women who commit to the group. Commitment involves attending four, one hour meetings per year, pledging $100 per meeting ($400 per year). At each meeting, an opportunity is provided for three members of the group to present a five (5) minute explanation of a local 501(c)3 organization in need. There is a 5 minute opportunity for questions after each presentation then a vote is taken by ballot. The winner in announced. each of the 100 (or more) women will write a $100 check to the chosen non profit. That means $10,000+ for the selected charity.
Mills Community House Association was a past recipient! The money was used to install the bathrooms on the upper level, Mills Hall.
Website: https: https://www.facebook.com/benzie100wwc/
The global "100 Who Care Alliance": https://www.100whocarealliance.org/
If you have questions or want to join, please email [email protected]
The Smithsonian Museum on Main Street project is funded in part by Smithsonian Museum on Main Street and Michigan Humanities an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities
Let's highlight another partner organization! Iron Fish Distillery
As part of "Spark! Places of Innovation", Benzonia Public Library reached out to other Benzie County innovators to create wrap around displays and additional programming. Iron Fish Distillery was "[b]orn on the waters of the Betsie River, raised on its watershed farmland and inspired by upstream journeys of the steelhead" and they are "Michigan's first farm based distillery, returning spirit to its origin."
"This is Iron Fish’s “Sustainable Spirits” pledge to our customers, partners, community and Mother Nature:
We will continue to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.
We will use renewable and recyclable materials as much as possible.
We will use sustainable farming methods.
We will maintain our forests in a sustainable manner.
We will always strive to be better and better stewards of our watershed and ecosystem."
Iron Fish is offering free tours of their farm and facility. Be sure to use code FREETOUR when you book!
Tour Link: https://ironfishdistillery.com/tours/
**Free for all tours except for VIP tours
Iron Fish Distillery's website: https://ironfishdistillery.com/
The Smithsonian Museum on Main Street project is funded in part by Smithsonian Museum on Main Street and Michigan Humanities an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities
Join the Benzonia Public Library Repurposeful Librarians. Today! 2pm-4pm, lower level of the Mills Community House!
You can also visit the Smithsonian Museum on Main Street today from 12pm-6pm, upper level of the Mills Community House.
Let's highlight another partner organization! Gillison's Variety Fabrication Inc.
As part of "Spark! Places of Innovation", Benzonia Public Library reached out to other Benzie County innovators to create wrap around displays and additional programming.
Gillison's Variety Fabrication Inc. was founded in 1977 by Ron and Dianne Gillison. "Not long after, engineers from Michigan State asked Ron to build them a newly designed hedger that would offer safer pruning of fruit trees. Ron adapted a flywheel design he’d seen used on Singer sewing machines for the drive system on the hedger, and thus was born the first GVF custom farm machine. Ron, a lifelong farmer himself, realized that wherever there was a gap in farm equipment capability, he could engineer a solution to fill that gap, and with his sharp eye for rugged quality, improve the lives of other farmers like himself."
Website: https://www.gillisons.com/index.php
The Smithsonian Museum on Main Street project is funded in part by Smithsonian Museum on Main Street and Michigan Humanities an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities
At The Gathering Place for their brownie bar and open house. Open until 4:30 🍫.
Let's highlight another partner organization! Benzie Senior Resources and The Gathering Place
As part of "Spark! Places of Innovation", Benzonia Public Library reached out to other Benzie County innovators to create wrap around displays and additional programming. The Gathering Place will be hosting a program today, November 16th their location on US-31.
Event link for 11/16/23: https://fb.me/e/6VgImyCBJ
11/16/23 4See where all the Great Activities Happen!
Craft items for Crochet, Knit, and Sew Circle.
Brownies and other goodies, cocoa and coffee.
The purpose of the open house is to acquaint visitors with The Gathering Place and all it has to offer…hot lunches M-F, and a plethora of activities helping seniors stay vibrant and socially active.
There will also be a craft sale table, with all proceeds helping fund the center’s activities.
FREE ADMISSION
Benzie Senior Resource's website: https://benzieseniorresources.org/
The Gathering Place's webpage: https://benzieseniorresources.org/senior-center/
The Smithsonian Museum on Main Street project is funded in part by Smithsonian Museum on Main Street and Michigan Humanities an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities
Let's highlight another partner organization! Benzie Bus
As part of "Spark! Places of Innovation", Benzonia Public Library reached out to other Benzie County innovators to create wrap around displays and additional programming.
Planning for the Benzie Bus began in the 1990s to address the need for public transportation in Benzie County. The initiative officially launched in 2005 and in 2007 Benzie Bus officially "opened its doors to the public." The Benzie Bus fleet now includes over 20 busses and is working to make them more fuel efficient.
You can visit their social media pages and website for more information.
Website: https://www.benziebus.com/
The Smithsonian Museum on Main Street project is funded in part by Smithsonian Museum on Main Street and Michigan Humanities an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities
Let's highlight another partner organization! The Cherry Hut Restaurant
As part of "Spark! Places of Innovation", Benzonia Public Library reached out to other Benzie County innovators to create wrap around displays and additional programming.
The Cherry Hut opened to the public for the first time in 1922. The original location was on the north shore of Crystal Lake. Now it sits prominently on US 31 in Beulah. Come check out their trifold on display to see pictures and read about their history and the people who have dined there over the last 100 years.
You can visit their social media pages and website for more information.
Website: https://www.cherryhut.com/
The Smithsonian Museum on Main Street project is funded in part by Smithsonian Museum on Main Street and Michigan Humanities an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities
Let's highlight another partner organization! Benzie Area Christian Neighbors
As part of "Spark! Places of Innovation", Benzonia Public Library reached out to other Benzie County innovators to create wrap around displays and additional programming. BACN will be hosting a program this Wednesday, November 15th their location on US-31.
Event link for 11/15/23: https://fb.me/e/uJB9FiLcC
Registration link: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=v-mB8UKfeEWj44TYKAcCVzDII1xxXyxLnGgbyCgCVcBUQTJZUlRWR1dKUzRDQUlBSERNV1NCWVM4OS4u
11/1/23 40 Years of Neighbors Helping Neighbors. A Discussion with the women who have led BACN. A robust conversation honoring BACN's past and embracing its future. Due to limited seating, registration for the panel discussion is required.
Reception and building tours at 4pm open to the public.
FREE ADMISSION
BACN's website: https://benziebacn.org/
The Smithsonian Museum on Main Street project is funded in part by Smithsonian Museum on Main Street and Michigan Humanities an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities
What a fun morning! Students and parents from Crystal Lake Cooperative Preschool came and planted a giant sequoia in the front lawn. The giant sequoia was donated by Archangel Ancient Tree Archive.
Mills board president, Jimmy McLaren, and Archangel accounting and development coordinator, Amanda Milarch, led the kids through the planting and how to take care of the tree.
David Milarch, co-founder of Archangel Ancient Tree Archive, donated the tree for this event because of his ties to the community and the cooperative preschool in particular.
After planting the tree and agreeing to be stewards of its growth, our friends came inside to have storytime with Benzonia Public Library’s Miss Amanda 📖
Thank you to all who came and supported the students ♥️
The Smithsonian Museum on Main Street project is funded in part by Smithsonian Museum on Main Street and Michigan Humanities an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities
Let's highlight another partner organization! Benzie Conservation District
As part of "Spark! Places of Innovation", Benzonia Public Library reached out to other Benzie County innovators to create wrap around displays and additional programming. Benzie Conservation District will be hosting a program this Saturday, November 11th at Mills Community House on the lower level.
Event link for 11/11/23: https://fb.me/e/7dxlIhA8G
11/1/23 Gyotaku Fish Printing. Make your own print with our fish replicas, and learn about local freshwater fish and Benzie County's aquatic ecosystems.
FREE ADMISSION
The Smithsonian Museum on Main Street project is funded in part by Smithsonian Museum on Main Street and Michigan Humanities an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities
Let's highlight another partner organization! Honor Area Restoration Project
As part of "Spark! Places of Innovation", Benzonia Public Library reached out to other Benzie County innovators to create wrap around displays and additional programming.
Honor Area Restoration Project (HARP) is currently in phase 2 of their Platte Lake Park project. Through a combination of grants and donations, HARP successfully fundraised the amount needed to purchase property along the Platte River. You can see a video from 2017 on their youtube channel about the property.
Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANtdcGvDh74
Phase 2 is just one part of a long term plan to "a parking lot, sidewalks and pathways, a restroom facility, a canoe/kayak launch and interpretive and way-finding signage".
To learn more about HARP and their long term plan for Platte River Park and Honor, MI you can visit their page and website.
Website: https://www.restorehonormi.org/
The Smithsonian Museum on Main Street project is funded in part by Smithsonian Museum on Main Street and Michigan Humanities an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities
Let's highlight another partner organization! The Garden Theater
As part of "Spark! Places of Innovation", Benzonia Public Library reached out to other Benzie County innovators to create wrap around displays and additional programming.
The Garden Theater opened to the public for the first time in 1924. Almost 100 years later, the Garden Theater is now maintained by a non-profit, Friends of the Garden Theater. Currently, the Friends of the Garden Theater are running a campaign to purchase solar panels.
You can visit their social media pages and website for more information.
Website: https://gardentheater.org/
The Smithsonian Museum on Main Street project is funded in part by Smithsonian Museum on Main Street and Michigan Humanities an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities
Let's highlight another partner organization! Platte Lake Improvement Association
As part of "Spark! Places of Innovation", Benzonia Public Library reached out to other Benzie County innovators to create wrap around displays and additional programming.
Platte Lake Improvement Association is "committed to ensuring Platte Lake is a healthy and beautiful body of water that everyone can enjoy now and in the future".
You can visit their social media pages and website for more information.
Website: https://plattelake.org/about-platte-lake
The Smithsonian Museum on Main Street project is funded in part by Smithsonian Museum on Main Street and Michigan Humanities an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities
Let's highlight another partner organization! COGNiTiON
As part of "Spark! Places of Innovation", Benzonia Public Library reached out to other Benzie County innovators to create wrap around displays and additional programming. COGNiTiON will be hosting a program this Sunday, November 5th at Mills Community House, and again on Friday, November 17th at their location in Beulah.
Event link for "Virtual Reality" 11/5/23: https://fb.me/e/9pPguaJ8a
Event link for " Planetarium Show at Cognition" 11/17/23: https://fb.me/e/5XJdQABwS
FREE ADMISSION
The Smithsonian Museum on Main Street project is funded in part by Smithsonian Museum on Main Street and Michigan Humanities an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities
Let's highlight another partner organization! Joy2ride
As part of "Spark! Places of Innovation", Benzonia Public Library reached out to other Benzie County innovators to create wrap around displays and additional programming.
Joy 2 Ride is a non-profit started by Carol Kraak. "The program allows individuals who are physically unable to pedal/ride a bike, the opportunity to enjoy our fantastic Betsie Valley Trail, by using a specially designed wheelchair bike and volunteer “pilots”. This is for the elderly, challenged, disabled either permanently or temporarily from illness, and those of any age. Our guests do NOT necessarily have to be “disabled” BUT perhaps just unable to pedal/ride a bike themselves! This Wheelchair Bike is designed to let someone else do the pedaling while the guest enjoys the view. Just sit back, relax and let us do the “work”!"
Website: https://www.joy2ridebenzie.org/
The Smithsonian Museum on Main Street project is funded in part by Smithsonian Museum on Main Street and Michigan Humanities an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities
Let's highlight another partner organization! Grow Benzie
As part of "Spark! Places of Innovation", Benzonia Public Library reached out to other Benzie County innovators to create wrap around displays and additional programming. Grow Benzie will be hosting a program this Thursday, November 2nd at their location.
Event link for 10/25/23: https://fb.me/e/4ByEzJdoP
11/2/23 The Grow Benzie Story: A 15 year history. Presented by Grow Benzie. Join us for a potluck and evening of food, stories, and photographs showcasing the history of Grow Benzie. Learn how this nonprofit grew from an abandoned plant nursery into a thriving community center.
FREE ADMISSION
The Smithsonian Museum on Main Street project is funded in part by Smithsonian Museum on Main Street and Michigan Humanities an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities
Let's highlight another partner organization! Friends of the Betsie Valley Trail
As part of "Spark! Places of Innovation", Benzonia Public Library reached out to other Benzie County innovators to create wrap around displays and additional programming.
"The Betsie Valley Trail is 22 miles long and extends from Frankfort through Elberta and Beulah to Thompsonville in Benzie County Michigan. The Trail is popular for bicycle and pedestrian use. Pets are permitted on most parts of the Trail as long as they are on a leash and under control. Pets (except leader dogs) are not permitted on the portion of the Trail between Mollineaux Road and Beulah."
Website: https://betsievalleytrail.org/
Article about the spark grant they were recently awarded: https://www.recordpatriot.com/news/article/betsie-valley-trail-receives-400-000-michigan-18421887.php
The Smithsonian Museum on Main Street project is funded in part by Smithsonian Museum on Main Street and Michigan Humanities an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities
Let's highlight another partner organization! Thompsonville Area Revitalization Project
As part of "Spark! Places of Innovation", Benzonia Public Library reached out to other Benzie County innovators to create wrap around displays and additional programming. Thompsonville Area Revitalization Project recently held a wrap around program at Mills Community House. Charles T. Kraus, the author of "Thompsonville In Time: A Northwest Michigan Story 1890-2021" and President of the Thompsonville Area Revitalization Project (TARP), gave a brief history of Thompsonville’s past and shared a look toward the future.
TARP website: https://allaboardtville.org/
Stop by the exhibit and grab a free sticker and brochure in front of the TARP Trifold!
The Smithsonian Museum on Main Street project is funded in part by Smithsonian Museum on Main Street and Michigan Humanities an affiliate of the National Endowment Humanities
Let's highlight another partner organization! Benzie Area Zonta Club
As part of "Spark! Places of Innovation", Benzonia Public Library reached out to other Benzie County innovators to create wrap around displays and additional programming. Benzie Area Zonta Club will be hosting a program this Saturday, October 28th on the lower level of Mills Community House.
Event link for 10/28/23: https://fb.me/e/3c5ItIL84
10/28/23 Zonta club has made over 15,000 mastectomy pillows since 2004. We are the only major supplier for the Smith Family Cancer Center in Traverse City. We sew once a month on a Saturday morning in the winter months and produce about 100-125 at each sewing bee. We are willing to move our sewing bee to the Mills lower level for a Saturday sewing bee during your Smithsonian event. Guest would be invited to bring their sewing machine or stuff pillows with us from 9-noon
FREE ADMISSION
The Smithsonian Museum on Main Street project is funded in part by Smithsonian Museum on Main Street and Michigan Humanities an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities
Let's highlight another partner organization! Sow She Grows Flower Farm
As part of "Spark! Places of Innovation", Benzonia Public Library reached out to other Benzie County innovators to create wrap around displays and additional programming.
Sow She Grows Flower Farm is a micro farm located under the Frankfort archway. Charla grows her flowers with organic farming methods and sells them in her farm shed on the property. You can look for the bicycle out by the road to see if the shed is open. In additional to her beautiful floral arrangements, Charla also uses her flowers to dye fabric (as can be seen on her trifold on display at "Spark! Places of Innovation." She also stocks the flower shed at time with body products, bread, and other things that incorporate the flowers she grows.
You can visit her social media pages and website for more information.
The Betsie Current article quoted in picture: http://betsiecurrent.com/index.php/charla-burgess-flower-lady/
The Smithsonian Museum on Main Street project is funded in part by Smithsonian Museum on Main Street and Michigan Humanities an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities
Let's highlight another partner organization! Benzie Area Historical Society and Museum
As part of "Spark! Places of Innovation", Benzonia Public Library reached out to other Benzie County innovators to create wrap around displays and additional programming. Benzie Area Historical Society and Museum will be hosting a program this Wednesday, October 25th on the lower level of Mills Community House.
Event link for 10/25/23: https://fb.me/e/1yIsOA5rO
10/25/23 Join Robert Myers, Director of History Programming, Historical Society of Michigan for "Historic Home Workshop".
FREE ADMISSION
The Smithsonian Museum on Main Street project is funded in part by Smithsonian Museum on Main Street and Michigan Humanities an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities
Let's highlight another partner organization! Archangel Ancient Tree Archive
As part of "Spark! Places of Innovation", Benzonia Public Library reached out to other Benzie County innovators to create wrap around displays and additional programming. Archangel Ancient Tree Archive will be hosting a program this Wednesday, October 25th at their location in Copemish, and again on Thursday, October 26th at Mills Community House.
Event link for 10/25/23: https://fb.me/e/sxoIvNab0
10/25/23 Tree School is an Archangel education program for Grades K-12 and University/Adult Education. It offers hands-on, place-based learning, nature awareness agro-forestry, permaculture design, tree propagation and more.
10/26/23 Archangel Ancient Tree Archive is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that locates and propagates the world's largest and most iconic trees. David will speak about the origin of Archangel, the struggles and triumphs and how we are combating the current climate crisis with propagation, archiving and reforesting.
Pictured is their trifold on display at the Museum on Main Street exhibit on the upper level of Mills Community House and info on their upcoming programs.
FREE ADMISSION
The Smithsonian Museum on Main Street project is funded in part by Smithsonian Museum on Main Street and Humanities an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities
Let's highlight another partner organization! Grow Benzie and the FiberShed at Grow Benzie
As part of "Spark! Places of Innovation", Benzonia Public Library reached out to other Benzie County innovators to create wrap around displays and additional programming. The FiberShed at Grow Benzie will be hosting a program this Friday, October 20th and again on Friday, November 10th. Both programs will be held at the FiberShed.
Event link for 10/20/23: https://fb.me/e/6emtv8SmA
Join the FiberShed team for a tour, inspiration, and your choice of a make 'n take project:
Weaving with t-shirt strips
Felt pan/bowl protectors
Cup pin cushions with wool sweater pieces
Pictured is their trifold on display at the Museum on Main Street exhibit on the upper level of Mills Community House and info on their upcoming programs.
FREE ADMISSION
The Smithsonian Museum on Main Street project is funded in part by Smithsonian Museum on Main Street and Michigan Humanities an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities
891 Michigan Avenue, PO Box 421
Benzonia, MI
49616
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Mills Community House posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Send a message to Mills Community House:
Beautiful!
